170 - The initial large block of polystyrene is placed on a purpose-built screed-table (article in Fine scale modeler mag.Feb.2002), and covered in fibreglass.
171 - Additional coates of tinted fibreglass are added, and also aluminium rings.
172 - Rings are also made for under the roof opening, to give the correct profile for the cupola.
173
174 - The hatch on the screed table, upside down.
175 - The hatch, right side up, and after final fibreglassing.
176 - Episcope covers shown stacked.
177 - The underneath of the cupola proves very tricky to replicate, especially the 7x openings for the episcopes, as they are of a differcult profile!
178 - Note the cut-out underneath for the hatch-lifting-arm.
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181
182 - The episcope covers in place. I lost count how many times I lifted the cupola up and had it temporarily installed upon the roof to check the fitting!
183
184 - Shown is a temporary AA-rail, and hatch arm installed.
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187
188 - Note the small recesses underneath to house the rectangular-rubber seals that are fitted to each of the 7x episcopes.
189
190 - The episcope covers, all sanded, primed and ready for final installation.
191
192 - The covers in place, and initial weld beads added. Note the 2x tubes for the Kdr.s weather-shield, catch for the lock, and the 3x drainage-slots.
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194 - Top left is the hatch-stop, welded behind a cover.
195 - The hatch in the closed position.
196 - Underneath the Kdr.s hatch, with its black padded lining to protect his head while viewing through the episcopes with the hatch closed.
197 - Cupola again in temporary position. Note the lower track brackets in place, and the "original" track-link and top bracket!
198 - To the left a mock-up of the proposed turret-bin, and in the foreground is the round cover for the "close-defence-weapon".
199 - The hatch arm assembly which I am currently working upon, showing the hatch in the open position.
200 - All of the welds are again gone over and built-up to the correct original pattern.
201
202 - All these components are still in the process of construction and refinement…..and it seems that as new details are learned, the work will continue!