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Building the Otter

Leaving the top and upper rear plate off, I then tackled the interior. While the basic kit does come with the seat mounts and gear shifter cover in PE, support brackets are part of the LZ Models detail set. It should also be noted that the interior of the model is not complete, missing are the weapon rack, battery boxes, and stowage bins. If you are using the LZ Models detail set, I found it easier to mark the side walls for location, than glue these parts in. Once dry you can fit the upper parts, while dry fitting the roof to ensure proper fit.

Aligning the front grills can be a daunting process, I am still up in the air about the best way to do it. For the Otter build I chose to attach the upper front hood part first, then attach the grill parts starting at the top. You will have watch the size of the grill parts as the four parts are actually two different lengths. Once they are sanded, and fit into place you can install the lower from hull part.

The top conical armor shield has been a bit of a discussion due to the fact it is photo-etched and has to be formed. This is not as daunting as it looks, just need a little planning, lighter or torch, a rod, and rubber matt. Holding the part with an insulated pair of needle nose pliers, I used my micro-torch to heat the piece of metal until it glowed red. After this has cooled, the metal will be a more pliable. Placing the part on a soft rubber mat, I used an spare mouse pad I had laying around, then starting in the middle, I started rolling the rods back and forth, this will cause the part to start to curve. I took my time to ensure I formed a good circle. Once I had the basic shape, I bend the flanges at the opening, and then mounted on the plastic round shield base with CA. Hey Presto, shield formed.

I then moved on to completing the bars and seat, again the PE detail ammunition bins are from the LZ Models detail set. If using this set, mount the bins after installing the shield and set assembly through the top, as the bins will not fit through the hole.