Mick's Panther A

[Phil Woollard]

Hi Dennis, it's just a guide the principle is the same. That photo of mine shows newer and older modules all working well together, I still like to use the lovely old power supply module to, very useful that. Regards Phil.

[michael hilton]

Hello Dennis, and thank you Phil for the advice. I have had a general tidy up and move around, I was tripping over myself. The motion pack, audio and motors are located in the hull, just to get a feel for it. I will test the system over the next few days before the final bolt down...'mount up, move out', time to watch 'Fury' again ...Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Looking good Mick, you got tons of room, if you can point those speakers up towards the cooling vents in the rear deck or it wont seem loud enough , regards Phil.

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Mick,

By putting the audio module up the front will you will able to access the volume control if needed, just a thought.

Dennis.

[michael hilton]

Hello Dennis, I noted your comment. I have arranged both rear and front deck to be easily removable, also the top of the turret. Not the final fit however, most of the electrical modules are in place. Best wishes for the New Year to you and your family, and thanks for all your help....Mick

[Dennis Jones]

Seasons greeting to you and yours as well Mick.

Dennis.

[michael hilton]

Thank you Dennis and Phil, I have finished the motion, sounds installation....all is well. Tested the modules time and time again as I progressed, just in case I cocked up. I enjoy listening to the Maybach and main gun sound and the 'flash' makes it seem a lot like Christmas. I took a look at my Tank Spotter handbook for camo' ideas. The 'splinter' effect would be easy to apply with my 'rattle cans', worth a thought.

Any road up, it's Christmas day so no more prattle, time to crack open a can or two. The very best wishes to everyone at Armortek, old and new, Forum members, builders and watchers alike, today and for the New Year ahead....from Mick and the one who watches over me

[michael hilton]

Hello me old mates, could not resist an hour our two with the model....tank that is Made a start on the elevation and recoil, I had to remove the mantlet to gain access, to fit the elevation slide, all good. Looking forward to the recoil.....Happy New Year guys and gals, I should be in bed by nine, the years go by far too quickly for me....Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Looking good Mick, she will have everything when your done, do you plan to show it or sell it and start a new? Best regards Phil.

[michael hilton]

Hello Phil, no more 'shows' I'm afraid, my wife and I now find the effort required out weighs the pleasure gained. We have sorely missed them. As for my latest build, to quote....me Panther this my well be my last....so one to keep. I nearly gave myself a rupture the last time I moved the Panther. I have all the correct equipment, table lift, ramps etc, it is an age and health problem now...I have to be realistic. Anyway, enough of my bleating, and just to say I have enjoyed every moment of my love affair with Armortek.
Now, back to the real world, I am installing the 'recoil', so what grease is used on the barrel. I need to smooth the bushes somewhat also a fine wet and dry on the barrel......Mick

[Stephen White]

Happy New Year, Mick. There is no requirement to grease the interface between the barrel and the plastic recoil insert. It’s important to make sure the two surfaces are free of any burrs or machining marks. This is best done with scrapers if necessary. If you do use an abrasive, be very careful to make sure you’ve not introduced any surface roughness. If you do choose to lubricate the barrel in its bearing, consider using a dry film lubricant, not a wet grease.

Rocol do a dry molybdenum spray but it’s a bit expensive:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/182911591118?c ... 6710407323

I also use it for suspension components, so it’s a good investment.

Thee are cheaper alternatives such as this PTFE spray:

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/lubricants- ... gI_J_D_BwE

All the best, enjoying seeing your progress.

Stephen

[michael hilton]

Hello Stephen, thank you for the informed reply, the PTFE looks ideal, I will give it a try. A very Happy New Year to you Stephen, and all your family.
Back in the build, when I installed the mantlet bushes I used Loctite to secure them, when they had set, I realized the bushes were a little out of line. I used fine wet and dry to remove the 'lip'. The barrel now slides smoothly through although I have probably removed the finished surface of the bushes so I was looking to replace that surface, the PTFE should do the trick, thanks again....
Moving on... I have now tested the recoil. With heart in mouth I fired the 75mm...bingo, all is well, a smooth recoil and muzzel flash. I will use the PTFE though....Mick

[michael hilton]

Good morning my hero's, thought I would post a couple of photographs just to keep the pot boiling, so to speak. If you want 'tight' this is it. Testing the recoil shot a shell straight through the bedroom wall Not really...Mick

[Phil Woollard]

You are a tease Mick! I have spraying to do today so I have cranked up the heating in the tank shed, have a good day me ol mate regards Phil.

[michael hilton]

Morning each, lots of activity on the Forum, I am enjoying all the builds, especially Phil's Quad. Here is my penny worth. I am pushing on with the final parts fit. Had to turn the old girl around to gain access to her rear . I used the radio and motion control. You do need a very light touch on the 'sticks' while manoeuvring the Panther in a confined space. One wrong move and it's half a day in A and E....I have the remote start and smoker switch finally fixed, access through the rear deck hatch cover. I'm itching to make a start on the Linear Splinter camouflage making full use of my stock of rattle cans.....Mick.