Recoil system and track tension questions

[Simon Wyatt]

Hi gang - Mike Wyatt here - just bought a completed Cent from Martin Taylor - great.
The gun recoil system seems very lethargic, and not working properly.
Can I undo the two bolts either side of the mantlet and withdraw the mechanism for inspection - or must I remove the turret to get access to it?

2nd question - track tension - I see there are large bolts and nuts behind the front sprockets - do I just slacken the nuts, and turn the bolts to take up the slack - and how can I tell when they are the correct tension?

Sorry for the questions - but not having built it, not sure how it all works!!

Mike

[Dave Nadin]

Hi Mike and welcome, It is posserbile to remove the barrel and mantlet as a one pice asy, by removeing the 2 large slot head screws at the sides of the turret front casting. But there is a hight risk of damaging the elevaition system. I have had the same problum with a sluggish recoil, the problum was caused by, Binding between the barrel breach end were it fits into the black nylon bush. It is possabile to remove the barrel from the mantlet which will not effect the elevation system.
Barrel removale, Remove the turret roof. Start by disconecting & remove the LED harness out of the barrel. Then discornect the recoil servo linkage at the breach push arm. The barrel should now be able to rotate fully in its mantlet. Grip the barrel and brass breach plug (inside of turret) and unscrew ! Pull out the barrel, then the brass breach plug. Simples be on your guard for thread lock. Reassemble is in reverse order.

Track tension is a debateable subject. your correct about the tension adjusters at the front ideler wheels.AS for track lenght. I set the tracks with the adjusters fully in. have 10-15 mm deflection along the top return rollers.then tighten the tensioners to about 5mm deflection, checking that the centurion runs in a stright line with out any binding or track skipping ( tight links). If it looks right your not far off the mark

Have fun I still have the full set of build instructions if you would like a copy just ask. dave

[Simon Wyatt]

Thanks very much for that, Dave - will have a go with those tips.
Mike