SPA Modeler

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Fri May 30, 2025 11:29 am If there is an external mounted machine gun, then blocking the periscope is no big deal. But if the gun is mounted in the cupola, the periscope is need for sighting.

Nope - can't find it. But I definitely 100% saw a photo of one with the gun mounted in the cupola and the c-ration pack tied to the gun mantle. I remember it because I remember thinking the same as you - what a bloody stupid place to put it, it's blocking the periscope! I wish I'd saved it now.

I also wish I had a few .50 cal ammo cans - would they be the same as the ones used in WWII I wonder.

For early. Ietnam, yes they would be WWII/Korea era ammo cans. But the can design changed before Vietnam, so fairly early in the war, the old stocks ran out and the modern cans took over.

so probably not then alas. I'll see what I can figure out. There are some on ebay (resin or 3d-printed) but they're blooming expensive for what they are.

You'll be pleased to know I've removed the C-Ration pack from the commander's turret - I'll lob it in the rack at the back with a couple of others. on reflection it does look a bit odd, especially as I just can't find the image that gave me the idea. It does mean however, that I'm going to have to try and make up a gun mantle cover from milliputt though - as I don't like the fact that Tamiya just left it off. It's all good experience though.

Stuart, have you ever tried using strips of facial tissue, soaked in slighty diluted white glue for the gun mantlet? With a little practice, that makes for pretty convincing canvas-type material when dried and painted.

Gary Brantley wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 8:34 am Stuart, have you ever tried using strips of facial tissue, soaked in slighty diluted white glue for the gun mantlet? With a little practice, that makes for pretty convincing canvas-type material when dried and painted.

It does indeed! Thats what I used on my Italeri M47. It's quite simple to do.

Man, that turned out great, Carlos!

Great idea Gents, however...

Thanks Gary!

Stuart, I’m curious to see what you’re coming up with…

Milliputt I've made the cover and painted it, I'm just washing it and need to add some highlights and pigments. It's not perfect, but it's better than what was there - which was nothing.

I do like the tissue and PVA idea though - I need to have a go at that.

Well I've finally finished the Patton - viewtopic.php?p=176402#p176402



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