Crusader Tank new build

[AlwynTurner]

Gearboxes and tracks fitted. The tracks seem to run smoothly on the sprockets, but I'll need the motors to really test them




Onwards and upwards
Alwyn

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Oh good! I have another chance to learn! On the shaft opposite the 90 degree final drive gears there are red things: are those some kind of counterweight?

[AlwynTurner]

The red things are connectors from the motor which has a 3mm shaft diameter to the gearbox shaft which is 5mm diameter. You can get smaller connectors but I had these in my spares box.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

A busy day and after three attempts I got the front mudguards right.


and the nice thing is they are removable with the upper hull.

Today the motors arrived from China so tomorrow hopefully I can get the gearboxes finally assembled and tested and do some work on the rear mudguards.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Now we have front and rear mudguards



and the complete upper hull can be removed

Next to get the motors mounted and the driving can be tested.
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

The gearboxes are now installed and connected




so it's time for a test

phpBB [video]

It seems to battle a little bit on turning and its not keen on artificial grass but no problems crossing the garden hose so the suspension seems to be working fine.

Now it's working I can crack on with the development/design/construction

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Started work on the turret




I've still got to do the mantlet and mantlet mount but the turret shell is almost there. I thought about putting all the bolt heads on but that wouldn't print very well, so I've decided to do thin flat applique panels with all the detail that will be glued to the various turret facets, it makes the design easier and improves quality whilst reducing print time.

I am also looking at the gearboxes, and I'm going to try and fit stug heng long gearboxes instead of my home grown ones as I'm not happy with the torque problems I got during the test drive. Just waiting for the grearboxes from Forgebear.

Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Now with mantlet, mantlet mount, and fastening clips




Moving along nicely
Alwyn

[AlwynTurner]

Here's the printed version



Next job will be the turret roof
Alwyn

[HERMAN BIX]

Thats a Crusader alright
Great work Mr Turner, nice to see lesser known models in real life.