Thanks Vic.
Some progress, and a little set-back, but getting close to completing the trailer and tractor, as described below.
The "Clark" Tractor & ammo trailer - Part Three.
The steering column problem has been sorted. The mounting bracket was thinned slightly, and then attached to the bulkhead, a slightly fiddly, time-consuming exercise. The bulkhead was then slotted into position, before the cement on the steering column had fully set, and the base of the column aligned and cemented into the hole in the floor.
Once happy with the angle and fit, the bulkhead was secured by running TET around the lower joints.
Note that I got this kit without decals, so the instrument panel has just been painted and dry-brushed.
The tractor, and the wheels, have been "dirtied", and a little paint scuffing added, with the dirt colours corresponding to the surface colour intended for the diorama base, in this case, the concrete taxiway and dispersal hard stand. ( the taxi tracks and hard stands at Old Buckenham were / are a light, sandy-brown concrete colour).
Next step on the tractor is to fit the main body section, gear lever and hand brake, the seat, and front and rear panels.
The steering wheel, lamps and wheels will be fitted after the decals have been applied, in order to avoid damage when handling.
The trailer is almost complete, with the body, chassis and draw bar "dirtied" .The load bed has had some paint scuffing and dirt added, and the wheels have been fitted, after again adding some "dirt" to the tyres and rims.
Whilst fitting the wheels / axle, I had a slight mishap, when my hand slipped and the outer right side of the front horizontal laths snapped off !
I'm hoping that I can remove the broken laths without too much damage to the surrounding area, and then replace them and re-paint.
Once that's done, the tail lamp lenses will be painted, and the electrical cable added. I'm not sure about decals yet, as they probably won't settle into the "planking" very neatly, but I might have a try.
Once the trailer is totally completed, then the ammo load will be sorted and eventually placed onto the load bed.
Pics show the progress (and mishap !) so far, and I'll be back with another up-date soon.
Thanks again to all for the interest, comments and likes, and I was quite surprised to notice that there have been 8,000 views so far !!