AFV M41A3 - help

[miloss]

Hi Guys,
I´d like to ask you for a help. I´m trying to build my first tank. I´ve got it by post and unfortunately, some parts are damaged. The worst pieces are in pictures. Can you advice, please, some possibility how to fix it? The easier, the better.
Thank you very much in advice!

[DesktopAxe]

If your parts are on the exterior and are used for accessories (which I assume these are for a tow cable?) let them go and work it into a "battle damaged" "active duty" tank scheme.

[miloss]

well, I´m not sure, whether this is the case... Check pictures...But anyhow - thanks for an idea.

[Donkeywalloper]

DeskTop is right.
Battle damaged works and don't worry to much.
It will look fabulous when finished.
John

[miloss]

Well, broken parts are rebuilt. Maybe not perfect, but considering my experience and level of skills - I´m pretty satisfied.

[PaulAyrey]

Looks like you have done a great repair job, well done.

[Donkeywalloper]

Bloody Hell mate, that is fantastic repairs.
I have never seen a better job done.
John

[miloss]

Oh guys, I´m blushing..... thank you very much!

[miloss]

Hi guys,
sorry for bothering you in Christmas time: can anybody explain me purpose of this "additional" exhausting? It is visible on some great models, but I can´t see it on real pictures, and there is instruction "to cut it out" in my building manual. So, I´m confused and don´t know, what to do.
Thank you very much and a very Merry Christmas!!!!

[ForbesHutton]

It looks like the muffler and pipe was added after the factory. From that exhaust port it's a huge restriction down to the added pipe. The restriction would really hurt the motor's performance so there would have to be a good reason to do it. In the field the M41 was a light (scout) tank so perhaps someone felt that being a little quieter was was worth trading some speed for stealth. Or it could be it was added as the tank was assigned to a more urban garrison and to keep the locals happy the muffler was added to avoid upsetting the townspeople (I'm thinking of Germany, which has tight noise pollution rules, the army would be exempt, but might make an attempt just for the public relations).

[Donkeywalloper]

I am sat with family and took time out to say hello.
I have drunk a lot, but I love the model.
Happy Christmas
John

[miloss]

It looks like the muffler and pipe was added after the factory. From that exhaust port it's a huge restriction down to the added pipe. The restriction would really hurt the motor's performance so there would have to be a good reason to do it. In the field the M41 was a light (scout) tank so perhaps someone felt that being a little quieter was was worth trading some speed for stealth. Or it could be it was added as the tank was assigned to a more urban garrison and to keep the locals happy the muffler was added to avoid upsetting the townspeople (I'm thinking of Germany, which has tight noise pollution rules, the army would be exempt, but might make an attempt just for the public relations).

Sounds reasonably, thank you.

[miloss]

I am sat with family and took time out to say hello.
I have drunk a lot, but I love the model.
Happy Christmas
John

Merry Christmas, John.
I don´t want to confuse you: it´s not my model. I found the pictures on internet and I hope, I will be able to create my model similar to this GREAT one.
Cheers!

[miloss]

Hi guys,
I´ve got answer on another modelling forum:
"It´s muffler of additional generator for movement of turret. But first 1367 tanks was produced without it."
Maybe it will be useful also for others.
Cheers!

[schweinhund227]

Hi guys,
I´ve got answer on another modelling forum:
"It´s muffler of additional generator for movement of turret. But first 1367 tanks was produced without it."
Maybe it will be useful also for others.
Cheers!

I support that...

The Wedge on your real picture is the Aux. Gen. exhaust port !
if a small muffler is added.. then a pipe is extended out of that port !

Have fun building it !

[miloss]

Good evening! I´ve been working on my model during last weeks, but now I´m stucked with the mantlet on a barrel. Besides really nice details also ugly molding lines are very visible on it. (See pictures).I´ve tried to file it as well, as use my hobby knife for cut it out, but it doesn´t work (material of mantlet is soft rubber). Can anybody advice, please, how to deal with it? Thank you very much!

[Donkeywalloper]

Oooh you bugger, thats a bit mashed up.
I take it that is two halves?
I think the road that your already on with craft knife is the best way.
I doubt a file or sanding stick will work other than remove other deatil.
Change the knife blade so its nice and sharp and pare away any excess.
Good luck.
John

[miloss]

Thank you, dude, I´m afraid, you are right. But I still hope for an easier solution...

[Donkeywalloper]

Thank you, dude, I´m afraid, you are right. But I still hope for an easier solution...

Sorry for not giving you a magic answer.
The work you have done so far though is brilliant.
These things are sent to try us
Have a great weekend.
John

[miloss]

Thanks for nice words, but unfortunately, I´m struggling with a barrel and turret and I´m afraid, I´ll be dissapointed when job will be done. Well, there is still hope....
no problem with absence of magic answer: I appreciate all advices very much (or at least all reasonabe answers :):)). It´s my problem - I have only 1, very, very busy friend with some experiences in this hobby and there is not special club here, in my town, so only asking of good people via internet is a way for me.
Thank you very much, have a nice weekend , too.

[miloss]

Well, I think, the tank is (finally) done. I was afraid of a lot of new things (my first model, first time I worked with airbrush, pigments,....but it was pointless fear, that only created a huge delay in progress. It´s not a masterpiece, but I hope it´s not really bad.
Next steps are going to be to create a base and to finish some figurines. Thank you very much for help, I really appreciate your kindness.

[Kevthemodeller]

Nice build mate

[Donkeywalloper]

Awesome mate.

[digger303]

weathering mud looks realistic and nicely tapered off in all the right areas.

[chalkyw]

Very nicely done ......Wow, just noticed this thread started 2 years ago!!!