Zio 1/35 Carden-Loyd Tankette

[cjwalas]

Wow, Don, this looks even better than I thought it would! Great finesse on those tiny parts. I've keeping a file of this thread. Your experience and insight will prove invaluable!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Chris

[Don Boose]

Thanks for looking in and for the good wishes, Chris. It has been fun making small tracks with you and Ray.

I was feeling rather proud of those small parts until I took another look at all the entries in Chris Gutzmer's mini/micro contest and realized that I am not even in the running. Nonetheless, this build does represent a milestone for me in terms of working small. I just hope that I will be able to put that suspension together!

Don

[cjwalas]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

I was feeling rather proud of those small parts until I took another look at all the entries in Chris Gutzmer's mini/micro contest and realized that I am not even in the running.
Don

We seem to travel the same path, my friend. I had the same experience. And I thought 1/87 was too small for me! It probably is, but I do like the challenge of the super tiny stuff. Not sure I've got the eyesight for it anymore, though. Actually, I'm not sure I ever had the eyesight for it.

I wish Zio had a few more armor kits. I'm aching to get back to the North African Campaign.
Chris

[Don Boose]

Thanks for tracking this build and providing encouragement, Chris.

I was able to spend much of today thinking about men and women I have served with, especially those no longer here, listening to swing and Americana music, and working on the Carden Loyd while oldest grandson fine-tuned the computer game he is developing, younger grandson refought the Japanese Sengoku era on his computer, son Don3 read and kibitzed the build, and Lil and the daughters and daughter-in-law toured dress shops and antique stores.

The first couple of images show the on-vehicle-equipment pickaxe. Inspired by Charlie C’s build, I fabricated a handle out of a toothpick.

Image 3 is the construction diagram and 4 shows the parts for the towing pintle hook trail, one of the major projects for the day.

5. Me at work.

6 to 8: The trail under construction and completed (you can also see the pick ax in place – I failed to notice that the head of the handle projected into the area where the aft end of the port cargo pannier would be attached and later had to cut off the end: a delicate proposition).

9-10: Test fitting the cargo panniers. This has been the most difficult task so far. I refer you to Darwin’s Gr 950 Zio locomotive build for advice on cutting and folding double-sided parts (http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/zio-prudenzio-contest/14972-zio-prudenzio-contest-gr-950-a.html).

If I manage to get the panniers folded and installed, I will post photos later. The alternative will be a long silence while I print out a new Carden Loyd and start over.

Will keep you informed.

Don

[cjwalas]

Boy, that's looking really, really nice, Don. Clean and straight. This is a great set of step photos for this kit. Best of luck on the panniers!
Chris

[B-Manic]

I agree with Chris. Your build is very clean. The panniers look good from here. I notice the rivets look very realistic on this model.

[Darwin]

Don, I'm not sure which boggles the mind more....the tiny build or the tidy workbench. Great work.

[Texman]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

I was able to spend much of today thinking about men and women I have served with, especially those no longer here, Don

Amen, a toast to absent friends.....

[CharlieC]

Looking at Don's build I was reminded of a couple of things about my build....

Folding the two sided pannier sides was real pain - if I remember correctly I scribed the outer part cut the inner join with a single cut. Then with lots of trial and error gradually widened the cut on the inner surface until it fitted together. I think I tackled the pannier/mudguard assembly differently - built the panniers on the mudguards then glued the assembly to the hull. I meant I could get a tight fit with the mudguard without worrying about the fit to the hull as well.

Regards,

Charlie

[Don Boose]

Thanks for dropping in, Darwin, Chris, Douglas, Ray, and Charlie.

Charlie - Your advice on the panniers and mudguards is golden, but I read it after installing my own panniers. I had not cut through the inner bends and, as a result, I incurred some stretching of the outer edges, which I camouflaged by liberal application of olive Neocolor. I did cut the tabs that fasten the pannier sides to the mudguards at a more acute angle to facilitate 90 degree bends.

If I build another of these, I will definitely use the Charlie C methodology (and if I manage to get the suspension together, I will try a 1/25 enlarged version someday). Incidentally Charlie, I have referred repeatedly to the photos of your 1/25 build, and they were indispensible guides when I had difficulty figuring out what was what from the kit diagrams. Many thanks!

Douglas – I agree that, in this scale, the impression given by the printed-on rivets is very realistic. In 1/25, I think it would be less so and can see why Charlie embossed ‘em when he did his exemplary build.

Ray – This Dogface joins you in the toast, Flyboy.

The images below show the state of the build. My pannier installation is far from perfect, but I have spent enough time around actual military vehicles to be willing to accept a few dents and bends as “normal wear and tear.” I also installed the muffler and towing pintle trails.

The armament and the suspension remain to be done (he said with apprehension).