Mostly Perfect Replicas, Mostly

Working on the M41 continues as I wait for the hatch to dry.

This tank has had the corner knocked off, the plastic may be a little brittle.

New fender corner made out of sheet plastic scraps.  Always save all the plastic sheet plastic bits for just such a project.

It turned out pretty well, and a bit of ultrathin sheet plastic glued underneath for extra strength.

Edges filed down once the glue was dry and it's perfect.

Original hatch and perfect replicas.  Okay there is some flash and they need the clay cleaned off.  But other than that, nearly perfect replicas.  Mostly
 

Roco Walker Bulldog Hatch

Roco M41 Walker Bulldog light tank, US Army.

Several of mine are missing hatches.

5 minute epoxy to the rescue.

I store it with the lid on but upside down inside a glass jar.  That way the glue is at the opening of the container not at the bottom so I don't have to wait while it oozes out slowly.  Being a glass jar if any leaks the epoxy will be contained the the jar can be wiped out or tossed out.

Use soft clay to make a press mold, and use epoxy to cast the parts.

It says dry in 5 minutes and for gluing purposes that's true but it really takes a few hours to fully harden.  So I often give it overnight before I demold the part.