[Paladin18]

I just bought a whole lot of HM's 1:56 and 1:72 Ground Power Series AFVs. I like to display my tanks in my glass cabinets without their display bases, but I'm experiencing some major problem removing the HM tanks from their bases. For some reason, the bases are screwed very tightly to the tanks. Tried different screw drivers - manually and electric types - but the confounded base just can't come off no matter what. Funny thing is that this only happened to my recent HM purchases. Never encountered this problem with my previous HM models. Anyone had similar problems? Any solutions on offer?

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Paladin18

I just bought a whole lot of HM's 1:56 and 1:72 Ground Power Series AFVs. I like to display my tanks in my glass cabinets without their display bases, but I'm experiencing some major problem removing the HM tanks from their bases. For some reason, the bases are screwed very tightly to the tanks. Tried different screw drivers - manually and electric types - but the confounded base just can't come off no matter what. Funny thing is that this only happened to my recent HM purchases. Never encountered this problem with my previous HM models. Anyone had similar problems? Any solutions on offer?

Yes, especially with the Centurion. I had to destroy the mounting to get the model loose. I've had similar problems with Corgi's History Channel aircraft models---same solution--- and it happens, occasionally on other lines. I hope that HM instructs its factory people regarding this issue as it can pose a major problem for collectors and discourage sales.

[Paladin18]

Thanks Epapazian! Out of curiousity, how did you destroy the mounting on the Centurion to get the base to come off? Seems like a major undertaking. Hope it did not cause any damage to your tank.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Paladin18

Thanks Epapazian! Out of curiousity, how did you destroy the mounting on the Centurion to get the base to come off? Seems like a major undertaking. Hope it did not cause any damage to your tank.

I used various heavy duty pliers---I'm not sure what they're called---that I keep handy for this purpose. The process is simple but brutal. I cut---maybe bite is the right term--- diagonal bites out of the base, removing parts of it piece by piece until I get a clear angle on the screw. In this case a bit of twisting at the end of the operation gave me some slack where the screw was attached and I finally got it out using a screwdriver. You are right about damaging the model. It's very easy to do, so great care and patience are needed. I really hope that William reads these posts and corrects this problem.

[Paladin18]

Thanks again! Sometimes the most brutal and direct approach is the most effective. Haha!

I've got 8 HM tanks stuck to their display bases. Looks like it will take me a whole weekend to rip the bases away.

[Paladin18]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I really hope that William reads these posts and corrects this problem.

I'm sure he will as I had deliberately mentioned "HM" in the thread title.

[john from sc]

There is an additional issue--the screws are formidable. I have a small screwdriver that came with a model airplane that seems to work. Still and all, it's a challenge. The other issue is that the treads stick to the base. You have to be very careful to pry them off.

[grunt72]

Originally Posted by Paladin18

I'm sure he will as I had deliberately mentioned "HM" in the thread title.

Bro, I have this problem with HM models as well, also with Dragon tank models. What I do is to get one of those spectacles screwdrivers (Philips Head of course) and then use a good pair of pliers to grip the screwdriver from the back and twist tightly. Using the screwdriver alone will be weak as the grip is not there. This method works 99% of the time with me . i try not to destroy anything as it may cause collateral damage hehe...

Give it a shot.

[23enigma61]

i use a similar screwdriver,grunt72,to good effect,i unscrew all my dragon models from their bases in order to couple them and tag them for display,HM models i dont unscrew due to the base being already tagged,with vehicle type etc,so ive not experienced any difficulties like other lads have described.i have found coupling them up is a great space saver for displaying capacity,i can use any amount of variety for coupling up,ie german tiger or panther,coupled with an allied sherman from same battle sector/ front,or different vehicles from same unit,the variety is endless with some thought.

[Paladin18]

Thanks for all your replies guys. Think I will try grunt72's method first and see where that takes me, failing which I will employ the "brutal" method as tried and tested by Epapazian. I have to do it 8 times over....Looks like a long weekend ahead for me.