A question concerning various heavy weapons.

[Gazza]

Has anyone tried to remove the extra metal from beneath weapon barrels etc.?

If so, how tricky/successful was it? Did you ruin any models?

For example, on this SPG-9.

[Beagle]

No, I have not, but if you paint that bit the same at the surrounding ground color, its honesty hardly noticeable, particularly on tripod weapons.

[pmskaar]

I don't remove the supports from my heavy weapons. I thought about doing it a long time ago but decided against it. Like Beagle says, if you paint the part underneath the tripod or bipod the same color as your basic ground color, it won't be so noticeable.

When playing a game in 1/285th scale, you will generally be viewing these things from top down or top 3/4 view so it won't be too noticeable. Of course, you could experiment with removing the offending parts and see if the time and effort to do so is worth it to you.

While I don't remove the supports from my heavy weapons and other similar things, I do drill own tank gun barrels, Mortar barrels and even the back of RPGs and other things. It's my thing and I find it is worth my time and effort. Not everyone agrees but ultimately I only have to please myself.

[panzergator]

I clipped the supports from under tank 50cals. I didn't like the look with them.

[Splod]

I clipped the supports from under tank 50cals. I didn't like the look with them.

How'd you go about this? I've been looking at my Magach 3 and wondering how to go about it.

[Gazza]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'm going to paint them the ground colour as suggested. If I had a few spare weapons (and they were mine - the figures in question are for someone else) I might experiment with removing the supports.

P.S. Pete, I hope you're using the currect calibre bits for drilling out your barrels

[panzergator]

I used small clippers and finished off with an x-acto knife. And patience.

[pmskaar]

Hi Gazza!

Of course I use only the correct caliber drill bits. You know, I don't want anyone accusing me of trying to pass off a 75mm gun barrel as a 76mm gun barrel.
LOL!

[redleg]

Well now I'm going to have to try to remove the excess pewter from some machine guns!

[Cav Dog]

I have done it in the past, primarily on tripod mounted MGs using micro files. I find that using exacto knives or clippers tends to bend the remaining barrel too much.

[redleg]

That looks cool!

[Brigade Commander]

After causing major damage to a couple of 5" gun barrels I stopped doing that to my destroyers. I have sometimes painted that bit a little darker than the rest of the turrets and barrels. From my viewing perspective I find it unnoticeable.

My Mech infantry dismounts are M-60 gunners in a prone position and the underside is hidden by the grass. Heavier weapons are on the M-2's / M-3's and M-1A1's. And, of course, the M-109's, M-110's and MLRS. If you are going to bring heavy weapons...

...bring HEAVY weapons!