I just got started converting Tamiya's M5Al to a recce using the Verlinden set. The set is very nice, includes both Resin and pe and has a good instruction sheet. I am in the process of testfitting the resin top on the hull and there is quite a fit problem. Now if I didn't want to have the top removable it could be easily fixed. But there will be some nice interior detail, and I might want to display it with the top off. So as I see it I can either 1. live with the fit, or 2. glue to top in place and get on with the filling and sanding. He's a pic, let me know if anyone has an idea.

Fix the fit.
That way all the fun work from inside will be easily viewable to guys like us.

Let me re-state the delima. I'm not sure I can fix the fit and still keep the top removable.
So I'm looking for ideas on how that might be done. (:-)

Hmmm...

If my eyes are working correctly, it looks like the front of the of the top hull plate, near the hatches is in need of a little tightening-up. Why not glue some thin plastic strip to this area, and slowly sand till it fits snugly.? Just an idea.

Thanks Ken. I have considered that. And it may be the only option.
Chuck

I agree with Kencelot. If you can do this, you can always pop the top and give us a chance to drool and admire your interior work, which I know will be great. It also sort of gives you the feeling of being there.

You have an interesting idea, the removable top. You don't mind if I try it myself?

I agree with everyone else on this one, add some plastic card and sand it down.

Andrew

Thanks guys. I think I've got it looking better now. I'll post a pic in a few days.

Chuck---looks great. Can you tell us the approximate time it has taken so far? I'd be interested in using your allotement of time to try and figure if I should ask for the conversion kit for Xmas.....can I get the AM part number also?
thanks
DJ

DJ,
I had about 1 hr into the project when I took the pic. I had cut down the M5 kit parts and cleaned up some of the resin. I was just checking the fit of the top.
Do you mean you need the kit #'s?
M5 Recon/Command Interior & Exterior is Verlinden kit # 1841 cost $25.00
Tamiya's M5A1 US Light Tank is #35097 probably under $10.00
Chuck

Nice conversion but you should finish it before you post it on the internet or have before and after shots/ pictures of it

2CDO,
The purpose of the Riviet Review Forum is to display in-progress images as you are building a kit, so you can get constructive comments and possibly improve it "before" it's finished.

Jim