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My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Sun May 27, 2018 9:04 pm
by IV(AC)
Thought i'd document my attempts to detail and upgrade so here goes...

After the debacle with Nitrotek, I finally ended up with someone else's faulty return, PP sent a full refund so at the moment I'm quids in....until they notice the chargeback i guess, but I'm not rushing to log into their helpdesk software any time soon. They may be an "Internet Only" company, maybe I'm an "In Person" type of person!
IMG_20180515_182058 (Medium).jpg
He ho, on to the build:-
the version I ended up with had the standard metal tracks and sprockets/Idlers I want looking and ended up with the DKLM full set of metal wheels & sprockets/Idlers.
This got around the fact that all my plastic track support wheels had been snapped before I received it.
Whilst there's lots in the set, all you get in the way of instructions is a few pictures! I may put all this in a PDF and send it to #forgebear so it can be included in future sets.
1st job, strip everything down ! Once disassembled you have to remove the existing pneumatic suspension arms, again thre are no guide lines so here's a pic to help:-
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There's a small hole in the rear face, slot a small screwdriver in behind it and use the old part lever it off the hull
IMG_20180515_205159 (Medium).jpg
Once removed, you are left with the stub axles, cut these off and clean up the mounting holes
IMG_20180515_210202 (Medium).jpg
End of part 1

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 12:25 pm
by wibblywobbly
Nitrotek don't seem to worry about what they send out, they will send any old wreck to a customer, and then simply deal with the complaints. I doubt that you will hear from them again.

Looks like the upgrade is going to be a project and a half. 8O

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 1:21 pm
by IV(AC)
wibblywobbly wrote:Nitrotek don't seem to worry about what they send out, they will send any old wreck to a customer, and then simply deal with the complaints. I doubt that you will hear from them again.
Looks like the upgrade is going to be a project and a half. 8O
Hopefully so!
So on with Part2...
Once you have cleaned up all the surfaces and re-drilled the holes, you'll need to drill out the support holes for the track support rollers with a 6mm drill. Do this by hand as the plastic is very soft and excessive heat will just melt the surrounding area.
IMG_20180515_205159 (Medium) (Medium).jpg
Test fit the new metal suspension arms and drill through so that the attachment bolts come through into the inside of the hull.
IMG_20180515_210811 (Medium).jpg
Make sure you have 12 x 2.5x50 Bolts and the same of nyloc nuts (mine had 14 so expect extras)
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I test fitted one complete wheel and suspension assembly..
IMG_20180515_221023 (Medium).jpg
Here you can also see another addition, its the axle support assembly from Legion (via ForgeBear) it looks like you could fit this to the inside of the hull, but it makes refitting the gearboxes really difficult.
Next mask all the tires and everything gets an undercoat of Halfords grey primer
IMG_20180519_182342 (Medium).jpg
Excellent spraying weather for once!
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And all the hull and other bits
IMG_20180519_183311 (Medium).jpg

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 8:32 pm
by IV(AC)

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Tue May 29, 2018 1:22 pm
by wyvern
Its interesting to see the suspension units being put on and the whole thing coming together. Can I ask, whether the metal wheels have much wobble to them (runout) when spun or do they spin quite true? I only ask as I bought some early wheels for my KV-1 but sent them back and stuck with the plastic ones I had as they wobbled so much.

Thanks

Guy

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Wed May 30, 2018 3:46 pm
by IV(AC)
wyvern wrote:Its interesting to see the suspension units being put on and the whole thing coming together. Can I ask, whether the metal wheels have much wobble to them (runout) when spun or do they spin quite true? I only ask as I bought some early wheels for my KV-1 but sent them back and stuck with the plastic ones I had as they wobbled so much.

Thanks

Guy
No they seem fine, each wheel has tow stainless steel bearings on the axle...some wobble but seem to spin freely and true...

Steve

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:27 pm
by IV(AC)
Halfords Primer
IMG_20180525_164900 (Medium).jpg
Top coated
IMG_20180528_161951 (Medium).jpg
Krylon Olive Drab
IMG_20180527_135123 (Medium).jpg
Greasing the suspension
IMG_20180529_093453 (Medium).jpg
All wheels done
IMG_20180529_102814 (Medium).jpg

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 8:34 pm
by IV(AC)
Turret with side ID panel removed
IMG_20180523_203116 (Medium).jpg
Upper Hull with Tamiya Acrylic black
IMG_20180528_161924 (Medium).jpg
Base colours done
IMG_20180613_212051 (Medium).jpg

Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 10:45 pm
by IV(AC)
This shows the two positions possible for the suspension springs. Once you add metal tracks, drive wheel, idlers and road wheels, you need to move it so the spring has more tension. (in fact if you can source upgraded springs even better) Unfortunately DKLM stopped including the updated springs in their sets :-(
IMG_20180529_093550 (Medium).jpg
Decided that the main hull needed some reinforcement following the addition of all the metal extras
IMG_20180602_151346 (Medium).jpg
IMG_20180602_151351 (Medium).jpg
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Re: My Challenger 2 Build thread

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2018 2:05 pm
by Sub
Hi.
Very nice upgrades there, doing the same type of thing but DIY most of the modifications.
regards
Sub.