Sunday 29 January 2012

Plastic Soldier Company Half Track Assembly

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The box
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The sprue
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I built the halftrack as sub-assemblies. Remove surplus sprue and flash at each stage.
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Start with the main chassis, sub assembly; test the fit of the stowage bins before gluing (poly cement) in place to ensure the correct orientation.
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The tracks are designed to fit on the correct side so there should be little problem in fixing in place correctly
The front axle lines up easily but flip over once you have put the wheels on to ensure that they are the same level as the tracks. You may need to pull down slightly to ensure they touch the ground. Also ensure the wheels are vertical at this stage and leave to set.
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The next sub assembly is the crew/passenger compartment and seats.
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Glue the bench seats in position before inserting the vehicle floor into the chassis sub assembly above
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Glue the floor into place and when set, glue the seat backs in place. The driver and co-driver drop into place.
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I felt it would be easier to fix the gun shield in place but I doubt it makes much difference if you do it later after the armour is fixed in place.
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I wanted to be able to remove the passengers when the teams are dismounted so I cut strip of clear plastic from a blister and with a smear of blu tac to fix temporarily in position whilst I glue the passengers to the plastic. Take care to not use to much blu tac so as not to raise the floor. Use a small dab of the poly-cement on the feet of the passengers. When dry you can remove the passengers and add a touch more glue if you are concerned about a secure bond.
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Finished with passengers removed
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Finished with passengers on board

7 comments:

  1. Nice tutorial.

    Not liking that when you click on the pictures it send you to Photobucket, is that a symptom of transferring a word file into the text box?

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    1. I put the pictures onto photobucket to make it easier for myself and compostion. The blogger compose tool arses me off if you have more than a couple of pictures

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  2. Its not the best for photo adding!

    Good stage by stage! Might come in handy when I get some captured halftracks....

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  3. I would have done the same for the Shermans after readuing yours, unfortunatly they are already built.....Again thanks for the tanks Mr, Mrs & little Z's. Just need to get them undercoated and painted.

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  4. Nice walkthrough, im hoping to try out some 15mm PSC soon myself, thanks.

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    1. Good to hear. Panthers and some panzer IV's next

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