Armortek

Posted: **Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:43 pm**

Congratulations to Mark and Gill on bucking the German trend and producing a heavyweight UK tank.

Now what we need is a list of reference material, preferably with a brief review as to number/quality of photos, plans etc.

Like Dale, I try and get hold of a 1/35 kit to see the shape and lines of a new model, but the Comet doesn't seem to be very well supported in this scale. The only model I've been able to find is by a company called Bronco, who I must admit I hadn't met before.

Adrian.

Posted: **Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:56 pm**

bronco do very nice, very sharp and good detailed scale kits. i have their sdkfz 221. Try Hannants.co.uk for the bronco kit, thats where i got mine.

Posted: **Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:20 pm**

I was not sure what the Christie suspension was, and found this picture
it shows the side open but with the springs missing, the suspension arms had a bell crank and the springs were more horizontal

regards
Jeff

Posted: **Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:05 pm**

A Cracking picture of the suspension system!

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:24 am**

Here's one from the IOW Tank Museum, showing the suspension components in place.

The museum has several Comets in various stages of restoration. If you on the island, it is definitely worth the visit. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They will even let you climb onto the tanks.

Cheers

Mick

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:03 am**

Great photo Mick.

There doesn't look to be too much movement in that suspension system - I would have expected the wheel to be lower without the weight of the tank on it but it looks as though that is the limit of its travel.

Adrian.

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2009 11:38 am**

Sorry for my ignorance: in this way the suspensions are pulling and not pushing.

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:37 pm**

On the full size Comet there is a rod from the top fixing, going through the centre of the spring inside the angled tube. The outer tube is attached to the swing arm and so the spring is compressed as the suspension is loaded. The overall effect is of tension on the swing arm. The upper smaller tube is the shock absorber which is fitted to all but the centre wheels.

On the model we use a coil tension spring and provide adjustment at the top fixed end, so that you can individually adjust each axle. We also use a high viscosity grease inside our tube to provide shock absorption.

Mark

Posted: **Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:41 pm**

An interesting collection of PDFs on this site:

http://the.shadock.free.fr/Surviving_Panzers.html

Should we have any Finnish purchasers, they seem to have plenty of real Comets to visit

Adrian.

Posted: **Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:56 pm**

nice find adrian

the second last picture is the one that i posted about a while back its being placed in my barracks its been painted up since and a new turret box added looks good as new

colin

Posted: **Tue Nov 24, 2009 9:40 pm**

> its being placed in my barracks

Shouldn't have said that Colin, we'll all now be tapping you up for measurements and photos

Adrian.

Posted: **Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:03 pm**

Hello Colin

PICS PICS PICS

Please.

Lee

Posted: **Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:07 am**

The Imerial War Museum website has 31 photos of Comets in 29 Armoured Brigade in NW Europe 1945, here:

http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk

Regards

Stephen

Posted: **Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:45 pm**

no problem lee as the kits come online i'll start taking pics for anyone that needs them

colin

Armortek

Reference Material

Reference Material

Suspension

IWM Photos