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Renault FT 1:6
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:01 pm
by MikeN
I started build my FT last summer. Its in 1:6 scale and is fabricated mostly from steel with the main exception of the turret which I had cast in iron.
I decided that the tracks were the hardest/most tedious bits to make so I started with them.
There are 11 components to each track link and 64 links required. I made 70 in case I had any failures.
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:06 pm
by MikeN
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:08 pm
by MikeN
Ok thats strange. I tried to upload several pictures but its only doing one at a time.
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:12 pm
by MikeN
Still only doing one at a time
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:13 pm
by MikeN
Oh well, Heres another one.
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:19 pm
by MikeN
Each link is joined to its neighbour with a pin (of course) and each link pin is retained with a cross pin that is hammered over to stop it falling out.
The main flat track plates are made by hammering over a steel former before machining round the edges to get the final shape. they have a second bit welded on to thicken up the upturned part that sticks in the mud for grip. Sorry i dont know what that bits called.
After all the silver soldering and welding processes were completed I cleaned the parts in a bucket of Phosphoric acid which leaves a nice grey phosphate finish
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:32 pm
by Ecam
Fabulous work! Second and third pictures show links and parts. How are those made? I'm assuming a CNC plasma is too large, laser?
Re: Renault FT 1:6
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:44 pm
by Kaczor
Amazing!
PS. I moved the topic to the proper section.
Re: Renault FT 1:6
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:03 pm
by Ad Lav
Giant Meccano!
Re: Renault FT
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:35 pm
by MikeN
Ecam wrote: ↑Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:32 pm
Fabulous work! Second and third pictures show links and parts. How are those made? I'm assuming a CNC plasma is too large, laser?
Thanks, Yes I had these track parts laser cut. Also the drive sprocket inner and outer ring.
Everything else is roughed out with an angle grinder and hacksaw prior to machining.