A Folding Funny .... * * * Finished * * *

[Molly-new]

If I wore a hat, I would definitely take it of to you Sir. That is some outstanding modelling going on.

[Ian]

I'm going out to buy a hat so that I can take it off! Brilliant work!

[JohnRatzenberger]

The drawings in Futter are 1/76 so I made a copy of the cable channel, cut it out, and here it is next to the bridge so far.



So, what is the problem I must address ?

Well if you have looked at the drawings you know that the hinges are probably mounted to the underside of the hornbeams, not on the side as I have. I did that because I was using plastic and needed some strength, not just in the parts, but in the mounting of same. I debated making closer-scale hinges from brass and mounting them underneath but ultimately decide pure scale wasn't necessary.

But the problem is that the hinges now interfere with the cable channels, and I did know that was going to happen.

I copied the cable channel onto heavy paper and cut away little pieces of it until it would "fit" around the hinge on the far platform. Then I tried opening/closing the platforms and taking away bits so that the channel would fit over the hinge on the near platform and clear the underside of the decking when rotating.



And now, all I have to do is make a structure that looks as close as possible to the cable channel, allowing for some non-scale hinges.

And yes, I did finally start on the hulls ….

[JohnRatzenberger]

I took two pieces of small I-beam and pinned them to the drawing and started bending using a hair dryer to heat the plastic.



After a while it seemed to be done and I let it sit and remember what it was to look like.

I spent part of today building up the outer frame. I'll start on the inner bracing tomorrow.

Still working the suspension, it's not real interesting. I previously painted the tracks but forgot to rust/weather them so I can build them into the sponsons, that slowed me up.

[Ian]

You're putting a lot of good work into this build, John. We should all look to you for inspiration to do the same.

[general rocket]

Do you do this much much hard work, at work?

[JohnRatzenberger]

@Ian, No, you should get your inspiration from one who actually finishes something ...

@G.Rocket, I'm retired ... it keeps me off the streets at night ...

[JohnRatzenberger]

No pix, only had a little time in last few days.

The cable channels are being assembled but I'm concerned they might not be strong enough to work. They might be a bear to get fit properly also. I'm taking my time to let each joint dry well and may add some gussets for strength.

Chassis continues with the sprockets. Matchbox instructions are in error -- you do not glue 29-29 and 30-30, you glue 29-30 for all. Also each sprocket is attached with 4 hefty points on the sprue -- about as wide as two teeth which is exactly the detail obliterated. When you cut leave a bit of sprue on the sprocket so youcan carve a notch there to make two sprockets. And once you are done that, it's far easier to run the track if you shave off all the teeth except those which would be visible, which aren't too many.

[philp]

John,
I am also a big time fan of the 79th. Will be looking for those books you listed in the first post.
I have been trying to find a book called Hobart's Funnies that was done a long time ago. Not sure if this is the cover or not but would like to find it.


I really want to do the Shermans and Churchills in 72nd scale but may end up in 76th due to kit availability. Then again, I might just do a few in 35th scale though I seldom do that scale but I do have a few kits in the stash.

Did find this for the fascine if you are interested John.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140869909053?ss ... 1423.l2649;
A little steep for just the fascine and cradle but...

[JohnRatzenberger]

Of the 4 books I listed, the Futter's is the bible for a modeler, after that you can see what the contents are.

I have looked quite a bit and not found a book called "Hobart's Funnies". There are a few other books on Hobart, etc, but not by that title. The "Hobarts Funnies" you listed - please note it is by "Wikipedia Articles" - in short someone is doing print-on-demand of Wikipedia articles, something you can do yourself. I am instantly suspect of anything "print-on-demand" and usually exclude from my book searches to avoid the clutter.

My primary hunting ground for books is ABE (http://www.abebooks.com;) ....

I have the Milicast fascine, it may appear in this build instead of a 3rd SBG, if I get my thumb out ....

[ShaunW]

Some of the most exciting modelling I've seen for a while John, great stuff.

[JohnRatzenberger]

I'm too old for exciting .... All the excitement I want is finding the part on the floor ....

Anyway, looks like the cable channels will fit, and clear the near platform when the scissors opens. Now to get them cleaned up, shored up, and glued down.

[Ian]

Come on, John. Where are the pictures?

[JohnRatzenberger]

5 camera batteries, all uncharged .... I'll get some up tomorrow !

[ShaunW]

The suspense is killing me John, you know how excited I am about this build. I don't get out much these days for other forms of entertainment you know