Centurion Bridge layer (FV4002)

[hawkeye3guns]

Started work on the second piston assembly using a selection of brass tubes, screw rod and again a 600/1 motor gearbox unit

Using some brass bar and plate I made a skeleton lifting arm to try out the pivot movement before enclasing it in a plastercard box to simulate the real thing.

Had to do a little bit of adjustment to the box to allow full movement of the lifting arm.

I attatched the two bridge halves to gether with 2 nylon sections that incorparate the lifting eye's for the bridge unit and tried a first lift.

[hawkeye3guns]

Finally got the bridge unit into place on top of the hull

looking at the hull I'm going to have beef up the forward springs the hull is sitting nose down. On modern bridge layers I have seen they have a dozer blade they lower, maybe I might have to cheat and fit one. or Has anyone ever seen one of these units in operation? Does the nose dip as much as this? At least after 18 months I have finally got the unit to work so now its back to the bench at start on the little details and spray her in that wonderful British Matt green that hides many faults.

When I get her finally painted I'll post the finished pics

[Edwin]

Hi Denzil,

the bridge is really well done....
It's just a shame that the drive is obviously overwhelmed by the weight of the bridge.

Why do not you build a drive that is able to deal with and a Centurion similar?
The way I look at your bridge, it would be possible for you....

regards Edwin

[Snipermadrid]

Hello from Spain!

Great job nice.

[chucky]

Looks incredible mate, I friend of mine said there was a variation that had a dozer blade fitted to the front that when lowered down lifted the front up so the vehicle didnt 'dip' when the bridge was deployed.

[Wildboar44]

That my friend is some pretty impressive building skills ... thanks for sharing , a lot of work gone into this vehicle

[hawkeye3guns]

thanks for the comments I have cured the front nose dip now, Tankbear and Dave @ forgebear gave me some very helpfull ideas Thank you. I ended up redrilling the mounting points for the springs 90 degree's further round, giving almost double the spring strenght and also on the front 2 axles I have added Panther shockabsorber/springs and now she dips on the lift but then straightens out with the bridge in place so now its just all the minor detail work to build and then the paint job. I have started gathering supplies and photo's for my next model which will be a 1/12 scale AS-90 unless my wife decides the house jobs come next, lol.
denzil

[forgebear]

great glad it helped now get the paint on her and your good to go great job by the way
dave

[971wright]

Hi Guys Saw this in action at Hyde today ,great piece of engineering looks the dogs dangles ,best bridge layer I have seen working.
Given me some ideas for building a Centurion the lower hull is spot on and works and drives great.

regards pete

[doc larsson]

that is the coolest mod i have ever seen i my time on this website.....
you guys never cease to amaze me ! this is my passion but for some of you it's a a way of life

love it !