Sdkfz 7/1 # 5 / Engine & Gearbox /

I spent some time building engine and gearbox, which came as two separate components joined together and fixed to chassis and onto front/main axle. Basic assembly started with shaping up long exhaust pipes, making engine block and gearbox (which was tried on first, according to instruction should be mounted upon two axles, 25f, kit provides only part 25e, one long axle, apparently for running wheels). Engine block (Y shaped) and gearbox were connected together and details were applied, some rivets and small pipework. The most challenging part of the build were collectors and exhaust pipes, made out of copper cable and sleeve. The trick was to bend cable to required shape and fit it to collectors and the engine. It did not turn out the best though, I have something to improve next time. 

HP Hampden & V Wellington

Conservation Centre at Cosford opened it's door to the public for a week, and I could not miss such opportunity to see aircraft under process of restoration. There were Vickers Wellington, HP Hampden and Harrier available to see up pretty close. 10 - 15 minutes long documentary displayed next to Wellington informed how this plane was built, from basic assembly of framework (what is currently undergoing restoration process), electrical circuits installation, bodywork, engine mounting to test flight, and how long did it take. Surprise is, only 24 - 30 hours were required to build fully operational bomber. Other exhibit - Hampden - was in pieces, mid & rear section of main body, landing gear and engine separate.

Sdkfz 7/1 # 4 / Chassis & details /

I bet everyone is familiar with saying: "the devil is in details", needless to say - it's true! Don't know if "he" starts poking fingers into not only mine, but everybody's work when it needs to be done quickly and well, but I have this sort of strange feeling sometimes he does. The more I try, the less I make or build and then, I think, is a good time for break, or some other activity, options are many, in fact, always more than time. 

Sdkfz 7/1 # 3 / Chassis /

This is the first model I built that stands on it's own wheels so soon. After rather long assembly of rear suspension components and tracks, basic chassis came next and gave me a chance to try everything out. For safety reasons it was not fixed permanently. All applicable components for main framework were thickened with card, I used 1 mm thick card (long flanks are 2 mm thick, 2 parts fixed back to back), what, according to assembly instructions, is a bit too much by 0,2-0,3 mm, but after considering overall weight of finished model it may be just enough for permanent support. Increased thickness of frame components can be noticed, but does not seem to be a problem, everything is still lined up correctly without any relocations.