Yesterday's progress...
Started on the running gear and the modified armour shield top right got a lick of olive drab to see how it looks (also note "Monocle" in background

)
Got on with fabricating the crew compartment, drive train looks about right (although needing some filler), and the seats need work:
The rear wall needs a radiator (made out of layers of 1mm plastic sheet, and still to be finished) and the fire extinguisher fixed to it, along with some cable runs / pipes. I've seen various layouts for this so not sure how it will go here?
A snag which has become apparent is that the Tamiya model, being originally designed to be fitted with a motor, is very basic and doesn't even include the base of the sponsons (internal stowage above the tracks, which will just be visible with the top armour fitted). So out with the 1mm plastic sheet again.
Cut to size:
Installed:
With lower body fitted:
This also makes the option to remove the skirt side panels a bit more attractive (although I'm undecided). as it'll cover up with mud and look the part. But I like the look of the skirt.
Originally I was planning to paint the interior white as per US manufacturer standard, but a major refurb like this would have been carried out at a REME workshop, and they would have slapped silver paint over all the internal fixtures and fittings. so I think silver it is...
Anyway, not too bad, considering I can hardly bloody see anything without the jewellers loup!