Bridge layer question

[wibblywobbly]

I have been thinking about doing a Panzer IV Bruckenlager, there were two types, but this is the one that appeals to me.

phpBB [video]

Despite studying numerous 1/35 builds, and 1/16 videos, I have been unable to figure out exactly how the bridge is moved forwards along the hull. It seems to be pushed to the top of the ramp at the front, and then dropped by gravity, whilst the overhead arm keeps the front end in balance....but I cannot see any mechanism that provides that initial movement. Plenty of rollers and ropes...but how?

Does anyone know the answer?

[midlife306]

I can reliably state that it was done by magic!!!!!
Cheers
Wayne


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[RobW]

Are those runners along the top of the hull and onto the front?

[wibblywobbly]

Yup. Along the top and down the front.

[silversurfer1947]

I have a suggestion. If a chain was attached to the rear of the bridge section and was wound in by a sprocket at the front of the tank then it would propel the bridge forward. No idea how you recover the bridge, unless there was also a drive at the rear.

[971wright]

Hi Rob its the way the cable run is done see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWMZmrj-Er0
the drums on the rear cable are rapped around the end of bridge and push the bridge forward, at the sae time the bridge is lift by the front cables .

may take a few more videos to find the full cable run and how many winches it has .

regards pete

ps this is a different version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqMrgTRyEdY

[wibblywobbly]

That video sort of explains it, it seems to depend on various ropes and pulleys being in perfect synch to get the pontoon to the front. As to how it picks it up again (assuming it actually does that) would only become apparent if I built the thing?? It looks like manual intervention would be required to hook the front ropes on again.

I reckon that the only way to build this is to buy the 1/35 kit and accurately copy it in 1/16. If anything is fractionally out of step on the dimensions, it won't work smoothly, if at all.

Might be worth a go if I can also get hold of a PZIV lower?

[silversurfer1947]

Might be worth a go if I can also get hold of a PZIV lower?

Alwyn seems to have a source of hulls for his Nashorn.

[AlwynTurner]

I bought mine from Forgebear. Which reminds me I probably need to reorder as the latest kit was my last hull.....

Alwyn

[wibblywobbly]

The 1/35 kit is £40, though I could probably sell it after the build. A PzIV lower with decent gearboxes, tracks and electronics is going to be the best part of £60-70. I will have to see about slimming down my fleet before I can even contemplate doing the bridge layer.