Tamiya 1/35 Challenger 1 (MK.3) British Main Battle Tank.

[Martinnfb]

There is this as an option

https://www.scorpion-miniature-models.co.uk/product-page/smm3546A-challenger-1-and-2-era-toe-armour

[BlrwestSiR]

I think I see the problem. It looks like it's upside down.  

If you can get it off the model, see if that works.

Edit: and @Martinnfb noticed it before me. 

Edited December 13, 2025 by BlrwestSiR

[RalphSarc]

22 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Hi Ralph, it seems that the perforated part D14 is supposed to be placed upside-down with the holes in the lower part, yours is in the upper.

That I did! I fiddled with it for an hour trying to make it fit. My solution was incorrect to say the least. Not sure I can remove it now without destroying the model front. May have to stay that way!

[Martinnfb]

Here's a picture of Mk.3 without the front armour.

[belugawhaleman]

Sorry to hear of the mix-up with front armor. Hope you can fix it. Was surprised to see the external drum

fuel tanks---I mean, how Soviet !  BTW.......where did you get those blue clamps ?

Paul

[belugawhaleman]

6 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Here's a picture of Mk.3 without the front armour.

A situation so much like the video I watched on You tube about the same kit.....is this a common mistake?😀 Everything sounds

so familiar.....

[Martinnfb]

Mistakes happened , I would rip it off and build it without it as per the provided picture. Its an easy way out and you don't see them build like that very often, or never.

[belugawhaleman]

Well, or buy another kit...start over. I saw the same kit on EBAY for under $30. US. It looks like a nice kit for its age.

I considered getting one the other day. After watching the video I mentioned. Then this build appeared. I don't know about British Armor. 

 

[belugawhaleman]

2 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Mistakes happened , I would rip it off and build it without it as per the provided picture. Its an easy way out and you don't see them build like that very often, or never.

Bravo my thoughts exactly. 😀

[belugawhaleman]

A virtual transcript how clever!!!!!

[RalphSarc]

5 hours ago, belugawhaleman said:

Sorry to hear of the mix-up with front armor. Hope you can fix it. Was surprised to see the external drum

fuel tanks---I mean, how Soviet !  BTW.......where did you get those blue clamps ?

Paul

Oh my goodness I’ve had those clamps for years. Years ago someone either here or on Flory had a small cottage industry making them and I bought a dozen. Sadly he’s long since gone out of business!

[RalphSarc]

8 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Here's a picture of Mk.3 without the front armour.

I’m not sure I can get them off at this point!!

[RalphSarc]

2 hours ago, belugawhaleman said:

Bravo my thoughts exactly. 😀

I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the picture and advice.

[RalphSarc]

Saved by a pair of pliers and a quick snap, lol!!! I was totally surprised how easily it came off!!! Problem solved!!!

[BlrwestSiR]

Well, I'd say that's a nice recovery. 

5 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Mistakes happened , I would rip it off and build it without it as per the provided picture. Its an easy way out and you don't see them build like that very often, or never.

They certainly do. One of my Spitfires is missing the entire right cockpit sidewall. Didn't notice until I found it on the bench after the model was completely finished. 

[RalphSarc]

9 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Well, I'd say that's a nice recovery. 

They certainly do. One of my Spitfires is missing the entire right cockpit sidewall. Didn't notice until I found it on the bench after the model was completely finished. 

I was really surprised that I was able to remove it so easily!! Score one for me, lol!!

[RalphSarc]

Alright back from my holiday break and ready to finish this Challenger. Oh and I also started a Tamiya 1/35 M26 Pershing kit!

[RalphSarc]

Securing the turret storage boxes in step 20 plus one upper hatch!

[RalphSarc]

I started this build 8/27/2025 and finally finished the build portion of the kit today!!! 
Happy to finish so I can at last send it to the paint shop!

[GusMac]

Like many of our Brit designs, it won't win many beauty contests but functional and badass

[RalphSarc]

15 hours ago, GusMac said:

Like many of our Brit designs, it won't win many beauty contests but functional and badass

I agree! Definitely futuristic in every way. Wouldn’t want to be in front of one!!!

[PanzerWomble]

16 hours ago, GusMac said:

Like many of our Brit designs, it won't win many beauty contests but functional and badass

& still the longest tank on tank kill in history , 5100m , Feb 1991 ....RSDG for the win ! 

[RalphSarc]

11 hours ago, PanzerWomble said:

& still the longest tank on tank kill in history , 5100m , Feb 1991 ....RSDG for the win ! 

Thats quite the shot!!

[RalphSarc]

My paint shop crew sprayed a Styntlrex black and gray shadow base coat on the Challenger yesterday in preparation for its multi layered color coat later this week.