The Eva Project, p8, floor plate

 

Turret floor
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.
Turret floor
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.
Turret floor
03 - The underneath of the table, with extra supports added.
Turret floor
04 - A disc is also attached underneath for strength.
Turret floor
05 - I would love to know just how many "nails" have been used?
Turret floor
06 - Nearing completion of the nailing sessions.....
Turret floor
07
Turret floor
08 - Initial primer undercoat paint is applied.
Turret floor
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.
Turret floor
10
Turret floor
11 - The lifting handle for the loaders side hatch door,proved a challenge to make!
Turret floor
12
Turret floor
13 - All the fittings are in place.
Turret floor
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.
Turret floor
15
Turret floor
16
Turret floor
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!
Turret floor
18
Turret floor
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!
Turret floor
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....