Step 4: Gun Turret Assembly

Begin assembling the Mark-48 turrets by removing these details as shown here.

To assemble the Mark-48 turrets follow the Zippo Boat tutorial. You will need to build two detail Mark-48 turrets as shown here.

Next begin assembling the M49 turret following these sequences.

I like to start from the back and work my way forward for building the bar armor supports. You will use the kit supplied styrene rod, which is slightly bigger in diameter.

Work your way around until you are at the front of the turret.

Another view of the additional supports on the front of the turret. Also notice the position of the gun barrel, MG barrel and gun sight on the turret mantlet.

Detailed shot of the M49 turret. Notice the armor plates on the bottom of the turret. You can add these now or later in the next step.

To build the bar armor surrounding the turret use the same technique that you used to build the Mark-48 bar armor, by stripping a piece of styrene rod through your finger tips so it will bend. Then measure, cut and glue into position.

The assembled bar armor on the turret. If you follow the kit supplied template when building the support arms you should have no problems obtaining these same results.

Another view of the completed bar armor. Please notice throughout the tutorial the position of the small parts that go on the turret like the antenna supports, lifting hooks, MG pintle, etc.

The completed M49 turret with barrel and M2HB attached.

Another shot of the completed turret. Next we will mount all the turrets on the boat.