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Make a Plastic Model Walker Bulldog Tank - (M41) 1/35 scale Part 2: Beginning the build

In this part of the tutorial we begin the building of the tank and I show you some standard techniques for building a plastic model.

 

 

A sprue of parts

Let's take a look at the parts. This piece is called a sprue. It has a variety of parts on it.

Each part is numbered.

 

 

 

 

 

The label on the sprue

And each sprue has a letter designation. The sprue you see in the picture here is "B".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's take a look at assembling some parts and how you do it. It is important to take your time with the assembly instructions, particularly with this model because there are quite a few moving parts that you don't cement in place.

 

The instruction sheet

Here is the first step in the assembly. And we will start with the first piece. It is labeled B8. That means it is part 8 on the B sprue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut a piece off the sprue

So let's cut that part off the sprue. You should always cut parts. Don't twist them off. This is to prevent damage and distortion, particularly with the smaller pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use an emory board to clean it up

Inspect the part for damage, particularly where you cut it. You can sand down any bumps or burrs with an emory board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test fit before gluing

Before you actually cement the piece in place you should test fit it without glue. This is to make sure you have the right part in the right position and orientation.

This is a good practice for all parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The piece is glued into place

Once you have test fit it and you know it is good you can then go ahead and cement it in place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An interesting thing about this tank build is that there is not much in terms of sub-assemblies. This makes it a pretty easy and straight forward build. So if you are looking for a nice model that is pretty easy this one is a good choice.

 

The sub assembly is done

This is a sub-assembly of my Huey Helicopter build. It is the cockpit that will go inside the helicopter. It is a good example of what a sub assembly is like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We quickly move into an interesting part of the build with the wheels and tracks.

 

The black bearing parts

The various wheels and tracks on this tank all freely move. And this makes it a bit of a different build.

For this part of the build we use this sprue of black parts. You can see they are different than the rest of the parts. The material is different. It is kind of like a slippery plastic.

This is great. These parts work as bearings so the wheels can freely spin.

 

 

 

 

The parts of a wheel assembly

So let's assemble the various wheels.

The majority of them are composed of three parts like this. And that little black ring will go right inside those two pieces that get assembled together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bearing is inserted

That piece goes inside then the two green parts are cemented together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wheel is installed

Then the assembly is press fit onto the frame of the tank. There is no glue at this part. The black bearing is a flexible fit. It squeezes onto the tank. And now that wheel assembly will spin freely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assembling all the wheels

We repeat this process with the other wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wheels are all installed

And press fit them all onto the tank. Test them to insure they spin freely. At this point if you get one that sticks or doesn't spin freely it is ok to take it off and adjust it, clean it or reglue it to fix it.

 

 

 

 

NextOkay, Let's continue with the build

 


Amazon has lots of Plastic Models

 

Revell U.S.S. Enterprise Revell U.S.S. Enterprise

1/720th scale
Length: 18-7/8" long
102 pieces
Option to build complete hull, or "waterline" version30 aircraft
Detailed superstructure with radarKit Features:Optional full hull with propellors and rudder or waterline hull, Detailed flight deck, island, fan tail, and anti-aircraft missile mounts.Includes A-4 Skyhawk, RA-5C Vigilante, A-6E Intruder, and F-4 Phantom aircraftIncludes simple display standRequires but does not include paint and glue. Ages 10+.

Revell 1:48 AH64 Apache Helicopter

This 2-seat chopper is armed with a flexible, rapid-fire gun and missiles. From its noseful of aiming devices and detailed cockpits to its tail rotor, the AH-64 means business. Features: Position able chain gun and targeting system, movable parts, waterslide decals.

 

German VII C U-Boat U-47 Revell WWII German VII C U-Boat U-47 W/Interior 1/125 Scale

  • Model length 531 mm/ 21". No paints and glue are included, required assembly
  • Detailed interior with separate bulkheads
  • Torpedoes,Instrument panels,Two diesel engines
  • Authentic decal set for following version: - U47, KK Günther Prien, 1939-1941