M1A1HA, 9/18/23 update. Delay of Game, two week penalty!

[c.rainford73]

Something tells me you are leaning that direction... Where did you source the Tusk side kit you have? Would you have to build a brass frame with mounts and then add the individual sections of the system?

This is fun

[c.rainford73]

See what you've started Carl, oh dear, this poor man, no wonder he needs a break lol.

Mick.

I agree Mick my inquisitive nature may cause further damage to this man's ability to function on a daily basis as he tinkers away.....

[BarryC]

Something tells me you are leaning that direction... Where did you source the Tusk side kit you have? Would you have to build a brass frame with mounts and then add the individual sections of the system?

This is fun

The kit comes from Ludwig Hobbies abouit half way down the page. The kit is basic and designed to attach directly to the existing side skirts.

All the brass work was my desire to make it as accurate as I can.

http://www.ludwigs-hobby-seite.de/M1%20Abrams.html

Barry

[BarryC]

Well I've finished the retainer locking pins for one side and decided to "test the waters" and see how the chain would look as well as how to attach it to the pin and retainer.
VERY FIDDLY to say the least!

One finished!!!!!!!!!





The installed finished look.






TAFN,
Barry

[c.rainford73]

Speechless

[BarryC]

Carl and Mick, Thank You!

Not overly happy with the small brass attach rings I made. They are not very sturdy and I'm afraid they will not survive. I've ordered some nickle silver wire hoping it will retain its shape and be more resistant to pulling loose.

Barry

[BarryC]

Only trouble with nickle silver I'm afraid, you may be disappointed, depending on its composition, you may be worse off Barry.
I'm guessing you don't want to use steel or stainless steel wire?

Mick.

Mick,

I know NS can be a little brittle as you say depending on its composition but the brass in the needed diameter has little ability to hold shape. If the NS does not work out then I may have to solder the brass loops closed. I also tried very small diameter springs made for Model Railroad couplers but it to has little shape retention and EXTREMELY difficult to cut to need size. There are some large springs but I'm not sure they would work any better.

Smallest Steel or SS I could find was .015" diameter and the openings in my chain links is smaller, closer to .010"+/-. The NS wire is made by Albion Alloys in the UK and is .1mm and .33mm in diameter. They also list a .2mm but my stateside supplier is OS right now.

We'll see,
Barry

[BarryC]

Well, I popped to my local rc model shop today, his piano wire stock only goes down to 0.015" but he did confirm you should be able to get that down to 0.005" diameter. And something in between.

Mick.

Mick,

I REALLY APPRECIATE your efforts in helping me find "stuff". I'll have to give you and Carl credit for the completed tank.
I have found piano wire at a piano shop down to .008". I'm going to wait and see how the NS wire does when it gets here later in the coming week.
If it does not work out I'll order some of the piano wire.

Thanks,
Barry

[Ava_Banana]

What can i say that hasn't already been said. Awe-inspiring attention to detail.

Enjoyed looking through the last 24 pages, look forward to more updates as you progress.

Thank you for taking the time to document the build!

[BarryC]

What can i say that hasn't already been said. Awe-inspiring attention to detail.

Enjoyed looking through the last 24 pages, look forward to more updates as you progress.

Thank you for taking the time to document the build!

Thank you sir!

Barry