M10 Achilles Scratchbuild 3d Print

[AlwynTurner]

This is where the design work is up to, the printing is lagging behind




Still lots to do
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

After 25 hours printing we have a turret





I still have to design the rear counterweights for the turret which is next on my list.

You can wee from the pictures the large crew cockpit which I managed to create by manufacturing my own custom fit turret rotation gear.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Here is the turret with the gear ring



Alwyn

[RiskyR]

You're working fast! My progress is super slow compared to you

Looks good, this was something I had in mind for my own designed lower hull as well... but I don't think I'm going to bother anymore
Really looking forward to see how yours turns out!

[AlwynTurner]

When it's complete you can get a set of STLs for £50 and print your own! All you will need is a Heng Long lower hull and away you go.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

I've just put the printed turret on the blueprint and realised the whole back of the turret is a complete screw up. Dohhh! Homer moment. Back to the drawing board.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Much midnight oil later, a revised design. It was one of those 'whatever was I thinking' moments and 25 hours print time later, I think I've finally got it.



At least now I can design the rear ballast parts to fit something sensible.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Now the turret design is corrected it enabled me to design the counterweights. I did some minor tweaks to the turret design to put in the 50 cal mount at the rear of the turret and pretty up the turret design a bit.




It's looking much better. Just another 18 hours to reprint the turret and we are on the way. Still that's prototyping for you!

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

A very busy day today, a lot of printing done, and now it can be put together.
The front part of the upper hull finished a 23 hour print


After cleaning and removing the support from the print, we can get down to assembly

married up to the rear upper hull which only took 18 hours to print

then mounted on the chassis and glued together

Then attach the start of the front mudguards


It's coming together nicely. Next come the side armour onto the frame




There will now be an intermission because I've forgotten to print a part (Dohh!), so you can put on a brew or get some popcorn.

Seriously it's going to be tomorrow for the next episode.

Alwyn

[Ecam]

Always amazed at what can be done with 3D printing! Repeatability or sharing is incredible. I've built three, yet you make it look easy. Popcorn is in the microwave.