thanks rickstef
nstarkel-you will be able to put a tank on it. it will sit on the skirt. i have them formered up (i think well enough) i have quite a few 1/72 dicast tanks which kinda turned on the old light bulb. it would actually be kinda easy to convert to an off loading posture.
im trying to not get too carried away with details and still maintain the essence of the craft.