Whilst waiting for the numbers to dry, attention was turned to the hull Balkenkreuz, using the 1/48th scale Luftwaffe decals which had now been given a clear coat to hopefully prevent them breaking up, as in the previous attempt. If this didn't work, then I knew I'd have to make a similar stencil mask as used for the numbers, and hand-paint the crosses.
Fortunately, the decals worked, after a fashion, and I was able to move on to painting the Divisional and arm markings, before completing work on the numbers.
PIC 1 Shows one of the crosses, which has bedded-down reasonably well over the 'zimmerit', which had already been given a gloss clear coat in this small area. Once fully set, the decals will receive a matt clear coat to hopefully seal them, and then I'll paint over them in black and white, to ensure the crosses remain in place, as there are signs of cracks appearing, with a possibility that, if not attended to, they'll eventually fall apart !
PICS 2 and 3. Side views showing the completed turret numbers and hull crosses. As previously mentioned, the numbers are far from perfect, but passable enough, especially after they get a coat of dust and grime, and I'm happy enough with them. Incidentally, the number sequence is as follows :- 2 = Second Kompanie. 1 = 1st Zug (Platoon). 2 = tank Nr.2 within the Zug.
PIC 4. The 1st SS Pz decal was found in the spares box, and is at least 42 years old, being from the original Tamiya 1/35th scale Panther kit !
Fortunately, it's over sized for 1/35th scale, but perfect for 1/16th scale. However, it's the earlier version of the unit badge, with a single key, so a second, somewhat shaky key was hand painted. Again, once coated in 'dust', it should pass inspection !
PIC 5. A second, correct decal was located in the spares files, this time from a 1/35th scale PzKfw IV kit. It's somewhat under-sized for this big model, and would normally be located on the hull rear, or perhaps on the 'Feifel' can, but once it's 'dirtied up', it'll probably be difficult to see anyway !
PIC 6. A front view showing the corrected Divisional badge and, on the left in the pic, the arm of service designator, with the rhomboid indicating Panzer, the 'S' within indicating Schwerre, or Heavy, and the '2' at the right indicating 2nd Kompanie.
Again, this is rather rough, as my hands and wrists were really giving me some stick by this stage, so i'll have a go at improving it at a later stage.
Next step is to paint the road wheel 'tyres', then clean-up, paint and fit the accessories, in the way of cables and tools, before doing some detail painting, basic weathering and wear, and then adding grime and stains, with an overall coat of 'dust'.
Back soon with another up-date, and possibly the completed 'conversion'.
Thanks again for your interest and kind comments.