22 FineScale Modeler September 2019
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Most of the kit drivetrain was used straight from the box except the
engine. That I cut apart and reassembled to resemble the M1917’s Buda,
which is almost a mirror image of the Renault powerplant.10
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I built a replacement bulkhead with thin styrene detailed with Grandt
Line bolt and rivets and photo-etched brass mesh vents. Taping it to the
frame confirmed the fit before I glued it in place.
Most of the molded bolts were replaced with new heads cut from
hexagonal styrene rod. It’s easy to see how these stand out more like
the originals. The steering laterals sport new knobs made from BB’s.8 9
Be sure to use a straight edge to align the front plates so they appear
correct from the side. Any cant inward or outward and the plates
won’t look right.
The driver’s seat, controls, and shifter were converted or scratchbuilt as
were the exposed control linkages. M1917s lacked the raised floor of
the FT. Instead, a simple piece of bent diamond plate acted as a partial
floor, but it is often removed, so I left it out of my model.
The bulkhead between the engine and fighting compartment needs to
be rebuilt. I cut away everything but the frame using a jeweler’s saw.
The starter crank chain was separated and attached to the transmission.