A7v "herkules" Build thread

[paperpanzer]

After finishing another colour scheme for my A7v series and with the encouragement of one of my beta testers, I thought I would take a few pictures of this model to make a build thread.

 

[paperpanzer]

First things first parts 1-3 the main gun. Not the smallest parts but not far off

The first picture are all the parts from left to right parts 3 - 2 - 1

Part 1 is glued into part 2 and both are then both are set onto part 3

 

[paperpanzer]

Onto the main body

 

[paperpanzer]

Decisions decisions..

there is an option on the model to fit a back plate behind the Mg ports to give more of a 3d effect.

When I cut out the back plates I leave a little extra card around the edges to make it easier to glue into place. as long as I don't leave so much as to interfere with any bend or tab.

When removing the hole for the machine gun I outline the hole with a pin before cutting out the hole.

 

[paperpanzer]

All six back plates done & glued into place with the main body scored and bent ready to glue.

 

[paperpanzer]

Now that the main body is dry, on goes the floor.

 

[NOBI]

I have experience from modeler who build my tank's design that hull of model will wrap if model do not have internal former support...your model is in small scale but I think will be better with you have internal former to support that hull.

...just my 2 cents idea

 

[paperpanzer]

I have experience from modeler who build my tank's design that hull of model will wrap if model do not have internal former support...your model is in small scale but I think will be better with you have internal former to support that hull.

...just my 2 cents idea

Hi Nobi

Thanks for the reply, all two cents are very welcome. With the model being 1/72 warping is not such a big problem - but strength is! especially as I'm designing the models to be used for wargames. I've sent one of my models to a wargames club for them to test to destruction but have not heard anything yet. I'll try an internal former on my next version.

Andy

 

[paperpanzer]

Managed to finish the floor and glue the gun assembly in place.

Just thought I'd add a photo of the other A7v's that I'm building as well

from left to right:

Hagen, Schnuck, 3rd prototype for comparison, Herkules and Faust. I need to build a new Faust for a better website photo.

 

[paperpanzer]

On goes the roof, this should make the model more stable

I start gluing from back to front and whilst waiting for the glue to dry I've started on the command cupola.

 

[paperpanzer]

With the roof now finished, next to be glued into place is the command cupola.

The ventalation covers require a laminated insert, using 160gsm the insert has to be laminated twice.

 

[paperpanzer]

I've left the inserts over night to dry, and kept them straight by keeping them in between the pages of a large cook book.

Now that the inserts are dry I trim them to shape and cut out the venterlation cover to go on top.

OOPS! in being a bit over zelous with the knife in cutting out 1 part I cut through two other parts as well! wall1

Guess I'll have to print that page out again Doh.

 

[paperpanzer]

Both vent covers are now complete and fixed into place. Now onto the tracks

For this model I've used the single part track assembly.

 

[paperpanzer]

With the tracks on & dry on go the tow hook covers both back and front pairs.

With those all dry it's time to start cutting out the optional doors and windows. These parts give an added 3D effect

 

[paperpanzer]

Additional parts for the rear, left hand side and command cupola

 

[paperpanzer]

Side view of the command cupola once all the hatches and windows in place

 

[paperpanzer]

On go the suspension shields...

Only to find out I've got the camouflage on the rear shield wrong :cry:

But it should just be a 5 minute job to change... well maybe 10.

 

[paperpanzer]

Now for a little word on machine gun's..

With building 6 A7v's in a row I thought I would all the Mg's at the same time and make a few spares..

43 Mg's later maybe it was not such a good idea

I construct the Mg by:

1, cutting out and rolling the barrel
2, cutting out the mg cover in strips
3, gluing the cover onto the barrel
4, trimming the cover to size
5, The Mg's are the last item to be glued into place, once dry I finally attach the muzzle

 

[paperpanzer]

All six Mg's are now fixed in place and the main gun, a little difficult to see in the photo's but the last part I glue into place are the two side steps and..

Finished!!

Well not quite I've fixed the suspension shield but still have to take a decent Photo for the site before I can put this one up for sale

 

[Soaring]

Excellent job! I love the textures!