So I ordered the set of spent .50 cal rounds by Mission Models and it finally came in the mail today along with the rest of my order. And now, Im looking at the set, and Im thinking ok, now does it come with instructions? Obviously they are on the back and the first thing I notice is the instructions on "bending" the links to get the correct form. Immediatly I say out loud, "How in God's green earth am I going to bend something so small I cant even pick it up with my fingers?"


Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on these little puppies?

yeah..... I haven't tried it yet either......... Not really looking forward to it

I think that the thing that maybe of help is the Mission Models Multi-Tool and a set of bionic eyes.

Good luck,

John

Damn model corporations, you have to buy thier tools in order to use thier parts. Damn commies.

Hey Zach I had the same delima As I was pondering the way to do it My eyes came across my brass rod stock and I just happened to have the right diameter as the .50's

1 Cut two pieces of Brass rod and place the 1st link underneath the two pieces, centered.
2 Press down on the brass and use a photo-etch blade or Exacto etc..under each side of the link to start the bend.
3 Use a small blunt tool to complete the bend.
4 Pull link from brass rod and repeat

I know it sounds time-consuming and cumbersome but it is well worth it, I used some on my t-34 recovery to represent Dska spent rounds ( sometimes u have to improvise for lack of product)

Hope this helps.......................Drew

I have done these, I will say it is not for the faint of heart. If you have high blood presure do not attempt this at home!

It is best done in front of a desk mounted magnifier.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/yhst-39233248061156_1880_1429704

This photo is worth a thousand words...

However, since you have the spent shells you job is a bit easier. You only need to bend the clips, you don't insert the shells. Get yourself a couple of brass rods the same di as the shell casings. Work the two prong side first. I use a razor blade to start the fold holding the brass rod on top of the clip. and then use minature pliers to finish the complete roll. After that lay done your second brass rod paralell to the other leaving the first rod in place, this repeat the action.

Good luck mate it isn't easy! Once you get the hand of it, it isn't too bad.

Guys your help is worth is weight in gold. Especially that picture Paul, it really gives me a feel for what I have to do. And yeah, I dont think I would be sane if I had to do the rounds inside the links lol

I am glad it was worth the effort, as you'll want to re-use your links on a US based vehicle. The Dshk used nondisintegrating belts, which must be reloaded by hand.

Thanks for the dska tip RESEARCH DOES PAY OFF OR POINTERS FROM OTHER MODELERS THANX DREW

Seems that Mission models are having are having a clearance sale for their .50 cal shells...Going at $5 a set. Any of you guys can confirm this?

Their last update was in September last year..

Yup, you can get their shells for $5 a bag... I ordered a month ago and the clearance was still on.

Mario.

I ordered some more last week and they were still $5, but the trick is you HAVE TO GO TO THEIR CLEARANCE SITE. ON THE REGULAR SITE THEY ARE LISTED AT $16...

Excellent.....time to spend some $$$