Scratchbuilt Leclerc
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris
Scratchbuilt Leclerc
Hello guys,
It's been a long time since I've posted something but I remained active in the background !
This is the first modern tank I build and it is one of my favorite morden one : the Leclerc.
I've started to collect parts for it back in March 2022, but havent really started until the end of September.
As usual, I start every project by making it in 3D to figure the basic shapes and get an idea of what's the best way to build it, get precise measurements, generate plans for hand cutting or machining parts, stl for 3D printing etc
It's been a long time since I've posted something but I remained active in the background !
This is the first modern tank I build and it is one of my favorite morden one : the Leclerc.
I've started to collect parts for it back in March 2022, but havent really started until the end of September.
As usual, I start every project by making it in 3D to figure the basic shapes and get an idea of what's the best way to build it, get precise measurements, generate plans for hand cutting or machining parts, stl for 3D printing etc
Last edited by MonsieurTox on Sun Nov 27, 2022 6:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris
Re: Leclerc
I'm using HL suspension arms, wheels and tracks. Tracks are just about the perfect size and shape for the Leclerc. The only difference is there's a nothc in the rubber pads of the Leclerc but well, I'll see later if I can do something about it ! The sprocket wheel is very different and have not the correct number of teeth so I 3D printed mine. The roadwheels are about the right size, the details of the hub caps is different but we dont see a lot once the skirts are attached. I think I'll modify them though.
For now I'm using the basic plastic HL gearboxes. I'm sure they wont be powerful enough for this tank, it would be a shame to have the Leclerc going as fast as a Renault FT.
For this project I bought a small CNC. This will be the first project with that many ways of making things : 3D generated plans, hand cutting, hand milling and turning, 3D printing with both FDM and resin printer and using CNC to cut/mill parts. Lots of fun !!
The lower and upper hull are both cut with the CNC. The CNC works very well !
The lower sides of the chassis are 3D printed with my FDM printer. They support the suspension arms. I will 3D print with my resin printed then mold and cast in regular resin the oleopneumatic suspensions (fake details).
The front of the turret is 3D printed whil the rear (auto-loader, A/C) will be made out of styrene and detailed with brass, styrene, 3D printed parts etc...
For now I'm using the basic plastic HL gearboxes. I'm sure they wont be powerful enough for this tank, it would be a shame to have the Leclerc going as fast as a Renault FT.
For this project I bought a small CNC. This will be the first project with that many ways of making things : 3D generated plans, hand cutting, hand milling and turning, 3D printing with both FDM and resin printer and using CNC to cut/mill parts. Lots of fun !!
The lower and upper hull are both cut with the CNC. The CNC works very well !
The lower sides of the chassis are 3D printed with my FDM printer. They support the suspension arms. I will 3D print with my resin printed then mold and cast in regular resin the oleopneumatic suspensions (fake details).
The front of the turret is 3D printed whil the rear (auto-loader, A/C) will be made out of styrene and detailed with brass, styrene, 3D printed parts etc...
- HERMAN BIX
- Brigadier
- Posts: 10411
- Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:15 am
- Location: Gold Coast,Australia
Re: Leclerc
Damn I wish I was that clever
HL JAGDPANTHER,HL TIGER 1,HL PzIII MUNITIONSCHLEPPER, HL KT OCTOPUS,HL PANTHER ZU-FUSS,HL STuG III,HL T34/85 BEDSPRING,
HL PZIV MALTA,MATORRO JAGDTIGER,HL F05 TIGER,TAMIYA KT,HL PANTHERDOZER,HL EARLY PANTHER G,TAIGEN/RAMINATOR T34/76,
HL AN-BRI-RAM SU-85
HL PZIV MALTA,MATORRO JAGDTIGER,HL F05 TIGER,TAMIYA KT,HL PANTHERDOZER,HL EARLY PANTHER G,TAIGEN/RAMINATOR T34/76,
HL AN-BRI-RAM SU-85
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris
Re: Leclerc
It's not about being clever, I can assure you that !
- Herr Dr. Professor
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 3835
- Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2019 10:48 pm
- Location: Southern Wisconsin USA
Re: Leclerc
Oh, yes, it is about experience, the right tools, inventiveness, skill, and downright clever thinking. I’m watching with awe.
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris
Re: Leclerc
Thanks Herr Professor, the truth is that I'm lucky enough to have plenty of time to work on it !Herr Dr. Professor wrote: ↑Fri Oct 14, 2022 4:39 pm Oh, yes, it is about experience, the right tools, inventiveness, skill, and downright clever thinking. I’m watching with awe.
Re: Leclerc
Thank you for sharing your in-progress photos.
In some of your photos, the center line of the drive sprocket appears to be offset from the center line of the road wheels. Is this just because the drive sprocket isn't fully seated, or is it because of the lower hull inset where the suspension arms mount?
Your front turret print looks amazing. I haven't had the nerve to try a single resin print that big yet.
In some of your photos, the center line of the drive sprocket appears to be offset from the center line of the road wheels. Is this just because the drive sprocket isn't fully seated, or is it because of the lower hull inset where the suspension arms mount?
Your front turret print looks amazing. I haven't had the nerve to try a single resin print that big yet.
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris
Re: Leclerc
KH3DP wrote: ↑Sat Oct 15, 2022 10:07 pm Thank you for sharing your in-progress photos.
In some of your photos, the center line of the drive sprocket appears to be offset from the center line of the road wheels. Is this just because the drive sprocket isn't fully seated, or is it because of the lower hull inset where the suspension arms mount?
Your front turret print looks amazing. I haven't had the nerve to try a single resin print that big yet.
Hello !
Yes you are right the drive sprocket is offset because the heaborx is not attached to the hull, it's still loose inside ! It'll be of course in line with the road wheels !
Re: Leclerc
Great start to construction! A tank that I like a lot too. Indeed, it deserves better gearbox
-
- Corporal
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:30 pm
- Location: Paris