Crusader Tank new build

[jhamm]

Hi Alwyn,
the track link looks terrible.... stringing without end and the filling level is too low.
But I think they are prototypes.

[AlwynTurner]

Yes the stringing is proving to be quite annoying but I haven't bothered with any cleaning at this stage. The main thing is to get the sprocket correct and the tracks fitting the sprocket, and BINGO



Now I can start working on the quality issues.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Sorted the sprocket and track links, now I just need the rest of the tank!


Alwyn

[Exhibitedbrute]

I have the Ludwig one. I will be buying the Matilda of your creation and since my crusader is a pain I’m inclined to buy your crusader should you decide to release files as you have the Matilda

[AlwynTurner]

Finished my packing and a little time to fill before departure so I started on the Crusader
First print of 110 track links, clean them, and pin them together

Whilst doing that I designed the suspension mount and suspension arm using Tiger 1 springs




The mount will be built into the lower hull side design

It will give me a start for when I get back

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Some progress on the hull side design



Managed to build in the mounts for the suspension arms

I'm pretty sure this won't be finished before I leave
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Progress on the hull side and roadwheel/tyre



Coming along
Alwyn

[tankme]

Nice. I've never been a huge fan of the Crusader, but being able to print one might just change my mind about that... Are the tires TPU?

[AlwynTurner]

The tyres are printed in black pla+ but could have been printed in tpu, I just happened to have pla+ in the printer for printing track links. I enjoy working on the unusual tanks that aren't available from mainstream suppliers like HL and Taigen because they are a challenge with their different tracks and suspensions or because they aren't the usual 'butch' MBTs but have a quirky appeal.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Now I have a crusader lower hull. It is amazing how wide and low this tank is, and it is obvious to me that I will not be able to use a standard HL gearbox, as it would be too high, so I will need to use the gear boxes I designed for the Matilda




I will be making printable panels for the front and rear of the hull but I didn't have time to do this before leaving.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

I'm Back! A successful trip with quick sale of assets means I got back early.
The suspension is now complete and working although I think I may need some fine tuning


I'm also working on a modified gearbox to fit in the crusader chassis

Onwards and upwards!
Alwyn

[Tiger6]

Awesome

[AlwynTurner]

Thanks for the good words. I had to tweak the design for the suspension arm because the arm wasn't stable and wobbled, so a reprint and reassembly later and all is good.


The gearbox design had to be modified and lengthened to fit around the suspension internal mountings, just waiting for some of the gearbox components and motors to be delivered.

Otherwise moving along.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Tried the track on for size


The track is a bit stiff, some adjustment may be needed.
Alwyn

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"A successful trip with quick sale of assets means I got back early." I should have said "Welcome back" a few days ago. However, I see that you are back in action and that you have more assets--i.e. more money for more tanks to modify. BRAVO!

[AlwynTurner]

Thanks professor, regarding the proceeds of the sale, SWMBO moved very quickly to grab those, but I managed to weasel away some funds for development purposes hence the arrival of various items such as gears, bearings, etc for the Crusader. Things are mnoving right along and I've started on the front of the tank.

Put in the chassis brace because the sides were not that sturdy

and the nylon gears arrived so the gearboxes are progressing.

I'm still waiting for some parts but the upper hull should progress over the next few days

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

The upper hull is moving right along, starting with the upper hull platform. A 174mmx175mm piece of 2mm styrene with a locating frame underneath to enable the upper hull to be firmly located whilst being removable


The next piece of the front hull is also complete

The upper hull is now ready for the turret platform to be added.



Just waiting for my manual to arrive tomorrow
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/132 ... UTF8&psc=1
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

The upper hull is moving right along nicely.



Lots still to do of course but the upper hull should now be removable.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Printed the sloping top to the upper hull and assembled it

The complete upper hull now comes off and replaces in one piece


Next will be the front and back mudguards
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

I've now got all the bits for the gearboxes except the motors.


I'll probably do a test fit and mount the tracks to see how they fit to the sprockets

Alwyn