RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

[lmcq11]

The fiber optic installation is tested. An aluminum tube replaces the barrel inside the sleeve. But it will be permanently installed with the LED later in the build, i do not need these in the way right now. I am still planning to give horizontal movement to the bow machine gun but i am not sure if i will be able to install a push rod that will be connected to a servo between the two gearbox. Space between the glacis and the gearbox under is very tight. I would need to do more gearbox grinding. TBD later.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

View of the glacis with the gearbox hatch and Browning M1919 bow machine gun.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Superglue was put on the machine gun ball to mimic a cast effect that will be apparent only when the part is painted.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Mounts for the canvas cover seen on pictures i have of the bow machine gun are not yet installed. I need to do some research to check if they all had this feature.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Close up on the bolts and the guards. The heavy welding was simply reproduced with Testor putty. Superglue will be apply on it when the putty is dry in order to solidify it and avoid cracking.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Overview of the model as it stands today. Next step, the hatches.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Regards, Louis

[Raminator]

Looking better than a bought one, Louis. Excellent work as always!

You may buy a small resin printer

Fully agree with that. I've been looking for a while but i am getting lost in all the brands, type of material, etc. Do you or someone reading this has an affordable model to recommend ? I am just looking for a small, but very precise printer to create small and fine resin parts. If it makes printed lines that need to be filed, then that's not for me.

I got into resin printing about six months ago for the same reasons; I wanted to print small, detailed things. I bought a Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K, it's higher-resolution than most other consumer-level printers out there (at 35 µm rather than 50 µm), but doesn't cost anywhere near what the commercial-grade stuff does. When I got it, they were (unbeknownst to me at the time) notorious for having some wobble in the Z-axis, but the manufacturer has since released a kit that fixes it. If you can get a new one that has that upgrade kit installed, I think it'd be worth it.

These are some of the detail parts I printed on my SM4K last night for the SU-152. For reference, the grid lines they're on are 5mm, the latch on the box is only 0.35 mm in diameter!

Resin printing's a bit messy, but I think the results are worth the effort. It'd be a good idea to try your hand at some CAD suites, you can't rely on files being available for things. Given your wealth of experience in creating 3-dimensional objects from photos and stuff, I don't think you'll have much trouble getting the hang of it!

[lmcq11]

I got into resin printing about six months ago for the same reasons; I wanted to print small, detailed things. I bought a Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K, it's higher-resolution than most other consumer-level printers out there (at 35 µm rather than 50 µm), but doesn't cost anywhere near what the commercial-grade stuff does.

Great, thank you Raminator. This is really helpful. These are really beautiful parts. I'll investigate.

Continuing with the build with the driver's and assistant hatches.

The M24 being new to me, some investigation was required to understand what to do. Below are the oval shaped hatches. What i thought was going to be simple and similar to a Sherman ended up being really different. Notice the hinge mechanism. As i wanted to have operating hatches, it required more time and effort.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

To open the hatch, it has to be raised, then swiveled to the side, then lowered on a stand. It can be done while the periscope is still in place.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Capture2.JPG (96.14 KiB) Viewed 1380 times

I had to study the mechanism, and try to get to something close without too much difficulty and time. Some simplifications can be done.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Capture3.JPG (41.05 KiB) Viewed 1380 times

As seen in some remaining vehicles, a metal cover was initially provided and sometimes still present, sometimes not. I suspect it was easily blown off and lost in operation. I decided not to reproduce the cover, i prefer to see the mechanism under.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The core of the hatches are created in plasticard, in two layers. The 1/35 kit provided extrapolated dimensions to 1/16.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The basic hatch can be easily done.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The base and the seal on the hull were done and tested for fit with the hatches that sit of these.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The parts created for the hatch closing mechanism, mainly made of Channel brass strips in two sizes that overlap.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

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The assembled mechanism.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

Created the base for the opening arm mechanism. Not looking for perfection here, just something that looks ok with available material on hand.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The hatch was detailed with a periscope base and with a periscope that come from the Classy Hobby M5A1 Stuart. The periscope cover was scratch built. The base for the periscope was complicated, has a difficult angle to repro and was done prior to gluing the hatch to the arm. The M1 bolt holding the arm has a washer and nut inside the hull for a realistic and functional opening/closing operation.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The basic mechanism is then further detailed a bit the best i could with the time i was willing to put on these. The hatch is given its locking mechanism and handle.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The two hatches are installed.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Walk around the hatches.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Capture15d.JPG (71.02 KiB) Viewed 1380 times

The hatch can be raised like the real thing.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

And swiveled to the sides with the periscope still on.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

Overview with the hatches opened. I did not put the resting pin for the hatches that should be located on the sides. I will wait for the fenders to be installed to detail that area. Present are the lifting hooks on the glacis and the ventilator intake cover between the two hatches.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Continuing the detailing of the upper hull with the fuel tank vents at the rear.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Basic shapes are created in 3mm plasticard.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Capture20a.JPG (68.63 KiB) Viewed 1380 times

