Renault FT 1:6

[MikeN]

I started build my FT last summer. Its in 1:6 scale and is fabricated mostly from steel with the main exception of the turret which I had cast in iron.
I decided that the tracks were the hardest/most tedious bits to make so I started with them.
There are 11 components to each track link and 64 links required. I made 70 in case I had any failures.

[MikeN]

[MikeN]

Ok thats strange. I tried to upload several pictures but its only doing one at a time.

[MikeN]

Still only doing one at a time

[MikeN]

Oh well, Heres another one.

[MikeN]

Each link is joined to its neighbour with a pin (of course) and each link pin is retained with a cross pin that is hammered over to stop it falling out.
The main flat track plates are made by hammering over a steel former before machining round the edges to get the final shape. they have a second bit welded on to thicken up the upturned part that sticks in the mud for grip. Sorry i dont know what that bits called.
After all the silver soldering and welding processes were completed I cleaned the parts in a bucket of Phosphoric acid which leaves a nice grey phosphate finish

[Ecam]

Fabulous work! Second and third pictures show links and parts. How are those made? I'm assuming a CNC plasma is too large, laser?

[Kaczor]

Amazing!

PS. I moved the topic to the proper section.

[Ad Lav]

Giant Meccano!

[MikeN]

Fabulous work! Second and third pictures show links and parts. How are those made? I'm assuming a CNC plasma is too large, laser?

Thanks, Yes I had these track parts laser cut. Also the drive sprocket inner and outer ring.
Everything else is roughed out with an angle grinder and hacksaw prior to machining.