Does this help?
This is for the KPz 70, not the VT 1, but since it used the same suspension, just with one roadwheel fewer, they probably adapted the hydraulics only as far as they actually needed to.
Thanks Jakko, but unfortunately it does not help. The VT 1-1 was based on the shortened Kpz 70 chassis and suspension, but the VT 1-2 had a completely different hull and suspension.
I appreciate you taking the time to post though. Cheers.
I thought the VT 1-2 also had a shortened KPz 70 hull? In any case, the suspension units look the same so I would expect the hydraulic system overall to use as many of the same components, too.
I stand corrected. You are right Jakko. Some of the hydraulic components are the same. There are no external feed lines on the Kfz 70 though - I just checked on the photos I took of the one at Koblenz.
Maybe I could have just ignored the wiring and said it was the Kfz 70 suspension….. too late now.
Thanks again.
Okay, the 3rd junction box added to each side and all the wiring and plumbing is done.
A pic showing how the upper hull plumbing is visible - also shows some of the weld beads being added and moulded in handles being replaced with wire.
Details added to the gun breeches are visible and some weld beads and bolt heads done:
This will not be as impressive as the post just before this, but here’s where the Neubaufahrzeug sits:
A bit more progress on my Maus.
The DS tracks were 1 cm too short, so had to glue them in place. They reacted very strongly to a tiny amount of Tamika glue and almost broke. I do not remember that from previous encounters with DS tracks.
Next is painting - I am planning a scheme like on the instructions, but hard edged instead of sprayed.
More to follow 
You can’t see the tops anyway 
Looking fantastic Pez… That is a kit that needs no detail work really.
Jesper, I fear the short tracks and reaction to Tamiya cement may be a sign of the DS tracks perishing. I hope I am wrong.
Yes, this is also my fear. I suspect the rubber plastic the tracks are made of might shrink over time. The tracks might be very old - who knows…
If they feel greasy they’re on the way out.
A bit more progress - camouflage and gloss varnish on. Next are the decals and then a clear coat before weathering.
More to follow
Thanks for the pictures.Very useful as this has been on my bench for over a year while I’ve been distracted by my ever increasing Leopard herd.
Here is where I am now and with some other pics for you Dave. If there are any pics of other areas you would like to see, let me know. Unfortunately I was not aware my camera had a focussing issue and a lot of what I took did not turn out…
Getting close to the end of construction. Holes drilled out on the rear ‘pods’, plus the intake where the mesh goes has been drilled out to 5 mm. If you don’t, you see the thick cylinder wall through the mesh. Also added tape strip to simulate the mesh that goes around the side of the cylinder. Added bolts, weld beads and cables to the antennae mount. Added more weld beads to the hull and around the reflector housings, side of the tail light housings, etc, and a mounting plate under the pintle:
References:
The bolts under the hinges in the radio headset compartment on the rear:
and the port on the side:
Note the weld beading and the missing detail inside each end of the bolted on housing on the upper side - the kit just has the housing fit on the flat upper hull.
Note the rectangular hole here. The area below this is actually recessed a little, but you really can’t see it much on the model, so I lived with the way it was and just drilled/cut out the hole:
and a reference for when you come to the assembly of the headlights - the instruactions are not that clear and the horn mount needs a strip of brass or styrene to add to the etch bit that attaches to the cage bar:
Excellent work and photos.Thank you, I hope to restart work on mine soon.
And now…
Some touching up here and there to get it all blended in. Edges need cleaning and painting. Hopefully all will be done by the end of next weekend; just coming off spring break and we are having a community day on Wednesday so I have to interact with parents and “represent”. Then I turn a year older on Thursday so won’t get any work done then either.
That looks great!
Looks excellent, makes me want to build one too
