Light Tank Mk VIB (Desert)

[MikeC]

Been tinkering with this for a couple of years and finally decided to get it out and finish the job.



First job was to get the suspension out of the way. During the build i decided to add the tension springs on the rear set of suspension..



Next longest job was the tracks. These came from the ModelKasten set originally for the Bren Carrier, but were liberated for this one. Still got a set left over for the Carrier.



And the finished items...

Obviously not been sitting around waiting for things to dry - so set to with the interior...



And the inst panel scratch built..

As you can see I have used the Eduard set and incorporated quite a bit of the brass on the build, plus I scrath built a new exhaust as the kit version is a bit clumsy...



And that is as far as the build has progressed to date. Still more fun to be had..
Cheers, MikeC.

 

[Steven000]

Interesting build so far Mike, good you got it back out
Cheers, Steven

 

[rtfoe]

Hi Mike, I was going to do one of these but the earlier version used in France. Am pulling up a chair to see how you do yours. Won't be following with the extra bling though as I'm a stock standard builder when it comes to AFV's They do look good on your build.

Would there be a lot to do if I want to convert to the desert version besides scratching the side lockers?

Cheers,
Richard

 

[SimonT]

I like these Mike - have part built one, scratched in 1:15

Plenty of rivets to add - that should keep you busy for a while

 

[Si Benson]

Hi Mike,
Good to see you . Not seen one of these before, looks like your well into a sweet looking build

 

[MikeC]

Hi Mike, I was going to do one of these but the earlier version used in France. Am pulling up a chair to see how you do yours. Won't be following with the extra bling though as I'm a stock standard builder when it comes to AFV's They do look good on your build.

Would there be a lot to do if I want to convert to the desert version besides scratching the side lockers?

Cheers,
Richard

Hi Richard,
You can get a desert version (see boxtop). The boxes and the fuel can carrier are all in brass and in with the kit. It is all simple bend and glue straight lines, the frame for the boxes is a bit of a fiddle and I would suggest make up the lower boxes first and then bend the frame around them. Other than the suspension I can see no serious problems in the build out of the box.
Cheers, Mike.

 

[MikeC]

I like these Mike - have part built one, scratched in 1:15

Plenty of rivets to add - that should keep you busy for a while

Hello Simon,
Back in 1980 odd, I scratchbuilt one using the old Profile Publications booklet plans, and that was as near 1/32 scale. I think the rivet count was 260+ rivets all made from stretched sprue and the rived formed over a candle, and the springs for the suspension made again from stretched sprue which was then wrapped around a drill shank and plunged into boiling water to soften and then into cold water to get the sprue to hold it's shape.
1/15 scale, now that should be impressive.
Mike.

 

[Fernando N]

Interesting build so far Mike and very nice looking interior.
Neat exhaust too.

 

[Dave Ward]

Mike,
nice to see your take on this - I found it was a challenging build when I made my BEF VIB in February ( with encouragement & assistance from your good self! ).
Replacing the tracks sounds like a good call - the PE & interior are really raising the detail. Is the interior scratched, or part of the model?. I don't think I'd like to build another - these light tanks are a bit TOO small!
Dave

 

[scottie3158]

Mike good to see you about again. That is a great build mate the new exhaust looks the dogs.

 

[MikeC]

Mike,
nice to see your take on this - I found it was a challenging build when I made my BEF VIB in February ( with encouragement & assistance from your good self! ).
Replacing the tracks sounds like a good call - the PE & interior are really raising the detail. Is the interior scratched, or part of the model?. I don't think I'd like to build another - these light tanks are a bit TOO small!
Dave

Hello Dave,
The interior or part of it came from a company in Hong Kong, items like the seat, steering levers, hand brake lever and gear change plus inst panel are all scratch built. Those tracks it took nearly three days and felt like three weeks. I am pleased I had the template to help out. At the start it was going to be a diorama of the VIB and a Carrier, but I think I have learned my lesson....
Cheers, Mike.

 

[Jim F]

Hi Mike,
Great to see you back but this is a new level of ridiculous, how small are your fingers ?
regards Jim

 

[SimonT]

Hi Mike,

it may be impressive if I ever finish it Basic hull, turret done, wheels done and some detailing in the drivers position. I had started casting track links but wasn't really happy with them so it ground to a halt

Hope you don't mind if I point out something with the drivers seat

The back folds down flat to the rear to allow access to the main hull area via that bulkhead. When the seat back is upright there are thin bars on either side of the frame that end up diagonal from seat back down to front floor frame to lock it in place

 

[Jim R]

Hi Mike
Looking good. Your usual meticulous approach.
Jim

 

[minitnkr]

Wow, that's a lot of bling. A beauty. PaulE

 

[MikeC]

Hi Mike,

it may be impressive if I ever finish it Basic hull, turret done, wheels done and some detailing in the drivers position. I had started casting track links but wasn't really happy with them so it ground to a halt

Hope you don't mind if I point out something with the drivers seat

The back folds down flat to the rear to allow access to the main hull area via that bulkhead. When the seat back is upright there are thin bars on either side of the frame that end up diagonal from seat back down to front floor frame to lock it in place

View attachment 360967

Simon,
I have a small box with all the bits in it, and among those are two short lengths of brass strip - I now know what I put them in the box for... been thinking they were scrap. Will now try to add them...

Cheers, Mike.

 

[SimonT]

Hi Mike - you can just see the small pins on each side of the rear frame below the back cushion that the side rails clip over to hold the frame up

 

[Peter Gillson]

Nice touch on those tension springs.

Peter

 

[JR]

Nothing like some nice leather , looks really good , colours are superb.

 

[MikeC]

Hi Mike - you can just see the small pins on each side of the rear frame below the back cushion that the side rails clip over to hold the frame up

Cheers Simon,
Correction now made.
Cheers, Mike.