Chieftain Prototype Build

[Armortek]

Update on the Chieftain

Because of the complexities of some of the parts, design work on some of the parts was already frozen about 3 weeks ago. The complete design was completed early last week - below are a few images of the design.

Very pleased on how this model is coming along!

The intention is what you see on the kit is what will be part of the kit - the only caveat to this is that we are now in the prototyping stage.

Armortek's Chieftain

Armortek's Chieftain

Armortek's Chieftain

[Armortek]

Pictures of a few of the prototype parts that have been made so far:

[Armortek]

Prototype build pictures (as built by the official Armortek builder - Chris)

Intricate operational gun cradle

Wheel

Return roller

More wheels

Bogie assembly

Bogie assembly

Bogie assembly almost complete

[Brian Ostlind]

Cool stuff!

How will the speed of this machine compare to other Armortek models?

[Kevin Hunter]

Like a kid on Christmas Eve...………….

[Stephen White]

Well done Kian and Mark, given the difficulties with the turret definition, it's a remarkable scale effort. I'm only sorry not to have been able to get you the blueprints earlier. Two minor observations: where are the MRS projector on top of the turret and the two back bins? Stephen

[Steve Ellis]

Looking great so far, can’t wait to see the prototype at Tankfest later this year.
An awful lot of hard work has obviously gone into the research for this kit which probably mirrors the high expectations of those of us that served on Chieftain and have such fond memories of this old girl.
Well done Kian, Mark and everyone else who’s helped on this project.

[andymusgrove]

Omg. I was trying to be good and not think about it yet and then you post this lot. Now I want to see more and more. Loving it.

Thanks to all the crew at Armortek for what they do
Keep up the good work..

You have the best jobs

Andy

[andymusgrove]

Oh go on then another update would be great....

Please

[Chang]

Hi all,
Look at those proto-type photos in the thread "Chinese Eye", I reckon the Chieftain will be another huge model.
Can Kian reveal the data of the size to let us realise how huge it will be ?
Thanks.

Lerh Chang

[Armortek]

Just posted a video of the prototype hull running.
Featuring larger drive motors and steel tracks the prototype ran flawlessly over concrete, mud and grass. Unfortunately that will be enough playing for a bit as we keep working on the prototype build.

Look at those proto-type photos in the thread "Chinese Eye", I reckon the Chieftain will be another huge model.
Can Kian reveal the data of the size to let us realise how huge it will be ?

These are the only numbers we have so far until the prototype is built:
Length: 1.80m (5ft 10in) with gun in forwards position
Width: 0.6m (2ft)
Weight – to be confirmed once the prototype is built.

[youtube][/youtube]

[Kevin Hunter]

Great video..... keeping us on the edge of our seats with anticipation.
Thanks
Kevin

[Phil Woollard]

She looks great guy's and I'm so glad you have gone for steel tracks....no more worrying about breakages, ( not that I have ever broken an Armortek track, I hasten to ad) just give us the right noises and this will be epic, probably the best all metal 1/6th rc model in the entire world!

[John Clarke]

Excellent progress. Loved the Clip, for a few short seconds I thought you might do a maniac demo like this nutter with a Leo.
Thankfully not.

Once knew a manufacturer that did this sort of stuff at shows. He didn't tell prospective buyers that the model needed regular repair work afterwards.

May look great but the running gear would soon be shot.

Just out of interest, will the Chieftain sprockets and track pins be up graded to Stainless steel support the new steel track?


And


LOL

[Armortek]

Short update on the Chieftain as it has been a while since we posted the video.
The hull was stripped down after playing testing to check for any issues - and we then started the production of the running gear.

As parts have been through prototyping, we have started the production and to date we have completed production on most of the hull and some ancillary parts whilst we wait for the cast turret and front armour to arrive.

We still hope to have the prototype running for Tankfest, but a lot rides on the cast parts arriving on time. These are currently running 3 weeks behind schedule and if they do not get here next week, all bets are off for TankFest as they will still need some extensive machining ..... not the easiest of things when the turret alone is expected to weigh 16kg, measure around half a meter across and need machining in 12 planes.

Despite the delays on the cast part, we still fully expect to shipping the kits in Sept.