This is definitely a "newb" question, but I would REALLY appreciate a good "how to" on how to make a 1:16 plastic kit barrel look it's best (??)

I am beginning my first armor build ( 1:16 T34/85 ), and have searched high & low for an after-market barrel with no success, so, it looks like I'm going to have to do my best with the "kit" barrel.

I'd like to know the "tips & tricks" to make the plastic barrel look good.........

Jim J.

Someone on here shared a video with me on that.. Let me see if I can find it.

Buy I'll explain for now.

Take your barrel halves, put them together, don't pinch them tightly at this point. Going in 1" increments, apply Tamiya Extra Thin Glue at the joint and let it soak in for about 15 seconds. Use plenty of glue. Then after 15 seconds, pinch that 1" area tightly together. You should see melt styrene squeeze out of that area. Hold it like that for about 30 seconds. Continue that process all the way around.

Once that's done, you don't have a seem to fill, because the melted sprue has done that for you. Now just gently sand away the seem that's protruding.. And it'll help keep you from sanding flat spots into the barrel.

Hope this helps, I'll try to find the link.

Cheers,
Dustin.

Thank You.......I appreciate it
Jim J.

Jim,
DEF Models makes the barrel you're looking for, and Sprue Brothers has it in stock.

Looked on "Sprue Bros.".............I found no 1/16 T-34/85 barrel(??) listed under DEF models stock.

Sorry Jim, I was looking at an outdated page. My bad. I apologize for steering you wrong.

Dustin has given a good tip, just I would add that for sanding you need either a flex-i-file or attach the barrel to something and hold a strip of sanding paper with both hands keeping it curved, so you do not leave flat areas.

Thanks for the link..........handy information.

no prob

Perhaps a good practice would be to try assembling the kit's barrel at the start of construction; if it doesn't turn out well, you have time to order a replacement barrel.