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I've finally managed to get the recoil system on the prototype Sherman working as I would like.

When I initially stripped the tank down, it looked like this:


Now I've cleaned up the parts and replaced the servo, it looks like this:


This is the unit in operation:


The servo is a Sanwa ERG-VRX, which is supposed to operate at 0.06 seconds per 60 degree arc but I don't think it's quite that fast. The servo is being controlled by a PICAXE 08 chip, hence the dual speed operation. To get the best from the servo, I'm running the whole circuit from 6 volts but I think it would be safer for the rest of the electronics if I create a split supply.

For those wondering why their Sherman doesn't have a recoil system, I believe this was superseded by the blank firer before the Sherman kit was released.

Personally, I'm torn between leaving it as it was originally designed or changing the length of the arm attached to the servo, to increase the speed of attack.

Adrian.

Hi Adrian,

Very smooth How are you going to sinc the firing dound with the recoil

Thanks Antony

One of the handy things about the PICAXE is that it can read RC servo signals, so it should be possible to link it to the receiver and synchronise them that way.

One slight hiccough is that the original Sherman sound system doesn't have a built-in main gun sound, just the machine gun, so I may have to improvise

Adrian.

Hello Adrian

I have a Benedini in mine its a great improvement on the original armortek version.

Lee

Adrian,
That looks like perfect speed, now to connect to sound and you will be set. Looks like a very simple set up that would work for most tanks.
Bob

Adrian,

Thats a nice little recoil unit, if you connect the servo to a non proportional channel it won't be difficult to manually synchronise the sound and movement if you fit either the Benedini unit system or a Tamiya system. For my Sherman I bought a Tamia Sherman kit and used the electronics then sold on the Kit as a static model on e-bay. I got a good price so the sound system came very cheap and it also has a muzzle flash that you can mount in the gun as well.

Hi adrian
i like your recoil system it looks very smooth you have done a great job repairing it and putting it back into working order.
do you think a system like that would work and fit in my pz111.
great job
regards
nick

Hi Nick.

The Panzer III almost looks like it was designed for a system like this

The main barrel is already drilled and would just need tapping for the end bolt.

The Sherman barrel took a bit of cleaning up to remove the tight points but once it has run for a while it smooths itself out.

Adrian.