Sunday 20 January 2013

Sdkfz 7/1 #9 / Engine cover /



 Cargo bed with driver's section was fixed to the framework, after several adjustments of it's supports; each one was too long for approx 2 - 3 mm, fixing spaces marked on main framework were not in right places either, couple mm off, luckily nothing that can be seen on finished model. From then on I decided to check everything for correct fitting before further assembly.


Front panel (cooler) was made, with all possible spaces cut out and replaced by fine mesh. Next was supporting rail for the bonnet and bonnet itself, but it turned out to be really challenging job despite few components. First top cover was separated from the side one and new hinges were rolled out of  graph paper, nothing fancy as hinges will be hardly visible even with raised bonnet,  8 strips 6 mm wide x 13 mm long, 10 mm rolled, 3 mm left for "hinge plate".  Both parts of the bonnet were doubled by grey colour panel on the back side, and then shaping up began. It was a real patience test, achieved in very small steps. I marked with pencil spots for bending and slowly carried on using long metal pin and back (soft) side of a mouse pad. Had to keep constant control of the "curve" and well as the angle.


Both flaps were too long to fit between driver's section wall and cooler panel - cutting down was required as seen on the picture, with pencil line marking the oversize. Despite my efforts there is a draft on right hand side (that was made first) especially visible at front, but for sake of flaps opening I let it go, before it got really messy (too much shaping up or handling may lead to damage etc.). Also some extra details are on the way - rivets, where hinges are attached, small handles (which, according to references I found on the web are in incorrect location, bottom handle should have been on the other end) and bolts locking the bottom flaps. So far bonnet can be opened very easily, and locked in raised position what is great for display of the engine and masking imperfections of design and the modeller :).


At first I thought about fixing bonnet permanently, but somebody has noticed that it may be a shame to cover the engine, which I spent on some time as well, so I decided to take rather longer way, but so far I am quite happy with the result. Also, adding up extra (not only paper) details seems to be very enjoyable task, must be even better & easier when whole model is to be painted. 

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