Dale easy eight No 65

[Dale jordan]

Just wondering about upper track level on the AT kits . When looking at the real easy eight the top of the track runs level all the way through to the rear idler . Looks like the kit needs one or two more links so the idler can be wound up higher or the bracket move it up a hole Just my thoughts . Has anyone else looked at this ... I have and easy coming my way soon , Dale

[Chang]

Just curiosity Dale. Are you the new owner of it from Phil Carlson in Victoria?

Confirmed from Liam Mahoney just now, that yes it was you. Very nice.

[Erik Dries]

Hi Dale

The upper track level was also a concern for me when I compared the model pictures with the real ones. But after assembly it worked out fine, it is possible to turn the idlers high enough so the top of the tracks is level, this with original amount of track links.

Regards,
Erik

[Dale jordan]

Yes Chang I got straight onto Phil when I saw the add . The chance of an easy eight for sale down under is rare ... Nice to have a brake from torsion bar suspension so I can spend more time on detailing the hull ...Erik nice to see we are on the same detail track . Yes your setup looks spot on make a very big difference to the over all look . I really like your dark olive drab I will be etch priming with Wattle super etch black primer then dark olive drab like you ... Dale

[Derek Attree]

Hi Dale
Nice to see you back with an easy 8 .
I have one in the wings waiting but currently on
Universal Carrier.
I also have a Lee kit and hetzer to build.
I will be following with interest your build .

Regards

Derek

[Dale jordan]

Thanks Derek I can't do any modelling for a while as on the 20th January 2023 we are starting a new house build . All of our stuff is in storage . So maybe November I'll start ... Has any one thought about an scale cast insert to be glued onto the suspension pivots arms instead of the machined cut out holes ? plus how many easy 8 where built ?

[Adrian Harris]

Good to see you back back on a Sherman Dale.

I looked into machining off the ends of the suspension bogies, and replacing them with laser cut parts. I think it would look much better but not sure about the strength.

Would mean the steel pivot bars could be removed more easily for dismxntlinf the bogies.

Adrian

[Dale jordan]

Hi Adrian . I mean the part that the wheels hang on . With the the triangle hole machined through it the real sherman is not the same just a bit more detail . Dale

[Dale jordan]

I'm not far off starting the easy eight ! just moved into our new house , Workshops not set up yet so started on tracks today any tips with those grub screws Dale

[Robert E Morey]

Use electric drill/tap to make/chase the threads. A little WD40 for lube keeps the tap from gumming. It takes a while to put the tracks together. I used a little PTFE spray dry lube on the track pins as well. Some of the track links may need a bit of filing (to remove flash etc) to make them move smoothly - otherwise they may bind.

Glad to hear you started the E8.
Bob

[Dale jordan]

Thanks Bob I've done all that I thick I have the wrong gauge Allen key having trouble with it slipping and hard to get started is the Allen key metric or imperial ? Dale

[Robert E Morey]

Dale,
Should be metric - the grub is M3. i believe that uses a 1.5mm hex drive key
Bob

[Dale jordan]

Hi Bob . I got it sorted , bought a high quality M3 Tap and a 1.5 mm screw driver style Allen key all good now , just doing some each day cheers Dale

[Dale jordan]

I'm test fitting the Sherman hull today so I sorted out all the fasteners , are the bolts Stainless steel now instead of the old rusty steel fasteners from the past ? Dale

[Robert E Morey]

Dale,
Yes all Stainless steel, but softer than the black oxide ones.
Bob