2024 SD KFZ 7 ARMORTEK KIT

[Armortek]

As mentioned earlier, the 2024 version of the Sd KFZ 7 will feature several changes over the previous kit.

At the moment we are still in the process of revising the designs so not everything is finalised and some of it probably will not be for another 3-4 weeks.

There have been some significant changes on the running gear - which has then meat that almost all the parts associated with the running gear have had to be revised - as you can imagine, changing a part by even 0.1mm means that the mating parts need to be checked and changed as well.
As parts are changed they also get new part numbers so that we can keep our spare parts properly segregated.

As we go through the design revision process we also need to be aware of the projected weight of the model and its weight distribution. Ideally we should be moving the centre of gravity more forwards and have more weight over the front axel to allow for better off-road steering. This then plays a part in the materials we use (Aluminium vs steel) as well as the thickness of the materials.

[Armortek]

As off today, the CHASSIS is pretty much complete with the redesign - the only outstanding part is the tow bar assembly that will undergo some further work.

The key changes here:

1. The front end has been reworked to more accurately represent the bolt pattern and sheet metalwork on the real vehicle
2. The front wheel centre and hubs have been slightly modified for realism
3. The roadwheels have been heavily modified (see next post) along with the axels
4. The idler has also been modified as has the idler shaft to allow more travel
5. Roadwheel hub caps all have more detail with simulated grease points.
6. The sprocket crossmember will mow be made of steel to move some weight forwards
7. TEMPORARY CHANGE TO BE CONFIRMED - Brushless motors have been test fitted. As there is no room for a large gear reduction there are 2 concerns ... (1) will there be enough torque and (2) the model will have a very high top speed. Theory suggests that we should be ok with point 1, and with point 2 ... people could just drive slower and not at top speed . Backup plan is brushed motors, but not my preferred solution.
8. TEMPORARY CHANGE TO BE CONFIRMED - Through holes have been added to all the leaf springs to allow them to be fixed (as per the real vehicle). We need to confirm how well this solution works in practice and what this means to the manufacture of the springs.

[Armortek]

ROADWHEEL A

Roadwheel A was previously a cast aluminium part - we will now make it out of pressed 2mm steel.

In addition, the key changes are:

1. The bolt pattern on the face of the wheel, where it attaches to the hub, has changed to reflect the pattern on the original vehicle
2. The pattern of the embossed parts has also changed as they are not symmetrical in real life
3. Dual bearings have been added into the hubs to support the axel

SD KFZ 7 - ROADWHEEL A.png (250.1 KiB) Viewed 479 times

SD KFZ 7 - ROADWHEEL A - SECTIONAL VIEW.png (231.05 KiB) Viewed 479 times

[Armortek]

ROADWHEEL B

Previously Roadwheel B was a CNC turned Aluminium part - again we will make this from pressed 2mm steel. This wheel is actually a lot more complex than Roadwheel A and each wheel will actually be fabricated from 3 parts that will be laser welded together.

As with Roadwheel B the hub will now contain dual ball bearings.

SD KFZ 7 - ROADWHEEL B.png (194.17 KiB) Viewed 474 times

SD KFZ 7 - ROADWHEEL B - SECTIONAL VIEW.png (118.56 KiB) Viewed 474 times

[Robert E Morey]

The wheels look really good - will be nice in steel. As for speed, I'd much rather have high torque, lower speed than high overall speed. I don't plan on racing anything with it.

Really nice changes AT!
Bob

[Jerry Carducci]

I second Bob's vote for torque over speed.

Having a 'first generation' Sd.Kfz. 7 I'm very interested in these upgraded parts; particularly the wheels. Look forward to the model altogether.

Jerry

[Damon Resch]

I agree torque over speed. Super excited for this kit plus the 88 Flak.

[Armortek]

Revised front end with sheet metal work, functional lights, and additional details on the radiator and fenders.

[Mark Heaps]

Like Jerry, I am also interested in the upgraded parts.
Maybe to assist us & them when placing an order, they could provide a spreadsheet correlating old part numbers to new upgraded part numbers,
Also highlighting any mis-matches, ie if you want a new part A, then you also need new parts X, Y & Z as your old ones are not compatible with the new A.