Needed something a little larger

The thread and plastic bag technique is BS.  It doesn't work and is hard to get looking good.  A better option is some tissue paper, like you wrap inside a present box.  Cut it to the rough shape of the mantlet cover.  Place it on the tank, then drench it in diluted white glue, Elmer's School glue thinned with water to about the consistency of milk.  Once dry, the tissue paper will shrink up and look just like heavy canvas.  Paint it how you like and it is done.

Thanks Gino, that sounds a lot easier......was ready to wrap that string around my neck....lol    Nice collection you got there too

Dave

What Gino said! 

If you're adventurous you could try 2 part epoxy like Aves Apoxie Sculpt or Milliput, and then mold the canvas into shape.  I've never tried it myself, but author/modelers like Steven Zaloga use it all the time, and it looks great!

BTW, the M41 is a great little kit to get started on or back into 1/35 armor!  I built one in 48 hrs for last years Weekend Madness GB.  All I did to improve the kit was to fill in the holes like you did, and replace the tracks, main gun barrel and 50 cal MG.  The kit parts are fine, but the replacements actually speeded up assembly (I barely made the 48 hr deadline!)

Have fun and keep us updated!

Thanks Ernest, I've seen that technique used for canvas covers on stowage. Sounds a little less messy than the glue trick, think I'll try both on some scrap, see which one looks better.

Dave

You may also wish to add the elongated "X" shaped strengthening ribs to the stowage boxes on the fenders. A couple of bits of half-round stock will do the trick.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/M41_Walker_Bulldog_at_Overton_5.jpg

Thanks Phil...nice detail pic there