How do I scratchbuild US Sherman headlight guards? I don't like to buy PE cause they're very expensive (and it will took about 2 months before reaching here). I tried using foil but it didn't work. Tried thinning the plastic down but it cut's itself apart. Anyone got a good template?

i dont like PE for the light guards, its too hard to bend,

i make a template from the PE parts in dml shermans then cut my own from thick aluminium foil from pie dishes.

if you want i can try and make you a template?

cheers

joe

Wow!! Thanks! Can you make me one? I can't get accurate dimensions cause I don't have a caliper here.

hey greatbrit, i also need a template, could i bother you to send me a copy to? if so PM me and i will get you my email address.....thanks

why not use the kit parts as a template to make a thinner copy?
Cheers,
Br yan

Like a few others, I am not a fan of over priced photo etched, and prefer making my own if possible. I get a lot more personal satisfaction from scratchbuilding such simple things.
Most guards were nothing more than either round or flat stock welded together, and are really pretty simple to make up following the kits parts, to get a general idea of the shape and size.
This doesn't mean I never use photo etch, because I do, but not if I can make it myself. besides being a rather grumpyoldman, I'm also cheap as dirt, or as the old American saying, I squeeze a nickel until the buffalo ...... well that's before a lot of folks time, but I remember buffalo nickels...... LOL