Hi Everyone
This is my tribute build to Mr T. Unfortunately, it cannot go into the GB as it is over 50% compete. So, look at this and Rick's Zis Fuel Truck as the appetiser before the main event at the beginning of November.
:thumb2:
Simon helped me out on all my builds from either answering a question or doing a full build together. There are signs of his influences in all my builds and I would like to show you those in my finished scratch build.
Now, no build would be the same without a bit of pewter!:smiling2: Simon introduced me to pewter when I started making my own rivets. He then explained how I could use it for many other applications. Here for example is a support strap on the inside of the Stug.
On the left-hand side of this next photo you will notice a grab handle. Mr T showed me how to make the flat bases of the handle by squeezing the wire in a pair of flat nosed pliers. Probably the best tool Simon got me to buy.
We had some fun when Simon introduced me to the world of Compass Cutters.
My first project that I used them on was building a limber for the B4 Russian Howitzer. I said the compass cutter made my fingers very sore. His reply was “Oh yes, we must suffer for our art:smiling2: I have had so many blisters from compass cutting” he said.:smiling5:
One skill Simon taught me was the art of building up layers to create shapes. Here is an example of Simon’s own work showing this principle.
I then applied the same principles on the gear brake system and here, on the transmission box.
In the early days I did a few builds using PE and always wondered what the small round dents in the PE parts were for.
Then one day Simon wrote on my blog in his own unique style that I needed to add rivets to all the indentations. Now bearing in mind this was on an artillery piece shield with well over 100 rivets I was not too impressed.:smiling5: However, as you know, if Simon says then it had to be done.
This was where my love of all things rivety began. He spoke of his Whippet build which had well over a thousand rivets on it. I thought this was staggering but it was not long before I would be doing the same on my models. He advised me to invest in a punch and die set. When it arrived, he was kind enough to make a holder and base for it from his 3D printer. A true gentleman.
No matter how small the parts, Simon installed the importance in me of detailing. He said it was important to generate the impression of accurate work even if it is not exactly historically correct.
The most poignant part of this build was the ammo box.
There would be times when both Simon and I had not come across a certain problem before and we would talk about different solutions and try them out. This was one such occasion. Sadly, Simon never got to see the result.
In all my builds there is a Mr T influence. He taught me so much and helped me in so many ways from teaching skills, researching and buying tools. Above all he was a true friend with infinite patience and generosity. We will all miss him greatly, but I know his memory will carry on in all my future builds.
I am so looking forward to Simon's Tribute GB which is due to kick off in November. It will be great to see all your builds and hear about your tales and experiences that you had with Simon.
I wish you all the best and happy modelling
Steve Jones
This is my tribute build to Mr T. Unfortunately, it cannot go into the GB as it is over 50% compete. So, look at this and Rick's Zis Fuel Truck as the appetiser before the main event at the beginning of November.
:thumb2: Simon helped me out on all my builds from either answering a question or doing a full build together. There are signs of his influences in all my builds and I would like to show you those in my finished scratch build.
Now, no build would be the same without a bit of pewter!:smiling2: Simon introduced me to pewter when I started making my own rivets. He then explained how I could use it for many other applications. Here for example is a support strap on the inside of the Stug.
On the left-hand side of this next photo you will notice a grab handle. Mr T showed me how to make the flat bases of the handle by squeezing the wire in a pair of flat nosed pliers. Probably the best tool Simon got me to buy.
We had some fun when Simon introduced me to the world of Compass Cutters.
My first project that I used them on was building a limber for the B4 Russian Howitzer. I said the compass cutter made my fingers very sore. His reply was “Oh yes, we must suffer for our art:smiling2: I have had so many blisters from compass cutting” he said.:smiling5:
One skill Simon taught me was the art of building up layers to create shapes. Here is an example of Simon’s own work showing this principle.
I then applied the same principles on the gear brake system and here, on the transmission box.
In the early days I did a few builds using PE and always wondered what the small round dents in the PE parts were for.
Then one day Simon wrote on my blog in his own unique style that I needed to add rivets to all the indentations. Now bearing in mind this was on an artillery piece shield with well over 100 rivets I was not too impressed.:smiling5: However, as you know, if Simon says then it had to be done.
This was where my love of all things rivety began. He spoke of his Whippet build which had well over a thousand rivets on it. I thought this was staggering but it was not long before I would be doing the same on my models. He advised me to invest in a punch and die set. When it arrived, he was kind enough to make a holder and base for it from his 3D printer. A true gentleman.No matter how small the parts, Simon installed the importance in me of detailing. He said it was important to generate the impression of accurate work even if it is not exactly historically correct.
The most poignant part of this build was the ammo box.
There would be times when both Simon and I had not come across a certain problem before and we would talk about different solutions and try them out. This was one such occasion. Sadly, Simon never got to see the result.
In all my builds there is a Mr T influence. He taught me so much and helped me in so many ways from teaching skills, researching and buying tools. Above all he was a true friend with infinite patience and generosity. We will all miss him greatly, but I know his memory will carry on in all my future builds.
I am so looking forward to Simon's Tribute GB which is due to kick off in November. It will be great to see all your builds and hear about your tales and experiences that you had with Simon.
I wish you all the best and happy modelling
Steve Jones
