I kinda put this project on the back-burner while I await the delivery of the replacement metal 45mm guns (coming from Poland). But I couldn't resist tinkering with the other 'not so good' aspect of this simple kit - the engine's 'blank' air outlet cover grill, this should have a mesh cover, but Pegasus have fudged this feature.
As it happened, I had bought some scale model mesh material - by Plus Model - and so I thought I might as well rectify Pegasus's omission.
The mesh material is available of different gauges - to suit different scales - and mesh patterns. They are also made out of different materials - some metallic and some, as in this case, a nylon mesh.
You simply cut out a patch of the material to suit your needs - you have to be a little careful as the nylon mesh has a tendency to fray...
I cut an oversized patch and glue it into place - using PVA glue - to help prevent the edges fraying. Then I trimmed the excess away with a razor blade (excuse the terrible photography)...
Even though I was careful I ended up losing the top row of my mesh, were this a display kit I would have had to start again! But as this is just for war gaming I decided to let it past as when it's painted I reckon you might not notice it.
So, there you go. If you have a radiator or other metallic grill (or even netting) there is a solution. I should say I hunted around for a cheap alternative, but even my good old stand-by - net curtain - didn't go down to this fine a mesh.
Postscript: Got the mesh painted in its basecoat black. It doesn't look too bad, so I will add this to all the other T-26s in my forth-coming unit. Just needs some dry-brushing to finish it off...
Good camo !!
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