Just started working on my first model, a Tamiya Panther Ausf A, and I noticed that the plastic barrel is warped. I would like to build this one straight out of the box so that I can develop my skills before going after the add-ons. i.e. aftermarket barrel etc. Is there any way to fix this problem? Maybe some hot water to soften the plastic a bit ? I really enjoy the forum and especially like the pictures of the outstanding work. Thanks guys.
Welcome to FSM [#welcome]
Warped barrel [|(] I have never had a warped barrel, I guess its one of those situations were I would get an aftermarket barrel ( Eduard ). But maybe someone else can give you a piece of good advice.
Hot water, do it in stages and BE PATIENT (I broke mine). Heat it up and straighten a little then cool it, repeat. I tried to do mine all at once causing the above mentioned break. If you want to see my Tamiya Ausf. A check out the Panther group build, page 101. It’s not OOB but you sure can make it look OK.
Try bending it in a bath of really hot water.
Sometimes the halves can be curved, but will straighten when glued together. One other thing that works really well is to insert a piece of brass rod or tubing inside the barrel when you glue it together. It will keep the barrel straight. I did this for the big M107 Italeri kit–worked perfectly.
Gip Winecoff
yea glue em’ together and then tape the halves ,with scotch tape , together for drying , they may straighten out .
Cant help but i will say[#welcome]
Keep well.
If glueing the halves together doesn’t straighten it out, try taping it to a straight dowel or brass rod so it’s straight then emerse it in very hot water for a few seconds. Then let it cool and see how it looks.
Welcome to FSM Apache Driver … Tamiya has a very good replacement policy, if you want to be patient. Fire off an e-mail to Tamiya America with a descrription of the problem and the part number.
Thanks guys. I’ll try and straighten the barrel before going after a replacement. Tapping into the braintrust sure is helpful in this hobby.
Brad