Back for another week, but I didn't get a great deal done on the model. I started on the last bit of rear suspension, the tracking bar mounts on the axles. No pictures of those yet, since there's little to show but the basic shape.
More importantly, I decided to build a new fifth wheel top mount, since the kit piece is the wrong shape and too difficult to correct. The target is what looks to be the SAF Holland FW-35:
The plate in question:
I began with 2mm sheet, drawing out the shape with the aid of an ellipse template...
...cut and filed to shape...
...and the inside cut out very roughly to suggest the lip, mounts, and lock mechanism. The lock spring was hand wound around rod, and adjusted in the unlocked position (nut pushed out from plate lip).
The top is 0.5mm sheet cut and filed to shape. Filler is needed to even out gaps, and the unlock handle and pivot bolts are left. To avoid having to duplicate grease grooves, I'll simply stick with the "fresh out of the garage" look and make it look like it was somewhat recently greased, with a load or two in between to cover the plate.
More next week.