The hatches on the Leopard seem strange to me since they do not function (mine don't, anyway-one glued, one screwed). [] All of the other Tamiya tanks that I have owned had hinged hatches. [sm=50_50.gif] So, I drilled out the base and glued in a stainless pin/shaft, painted the top flat black (different color than Tamiya NATO black [:@], but I have paint ordered) and used an 'e' clip to keep it from coming all the way out. It isn't perfect, but it functions. Some of you other guys may have come up with something better, but this is the best that I can do with my own brain. Now, I have to figure out how to hinge the loader's hatch, if that is even possible.

Two questions:

1) My tank is missing a part on the rear of the turret that apparently holds the spool drum when in use...mine is mounted inside. Has anyone else mounted theirs outside of the turret, or does it stay 'stowed' most of the time?

2) Is there an aftermarket part for the Hoffman mortars or do I have to scratch build it?

Thanks!
Chad