Bofors Gun Tractor

For vehicles that stand behind and support the fighting vehicles.
Runs 1-30 June.
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Thanks, Andrew & Shaun - we all 3 arrived at same conclusion.

The instructions have one assemble the axle to the front springs then glue that assembly to the frame. The fit was not good and I could see that.

Today I levered the front axle off the springs and then applied a bit of twisty motion to get the two springs to sit upright and straight. Then I laid the axle on and fiddled a bit and think I have it now. I had to do a bit of sanding on the "clamps" on the springs to get the axle square left-right, and a little opening of the notches in the axle to sit better in said "clamps".

Moving on ....

Well, actually not -- I have a pre-planned break from the bench through Monday. I have some things here in the community tomorrow & Thursday, then we are off for a long weekend consisting of my club doing a historical display at Fort Fisher, then SWMBO & I are going to take a couple days to return from there the long, slow way ....
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AndrewR
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by AndrewR »

I think that when I put mine together, I ignored the instructions (as one does :-D ) and put the springs on the frame first - it just seemed more sensible to me.

Have a good trip!

Cheers

Andrew
Up in the Great White North
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splash
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by splash »

Enjoy your break have a safe journey.

Regards Splash
My work bench is starting to look like Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.
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ntrocket88
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by ntrocket88 »

Looks tricky!
Neil

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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Back again ... a nice day at Ft Fisher, then a couple more leisurely days up the coast, including an overnight in Beaufort where I had one of the best tuna dinners ever ....

Fortunately and unfortunately, weather kept the crowds low at our exhibit, therefore I got some modeling in.

Image

From this you may glean that I am taking off all the plastic canvas -- it is my intent to build a proper frame in/over the crew compartment and use tissue canvas, not all the compartment may be enclosed, either ....
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ShaunW
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by ShaunW »

My view entirely John - plastic tilts rarely look anything like. Tissue can be tricky to work with but is worth the effort as it can look much more realistic.
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.

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ntrocket88
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by ntrocket88 »

Good stuff. Have you started the Bofors yet? I have for my QLB, and it is covered in ejection pin marks! I don't remember those from when I was a kid? More likely, I didn't notice...
Neil

'With every model I learn a little more...and then the next one takes longer!'
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

I probably will not get to the Bofors -- I have the Milicast Bofors and would like to work the two together but am not sure how much time I have this month. My schedule was bad enough and the unsched things have wreaked havoc ....
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Here we are - the bottom picture is of a 35th scale model, I'm using it as a guide for my changes.

Image

I have the cargo bed on, and am working on the crew & driver's compartment. I have a bit of trim to add to the crew compartment and then a lot of glue smutz to clean up. I've been a bit lazy & sloppy. One thing I am not doing is replacing overly thick sheet metal, so for example the panel between driver & crew compartment looks like armor plate. It's OK.
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ShaunW
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by ShaunW »

Coming along nicely John - did you build the 1/35th example?
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.

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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Thanks, Shaun, no - I found it searching for prototype pix of the Morris. The kit is (was) by Plus Model and appears largely unavailable, at reasonable prices, now.
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Sorry, it has been busy ....

While I was away from my bench, some idiot glued the rear wheel wells backward, with the rear in the front. Whoever it was, was surely determined to do so, because not only do they look different, they don't fit without some surgery and then fill which he must have painstakingly done. I only discovered it when I, modeler extraordinaire, came down to glue on the rear pieces and found only front pieces ....

So, the parts are now straight, after a couple hours work, and in fact I have completed the body, less the wheels, the frames and canvas, windscreen, and some gear .... I have a new spare tire carrier, some pseudo shift levers, etc ...

Image

Image

Image

Image

A little clean-up and probably spray Portland Stone on it in next day or so ....
John Ratzenberger :???:
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ShaunW
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by ShaunW »

Coming along nicely. I hate it when those idiots come along and try to "help" with the build and cause more problems than assistance - it happens from time to time in my modelling room too, I've quizzed Mrs W but she won't admit to it, so it must be the Phantom Modeller ;-)
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.

Work is the curse of the modelling classes!
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Still running behind, and a DNF is probably visible on the horizon.

Now working on the frames or bows, as we call them. For brass like this (and photoetch) I use Gator's Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue, which is designed for the purpose, but as pointed out by many is probably just white glue. I like it because it dries quickly to hold the part but stays a bit flexible for a while to you can ensure it is on and stays straight but also is less apt to just pop off if you bump it wrong. Then, after I'm happy, a thin bead of superglue locks everything in place.

Image

I had to stop here with one side not done because there is a slight "twist" on the right side frames causing a slightly bigger gap. I need to get the left & center locked down so I can "adjust" the rest of it. Then I'll start on the frame over the drivers cab.

Oh, and you should note the crew cab now has seat backs and cushions ....
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lancfan
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Re: Bofors Gun Tractor

Post by lancfan »

That looks brilliant john.

David.
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