Molding Wheels.

Here's an easy way of making your own wheels that I saw back in the mid 70's on a BBC Programme called Model World. I've used it quite often and its a lot easier than making Latex Molds.

First you will need a Jar Lid and some Plasticine, put the Plasticine into the Jar Lid and level it off.

Next cover the Plasticine with Graphite, this is powdered Pencil Lead and is used for lubricating Locks. But we're going to use it to stop the Kit Wheel and the Cast Wheel from sticking.

Take the Kit Wheel and press into the Plasticine to half of its depth, (up to the seam running around the centre of the Tread pattern), and remove.

Next we mix the Resin or in this case the Polyurethane Plastic and pour into the Plasticine Mold. Remember to check for any bubbles and prick them out with a Cocktail Stick. Leave to set, the poly goes in clear and goes white when its cured.

Remove the Wheels and trim off the flash and wash off the Graphite. The inside of my wheel is a little rough but I'll sand that out and it'll be fine.

Sand the back of each Cast piece and glue together, fill any gaps and sand. Remember when gluing the Tread Pattern should be staggered.

Yes they are the same size, the white one looks a little bigger in the last picture so I've put it on top of the Kit wheel to show you they are the same.

The bits I've used, Graphite Powder which lasts forever and the two part Polyurethane Plastic. hope you fould this interesting and can use it sometime.

Thanks for looking
Andy.

Panther Build (Overview)

Other than the Tiger there will be a Panther V in the Dio too. So here's a quick post on the building of it.

Years ago when I was about Ten I had this kit, but at that time you got a little drive motor with it and you could control it with a simple hand held remote. Looking at it now it's exactly the same but without the Motor. It is qiute a basic kit with not a lot of parts, but it does the job quite well.

Once Built up I added some simple side skirts from sheet Styrene. I also placed the Tank Barrel into the Barrel Lock as the Tank will be on a Train Flatbed Gondola.

Once painted I added a Dark Wash followed by the winter wash, again as with the Tiger I'll add Photo Etched Vent Covers.

Decals added and another thinned Winter wash followed by Rust streaks here and there. With both Tanks I want them to look like they've been out on the Battlefield for quite some time. The Rust is a little heavy and I'll Calm it down later.
Next is to paint the Rubber on the Road Wheels, a job that I hate but needs doing so I'll get on with it.

Thanks for Looking
Andy.

Tiger I Part 3

The Tiger build is just about done now, just a few little things to do.

Added the Snow to the Tracks and I'll add more to the body of the Tank when she's on the Dio.

I'll add some stowage to her once I've got to the same stage on the Panther, which has just had her Winter Wash added. I've also added a short Video to my You Tube Channel of some older Projects. Check it out if you get time and let me know what you think.
http://t.co/qb6Thkmf
Thanks for looking
Andy.