Taigen panther G to A conversion (wip) and questions

[C0MMANDERBEST0N]

Good Afternoon everyone
I've been working on a taigen panther G to convert it to an ausf A.
As you can see from the pictures its going well, but I've got some questions that you may be able to answer for me.

Questions:
*What's the height of the suspension, I've been looking at photos during the war and post restorations like the Littlefield panther. I've noticed they vary but what was the "standard" height.
*After driving for about 20 minutes the suspension drops a bit making the front lower than the back. Is there a way I can strengthen the first 6 torsion bars to keep it at the same height.
*The rear idler doesn't have enough movement to move it further toward the rear wheel, is an aftermarket idler arm I can get to achieve this.

This is going to sound a bit dumb, but how to I attach larger photos than 350 Kib say 1.2mb for example?

[43rdRecceReg]

As yet, there are no pictures Uploading pics bigger than 350Kb (roughly 1920w X 1080 pixels h) is not an option, in my experience. Pdfs not larger than 8mb (?) can be uploaded to the Downloads section, but only after the member has had 20+ posts. At least, that's what it says there. Hope that helps.

[C0MMANDERBEST0N]

As yet, there are no pictures Uploading pics bigger than 350Kb (roughly 1920w X 1080 pixels h) is not an option, in my experience. Pdfs not larger than 8mb (?) can be uploaded to the Downloads section, but only after the member has had 20+ posts. At least, that's what it says there. Hope that helps.

I can rescale the photos to 1440x1080 but its still just over the limit. i'll see if I can reduce it a bit more.

[C0MMANDERBEST0N]

The rescaling worked, here's the pictures

[Max-U52]

I use imgur to post photos. It's very easy.

[C0MMANDERBEST0N]

Nice build!

I think part of your problem here is an optical illusion of sorts. Looking at your Panther (which is marvelous) I have to say your Schurzen are too short! The plates should actually come down to the tops of the wheels. I know you don't get to see the tracks but it is the way it was... I hope this helps..

On another note, panthers as a rule sqauted when they accelerated from a stop, they also dove when they stopped fast, they would seem to appear to be sloped downward after they stopped, for some time. The suspension would gradually correct itself over time as the torsion bars settled themselves in. So A panther stops in front of you today, would appear to be lower in the front, come back the following day it would look level.

Cheers!

Thank you for your reply, this has got my curiosity.
I've been going off Hilary Doyle's panzer tracks "panther ausf A" which has the Schurzen so I copied it to the millimetre. after looking at some more WW2 photos, you are correct they do indeed go to the top of the wheels. But I'm trying to figure out what part of the Schurzen is too short.

As for the suspension I do agree with you, but also the weight distribution is different on are models due to the gearboxes in the front, the turret in the middle and not much in the back other than a smoke unit and the battery.
wouldn't this naturally cause the model to lean forward a bit more?

[STHV]

I am currently working on an Ausf D and I have had some similar issues

The suspension is too high, you are correct, here is a fresh out of the factory Ausf A showing the correct ride height:

You can see the drive wheel is much further away from the first road wheel on your model as opposed to the real deal and seeing as the drive wheel is fixed that means it can only be the suspension causing the problems

The fix i am looking at is a this:
https://www.rctank.de/Corleis-adjustabl ... -HL-Taigen
I am a bit of a noob when it comes to building tanks! so i don't know if there is a better option but for my needs this should allow you to raise and lower the ride height and stiffen the front suspension
I might end up needing to get this no matter what as I am converting my Torro/Taigen Panther G into a 99.9% metal late May 1943 Ausf D, which is going to add a lot of weight so i will have to see how it goes

An easier fix for strengthening the front suspension could be just simply attaching some torsion springs to either the part of the arms on the inside of the hull or to the torsion bars themselves

As for the Idler arm i have had the same exact issue, i am fixing it by replacing it entirely with a custom accurate arm that will hopefully also make it considerably stronger.
My only suggestion other than a custom arm is to try a different tensioning system, it might help but i cannot be sure

[c.rainford73]

Mr Soeren may be your resource amongst others, for Panther build information. He has built a spectacular piece. Following along and gathering information as you do!

[General Jumbo01]

The tanks ride height is easily adjusted where torsion bar suspension is fitted - l had to do the same with my Taigen Psnther G. Firstly, consider how torsion bar suspension works. It relies on a round bar being clamped across the chassis, one end clamped to stop it twisting and the other splined into the outer trailing arm that carries the road wheel. The system works where the bar is twisted by the trailing arm as the weight of the tank bears down. To increase the strength of the 'spring' you use a bigger diameter bar or a stronger metal.

To adjust the height of the ride simply unclamp the bar at the end opposite the wheel and rotate the bar end to raise or lower the ride height, then retighten the clamp. It only takes a few minutes to do each wheel providing you can get to the clamp, not always easy in s crowded hull. Because you can adjust each wheel differently it's best to work out in advance which need to lift and which to lower.

[HERMAN BIX]

That’s a lovely ‘A’ mate. The skirts do look a bit short( I mean would you allow your Daughter out wearing that) kind of short !!!!
Allowances will need to be made for the suspension being not quite right, but it’s a mobile model rather than a static replica.
Magnificent job on the swept lines of this Panther, would love to have seen the entire process step by step