A week of steady progress across multiple vehicles as we prepare for our Spring Members Open Day next Friday.
COLLECTION HALL
We’ve been moving parts and rearranging the collection hall to create more space. The Sd.Kfz.250/3 Ausf.B has now been moved into the main workshop – exciting times ahead.
TWC & WEALD SD.KFZ.223
Work continues on components for both vehicles. We’ve started manufacturing the radiator ‘Rollvorhang’ blind rollers and the canvas material for the blinds. These will be painted Dunkelgrau and mounted once everything is ready.
Alex has also been making the engine hatch catches for the Wheatcroft Collection vehicle – new parts copied from the originals.
STURMGESCHÜTZ III
The Schürzen (side skirts) are now back on. The vehicle just needs a good clean in preparation for Tankfest.
JAGDPANTHER
Good news – the condenser was indeed the culprit. Martin replaced the condenser and the set of points in the left-hand magneto, as the points were burnt up due to the faulty condenser.
While carrying out this work, we removed the coolant pipes for access and discovered some small rust holes. We’re now repairing these before refitting. More maintenance to come before we run it again.
RESEARCH UPDATE
This week we released information about the Balkenkreuz specifications for tanks from July 1939 – Anlage 1 from the same document that covered armoured cars.
Meanwhile, Terry has been experimenting with the dark grey and dark brown colours to see how they look before we commit to painting the Sd.Kfz.223.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next week we’ll continue work on the Jagdpanther and possibly tackle the camouflage on the Sd.Kfz.223. Final preparations for our Spring Members Open Day on Friday 8 May will also be underway.
A reminder to members: tickets are almost fully booked. If you haven’t reserved yours yet, please do so quickly before they’re all gone.
