GHQ Models Forums

I`ve drilled out the hatches of some of my Shermans both Turret and hull hatches. I`ve placed some figurines 285 scale into the openings and now I`d like to replace the hatch covers. The hull hatches are oval types and the turret is circular. With what or how can I replace the hatch covers? Also I`m going to try and cut up some tracks from my German tanks and place them on my Shermans has anyone done this yet or trying to do this? I`m trying to do some tanks like my old regiment the Fort Garry Horse had done in WW2 .

Easiest way to make 1/285th scale hatch covers is to use small plastic spru from your plastic model scrap or you can go to your local hobby shop and find the shape closest in the small scale plastic rod available from several suppliers. After you find the size that works for your vehicles you need to take a very sharp blade and shave off a thin slice to make the hatch. By offsetting the cut you can make ovals or by cutting at exactly 90 degrees you will make a perfect circular hatch cover...

Works every time with a little practice, but takes a steady hand to shave the thin slice of plastic off the rod.

Will

I also have an idea, found out by accidently drilling all the way thru a KV-1 turret. Luckly the drill went right thru the center of the turret hatch. I cut off the head of a nail 1/2 by 19 wire nails. the head of the nail works out to be just the right size. painted down you can not even tell. Also it could be used to be placed on as a opened hatch. Just my two cents worth.

Fullmetaljacket

I bought a punch set from a tool vendor at a model railroad show with just this purpose in mind. Fairly cheap set -- if I recall correctly, I paid about $7 for it. I figure for punching "soft" plastic, such as the plastic used in GHQ's "bubble" packs, and using my cutting pad as a backing, the punch set should last a while. Hopefully, the punch set has one close to the size I will need...

Waldron Industries used to make a punch and die set that was well regarded -- but it was also somewhat pricey. They've gone out of business. However, I believe that someone else picked up and is marketing that set; again, if I recall correctly, the price is somewhere around $40-$45 USD. Still pricey... but sometimes, you just gotta have the right tool for the job!

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Tom Stockton

Agree Tom you do have to have the right tools for the right job. On another question can anyone lead me in the right direction for a small drill press that would work in holding micro down firmly as i work with them? I know some where in my long list of gaming supply sites i have seen one, but for the life of mei cant remember where. Would greatly appreciate any help on the matter.

Fullmetaljacket

oh and by the way tom how much snow are you all planning on getting tonight? We are loking to get 12 plus inches up here in the warsaw area.

fullmealjacket

FMJ,

The weather guys and gals are "waffling" pretty good on the snow total -- I guess just to the south of Indianapolis they're getting more sleet / freezing rain than snow. I think "best guess" right now is 6" - 8" -- which is nowhere near what those poor folks in upstate New York are getting!

Stay home if you can... and stay safe if you have to get out in the weather!

Regards,
Tom

Thanks for the information guys. I will try to find a punch or something else. Right now I`m drilling out the holes with a pinvise and different size bits. I do believe that my Shermans with the crew inside make it look very realistic. I`ve cut some tank tracks and placed them on the front of the Shermans. Hopefully I can do the hatches correctly but at that scale who`s gonna know. Glad I live up here in Winnipeg you have the snow we have the -30 to -40 degrees.

fullmetaljacket wrote:Agree Tom you do have to have the right tools for the right job. On another question can anyone lead me in the right direction for a small drill press that would work in holding micro down firmly as i work with them? I know some where in my long list of gaming supply sites i have seen one, but for the life of mei cant remember where. Would greatly appreciate any help on the matter.

Fullmetaljacket

Try Squadron. I remember seeing a hand vise in the back of their latest catalog. It looks perfect for 1/72 and 1/35, I don't know if it will work for 1/285 though.

Micro Mark has a Universal Clamp which would work well for holding individual pieces. It is not cheap -- currently on sale for $28.75 (from it's usual $35.99). But I imagine it would work very well!

Regards,
Tom Stockton


http://www.micromark.com/

On the left side, click on Clamps, Jigs & Fixtures, Specialty Tools

Then click on Clamps

Then scroll down to Universal Clamp, item # 21129

Yep, that's the one!