Scratchbuilt Leclerc

[MonsieurTox]

Hello guys,

It's been a long time since I've posted something but I remained active in the background !

This is the first modern tank I build and it is one of my favorite morden one : the Leclerc.

I've started to collect parts for it back in March 2022, but havent really started until the end of September.

As usual, I start every project by making it in 3D to figure the basic shapes and get an idea of what's the best way to build it, get precise measurements, generate plans for hand cutting or machining parts, stl for 3D printing etc

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[MonsieurTox]

I'm using HL suspension arms, wheels and tracks. Tracks are just about the perfect size and shape for the Leclerc. The only difference is there's a nothc in the rubber pads of the Leclerc but well, I'll see later if I can do something about it ! The sprocket wheel is very different and have not the correct number of teeth so I 3D printed mine. The roadwheels are about the right size, the details of the hub caps is different but we dont see a lot once the skirts are attached. I think I'll modify them though.

For now I'm using the basic plastic HL gearboxes. I'm sure they wont be powerful enough for this tank, it would be a shame to have the Leclerc going as fast as a Renault FT.

For this project I bought a small CNC. This will be the first project with that many ways of making things : 3D generated plans, hand cutting, hand milling and turning, 3D printing with both FDM and resin printer and using CNC to cut/mill parts. Lots of fun !!

The lower and upper hull are both cut with the CNC. The CNC works very well !
The lower sides of the chassis are 3D printed with my FDM printer. They support the suspension arms. I will 3D print with my resin printed then mold and cast in regular resin the oleopneumatic suspensions (fake details).

The front of the turret is 3D printed whil the rear (auto-loader, A/C) will be made out of styrene and detailed with brass, styrene, 3D printed parts etc...

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[HERMAN BIX]

Damn I wish I was that clever

[MonsieurTox]

Damn I wish I was that clever

It's not about being clever, I can assure you that !

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Oh, yes, it is about experience, the right tools, inventiveness, skill, and downright clever thinking. I’m watching with awe.

[MonsieurTox]

Oh, yes, it is about experience, the right tools, inventiveness, skill, and downright clever thinking. I’m watching with awe.

Thanks Herr Professor, the truth is that I'm lucky enough to have plenty of time to work on it !

[KH3DP]

Thank you for sharing your in-progress photos.

In some of your photos, the center line of the drive sprocket appears to be offset from the center line of the road wheels. Is this just because the drive sprocket isn't fully seated, or is it because of the lower hull inset where the suspension arms mount?

Your front turret print looks amazing. I haven't had the nerve to try a single resin print that big yet.

[MonsieurTox]

Thank you for sharing your in-progress photos.

In some of your photos, the center line of the drive sprocket appears to be offset from the center line of the road wheels. Is this just because the drive sprocket isn't fully seated, or is it because of the lower hull inset where the suspension arms mount?

Your front turret print looks amazing. I haven't had the nerve to try a single resin print that big yet.

Hello !

Yes you are right the drive sprocket is offset because the heaborx is not attached to the hull, it's still loose inside ! It'll be of course in line with the road wheels !

[MITCH]

Great start to construction! A tank that I like a lot too. Indeed, it deserves better gearbox

[MonsieurTox]

Great start to construction! A tank that I like a lot too. Indeed, it deserves better gearbox

Thanks MITCH, yeah I guess I'll have to use better ones at some points, I'm not sure which though.