On to the fenders. Build-up was fairly straight forward for them. I've left the rear view mirrors off until the end so they don't get broken off. I replaced the tie downs for the tarp, cam net and .30 cal tripod with wire loops. New brackets for the single lights on the front fenders and the additional light removed from the top of the rear fender brackets for a 1960's Sally. I replaced the kit brush guard for the siren with one made from strip styrene. Mud flaps were added to the rear fenders, the RH being damaged as seen in some photos. A cam net made from gauze bandage and dried oregano. Foil and wire straps secured it to the fender. The engine cover tarp was added to the LH side with the old standby of tissue and watered down white glue and secured with foil straps. The tripod was also secured with foil straps. The backs of the storage boxes on the underside of the fenders had some thin styrene added to fill the gap between them and the hull
LH fender build-up. For those curious what goes in all those storage boxes, from front to rear, the first box held the drivers screen, the next upper and lower boxes carried the crews rations, the rear upper box contained the main gun cleaning kit, cooker, fuel funnel, jumper cables and kettle and the lower contained lubricating oil, starter handle and tool kit
RH fender build-up. The front upper and both lower storage boxes contained blankets, ground sheets, greatcoats and haversacks. The rear box contained a tent, gun and grenade launcher dust covers, wire cutter, hatchet and 4 ton jack.
The fenders are now attached to the hull. There was a little bit of filler added along the underside joint with the hull. The large drum on the rear of the RH fender is the muffler, a much better detailed piece from the Mr Modellbau kit.
The crew has reported in, so they will be fitted to their new home. On to the turret.
Cheers,
Rich