[Model] M2 Flamethrower [WIP]

Hello,

I have started modelling the M2 Flamethrower for WWII and Vietnam era american factions. The flamethrower was developed during Second World War, with its variants being used through Korean and Vietnam wars.







Now to the model itself, at the moment i think it is going to be two separate models, the tank group will be part of kit geometry, while the wand with hose will be the weapon itself.

So far i have the dimensions laid out, when Im sure everything is sized and laid out correctly, i will proceed to weld it together and optimize it.

Note that at this point I am looking basically for feedback on dimensions and overall accuracy of the model, comments on z-fighting or smoothing etc. wont help me at all :)

p3d:
tanks alone: p3d.in - m2 backpack01
fitted on a soldier model: p3d.in - m2 soldier


I have some questions considering modelling kit geometry, as I didnt do this before:
How many tris should I aim for with the tank group?
Do I need to do any special as modeller, for the canvas to be able to deform and animate with the soldier?
Can kit geometry use transparent materials? I could avoid modelling some complex parts of the canvas by having it on texture with transparent parts (looking for a 1/0 transparency here, not something like glass transparency, if you understand). But if it is possible, is it worth spending memory on extra texture?

-lucky :)

Update (10.12.), I got the lowpoly of the wand done.

p3d.in - m2 wand lowpoly