Anne’s L6/40 Italian light tank

[Amccombs3]

It’s been quite a while since I posted. Real Life has kept me busier than average, plus I decided in the spring to complete another long-term project that I had started during lockdown, a knitting project that was staring balefully at me. It didn’t end well — don’t ask. But I did finish the sweater and have been working on the Italian tank. The suspension, which is alarmingly fragile, is on. Of course, the tracks have been a slog, with the tiniest possible guide teeth. There are 144 teeth and the kit supplies plenty of extras, for the inevitable times when ones get dropped and disappear. I made and painted the wire bits. I’m reasonably confident that the project will be ready for its debut at the IPMC Convention at the end of the month.

Shown: tracks, which are about 3/8” wide, with tiny teeth!

[Don Boose]

I am impressed by your diligence. The tracks look good.

Don

[Mike1158]

Great results mate, very concise, clean build

[Amccombs3]

I finished this model yesterday. As always, it has some imperfections, but I’m reasonably happy with it overall, except for the track fit. I am deliberately not posting pictures until after it makes its debut at the International Paper Modelers Convention. Atypically, I did not go right down to the wire but finished with a little time to spare. I would recommend the publisher Super Model based on this example. I think I’ve selected my next armor project(s), but I’m going to wait until after the convention to start in on it (them).

[CharlieC]

From an earlier post:

"I tried water-moistening the paper with mixed results. It made the paper much easier to roll tightly, but the paper is easy to tear, as I did on one cylinder side."

Water alone seems to soften the card too much. I've had some success with a mixture of 25% water and 75% Methylated Spirits. [I think that's Denatured Alcohol in the US]. The card remains fairly stiff but can be rolled and folded quite easily. The alcohol also means the card dries quite quickly.

Regards.

Charlie

[Don Boose]

I can vouch for Charlie's methodology. His recipe would be best, but I also get good results from alcohol swabs and now keep a few in my tool box. It makes rolling leading edges of wings a lot more doable, as well.

Don

[Amccombs3]

Now that my Italian tank has had its debut at the IPMC convention, I’ll show a few pictures. I’m pretty happy with it on the whole.

[rifleman]

have to say dam fine build well done

[Royaloakmin]

A silk purse, Anne.

[Mike1158]

^, I concur. Very sharp and a sight to see for an ex tanker.