Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Tips, Tools & Techniques => Topic started by: ChalkLine on February 08, 2021, 12:40:02 PM

Title: Scratch building a M108 Howitzer barrel from a WW2 M4A3 Sherman
Post by: ChalkLine on February 08, 2021, 12:40:02 PM
Hi!

I'm looking to make the howitzer barrel off the M108 SPG (M103 gun) but the only barrel I could source was the M2A1 barrel off the old M4A3 Sherman.

Now, it's actually the same gun (sorta). I'm prepared to live with the different profile but I'm kind of stumped as to how to make the muzzle brake and the bore evacuator.

Here's an image of the part and the weapon.

Title: Re: Scratch building a M108 Howitzer barrel from a WW2 M4A3 Sherman
Post by: Old Wombat on February 08, 2021, 02:52:04 PM
Welcome aboard, Chalkline! :smiley:

You know AFV Club make one, right? ???

(https://www.bnamodelworld.com/bmz_cache/1/1dfc1759ae53d921540c3ee754074434.image.500x362.jpg)
https://www.bnamodelworld.com/military-vehicles-tanks-afv-club-afv-af35108-1:35-centurion-mk-5-2-mk-11-dozer?zenid=d2d88eadbb0c9e13a13c9362de1db1a0 (https://www.bnamodelworld.com/military-vehicles-tanks-afv-club-afv-af35108-1:35-centurion-mk-5-2-mk-11-dozer?zenid=d2d88eadbb0c9e13a13c9362de1db1a0)
Title: Re: Scratch building a M108 Howitzer barrel from a WW2 M4A3 Sherman
Post by: ChalkLine on February 08, 2021, 08:31:19 PM
Yep, but as I'm doing a speculative vehicle I only need the barrel.

It's speculative Spanish M41 Walker Bulldog with one of their old M108's guns (it'd fit, I checked).
Title: Re: Scratch building a M108 Howitzer barrel from a WW2 M4A3 Sherman
Post by: Old Wombat on February 08, 2021, 09:25:11 PM
Ah! Gotcha! :smiley:

Styrene tube of the appropriate diameter & Aves Apoxy Sculpt might do the trick for the evacuator & brake.
Title: Re: Scratch building a M108 Howitzer barrel from a WW2 M4A3 Sherman
Post by: jcf on February 26, 2021, 04:32:38 AM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48254435541_9fec5c0d2b_c.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48254509932_acae610a4b_c.jpg)

I'd build it up using concentric plastic tubing until the desired outside diameter is reached and
then file/sand to shape.