Tamiya 1/16 RC Panther (resumed after a long hiatus)

[tr1ckey66]

Love the gun case, and all of the PE actually. Must make it a little easier in that scale. :smiling3:

Hi Bob
The PE is perhaps a little bit easier to handle. I think the main difference is that you can get away with super gluing small 1/35 brass (by and large) whereas in this scale there really is no option other than soldering. I like soldering and it makes a strong joint but it is undoubtably a longer process.
Glad you like it so far.
Cheers
Paul

[Guest]

Paul,
Amazing work, and that is the only words I have.
Mike.

[tr1ckey66]

Paul,
Amazing work, and that is the only words I have.
Mike.

Thanks Mike, your words and support are much appreciated.
Paul

[boatman]

Any more progress Paul ?
chris

[tr1ckey66]

Any more progress Paul ?
chris

Got a little more done but I’m waiting till I get a bit further on before posting. Probably Tuesday now.
Cheers
Paul

[tr1ckey66]

Small update on the rear hull...

Not a lot to show but quite bit of work here.
I've managed to scratch build a passable rear convoy light (the older box type) from brass.

Here's the construction...


And a few pics of the finished thing...



I need to add the retaining clasps, screws and, later on, I'll fill the inside with translucent green resin.



Sorry about the out-of-focus shot but with failing light this was the best I could manage.

Here's a pic of the real thing for comparison...



I then set about finishing the workable jack mount (the jack can be removed) and finishing the actual jack by attaching the handle (this is a folding item).




I then finished soldering the blocks that are seen underneath the stowage bins into their correct positions (this is a bit vague in the Aber instructions).
Also, bolts have been added to the exhaust manifolds.



Finally a pic of the compete set up so far...



Seems a shame but the right hand stowage bin is gonna receive some severe damage (as per reference). I'm a little reluctant to do it but it will happen!!!
And that's it I'm afraid. I was going to finish the Zimm, but time (once again) has beaten me and I'm back to work, so the Panther will have to wait.

Chris (Boatman): I'm sorry I wanted to finish more but the soldering took an age - even managed to burn my thumb in my haste!

Cheers
Paul

[Ian M]

Did you hear that thud? It was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. Great work on the PE.

[boatman]

Did you hear that thud? It was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. Great work on the PE.

HI PAUL im sayin the same as Ian ITS GREAT WORK an as for damage how much damage is gonna happen as I see in one real pic at the rear bin on the right side is just dented
chris

[tr1ckey66]

Did you hear that thud? It was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. Great work on the PE.

Thanks Ian for the kind words. If all goes well hopefully soon I should have a complete hull ready for the motors.
Cheers
Paul

[tr1ckey66]

HI PAUL im sayin the same as Ian ITS GREAT WORK an as for damage how much damage is gonna happen as I see in one real pic at the rear bin on the right side is just dented
chris

Hi Chris
The damage will be as the photo shown. If you take a close look, the bin has split on the left hand seam and the lid is missing, as well as the big dents. I think what I’ll do to replicate this is grind down the fold on the left hand side so that it’s very thin and then dent the bin to try and replicate the same damage. It probably won’t be exactly the same but I’ll get as close as I can. I’m at work now till Tuesday so work on the Panther will probably continue on Wednesday. Thanks again for the continued support, I’ll drop by on HMS Tiger whilst I’m at work to keep up with your progress.
Cheers
Paul

[tr1ckey66]

Slow progress...

Done a little bit more to the big Panther. I managed to grab a few hours for myself today and was able to finish the Zimmerit on the rear hull. To do this I had to secure all the photo etch (exhausts, bins etc) with metal pins into the plastic hull of the kit. By pinning the parts as well as gluing them I can ensure they won't drop off when this Panther starts moving.

Here's where I left off...



I also had time to attach the metal transmission covers (Schumo replacement items) to the front of the hull. I'm hoping that soon (now the hull sides are almost complete) that I can start pulling these parts together and I can show you a completed hull. I feel I'm close to that stage but can't commit to a time scale as life's other commitments keep interrupting. Here's the transmission housings...



I've got a week off at the end of January, hopefully I can really crack on with this build then.
That's it for now
Cheers
Paul

[boatman]

HI Paul its lookin great lets hope you can crack on with the build as im lookin forward to it roll on the end of jan
chris ps paul happy new yr

[tr1ckey66]

HI Paul its lookin great lets hope you can crack on with the build as im lookin forward to it roll on the end of jan
chris ps paul happy new yr

Cheers Chris and a very happy 2020 to you!

[Steven000]

Very nice Paul :thumb2:
Yes real life can be a real pain in our hobby! Cheers, Steven

[tr1ckey66]

Very nice Paul :thumb2:
Yes real life can be a real pain in our hobby! Cheers, Steven

Yeah, what’s all that about?!!!! Can’t everyone just leave us alone for an hour or so!
Only kiddin, I had a great Christmas with family and friends and it was great to see everyone. Trouble is I really wanted to crack on with the build too.
Happy new year Steven
Paul