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Modeller Build Logs
1/48 Sherman Easy Eight |
| By Paul Roberts | | Started: | Apr 13, 2004 | | Updated: | Jun 13, 2004 |
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In the spirit of Sherman Month, I thought I'd start a blog on a small project I'm working on.
Some may think that 1/48 armour models have died off, however, they are making a quiet comeback and, it appears, in large part thanks to aircraft modelers who start out looking for vehicles to accompany their aircraft. That they continue into the realm of AFVs is a testiment to power the dark side!
My friend, Gar, at Track 48 models, has commissioned me to make some masters for a new conversion kit to turn the old Bandai M4A3 VVSS 76 into a HVSS 76. This will involve a suspension significantly updated from the old Aurora kit, refinements to the rear hull, suspension and return roller mounts on the hull itself, fender extensions and a track guide on the drive sprocket.
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| Chapter 2 - More Bits | Jun 13, 2004 |
Here we can see the reworked lower hull and some more of the suspension parts.
I have cut off the old VVSS suspension mounts, cleaned up the hull and filed the notches in the hull that were made on the real vehicle to accomodate the wider HVSS bogeys so they wouldn't hit the hull.
The old Aurora HVSS swing arms have been cleaned up and made symetrical. The shock absorber will be supplied separately as will the horizontal volute springs (which I will be making next). I will turn some axles and they will be integral with the swing arms.
I have also scratchbuild new suspension mounting brackets that fit into notches in the hull previously used for the original Bandai VVSS suspension. The swing arm assembly fits into a notch in the bracket to give a nice strong joint.
Lastly I turned a new small return roller that the Aurora kit didn't have at all. They will fit directly over the suspension mounting brackets. |
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