2024 bench butchering... by Ratch

[Ratch]

Thanks very much guys
Jim, my fingertip searches are usually successful, it's only now and then the CM swallows whole
When fixing the glacis to the hull both pieces of etch came off. 

There is also a gap that will need filling at the front. 
The remedial work was done. 

I decided to convert this to a Mk. F and leave the Cullinan Cutter off. I cut a blank plate to fill the hole where the driver’s hatch is moulded in the kit. The Mk. F had a mirror of the nearside hatch because the original hatch could only be opened with the turret in a certain position, making escape from a burning hull almost impossible for the driver. The mirror hatch was marked out in pencil and an Olfa P-Cutter used to scribe around the shape of the hatch.


The cover to the fighting compartment is flush fitting with the leading edge of the cover to the engine compartment. Because these covers have positive location points with the assembly so far there is no wiggle room. 

I wasn’t happy with the gap between the two covers and filled it with plastic putty.

A bit more on the Dutch dio...

[Stuart]

Superb work all around Richard!

[Ratch]

Thanks Stuart. A bit more etch.

I've started on a base for this, I'm having a go at a bocage scene.

Early steps with expanded polystyrene and plaster bandages.

[Stuart]

Looking forward to seeing how the base works out Richard.

[Ratch]

So am I Stuart
A layer of ground scatters were spread over the plaster bandage. 


At the next step of the instructions, while adding those parts which include the Normandy Cowl, I scratched fittings to the driver’s side hatch. 

I toyed with the idea of having the near side hatch open but decided against it. There’s nothing to see inside and I can’t see a figure half in and half out that would look believable.

I painted before fitting the cowl.


I then added dried moss and lichen.


Armatures for the tree canopy were made by twisting Oasis Hobby and Floral wires. 

Big clumps of lichen were draped over this to see the effect.



Just in case you thought the Dutch barn had stalled, here's a little update.

[Stuart]

WOW, that base (and the tank) is looking excellent Richard!

[Ratch]

Glad you like it Stu

[Clashcityrocker]

Nice bocage Ratch.

Nigel

[KellerModeller]

Wow, thatˋs quick & efficient landscape building. Very nice!

[Ratch]

Wow, thatˋs quick & efficient landscape building. Very nice!

Cheers, very broad brush ATM, lots more coverage required

More details were fitted to the Cromwell, and I started assembling the turret.



I put another layer of debris on the bare patches of the terrain and put some No More Nails on both tree trunks.

[Ratch]

[Softscience]

That's a cool looking scene you're putting together for the Cromwell. A diorama setting seems pretty essential to make one of those crates visually interesting, and I'd say you're mailing it

[Ratch]

Cheers Ralph
More work on the turret. 

One or two gaps required filling and detail painting was done. 


Reg had told me that the commander’s hatch was turned through 90[sup]o[/sup] because in the original position, the hatch had to be fully open for the commander to look out. This exposed him to small arms fire. By turning the hatch, it was possible to crack it open and the commander effectively was protected by the hatch. 

I removed a small locating lug to allow the new position. I could then fit the remaining parts, stowage boxes, hatches, spotlight, aerial mast, gun sights, and vision port lids, to the turret. The figure I had originally selected, which was speaking into the microphone, does not fit through the commander’s hatch. Luckily, I found another which does, and will employ him. 

I couldn’t resist a little trial on the diorama base, to see where the figures might be placed.


I then did the touch-ups to the paintwork and set the build aside to ensure the paint was fully dried.

More paint and a little assembly on the Dutch diorama.


My next batch of figures are part restoration and some virgin pieces to make the 52nd Oxfordshire Light Regiment.


After many years, I've decided to repaint this old Anson.

[Ratch]

New paint

[Ratch]

The roof goes on