DGS Firefly conversion, Update 9/20

[BarryC]

Well while waiting for replacement batteries to arrive for the Abrams I figured I make some good progress on the Firefly.

I started with fitting the transmission cover and trimming gearboxes to clear. I plan on moving the gearboxes as far forward as possible to get the tracks to extend beyond the transmission as on the prototype. There is room it will just require some additional work but I think the look will be worth it!





Next was to cut and prep the lower hull to lengthen it to the A4 length needed for the Firefly. Following Frankie's lead using 100mm center to center on the boggies. After you violate your first tank the second comes easy!!











I removed all molded on details on the rear plate as well as the molded idler mounts to replace them with adjustable idler mounts.



TAFN,
Barry

[BarryC]

Good work Barry, keep it up.

Thank you sir!

[fury]

Great work so far Barry.

[BarryC]

Great work so far Barry.

Thanks Kevin,

I hope to get the lower hull reassembled between now and over the weekend then tackle moving the gearboxes forward between .100" and .125".

Cheers,
Barry

[BarryC]

Hi guys,

Well though it has been a while since I last updated I have been busy both with life and the Firefly conversion.

Since last update I have attended the IPMS national convention (awesome 1/12 scratched built Abrams present), retired after 19 years from Gulfstream Aerospace and have made good progress on the conversion! I now have 10 hours or more just about every day to model!!!!!!

I have gotten the hull reassembled in its stretched A4 length mounted the Mato adjustable Idler mounts. I have also removed the stock gearbox mounts and fabricated a single piece mount to allow me to reposition the gearboxes approx. .125” forward. This is to push the drive sprockets and tracks forward of the transmission housing as on the 1:1 Sherman chassis.










Yes, I know the tracks are on the wrong side but the installation is just for fit test.

I have run into a small snag, that being I used all the “extra” track links supplied with the Mato metal tracks. The reassembled hull with the gearboxes further forward require 5 additional links per side as opposed to the 4 needed if gearboxes remain in original positions as others have indicated in their Firefly build/conversions. I have enough links but need 4 additional pins, 4 additional guides and 2 additional “duckbills”. You can see in the photo the gap I have after pulling track tight using electrical “spot tie” cord.




Does anyone have any they are willing to sell, trade or know where I might purchase what’s needed without buying another set of tracks?

TAFN,
Barry

[dgsselkirk]

Maybe we should get a group of us who are building the Firefly and buy a set of tracks to split up?

And congrats on your retirement Barry!

[sassgrunt]

I have extra track links from a set of T49 track (that's the one with the 3-bar cleat track faces), if you want them. You can disassemble them to get the pieces you need. Lucky that you have the correct track faces for your track, as I don't have any of those. Let me know and I'll PM you for an address. -Mike

[BarryC]

I have extra track links from a set of T49 track (that's the one with the 3-bar cleat track faces), if you want them. You can disassemble them to get the pieces you need. Lucky that you have the correct track faces for your track, as I don't have any of those. Let me know and I'll PM you for an address. -Mike

Thank you for the offer Sassgrunt, but I really need the T74 with the duckbills.

Barry

[BarryC]

Maybe we should get a group of us who are building the Firefly and buy a set of tracks to split up?

And congrats on your retirement Barry!

Thanks Dean, its early but I think I'm going to enjoy being able to model and do other things at my leisure

You can count me in on the tracks.

Barry

[BarryC]

I have extra track links from a set of T49 track (that's the one with the 3-bar cleat track faces), if you want them. You can disassemble them to get the pieces you need. Lucky that you have the correct track faces for your track, as I don't have any of those. Let me know and I'll PM you for an address. -Mike

GOOD GUY ALERT!!!!!!

Mike has provided me with the necessary pieces to complete my Firefly tracks.

Tracks sections with duckbills and additional pins arrived today!

Thanks Mike!!
Barry