The Sd.Kfz.261 5.Serie chassis work has slowed down pending the arrival of other parts. The gearbox is already restored and awaiting fitting. The differential requires a new set of wheel gears internally.
The fenders for both the Sd.Kfz.222 4.Serie and Sd.Kfz.223 3 and 4.Serie are being plotted currently. The original examples have been fitted to the bodies to confirm the position of the fixing bolt hole positions in the drawings. The fenders be started on once the drawings are checked against the trial fittings on the bodies. The gearbox for the Sd.Kfz.222 4.Serie has been assembled with new bearings and seals. The exterior will unfortunately have to be cleaned of all remaining small paint fragments and rust. There is simply not enough paint surviving on the case to warrant conserving it so we made the decision to paint it in the scientifically matched treatment determined by our paint conservation partners at Lincoln Conservation.
The work on the air filters for the Sd.Kfz.222 4.Serie, Sd.Kfz.223 3.Serie and Sd.Kfz.223 3.Serie chassis has continued albeit slower as the team member responsible was away this week. The casings should be completed next week. The radiators for the 3 armoured cars were completed this week. The two exact newly fabricated examples will be painted to a matched original sample taken from the Sd.Kfz.222 4.Serie.
The hard working sand blaster is receiving major attention this week. It has experienced problems since we separated the Fabrication and Final Assembly workshops. The last piece of attention will be administered by a specialist electrician next week.
The new exhibition hall is being clad with an additional internal cavity insulation layer and ply wall to provide as much protection against the elements. There will be additional snap heating and humidity control as needed. The new wall will be caulked and painted and the necessary plug sockets fitted when the work is complete. The decision thereafter will be which vehicles will take up permanent residence in the new accommodation.
