The Eva Project, p8, floor plate

01 - Following lots of research and planning, a large sheet of aluminium is fixed to the circular wooden table. Also a steel band is fixed to its outer edge.

02 - After careful markings are made, the long endeavour of adding the many thousands of "nails" are added through the aluminium and into the wood. This was spread over several sessions to ease the task! As I have a small section of original floor-plate (100mmx100mm) I was able to use this as a pattern-guide.

03 - The underneath of the table, with extra supports added.

04 - A disc is also attached underneath for strength.

05 - I would love to know just how many "nails" have been used?

06 - Nearing completion of the nailing sessions.....

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08 - Initial primer undercoat paint is applied.

09 - Following that,the red-oxide primer is added. Note the centre hole is nearly double the height of the outer edge-as was the case on the original turrets floor.

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11 - The lifting handle for the loaders side hatch door,proved a challenge to make!

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13 - All the fittings are in place.

14 - Oblong bracket is for a "20ltr.water jerrycan". The smaller bracket held the "88 gunners breech tools and spares box".The conduit held the junction-cable.

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17 - A "German 1944 20ltr. wasser kannister" in place, along with a "Panther gunners breech/toolbox". Alas I do not own a Tiger's version-that would be the same size, but with a different stencil marking to its lid!

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19 - The finished floor-plate in position,and propped-up onto a wooden pallet at the correct height of 1570mm from floor top to the inside roof. Unfortunately this is an uncomfortable height to work within the turret for me!

20 - The areas blank of the tread-pattern will house further fittings that need to be made.For now I continue work on the outside turret fittings....