On The Mark Models is the first Armor only PE producer appearing in the 1980s. Their line was small but all products were based on actual measurements and many include plastic nuts/bolts/turnbuckles and/or plastic/brass rod/wire/pipe to complete the detailing. While dormant for many years, I had stocked up each time I came across Mark Persichetti (the owner) at a show to ensure I got the sets, especially his rifling inserts.
This is one of the earlier sets is based on measurements of ex-IDF vehicles at various museums and consists of three fuel can racks with belts on one fret. This 2.5 x 2 inch fret comes with a letter sized instruction sheet folded in four and packed inside a plastic sleeve with a paper header. See below left:
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551a-1.jpg
On the upper right, note the brass 'hairs' sticking out of either side of the metal strap. These are intentional and indicate where to bend the straps. These hairs are easily filed away. The lower right side shows the ends of the 'fabric' straps with the rivets. Care must be taken when cutting out the parts as the brass is 0.010 inch thick etched down to 0.0025 inch. Details are etched onto both sides but none of the etching was used to make freeing the parts from the frets any easier.
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/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551b.jpg
After cleaning the brass (a dip in white vinegar, rinse in plain water, and pat dry), I cut the brass parts free. I used a curved scalpel blade on the Ausfwerks cutting board.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551c.jpg
Emery boards and diamond files (regular files will do) were used to eliminate any nubs.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551d.jpg
Folding the parts (I used the Ausfwerks FenderBender but any tool is fine) was easy thanks to the etched line which go all the way through. However, there are small gaps on each corner which I filled with solder. A (diamond) triangular file was used to clean the inner joints while emery boards took care of cleaning the outer joints.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551e.jpg
For this project, I used a solder paste which comes in a handy syringe. I bought it online. Truthfully, not needed...
This is one of the earlier sets is based on measurements of ex-IDF vehicles at various museums and consists of three fuel can racks with belts on one fret. This 2.5 x 2 inch fret comes with a letter sized instruction sheet folded in four and packed inside a plastic sleeve with a paper header. See below left:
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551a-1.jpg
On the upper right, note the brass 'hairs' sticking out of either side of the metal strap. These are intentional and indicate where to bend the straps. These hairs are easily filed away. The lower right side shows the ends of the 'fabric' straps with the rivets. Care must be taken when cutting out the parts as the brass is 0.010 inch thick etched down to 0.0025 inch. Details are etched onto both sides but none of the etching was used to make freeing the parts from the frets any easier.
------------------------------------
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551b.jpg
After cleaning the brass (a dip in white vinegar, rinse in plain water, and pat dry), I cut the brass parts free. I used a curved scalpel blade on the Ausfwerks cutting board.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551c.jpg
Emery boards and diamond files (regular files will do) were used to eliminate any nubs.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551d.jpg
Folding the parts (I used the Ausfwerks FenderBender but any tool is fine) was easy thanks to the etched line which go all the way through. However, there are small gaps on each corner which I filled with solder. A (diamond) triangular file was used to clean the inner joints while emery boards took care of cleaning the outer joints.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/AR3551e.jpg
For this project, I used a solder paste which comes in a handy syringe. I bought it online. Truthfully, not needed...