The the other day I was looking through my spare parts and realized that I could build something just from them. So decided to have a bit of fun and see what I could come up with.

The Parts...


Initial Concept...


I settled on using the chain drive from a M26 Recovery Vehicle. The first attempt at fitting the drive was a total failure.



After taking a break and watching my favorite custom car show "Iron Restoration" I change my approach for this build and started thinking of more as a custom car build.

The second attempt was much more successful...





Updated Concept...


That's it for now. Thanks for stopping in!

As someone who has done a few what ifs, I like what you are doing, it's unique. I would raise up the engine deck a little, or are you moving the engine forward?

Yes, Dr. Frankenstein, we villagers will be watching what you do.

Steering linkage and enough space between the steering wheels and the chassi/hull?
Have you considered the axle layout used for the Austrian ADGZ?


Driving axles in the middle could result in having to raise the turret to fit the engine under the turret.
If the rearward drivers poisition is removed the engine fits in the rear.

/ Robin

Interesting concept and drive solution.

Thanks Everyone first of all. Just going to have fun with this and not get stuck in the weeds of being overly logical, but just see where this goes.

Had a productive week and started mocking the upper hull. Since I'm using an M4A4 lower hull and to lengthen the upper...Chop...Chop...Chop...





After that started sorting out the fighting compartment...going for a Jagd-Sherman sort of look...I guess





That's it for today, Thanks for stopping in!

So-far there's a whole lotta Yes to this one.

As a fan of What-ifs, I LOVE it!!

Guys I have seen this up close and trust me, Eric is THE MAN and this looks totally legit!

Fifty thousand thumbs up! I am going to go digging around this afternoon, see what I can gin up from junk too.

Made some great progress again this week. Got the upper mocked up and ready for shaping with epoxy putty next week.

Here is where the Hound sits now...






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Progress continues as I started shaping the upper hull. I used Magic Sculpt epoxy putty. I got quite bit of sanding to do still.







Thanks for stopping in for a look!

Coming along! That is quite some sculpt you threw on there. In its unsanded state it looks almost like this additional concrete armor added by some German StuG crews in the field...

This is such a cool build. I'm looking forward to the finished product.

Just wanted to Thank everyone for stopping in for a quick look and leaving a comment...so...THANKS EVERYONE!

On track for an update on Sunday so please check back.

WOW Eric, this looks like fun ! Great idea !

This would make a great campaign idea. I'm sure we all have a bunch of junk that we could cobble into something fun !


3 out of 3 beers for originality & effort !

Good work & thanks for sharing Eric!

Got the next part of this build done a bit earlier then planned so I figured I'll post the update today...So here it is, the Undercarriage!

How it looked at the start


And after...




And then set it on it's 12 wheels never to be seen again...




Next week I start detailing the topside!

Seriously cool! I love the hull bottom detail - it bodes well for the hull-top stuff yet to come.

Here is my weekly update for this build. Didn't get quite as far as I was hoping (got sidetracked on another small project). Worked on doing up the cast texture using Automotive Bondo and Testers Liquid Glue. Even with the window open and a fan going I still got a little buzzed by the end.







I also started mocking up a base for the finished project.





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Hi Everyone!

This pass week was much more productive as I got most of the details sorted out on the front upper hull. I start on the rear deck this week and then tie all the details together.







Thanks for Stopping In!!

Hi Everyone!!

Here is this weeks update. Getting real close to warping up the construction and moving into the paint phase...Just a few more odds and ends at add.









As always Thanks for Stopping in!

The beast is looking good!

That is really looking cool Eric. Very nice.

Randy

This is a cool, amazing, and plausible looking beast! Keep going.

Thanks Everyone!! This build has been extremely fun and refreshing to not have to worry "too much" about accuracy. Can't wait to get the Hound into the paint shop!