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Modeller Build Logs
Building Luchs #41 of the 4th Pz.Div. |
| By Paul A. Owen | | Started: | Jun 28, 2008 | | Updated: | Jul 19, 2008 |
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This is another of my "Shelf Queen" blogs that I started a couple of years ago. I want to get it done so I am starting my blog over again.
The kit is the Tasca Panzer II Ausf.L "Lynx", the 4th Pz.Div. version. I was adding an interior but the lack of god references has killed that dream. I intend to build tank "41" as it appeared in the winter of 1943/44 with the 4th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. The kit is generally very good, but there are a few areas that can be improved. I'll be focusing on these areas.
I have been collecting references on the Luchs for a long time now. In addition to _every_ available book I have a collection of unique photographs too. With the publication of the recent Panzer Tracts 2-2 book there are finally accurate scale plans _and_ information about what is beneath those engine deck grills.
I also am taking next week off so now is about as good time as any to get this project and blog completed.
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| Fenders | Jul 19, 2008 |
In the kit, the fenders are sort of separate items, they are moulded integrally with the glacis plate. The front and rear mud guards are separate parts. The mounting braces, headlight mounting brackets (not the bases), some stowage box brackets are integrally moulded too. There are a few locating holes for the tool stowage too.
I wanted to use the Aber fender braces, headlight mounts and tool clasps so the fenders would have to be cleaned up. I also wanted to correct the inner side part at the front, which is correct on the kit. So the best option was to cut the fenders from the glacis, trim off the braces, fill the holes and thin them out.
This photograph shows the completed starboard fender, the "raw" port fender is at the top. I added a piece of 0.010" strip stock to make up the section that was removed by cutting the fender from the thin piece of the hull. This thin strip of hull was added previously to the hull assembly.
Thinning out the fender was easy but tedious. It is just a matter of sanding and sanding followed by more sanding, until the fender becomes translucent.
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