Being interested in scratch building a Mk IV male or female, can I copy the details of the survivors in Brussels, Aberdeen or Australia?
The reason I ask is that during the restoration process many details or modifications can be added that were not part of the original tank in its service life.
Have any changes been made to these beasts that I shouldn't copy?
My own strong impression about the Brussels Mk IV - the only one I've seen with my own eyes - is that it is NOT restored in any major way. (Beside minor reparations, that is, and the addition of plexi glass in some openings.) It's the real thing. Even the paintjob is the original one. At least that's what I firmly believe.
So using the Brussels Mk IV as a pattern will give you a very accurate Mk IV.
PS. Still mired i work and travel, I haven't been able to update the site, participate in the Forum or even do some modelling for a couple of months now. Sorry about this. Haven't lost interest, simply working too much...
Australia's Mk IV has had two changes made. First, the paint job is currently green. Second, at some time a box has been mounted on the roof just behind the drivers cab position. Dont't know what it's for but it isn't original. Also quite a few of the loophole / pistol port covers are missing.
Australia's Mark IV female tank was delivered new from the Coventry Ordance Works and wasn't modified in any substantial way. As Mark points out, it has been repainted a green colour, although it still carries its original paintwork on the belly and its interior has never been repainted.
I hadn't noticed the box behind the drivers cab before, its funny how you can look at something so many times and not see the obvious until it is pointed out!
Australia's Mark IV female tank was delivered new from the Coventry Ordance Works and wasn't modified in any substantial way. As Mark points out, it has been repainted a green colour, although it still carries its original paintwork on the belly and its interior has never been repainted.
I hadn't noticed the box behind the drivers cab before, its funny how you can look at something so many times and not see the obvious until it is pointed out!
This tank did act as a touring/fund raising tank before it went to the museum and may have been subject to changes/mods in this period. In the attached photo of the tank on tour there is a box visible just behind the cab. There are also other things that look strange it appears to have guy ropes to a mast or something. I also believe that at some stage a platform was fitted to the top of the hull so it could act as a stage for various dignitaries and this might also have involved to minor changes to allow it to be bolted on.
I was hoping the Brussels example was ok to use for a pattern, as the walk-around photos on this site are fantastic. The info on the Australian Mk IV is also very much appreciated. It would have been easy for me to trip up on the changes make to it.
Now with a lot of enthusiasm behind me it's time to go out and purchase the materials needed (still not sure of what scale to try). No probs Phil, I'll take pics along the way and will be very happy to be steered in the right direction.
