Penguin progress report!
I haven't reported much so far because there's not been much of interest to report. I started by assembling the bridge components. These needed considerable sanding and filling to produce a clean result. Also, the cross-members between the bridge sections are very weak. I inserted short lengths of brass rod as reinforcements. Here we see the finished product, with an A7V tank crossing over.
Next up was the assembly of the lower hull and running gear of a standard Revell Germany 1/72 Leopard 2. In order to keep the tank on its tracks when launching the bridge, weight had to be added to the rear of the hull. The instructions suggest 25grammes. I added rather more, using woodworking pins as ballast. I set these in place with white glue, which gave more working time than superglue, as well as being less expensive and just as effective.
As it comes, the bridge launching arm can be modelled either raised - for launching - position or the lowered - for transport. However, I wanted to be able to make the arm semi-workable, so as to show the model in a variety of positions. Therefore, I drilled holes in the base of the arm and inserted a pivot made from a broken steel drill bit.
I did the same at the base of the hydraulic cylinder. I also drilled out the elevating cylinder and replaced the plastic piston with one made from brass rod, long enough for the arm to be displayed in both raised and lowered positions.
Next up is more routine assembly work, so It'll be a few days until I report again.
Cheers,
Chris.
Cute and cuddly, boys, cute and cuddly!