A thin plasticard layer is added at the bottom to repro the rim i have seen on them in pictures, more evident on some tanks than others. I probably need to trim them further though.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The fuel tank vents are installed, along with a bunch of handles done in 0.8mm brass rods.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Close ups.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Notice that the fuel cap was given a layer of superglue to mimic a cast effect that will be more visible when painted.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The model as it stands today. I would normally do the fenders, but i would like to have the tracks on hand and finished to see the integration before i put on fenders. So, next step is to jump to the next big milestone; the turret.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Regards, Louis

[HERMAN BIX]

Those hatches are things of beauty on their own Mr Mcq11!!
And I assume you have an active share portfolio in the brass bolt company featured on all your builds

[lmcq11]

Those hatches are things of beauty on their own Mr Mcq11!!
And I assume you have an active share portfolio in the brass bolt company featured on all your builds

Thank you Herman,

There is a special satisfaction feeling in screwing brass bolts into an armored plate i just cut. Its a step closer to the real thing. The result is always a notch higher than using plastic bolt heads and nuts. It make the builds more interesting to me. A little bag of 25 bolts cost between 5 and 7 euros.

On every build like this, i make an order of about $100 with Knupfer of Germany, mostly M1, M0.8, M0.6 bolts, nuts, washers, brass strips of various sizes and thickness, channel strips or other special item. I buy brass rods and plasticard in lots from Spruebrothers. Aluminum and brass tubing come mostly from China through eBay. The leftovers go into the reserve for the following build. Brass and aluminum are nice hobby materials, they can easily be cut with basic tools, shaped with a nail file and then polished. I like to use brass bolts on exposed areas, but i use Meng plastic nuts on secondary or partially hidden areas, or where it is not possible to use real screws. These make scratch build solutions possible.

Knupfer

[lmcq11]

Hi,

Starting the turret, it is a big part of the project.

The Bronco 1/35 turret provides a good view of the shapes, dimensions and angles. At first sight, it is not simple and requires custom work. The commander has a M26 type of cupola that i hope to use here, the gunner has a flat hatch.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Bottom view of the round base.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

There is a cast section at the front, along with the mantlet. The side armor is rolled steel.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Frontal view

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

I am going to start with the round bottom base.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

In order for the base of the turret to be totally round, flat and uniform, i will build it using roundels stacked together. Four layers are prepared in descending size to help manage the outward angle that needs to be created manually, consisting of two layers of 4mm, one of 2mm and one of 1mm for a total of 11mm.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

A simple roundel making tool is use in reverse so that the back of the blade grinds through the thick plasticard. It takes about 3 minutes per cut.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The four layers are ready for gluing together.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Then the side is given a Dremel treatment to grossly reproduce the angle first, then finetuned with a nail file and then polished smooth. The last ring on the top is cut where the frontal cast armor will start.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

On this reverse view, you can see the structure of the turret base.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

The integration is tested with the upper hull, looking good. The round base ensured there is no wobble.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Capture10.JPG (91.79 KiB) Viewed 1313 times

The fit at the back with the engine intake grill module is good.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The fit is also excellent with the outer rounded guard around the turret base. The spacing matches what is seen on the 1/35 kit.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Getting ready for the frontal cast armor. Lots of pre-calculations and planning is required. I also left a good base inside the turret in order to install the elevation and recoil servos. The shape of the hole will be adjusted after the gun elevation system is created.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Angles are taken directly from the Bronco kit. However, i noticed that the two side angles are not the same. I also saw a small issue during the planning phase. I am going to use a Tamiya M-26 Pershing commander's cupola. However, it seems that the 1/16 Tamiya M-26 cupola ring is about 3mm larger than the space that Bronco has given it on its 1/35 kit when extrapolated to 1/16. I do not know if the M-24 cupola was really smaller than the Sherman and M-26 cupola that are both identical, or if Bronco made a mistake. In order to use the Tamiya M-26 cupola, i need to compensate and enlarge the turret top by 3mm compared to the Bronco 1/35 measurements to help the fit for Tamiya cupola. I find it unlikely that the US would have developed a specific cupola size for the M-24 that is 48 millimeters smaller in diameter... I gave the same angle to the two sides of the turret.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

The frontal armor piece is made of four layers of 4mm plasticard glued incrementally together, then hand carved with the Dremel and hand files using the 1/35 kit as a model.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

After two hours of work, this is the current state of the frontal armor. I am slowly getting there but it is dusty business.

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

RC 1/16 M-24 Chaffee light tank- Dien Bien Phu 1954 - Build

Next step; the mantlet and gun elevation system.

Regards, Louis

[Manu-Military]

I'd just say : wow!