The SMM turret set contains everything you need to fit it to the hull including the hull roof section. It’s just a drop in straight replacement. It also has two guns and mounts so you can build an early version with a .30 Browning or a later version with a GPMG.
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I’ve already made mine I just wondered if I would need to remove the hull top for the SMM turret and use their top.
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Having had to take a few days off building to have new windows fitted throughout the house I’ve started back with the turret. The SMM GPMG barrel didn’t survive my handling of it and also it possibly depicts an early model fitted to ferrets. I’ve added a brass tube barrel with styrene fume extractor (L8 barrel) and a rudimentary pistol grip which were still kept on the gun when fitted into the gun cradle. Also the kit shoulder pad is added. It’s only dry fitted into the turret at the moment as other things need to be added to the sight/gun cradle such as the linkage bar. As you can probably see I went off angle and drilled through the side of the barrel. This will be filled with CA and sanded smooth.
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Nice…starting to look the part mate
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GPMG fitted and linkage done, also the sight brow pad is on. I’ve fitted the SMM traverse lock which is missing from the kit, but moved it forward a few mm than what is shown on the instructions as it should sit at the corner of the turret floor/wall join to facilitate a spring.
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As I usually get bored doing one thing for too long (think indi links) I thought I’d put some paint on the Ferret hull. I was going to use Tamiya field grey but as I was passing the North East Model Centre I popped in and bought some Vallejo NATO green and black. I’ve never seen these bottles before and thought maybe there has been a few changes. Well it might be my imagination, however they went through my airbrush beautifully. No issues whatsoever apart from those of my own making. I haven’t tidied up the overspray yet but I’m quietly pleased with the results. As usual laid down in the time honoured 1/3 black to 2/3 green ratio.
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Very nice mate. I like that green. Did you thin ? or straight out the bottle ?
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Both of them straight from the bottle. I’ve had a few issues in the past shooting Vallejo model air and had taken to thinning it a little but this went through with zero issues.
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A little detail painting being done. Got the sidelights and rear reflectors done, also the front headlight insides and smoke discharger caps. I’ve done the shovel and pick helf in wood purely for some contrast. I know you usually see them painted but as a Troop Sergeant I banned any tool handles from being painted. Personal bug bear. Got lots more to get on with and also need to do the exhaust which is where I always fall down, getting a realistic rusty finish.
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The wood effect adds a nice contrast … looks good.
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Marvellous mate
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Thanks for the positive comments guys, it’s slowly going together. Turret insides all done and the bottom fitted to the upper now. The hatch is just dry fitted to get an idea of what it looks like. I replaced the hatch stops with brass stock as the kit parts were way overscale. I’ll be painting it next and some other detail painting.
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A very small update, drivers hatch fitted. It’s a straight drop in replacement from SMM. 1mm wingnuts fitted to the sides as that’s the high tech solution to keep it securely open! 
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Looks very nice mate
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Those wingnuts are really good mate . I have a used a few already.
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Cheers Barny, I’m really enjoying this build which can’t always be said of all kits. It’s the small things Johnny that make the difference. I’m really liking the results from 3D printed parts.
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A few days away from building but my house now has new facias and soffits and it nearly killed me doing it. Anyway painted the finished turret after adding a few details. I shaved off the moulded on handles and scratched a couple for the top and rear hatches. Added the small catch which the handles lock onto and also the second lip on the hatches just inside the hatch edges. Next up will be painting a rusty exhaust and fitting the cover. The stowage straps also need adding to the rear bins.
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That’s some very nice work there, very nice indeed.
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Cheers Brian, things are going slowly at the moment due to work but getting bits and pieces sorted. Rear bin straps done and now looking at the basket. This is one of the SMM baskets I’ll be using, however I’ll be cutting it down as although about the right dimensions in length and width it is too high for the baskets we used in '85.
Just a quick addition, this is how I envisage the basket size once cut down. The etch will need to be adjusted also.
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Amazing the amount of detail that you’re managing to incorporate in to such a small vehicle, outstanding work, 
.
G. 
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