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In the evenings I have been jumping all over the place making bits of my Grant.
yesterday evening while watching previous Series of the Big bang Theory on Netflix I came up with an easier way of building the tracks that I'd like to share with you.

Step 20 Track Links.
Step 1 Build up a sub assembly of a pair of Track Pins ED0503, ED0506, ED0501 and the M2 x * cap screw and nut.

Step 2 Fit over the track pins, one on each pin, Track Link EN0503 Link Plate (Not identified as such on the Illustration but is on the bag), and two Track Pads EN0502, again one on each pin.

Step 3 Fit two Track Links, one to each Pin.

Step 4 Finish the sub assembly with the other ED0501, ED0506 screw and nut.

Step 5 Repeat from Step One but this time using only One EN0502 and EN0503 when making up the sub assembly.

For Some Reason the following images are the wrong way round and I can't find a way to alter their order, but I hope you get an idea of what I'm trying to show.

Hi Pete!

When I did the Sherman tracks I decided to assemble one end connector and two pins, then when all those were done I put on the pads and installed the other connecters as the track layed on it's side and coiled around.

To assemble each individual unit (connector & two pins) I drilled two holes, equal depth, in a block of wood to hold the pins while I did the connector, lock, and bolt. To keep the 'holding jig' from moving I put weights on the end. That way all the units were half way built before I 'fought' with the pads and other connectors.

I haven't started building the M3 tracks yet because I've ordered a couple hundred M2 locknuts instead of using the thin nuts (AND Loctite). Locknuts makes it easier to 'break' the tracks when I have to take'em off the tank.

Hi Mike

I have done the same, build one Pin and link assembly for each piece of track. It took me a couple of evening but 160 are now done.
It didn't occur to make make a jig, it looks to be a good idea.

Last evening I started on assembling the tracks. I made two piles of Pin assemblies, one for each side, its amazing how easy it was, doing about 50 in two hours. I found that the Pin assemblies, when made up, cause the pins to slope towards each other. An easy solution was found when fitting the second ED0501 connector was to put a screwdriver between the track pads to prise them apart.

I haven't used Loctite, lets hope it doesn't come to the tracks separating in use.

Pete

Hi Pete!

My Sherman tracks were done and it was John at ECA who said I should just put a drop of Loctite on each nut cause he'd had a track come loose before and it wasn't pretty.

Later, when I needed to remove the tracks, I started using M2 locknuts when I put'em back together and they're a lot handier so now I'm going to use all locknuts on the M3.

Like these rivets I'm doing now, I prefer to do 10-30 track sections at one sitting. Staying still on one position for a long time hurts my old back and rivets/connectors are so repetitive that if I tried to do'em all at once they'd end up having to lock me up in the Nervous Hospital!!

Mike

One of the disadvantages of the M3/M4 track design is that if you do lose a screw, you will lose the clamp block before you realise there is anything wrong. Due to the overall track tension, one of the track pins will get badly bent when it separates, so it's a good idea to keep a stock of track pins, clamps and fasteners with you when "out in the field".

Nyloc nuts are also more prototypical, although the M2 ones are usually made too thin, but they do look better than plain nuts.


Adrian.

Mike,
Where did you obtain the M2 locknuts: source and part number, also which Locktite did you use?
Thanks

M2 lock nuts are available from China via Ebay.

Cheapest I've found them is around £5/100, for 304 stainless steel.

Adrian.

Good Morning!!

Yeah, what Adrian said. I ordered 200 (two 100 packs) M2 locknuts and I'm just waiting until they get delivered. I also ordered 50 more of those 2.5x12 button head screws and locknuts to add a few extra to the hull.

Until then I'm putting on the casting numbers and rounding all the milled sharp edges.

Mike

All that is needed to assemble tracks in front of the haunted fish tank. Still bingeing on Big Bang Theory, up to Season 5 episode 13. (for the third time)

After reviewing all the comments above I will be going the M2 Locknut route. Its going to be a bins removing all the existing ones but as you say, better do it now than later when the tracks come undone.

Thanks y'all for your contributions

> I ordered 200 (two 100 packs) M2 locknuts

Um, 80 links per side x two sides x two end connectors per link = 320 lock nuts.

Adrian.

"I wondered when you'd spot my deliberate mistake Wilson"

Hi Adrian
Do you have the link to the m2 nyloc nuts from ebay that are £5.00 per hundred please.

Regards
Derek

Maybe this one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25-50-100pc- ... wqkVPh_7xA

Vince

Exactly that link

Adrian.

Hi Guys
Thanks for the link .

Regards

Derek