ORIGINAL: swathdiver
I'm sure we'll see your uncle on the Panzerketten forum soon!
As for the ricochets, it's probably because the inner barrel wasn't lengthened. When the round comes out of the stock barrel it tends to arc and it would hit the inside. If the velocity of the gun was increased and the muzzle brake reinforced, ricochets would occur less and not as likely to blow the brake off! If you're not going to shoot, don't worry about it.
Do you have any plans to add the little handles along the fender and storage bin sides? [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6413851/anchors_6413851/mpage_1/key_panzerkampfwagen/anchor/tm.htm#6413851]Panzerkampfwagen M26A1 Pershing - USMC Korea - Build [/link]
Not sure what I'm still going to do. Any modifications will require repainting. Fender braces and mounting holes for the skirts are going to be a must. I'll pass on the hatch periscope and latch because I don't display or run the tank with the hatch open.
I just finished my WSN 1/16 T-34 and will be posting pics soon on another thread.