A34 COMET

[phil fitzpatrick]

Did any one notice my stretcher posts were on the wrong way round,I
discoveredit when I went to fit the two middle stretchers?
Cheers
Phil

[robert michael hilton]

Thanks for the info Mark, obtaining model/ironmongery items is a real pain from where I live. There are one or two local shops.....mostly I have to order parts, however it's our choice to live in the countryside....so I don't conplain.

Phil, do not make mistakes, I will only copy them ...mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

A nice sunny late afternoon,so I assembled my suspension parts outside.
Did a dry run as advised,it goes together real nice.

Rocol Kilopoise 0868 and Loctite 480 makes for a lot of fun!
That Kilopoise grease is one sticky stuff.

[phil fitzpatrick]

Suspension ready to fit to hull

[Nick Farrugia]

Hi phil
great progress on your comet realy looking good ,iwent to the open day on sunday ,i took my pz111 had a great time .Mark was driving the comet around quit a bit and it looks brilliant and sounds like no other tank i have herd to date ,it realy growls at you its very impresive .Ionly wish i had bought one as well never mind they might do another run some time ,hope so .
best wishes
nick

[John Davie]

Hi guys,

As far as the fasteners are concerned, the bump stop block to spaces is quoted as M4x18, it should be M4x10 and this is what is included in the fasteners pack.
The side decks are fitted with a bolt and nut, so 6mm is probably too short - I tend to use nyloc nuts and these often need a 2mm longer bolt anyway - I think I used 10mm here.

If something is specified incorrectly, ie its too short or too long, then I would use the shortest suitable bolt from the kit. You may find the correct ones are included in the fastener pack anyway and there are additional (spares) included. If, towards the end you then run short of any then you should give Gill a call, I've always found her very helpful and I'm sure she would send you some to make up any shortages.

John

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Guys
Glad you had a good time at the open day with your Panzer,it sound as though it was a great weekend for all.
The Comet sounded great when I saw at the South West Model Show and I met Gill and mark.
The Comet really is nice to assemble,love the suspension.

Thanks for the fastener info John,thats what I do and I make a list of what
Ive pinched from else where and I am fortunate to have a great store
not far from my works,that I can easy call into for any odd fasteners
and tools

Cheers Phil

[phil fitzpatrick]

Assembled my suspension feels great,stated on the return rollers

[phil fitzpatrick]

Outer Hull fitted with return rollers assembled

[phil fitzpatrick]

Started on the turret sides and rear
Used M6 x 10 cap heads Front to Base
M4 x 10 cap heads for sides and rear at the bottoms
M4 x 20 cap heads for front bracket to front and M4 8 x 8 cap heads
side to front bracket.
M4 x 8 side and rear at tops to side brackets.
All lined up first time

[phil fitzpatrick]

My bearings set in the hubs and well cured,sun's moving round on to the
patio,so time to start the wheels.

[robert michael hilton]

Lovely job Phil, your 'photofit', build is a great help to me and others.

Still trying to resolve my paint problems, have now removed all paint from the suspension, and ordered a trial 'acrylic' 400ml aerosol olive drab. Enjoying the build enormously.....need to take my time, and think each build section through......mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Thanks Mick
Hope you have success soon with your painting
Is the problem with other parts of your tank or just the suspension?
Reason I ask is because that Kilopoise is tenaciouse stuff,I got it all over my fingers and on the plated tubes on assembly.
I didnt paint my tubes,the plating was good quality so I just lightly smeared
them with silicon grease and the pivots,before I put the outer hull on.
Good luck with your Acrylic
Happy building
Phil

[robert michael hilton]

Hello Phil,no, it's just me and paint....I am leaving the brass tubes unpainted.
Paint on the suspension arms were the problem, too many coats of paint,of different types....ie, cellulose....acrylic....back to celulose. So, a complete clean down and start again....with 'acrylic'.
The build is going well...I just need to slow down and consider each step before 'diving' in. There is much to enjoy....mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Road Wheels and Sprocket assembled