sdkfz 7 build log.

[simon_manning]

A part that i wanted to make so it would be more robust and stronger and from metal is the front notek light, there are some nice aftermarket ones available but their either white metal or plastic, mine will work but made from steel and brass, plus being on the very front of the vehicle it is prone to damage, getting broken off!, progress so far, regards simon.

[simon_manning]

This is more or less the finished light, i made it so it would come apart, i used the top of a white metal notek light with some alteration's to fit. now to mount it and make the bracket, regards simon.

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

Beautiful piece!
Please don't paint it!

[Stephen White]

Lovely job, Simon, always a pleasure to see your work.

[Fabian Bekkers]

Wowie Simon I love your work very nicely made I like them is it possible that you can make me a set.

[simon_manning]

Thanks all for the praise, as we all know making any part from scratch is very time consuming let alone the kit, but it is enjoyable, making the light fit and look sensible took 3 hours roughly, a bit more tweaking and detail and thats it, regards simon.

[simon_manning]

The light is now finished, my next step is to replicate the beaded edge on the two front wheel arches, i am using half round brass as the edge, gluing first with loctite 480, then pinning with 1/32 brass rivet's, no soldering as the wheel arches are cast alloy, the glue is a great product and very strong, once all set i will blend the beads in for a more uniformed look, regards simon.

[simon_manning]

I have finished one side of the arch beading, Pinned and glued, Brass is a lovely material to work with, regards simon.

[simon_manning]

good evening, i have roughed out the front Tow Hitch, using the supplied kit part and some extra features, welds to add and tidying up, the beading is now finished on both front wings, next step, front steering mechanism, servo etc. regards simon.

[David Brady]

Nicely done Simon - you will need a monster sevo like this to move the front wheels when model is stationary.

[Robert Reid]

Some amazing fabrication right there!

Well done and a pleasure to follow!

Cheers,

RPR

[simon_manning]

Thank's Robert, i have been giving the front end some attention, the chassis rails had to be slightly shortened so they would be in-line with the mudguards and also some metal taken off the center section, so it sit's back slightly, i finished of the tow hitch, and attached the steering mechanism, next job position the indicator driving poles and fit. all the best simon.

[Gary Phillipson]

Great work Simon always a joy to see.

[Jeffrey Goff]

Hi Simon, that front end is looking good, love the moulding on the mudguards
Regards Jeff

[simon_manning]

Thanks jeff and Gary, i have started working on the headlight's, The Headlight bowls (backs) are from the Famo kit, reduced more to the sdkfz 7 shape, the lens and reflective mirror is from the 1/8 scale pocher car kit, Mercedes 540k roadster, i cannot take credit for this bit of clever knowledge, it came from steve winstone who had a kit and spotted the similarities, you can buy just the lens and mirror backs off e-bay,
The headlight brackets need to be reduced smaller, thinner, and lens re- worked to fit, and of course electric's, i included the original kit light in the picture's, all for now and be careful in these weird times, regards simon.