IIRC, our M577’s had something similar way back in the early 80’s. I could be mistaken. These tidbits of information are useful and I enjoy reading them. 
Mike
2 Likes
I’ve started on the turret by removing the grab handles and rear hatch. They did indeed print the rear hatch inside out. SMH. So that was ground off and the fill is drying.
The track links have also been started (now that I’ve answered my own question [ 
]).
Mike
7 Likes
Thanks Robin. Hence the need for a truck (or my 4runner). A 6’ model would be pointless to become a dust collector on a shelf. I’m not planning on spending that kind of time if I can’t play with it after it’s done.
After looking at the cost of miniature steam engines, it’s going to be electric unfortunately. Would be cool to make a “Brooke Rifle looking, repeating Carbide cannon” though.
Charlie
2 Likes
10 links at a time in a set, then add the sets together. Pin holes call for a 0.6mm bit, but I find the 0.5 is better IF needed. And, the Master Club tracks fit nicely to the Trumpeter drive sprocket. Whew!
Kit turret rear hatch and MG port has been added.
Next up - a few more sets of track and a bunch of grab handles for the turret sides.
Mike
5 Likes
I’ve settled on a figure, I have 2 kits to finish this year and 5 in various stages so something I can actually complete is nice. The IR Miniatures Merlin. White metal, 4 parts, 54mm.
5 Likes
Working on the grab handles. I’ll be putting on nine per side, evenly spaced. The old grab handles were removed and filled as necessary. I have three of the “plugs” (pistol ports?) in brass that I’ll add - that’s the two holes showing (one at the top and bottom turret on this side and one in the top turret on the other side).
Mike
5 Likes
Done for the night. My fingers and eyes are wore out. It was 10 per side, not nine. And of course I lost three to the carpet monster [batrastard can keep 'em!].
Mike
11 Likes
Ah you will step on them in the future, and you will remember, as you use tweezers to pull them out of your foot.
5 Likes
sic the Roomba on them you might get them before they end up in a painful place
2 Likes
2 Likes
I’ve started work on the hull - there are some fit issues that required my little bar-clamps and will need some filler.
The size comparison: 
There’s even more insanity when they’re put together versus the photos!
Mike
12 Likes
Mike, I think it’s crazy cool!
I’m wondering if the weight of the turret will deform the hull over time. Do you think you might need to brace up the hull a little?
3 Likes
if you are worried, then yes.
1 Like
Surprisingly enough, the turret is very light…at the moment. Add three aluminum barrels and the mantlets? That’s a very good idea - one I didn’t consider. Thank you…I’ll look at doing that tomorrow.
Mike
2 Likes
Turns out I (of course) dropped a very small lifting hook for the rear deck. Not putting it on would stick out like a sore thumb - not as sore as my foot would be if I stepped on one of the grab handles.
Used my little vacuum and found the lifting hook AND the grab handles. Mike - 2, carpet monster - 0.
Mike
4 Likes
That’s showing that soft fluffy bastard who’s BOSS!
5 Likes
The “basic” tank hull is built. I won’t be using too much of the PE - fender supports, toolbox handles, and a few other bits.
I almost made the mistake of gluing the “mud scrapers” on…I’d have played hell trying to get the drive sprockets in place. 
One of the Lithocraft screens is dry fit. It’s super nice without having to build the screens and bend/roll PE and the set fits the Trumpeter kit perfectly.
Most of this will get set aside for a while as I build the tracks and when I get tired of those, I’ll work on some of the little details and do a bit of filling/sanding.
Mike
7 Likes
As promised to moderators here is the first series of my Campaign admission. What you are looking at is going to be the hull of a Waffentraeger, i hope. All the plates barring anything going wrong should take 22 hours to print.
Printer: Bambu X1C Filament: SUNLU PLA+ @20% Infil 6 wall loops. Print bed: Glacier supertac the model looks really clean and hopefully it produces a great example of this vehicle
5 Likes
Three days of off & on, one side of the tracks is done…a bit more than I thought.
I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough links or pins (especially those as I’ve managed to lose/break a few). The kit comes with 200 links and the picture shows 100…about 10 or 11 too many depending on how much sag I want. Needless to say, I’m happy about this. 
The molding seams on the road wheels are pretty bad. I have an idea for a jig for my drill I can use with sandpaper to remove those. If it works, I’ll post a pic or two of it.
I also primered the turret. The printing method leaves a fair number of layer-lines that I can either sand, prime, sand et cetera, or use some AK Easy Cast to roughen it up/give it the texture I’ve seen in photos. I’ve not used this medium before, so I’ll probably sand the initial primer coat, clean it, prime once more and then use the Easy Cast. I’m pretty sure there are tutorials out there for that.
Mike
5 Likes