Starting 4 th 1/12 ABRAMS UP-GRADE (tracks & gearboxes) (Finished 2-19-09)

[BIGMIG]

Now a few pictures of one of the roadwheels---
Look close and you may be able to see some of the ridges and sprew left on these wheels---

                                      Larry 

[BIGMIG]

Well back at it today and pryed of the front idlers to trim the flange down to get the proper width to match up to the tiger tracks,and after trimming the two halves they were glued togeather and are ready to reinstall.Will post a few pictures of the shaft (with the Gnarled ends).The front idlers are three piece--outside half,inside half,and the spindle that holds the wheel assembly on the shaft.



The pictures will show two cut to size roadwheels along side one that has not been trimed to size yet.Also a few pictures of three cut to size roadwheels that have been re-mounted ready to go.

                              Larry 

[BIGMIG]

Well I got the Tiger tracks and sprokets today from --Ex-Pat-Tanker ( Mart ) who sold me two sets of spares he had,so work continues on.Thanks again Mart--

Got all the road wheels and the two idlers trimed down to fit the tiger tracks on the left side of the tank.Instaled the two idlers and used three washers on each side between the idler and hull to compensate for what was trimed of the original wheel and hub.I installed the track just for taking pictures to show how well this track works for this tank and to also show how well the existing roadwheels can be used for the tiger tracks.The gearbox is just setting there loose to support the track for the pictures.I will finish trimming the right side roadwheels tonight and install them and then work on mounting the gear boxes most likely tomorrow.As usual pictures to follow-------------

                                                           Larry 

[BIGMIG]

A few more pic's---

          Larry 

[BIGMIG]

Well won't go into great detail here mounting the motors.Cut two pieces out of 1/8 sheet plastic (same shape) and super guled them togeather to make a stronger platform for mounting the motors.All five of the original mounting posts were lowered 1/2 inch buy cutting that much off each post.Then the platform was drilled to match the very front post and the back two posts and screwed into place.The motors were squared up even with the sides,holes drilled and screwed to the platform.The motors will each get an extension shaft and support bearing that the sprocket will be attached to.The shaft will be drilled and taped with a flat spot just like the gearbox final drive shaft.    A few pictures--------

[BIGMIG]

Well today I started making the shaft extensions for the drive shaft from the gearbox to the sprocket.First one turned out perfect and got it mounted and bench tested it under full power,runs pretty true.Started making the second one and it did not turn out right,has a major wobble.Got lots of stock so going to make another one from scratch again,but will have to wait until tomorrow as it got to late to finish it today.A few pictures of the one that I mounted,but will still get a support bearing where it passes through the side of the hull.

                        BIGMIG 

[BIGMIG]

Four more pictures 

[Mackem]

Hi Larry,

Excellent job on the conversion so far. Easy to follow and plenty of pics.
Question: Are you going to fit some return rollers? There's quite a length of track between
the drive sprocket and the front idler.

John

[BIGMIG]

Hello John,
    I didn't use return roller's on the other's,I don't remember if I looked into that and decided not to fab them.But you are right that with that big of span they would most likely be benificial to have,I would guess two on each side.Now that you have mentioned them I may look into that and see see what I can come up with.It's a perfect time to see what i can make and how they will look.

When I started this one I was not sure how deep I would get into redoing it.I knew I wanted to do the tracks and gearboxes,but still thinking about using the stock electronix and leaving the top hull as is.I do know at this point after completing the rest of the gearboxes and tracks upgrade I'll hook up the stock controls for test running it (but may install return rollers ) and check it all out.Then I'll have to decide if I'm going to leave it that way or go back and put in new electronix (all HL ) and do the whole package.They do run sweet with the HL controls and it is nice to fix the cannon with elevation control like in the HL tanks.I have all the elevation control unit,but need the boards and a speaker if I go all the way.These tanks have a lot stronger shooting gun than the HL tanks,don't know why as the gun is simular but found out the shaft on the gun motor is different than the HL gun units.And not sure if the 9.6 voltage makes a difference in that sense,mabe the shooting action is slightly faster and that may make the difference.

      WOW rather a long reply back to you. 

                                          Larry 

[Mackem]

I fitted return rollers on my HE Leo conversion and it made a noticeable difference. I used spares off a PzIII as they are hidden by
the side skirts so they aren't visible.

Cheers
John