New and need some armour advice

[SJW]

model complete save for the commander, aerials, tracks etc which will be done after painting. Pleased to see that I have not really lost my modelling skills but now is the real challenge, as I have never done proper painting or weathering, so I am now moving into new territory. Although I will be using a spray can undercoat, I intend to try airbrushing for the first time as well, so even more challenges ahead. But looking forward to it! Any ideas how to easily upload images - normal upload processes don't work so not sure how I can upload the images for you all to see. Will keep trying

[SJW]

quick question for anyone who has built a Tamiya Challenger 1 1/35 desert version. I have built the model in three parts - lower hull, top hull and turret. However, with the additional front armour on the upper hull, it is a real struggle to join the two lower halves. If I remove the black rubber grommets from inside, it becomes almost possible, but there is tension and I am not convinced glue will hold. it is the angle of the front armour which prevents it from just slotting nicely into place. Removing that front armour now will be a nightmare - any suggestions?

[Mr Bowcat]

I built this 5 years ago and had to go back to look at my thread. Not going to be much help unfortunately, I'd painted the lower hull and inside of the side armour, then attached the upper hull. I'd then masked the lower part when I painted the top part.

[Ian M]

normal upload processes don't work so not sure how I can upload the images for you all to see. Will keep trying

To up load photographs and to actively take part in the whole forum, you will need to become a supporter. I believe there is a message that pops up on screen when you try to post as non-supporting member.
Its a kind of look around and see if you like it. I think every one here will agree its money well spent. The extra discount you get at the Scale Models Shop more than coveres the annual fee.

[Mr Bowcat]

I think every one here will agree its money well spent.

Agree 100%.

[Guest]

quick question for anyone who has built a Tamiya Challenger 1 1/35 desert version. I have built the model in three parts - lower hull, top hull and turret. However, with the additional front armour on the upper hull, it is a real struggle to join the two lower halves.

I haven’t built that kit, but I did just look at the instructions for it to see how they would have you do it, and I see where things went wrong for you … the instructions say to attach the upper and lower halves of the hull first, and only then add the additional armour pieces, I suspect because it will otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to get them to fit.

Of course, this is hindsight and so no use to you, but maybe someone else will read it and remember it when building this kit too

any suggestions?

Going by the instructions, the front extra armour seems to attach to the glacis plate at just six fairly small points:

[ATTACH]467051[/ATTACH]

I think I would try to carefully slice through those (or the glue there) with a knife to free the whole armour array. That would let you fix the upper and lower hull as Tamiya intends, and then re-glue the armour to the tank.

[Airborne01]

Welcome mate - does the Chally hold some special significance for you -are you an ex-Desert Warrior?
Steve