Constructing the flailNow the Airfix flail chains are completely straight. That is quite rediculous, as even during flailing these chains were bent by the rotating force. This picture shows how the Airfix model would look when built straight OOB.
And here a real Crab in action. The chains are not straight at all.
But I deciced to build the flail in a resting/transport position, like on this picture, as I think it is too difficult to depict the dynamic effect of a rotating flail in a static model.
As I showed already, my first step was.....
To cut off all the chains from the drum.
Then it was quite a job to glue, file, fill and sand the six parts of the drum to a smooth looking cylinder without seams. I drilled out the attachment points of the chains to preserve their exact locations during sanding, and to provide good attachment point for glueing the chains back later on.
I decided to use the original Airfix chains, as they are reasonably on scale, are moulded as chains and have the little ball on the end. An alternative would be to use jewellers chain, but it looks often overscale, and the type of chain is different. So I softened the chains in hot water above a candle, and bent them into the desired shapes.
Then they were glued back to the drum, row by row.
The final result, with all chains in position.
And a dryfit with the flail arms.
Now the flail mechanism has to be attached to the Sherman hull. But I think I have to attach the wheels and tracks first, as the flail will be in the way. So I am deliberating a bit about the order of build.