Mick's Panther A

[Russ Clark]

I used a dermal tool to speed up the work as there was a lot to remove on both peices

[michael hilton]

Thank you Russ, I suppose the problem is my lack of understanding. Applying engineers 'blue' I believe it's called would have helped to reveal the high spots. Never mind, Mantlet/Inner Mantlet is rotating smoothly so I am satisfied. Moving on to the Turret fittings.....like it Thanks again.....Mick.

[michael hilton]

Although not so apparent, I have been busy. I decided to adapt the decks so as to remove them for easy access to the control units inside. The turret top, rear and front decks, all rest on supports bolted to the hull/turret sides. The supports were then drilled and tapped to hold the decks in place. Remove the Allen bolts and lift the decks clear. It's all been done before ...Mick

[michael hilton]

Question time lads, (this is my first model with the 'recoil').
I have installed the recoil bush in the mantlet and the mantlet bush in the mantlet boss. The mantlet boss is also installed in the mantlet.
One bush edge is slightly proud, thereby preventing the barrel from traveling through both bushes. I would welcome your advice as I do not want to file/cut the bush lip, before asking....Mick

[michael hilton]

Result, after a gentle fettling the gun barrel slides smoothly. .....Mick

[Stephen White]

Great to see Mick, looking good. Do you ever go back to some of your first posts and reflect on how far you've come? I know I'm always picking up new stuff. i suppose that's one reason for this business being totally addictive. Counseling anyone?

All the best.

Stephen

[michael hilton]

Good morning Stephen, I was reviewing my Comet build only yesterday, and of course it seems like only yesterday when I took the plunge and purchased my first Armortek model. So addictive. Of all of my modelling years these tanks have given me most enjoyment. I just wish sometimes that this part of me whereby I have to 'sell on' a once completed model, would stop. My pockets are always empty ....Best wishes Mick.

[Sam Hough]

Stupid question and sorry if hijacking this post but...

Why did the engineers feel the need to give the Panther and Tiger 1 such complicated overlapping wheels?

The Panzer III etc had much more sensible system which seems to have come to dominate. Comet, Centurian, M26, T-34 etc?

The weight too great for quality of materials, precision of engineering...?

Thanks in advance and sorry if off topic.

[Adrian Harris]

My first though is that larger wheels means less rolling resistance.

If you look at Mick's wonderful Panther (dragging things back on topic ) , you could only squeeze possibly five wheels that size along the hull, rather than eight when they're overlapping. This also means the weight is supported on eight torsion bars rather than five, which means they can be 'softer', giving a smoother, and hence more stable, ride.

Also, the weight is spread over the full width of the track, lessening the likelihood of lateral flexing in the links when running over uneven ground.

The other side of the story is that Russia made the JS2, which is pretty much the same weight and uses similar sized tracks, with only six piddling little wheels each side

Adrian.

[Sam Hough]

It was the great picture of Mick's Panther and reference to his Comet that made me wonder about this again.

[michael hilton]

Thanks for all the interest, on a minor point and while I have it in mind....what grease are the 'recoil' lads/lassies using on the mantlet bushes.....Mick

[michael hilton]

Should have made a start on the 'tracks' today. Decided to get the welding torch out and complete the turret.....just as I finished, two of the Panther crew happened by.....Mick.

[michael hilton]

Finally, and because it is 'tipping down', made a tentative start on the tracks. I noticed that the 'chevrons' drawn in the instructions are facing the opposite way on the actual tracks. In the track assembly view the outer 'chevrons' are also facing to the rear. I have started to assemble the track links as per the drawings ....Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Ummm, yes assemble as per drawings and hang them the same over the sprockets, second pair of gloves! Not my favourite job I must confess but she's nothing without them ..Phil

[michael hilton]

Thanks Phil, I have completed one set of tracks assembled as per the drawing, ignoring the 'chevron' facing. I will attach the tracks as the instructions for fitting, again ignoring the 'Chevron'. I do not believe they add much to the traction anyway.....That should prompt a comment or two ....Mick.