When last I appeared, I was about to correct the cab, which I decided was about 1/8" too high. That proved to be a chore as one change lead to another change to another, but I finally got to a point where I was reasonably happy. But it took a long time because I had to be careful to not really screw things up.
Plus, I had to take time to finish my getting my Private Pilot Certificate, all of which happened this past weekend, so after 50-some years of wanting to be a pilot, I are one ....
Anyway, let me lead off with another reference picture so you get an idea of what I have been shooting for. Again, many of my detail pictures do not match these particular vehicles, but these are what I want, so I am having to kludge my way thru.
Anyway, I chopped most the molded on frame from under the cab to lower it a bit more than 1/8". Once I did that, it became obvious the cab was a bit too far back -- the wheels & fenders didn't look quite right. So I moved the cab forward a bit over 1/16". That required rework of the engine compartment, frame, and a couple other things, not to mention pulling the steps & fuel tanks off. Originally my steps & tanks were roughly attached in/at the points on the Italeri frame, but now I had to sand all them off/down & re-attach the steps & tanks forward. This turned out very well & not only did I fix the height & location of the cab, but also was able to make a better fit of the steps & tanks. Yeah, maybe it isn't obvious from previous pictures, but I know it wasn't right ....
Another bennie is that I gained that 1/16" to lengthen the bed. I didn't actually lengthen anything, but by moving the cross-ways bed forward, I uncluttered the winch & leg area, so it was all for the best.
As all the above was happening, I continued to work on the ammo box which sits up on the deck and also started the storage boxes on each side of the vehicle -- I still haven't done doors either. I also replaced the wire "hinges" which allowed the gun carriage legs to pivot with a real nice hinge made from a cut-down tailor's pin.
Rather than several detail pix, here are two views of progress to-date:
I can put more work into this now, at least until family shows for the Holidays. Before I proceed, there are two more areas that need fixing. I now think the rear platform is too narrow & I'm going to add a plank on each side. The other problem is that the cab is too "square" from the top -- you can see from the photos how the cab obviously slants inward toward the front. I've done what I can with that and cannot do anymore without a major setback.
Happy Holidays to all !!!!!
John