Airfix Model World – September 2019

DIORAMA BUILD

M24 CHAFFEE

DIORAMA BUILD

M24 CHAFFEE

26 Airfi x Model World

Surface refinement

Despite the high level of detail

moulded into the styrene, there

was still room for improvement.

The addition of several PE frets

added another level of finesse,

with the track guards and

side skirts receiving the first

replacement brass parts. The

latter were first removed from

the delicate kit parts, made even

more challenging by the thinness

of the plastic and this modeller’s

diminishing eye-sight. Next, the

PE components were test-fitted,

and gave a much better

scale representation,

with tiny securing

brackets adding the

final touch. The

track guards

were then fixed to the hull upper

hull and required just a hint of

filler at the front of the join to

address small gaps.

With these major assemblies

secured, the remaining surface

details were applied. The PE

turret stowage box was a real

highlight, albeit rather fiddly to

fold into shape. Here, the use of

specialised PE folding pliers and

a dedicated ‘Hold and Fold’ tool

was vital to achieve a convincing

result, but it was well worth the

time and effort when compared

with the styrene alternative.

Tank team

Halfway through the build process,

it was decided several crew figures

would enliven the model and help

more challenging by the thinness

of the plastic and this modeller’s

diminishing eye-sight. Next, the

PE components were test-fitted,

and gave a much better

scale representation,

with tiny securing

brackets adding the

final touch. The

track guards

a dedicated ‘Hold and Fold’ tool

was vital to achieve a convincing

result, but it was well worth the

time and effort when compared

with the styrene alternative.

Tank team

Halfway through the build process,

it was decided several crew figures

would enliven the model and help

26 Airfi x Model World

“THE TURNED BRASS

BARREL HELPED

TO ELEVATE THE

ALREADY IMPRESSIVE

LEVEL OF DETAIL”

 The intricate turret stowage box was challenging to build, but an eye-catching addition,

and along with the turned brass barrel helped to elevate the already impressive level of detail.

 Engineering tools were superbly moulded, with even a pick-axe
head and a crow bar to complement the standard equipment.

 Just a hint of filler was required on the leading edge of the track guards to blend the
profile into the main hull; this was one of the few times any major neatening was needed.