Thanks for the comments, guys!
This is the build that just will not end! I thought I was mostly done last time I posted progress, but I keep coming up with things to add, just to make it a mildly believable armored vehicle.
This is what I have so far:
fuzzy view of the rear, with the tow cable attachments. I used the tow cable spool from an M113 kit, removed most of the existing molded on cabled and just glued the kit cables over them. I may go back and cover up the paint scratch marks, or change them a bit; maybe add some hint of freshly exposed steel. I should add a hook or loop at the top to keep the cables from just falling off:
Closeup of the bench seat for the extremely uncomfortable troop. They'll need knee pads. I added a rear door lock/lever system. I also added the slightly less uncomfortable seat for the guy sitting over the transmission shaft, with his back to the radio and batteries. At least he can stretch out his legs.
Both the bench and the seat are intended to fold up. The wooden bench is from an Italeri M998 HMMWV. The seat looks like a Tamiya turret seat from a German tank. I added some plastic to extend the backrest:
The Diesel decal is home made.
I had an idea for instrument placards: scale and print some generic placards found online onto decal paper, printing the black parts. Next, I would get some scotch tape or packing tape and paint the surface with a Molotow chrome pen. Wait for it to dry and apply the decals.
It
almost worked; the downfall was the lack of details that my printer could produce; the placards just didn't look right. I think I'll buy some Archer transfers placards instead, for my next project.
The .50 cal is from the nice Academy set. I think a .30 cal would have been more appropriate (and easier to obtain than a .50 cal) but I was missing the mount:
Most tanks don't have a lot of room inside, but this tank is so small that I had trouble fining spaces to put tools and other equipment. The toolbox and jack are on top of the engine compartment. The spare track and most of the other tools are mounted on the side of the tank:
The driver's view port has an (almost) working prism and a PE arm to open and close.
Here's a view from above, resting on my new desktop computer (Intel NUC8i7HNK):
I needed a faster processor and graphics for some 3D projects. This computer is much faster than the 5 year old computer it replaced, which was fast, even by today's standards. I just needed faster.
Still to do:
Cable support at rear.
bullets in .50 cal.
Maybe a bag or something to catch the spent shells, or the TC is going to get a shower of hot brass.
rolled up tarp.
some jerry cans (I can only fit two inside).
Some gear.
Ammo cans.
cover over battery and radio. ("So sorry Capitan! the mild drizzle we just experienced shorted out the battery!")
Hopefully I can finish it by next weekend.
Thanks for looking!