The Official Armortek Forum - World leader in one sixth scale metal kits

I finally have something to post on the Tiger forum! I've been wanting to try this for some time. I made a CNC program to machine the ice cleats into the early Tiger 1 links to try to convert them to late syle tracks. I tried two different machining styles. Style #1 machines off the three rectangular early recess's off the existing link, then machines the cleats. The second style #2 does not machine off the three recess, but machines the cleats in the link pretty much as is. There are trade offs with both methods. Style 1 had fully complete cleats, but lowers the height of the link the most -this style will look the best. Style 2 reduces the height the least, but two of cleats are interfered with by the early recess and are only partial height, not full depth- the benefit is the height of the link isn't reduced much.

I think both styles look good after painting. Style 1 takes 17 minutes to machine each link, Style 2 takes 11 minutes per link.

The next step is to try and machine the guide tooth square hole! More to follow soon.
Thanks for looking, enjoy -Bob

PS I'm not quite ready to go into business machining links for everyone, this is just to show what can be done.

Style 2 link being machined:




Style 1 after machining top, Style 2 bottom with Tim Bowmans excellent SLA
model in background


Height comparison, stock link, Style 1 on left, style 2 right


Height comparison with Tim's model (center). Style 1 left, style 2 right


Style 2 painted


Style 1 painted


All together painted. Style 1 are the three links on left, Style 2 are the four to the right. Notice the partial second cleats on style 2 inboard from outer edges.

Look fantastic. I would love to know how to work those tools.

Outstanding Bob!

Both look fantastic and so much better look for a Late Tiger I.

But my vote goes for type 2.
That reduced inner chevron is no big deal as the real ones did get more worn out at the inner side.



Here also seen on my own real Tiger I link:



Thanks for showing what can be done.
Now I just have to convince myself I can do this by using Mr Dremel...

Kind regards
Kent

Poor Mr Dremel will have his work cut out there.

Hi Bob

Those look fantastic! Excellent work as always.

Kindest regards
Tim

these machines are superb if you know how to use them, interesting to see this upgrade, what a nice finish aswell, thanks bob, regards simon manning