UPGRADES ON T34-85 KIT

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Wed Jul 30, 2014 2:36 pm

…..Continuing on with my Upgrading progress on the T34/85 Tow Ropes.
Primed now, and Just need to weather them before I add them to my tank.

Cheers
Ian

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Wed Jul 30, 2014 2:56 pm

Hi Ian.

I like every single bit you have added to this model it looks a real treat

Cheers Paul.

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Wed Jul 30, 2014 5:05 pm

Hi Paul,

I'm happy to know that you like every single upgrades I have added to my T34/85 tank, and a real treat too.
"Praise indeed" from the master builder yourself………

It's certainly has been, and still is a most enjoyable project to work on, so different from working on the usual German tanks.

However once I'm completely finished all my upgrades for the T34, it will be time to return to my unfinished Panzer III…..+ adding even more upgrades to this model.

Thanks for your nice comments, much appreciated for sure…...looking forward to seeing your latest creations coming out of your own work shop!

Regards

Cheers
Ian

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 8:01 pm

Hi All,

Just adding a few pics on my latest upgrade for my T34-85 kit. Before Armortek new website comes along!

This time I had a go at making a few Ice Cleats to add to my side mudguards, although I'm not sure I will ever try them out on real snow and ice, attached to my T34 tracks.

At the moment they will just be for show.

Still to make the straps to hold them in place.

Cheers
Ian

William Lewis · Post by **William Lewis** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 8:26 pm

Nice work on the ice cleats, Ian.
I am going to have to make a set myself.
I really like all the pictures and drawings, this really helps me make these parts. I already used your pictures to make my hammerhead style tow hooks.

Cheers
William

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:21 pm

Thanks William,

Although I made 12 ice cleats, might be to many to attach onto my side mudguards, but rather make too many than to to few……
I'm still looking at my T34 books and on the websites to see which way the ice cleats were facing! when they were attached to the tracks. If any body has got a clue, please let me know!
As for my sketches, they are just for researching and getting to know my subject matter…..

Happy to know my drawings helps you out in making your own parts.

Yes the tow hooks were fun to make out of a solid block of soft metal or aluminium!
In fact I used the larger long block (box A) that Armortek had to represent the side boxes that sat on the side of the T34-85 Mudguards.

Cheers
Ian

Robert E Morey · Post by **Robert E Morey** » Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:15 am

Ian,
Fantastic work on the smoke "cans", tow cables, and ice cleats. They are a marvel of ingenuity, skill and craftsmanship. Still loving the concept sketches as well. How do you install the cable in the ends of the tow cable ferrules?

Fantastic all around.
Best regards
Bob

Iacopo Di Giampietro · Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:03 am

Great job!
I can ask if they are made of aluminum? And in this case, how did you solder the parts?
Thank you!

Ciao,
Iacopo

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Sun Aug 31, 2014 10:40 am

Hi Robert & Lacopo,

Thanks for your nice comments, much appreciated.
In answer to your questions on tow cables and ice cleats.

If you look at the pic I attached of aluminium rod about 6mm in width I used for the ends of my tow cables by cutting up in 10 to 15mm in length, drill the right diameter size hole down through the centre to fit in the cable ends, then using a superb glue I use a lot on my tanks this wonderful stuff called Loctite Hybrid Glue, works really well, same glue I used for gluing my (72) teeth onto my right angled aluminium ice cleats. I did not use any soldering to fix the teeth in place.
I don't think I will try out my home made ice cleats for real on my T34, as I'm sure the pressure would be to much for the cleats!…..made only for displaying on my side mudguards. Same goes for my tow cables, only for display, not for pulling the tank!

Hope above answers your questions, if not come back to me!!

Cheers
Ian

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 6:23 pm

Hi All,

Just adding a few pics of some of my tools for my T34-85 tank.

Crowbars and Hammer

Cheers
Ian

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:09 pm

Hi Guys,

Just some more upgrades to add to my T34-85 Tank.

This time the log and clamps attached.

Cheers
Ian

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:49 am

Hi Ian.
Once again great stuff mate very impressive from start to finish well done

Cheers Paul.

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 10:10 am

Thanks Paul for your nice comments, just one or two more upgrades to add, then I will need to try and get my T34 mobile……!

Cheers
Ian

Ian Rodney · Post by **Ian Rodney** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:01 pm

Hi Folks,

I'm back with a few more finishing touches to my Tow Ropes and Smoke Canisters for my T34-85 tank.

Cheers
Ian

simon_manning · Post by **simon_manning** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 4:27 pm

as said before a superb build and hand written instructions as a bonus, the t34 looks the buisness, enjoyed the posts all along, regards simon manning,