Page 1 of 1

Limit switches

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 8:33 pm
by Kirk Wiggins
I am having a difficult time mounting the limit switches on my Sherman Firefly. I fitted them to the recoil bracket following the instructions.....inner limit switch with lever facing down and outer switch with lever facing up. The problem, as the barrel elevates or depresses, there is nothing for the levers to make contact with, even if I were to bend them. Are there missing pieces to the kit? Do I need to fabricate pieces and fit them inside the turret? The Recoil Module instructions illustrate how the switches should be fitted to what looks like a StuG, but it won't work on a Firefly. I'm at a loss, and would appreciate any help you could give.
Kind regards,
Kirk

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:48 pm
by Adrian Harris
Kirk

Does the elevation installation etc look anything like Phil's T34 shown here:

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... 04&p=33175

Adrian

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:50 pm
by Kirk Wiggins
Adrian,
It looks similar, except the inner limit switch's two prongs would not allow horizontal mounting because the prongs touched the bend on the recoil bracket and would not allow a flush mount. Therefore, both switches are mounted at 45 degree angles, up and down.
Kirk

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 10:32 am
by Adrian Harris
Kirk.

If you look at inner switch in Phil's photo:

Image

Phil has bent the prongs so that they avoid the bend in the recoil arm.

Adrian.

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 10:07 pm
by Kirk Wiggins
Hi Adrian,

I was able to mount the limit switches as shown in Phil's picture....thank you. However,
I could find no satisfactory solution for providing resistance to the lever, even when bent, to open the switch when the gun is elevated or depressed. Obviously, I must be missing something. I'm going to attempt to fabricate the necessary pieces to make it work...wish me luck.

It seemed the limit switch issues were rather straight forward with my late tiger, but the firefly is somewhat perplexing. I sincerely thank you for taking your time to respond to my query.

Kindest regards,

Kirk

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:56 am
by phil fitzpatrick
Hi Kirk
Have a look at my Late Tiger 1 postings you will find a method past on to me by Dennis.
Using a simple bracket made out of bits of flat or angle aluminium,with the micro
switches fitted to these and the part that then strikes the micro switch levers is the
recoil bracket and not the inner mantlet.
If you also look on my current build the King Tiger,you will find pictures of my turret
so far and I have fitted the bracket mentioned above and drilled it already for the
micro switches to be fitted.
I think you should have enough room in the Fire Fly.
Hope that helps you out.
Cheers
Phil

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 11:58 am
by phil fitzpatrick
Hi Kirk
I realised that I had not put the King Tiger photo on my postings because it was dark
so I took a new one for you to see.
Not short of room in the King Tiger :)

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:03 pm
by Kirk Wiggins
Hi Phil,

Thank you! Your solution is so much better than what I was going to attempt. I'm somewhat surprised that a piece like this wasn't included in the kit.

By the way, your work on the King Tiger and T-34 is spectacular! If I were on your side of the "pond", I would take you to a pub and buy you a warm beer.

Thanks again,

Kirk

Re: Limit switches

Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:42 pm
by phil fitzpatrick
Thanks Kirk
Warm Bear sounds nice.it means warm weather :)
Cheers
Phil