RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

"rotating jaw...twin jawed clamshell style...bar" Thank you: those are useful terms for searching to learn more.

I need to credit Sassgrunt who half a century ago taught me some basic metalsmithing. In his humility I'm sure he will be along to deny, discredit or disown me (again). But he was the one who inspired me to build models and about 12 years ago introduced me to 16th scale armor.

Not rivet counter perfect but close enough for Jazz (and me).

Built a hammer buck to make the contoured middle cradle.



Did some guestimated pre cutting





A little solder and a whole lot of file work.









And the side to side tilt works too (about 7 degrees either side of level).

Great work. I'm always too lazy to make jigs for stuff. Then I spend more time trying to duplicate the same part than it would've taken to make a jig...

Really stellar work. I know what Eric is saying about learning things from me; but he has progressed so far above anything I know; that I don't feel worthy of making comments on his various builds. Of course, I won't tell HIM that; but the rest of you ought to know.

Seriously. That is craziness to fab up something like that!

Mike.

Now this is what I consider a build. Not something like my Jagdtiger

Thanks gents. Some might say why not buy a Tamiya 5th wheel for a 1/14th semi? This project used 6 feet of 3/4 copper water pipe and some scrap brass and about 30 hours. It is FAR more accurate than the bought part and is tremendously strong. Building the ramps behind the fifth wheel and plate that the lifting boom (used when recovering without the trailer) attaches to and will also be made of copper for strength. This is what I enjoy about the hobby.

Ecam wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2025 1:52 am This is what I enjoy about the hobby.

Watching what You create is what I enjoy about this hobby

Impressive metal work Eric !

Came up with a way to show the side to side tilt. Kingpin mounted to a card and a small vise grip for weight.





Used 3/8 copper tubing for my bracket mounts. Squished with needle nose vise grip and then a trip to the bench vise while still in the grip of the pliers.



Saw and file work then drilled before removing "roof". Made a few and picked a pair that I liked best.



And the rear ramp is complete.



I did have to up the spring weight on the rear. The metal work had the other ones collapsed.