HL StuG III Build

[grompix]

Darkith's DBC/DBU units arrived yesterday and I've put them together with the DBU IR sensors and hit-LEDs hidden inside the cupola of my StuG.

Here's the pics...

 

[tankman]

Very nice job on the Stug grompix thanks for some inspiring ideas. keep up the good work
Alan

[BeeKay]

Excellent build Chris. Any chance of bringing it tomorrow to Washington if you can make it? Looks like it could be another good night.

Cheers for now.

[grompix]

Any chance of bringing it tomorrow to Washington if you can make it? Looks like it could be another good night.

Yep, I'll bring it over tonight.
Cheers
Chris

[tiger205]

as usual chris great work, the way you hide things is something else

              Tony

[grompix]

as usual chris great work, the way you hide things is something else.

Thanks Tony. I only wish I was as good hiding tank related stuff from the missus!

Cheers
Chris

[Mezzerik]

Looks great

[tiger205]

chris, hiding tank related stuff from the mrs comes with years of experiance, and if it dont give up trying and become a monk

              Tony

[grompix]

I've finished modding the StuG mantlet to house Darkith's Infra-Red LED. Some late StuGs had a coaxial MG in the mantlet so I've made mine one of those. Darkith's DBC/DBU uses a 3mm IR LED so its just about the right size for the small MG port.

I've also softened the front and rear springs to give a less 'bouncy' toy-like ride. The suspension works beautifully now. Its an easy mod to do. Just heat the springs to a dull red and then quench in water (remove them from the tank first though -LOL). This removes most of the temper and softens the spring. If it's too soft then stretch the spring out a few times to put a bit of temper back in.

I did this on my HL PZIII too and it rides over rough ground much more convincingly.

Here's a video clip of the StuG III with the softened suspension :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUSCdvhjWP4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And some pics...

Cheers.
Chris 

[Mackem]

I saw Chris's Stug III last night and it is superb. The mod to the shocker springs really does make a lot of difference to the action of the suspension. Great tip Chris. 

The Stug is now at the top of my 'buy next' list so I will be doing a lot of grovelling and housework for the next couple of weeks. 

By the way, I've nominated Chris's Stug for the master class so get up there and vote!

Cheers
John