Panzer II “Luchs” - Weeks 52-57

Welding up the aufbaus and motor covers on Panzer II Luchs builds, Alpha and Omega. See.... It looks way better with Stainless steel bulky welds.

It is important to be able to position the parts to be reasonably level and horizontal when welded. The stainless runs like water when molten. We manipulate the weld to be done so that the flow results in correct looking welds.

Coming together. You can see the engine cover in place and where the armored air intakes will cover the rectangle openings. Alpha is this coded with blue blobs. Omega with yellow. So we don't mix up the components.

Lovely welds. It's the rounded heavy look we're going for. Compare to the original.

Engine decking/housing with air intakes and radiator fan outflow.

Great view of the air intake for the engine/radiators. We couldn't have hoped for more authentic looking welds. Super Happy !!!

Notice the drip rail being installed. Most gaps around doors and hatches didn't get rubber seals. These are little gutters will catch the water and channel it out the bottom of the hull via rubber hose.

New Panzer builder "Joey" uses his artistic side to indicate where we will add these production strikes. Original German armor was covered with the little strikes.

What are those little lines in random places all over the armor?

Vision port looking from the side of the aufbau. Sehklappe 30 (here missing the outer cover).

Internal view where the glass visor (panzerglas or sehlblock) slides into, will show a video of how this works. If the housing is damaged you can open the internal parts to replace the glass block without having to remove the entire housing.

Moving heavy bits.

Alpha coming along.

Looks so serious... We're removing the aufbau in order to prime the hull. Finn is loosening bolts with the power of his stare.

Omega getting some work done. Getting ready to get its sides milled like Alpha did.

Putting on the Fahrersehklappe and sehklappe for Funker.

So who can tell me what this is for?

A better look...

Working on the 80 watt mounts to hold the radio in place.

Approx place of the 80 watt upper radio mounts for the housing, placed externally on the roof, also the original Luchs Funkers hatch on top of the repro armor.

Alpha's interior bits primed, waiting final coat of paint, so the dilemma we are going through is what will the interior color be? Any guesses? We know what we are going to do... Follow up pics will show the color..

primed bits.

It's getting serious when we start adding primer and paint...

Here is a preview of the capstone that will be incorporated into Omega. an undamaged original Luchs turret rear plate. It also has original hinges. A mega, ultra rare and special piece.

Correct reproduction cast hinges.

Again with the beautiful welds.