|
|
Forums - Research / WW2 |
This WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to WW2 (1939-1945) subjects. |
| Topics | 3315 |
| Messages | 14752 |
|
|
| Subject: | Re: M2 halftrack early front wheels in scale mm |  |
| Date: | Nov 21, 2006 |
| From: | Alex Borsboom | |
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the reactions. I've done some further research. According to Hunnicut's half track book these vehicles had an 8.25 X 20 tyre, the GMC truck seams to have a 7.50 x 20 tyre, according to the Net that is.
If I understand it correctly the 20 regards the rim size of the wheel, so these are identical. Looking at the pictures of the wheels itself they seam identical too, the number of bolts, lightening holes, hub form, etc. (These are the early truck style wheels as used on M3A1 scout cars and M2 and M3 halftracks, see also the Link that John posted in this thread.)
Remains the 8.25 versus the 7.50. I understand that these numbers give the width of the tyres in inches. In millimeters this means 8.25 x 25.4 =209.55mm (5.98mm in scale), and 7.50 x 25.4 = 190.5mm (5.44mm in scale). So the diffrence is 19.05mm in real life, and 0.54mm in 1:35 scale.
Measuring on the kit items the Dragon tyre has a width of 6.06mm, the Tamiya GMC Tyre is 6.4mm. So they both are to wide, the Tamiya tyre even more, what is a good thing in this context.
The diameter of the complete wheel is for the Dragon kit; horizontal 28.056mm, and vertical (taking the bulging in account) 27.06. The Tamiya wheel measures 26.59mm. Measuring from the hub centre to the 'ground' on the Dragon wheel it is 12.83 and 12.91 on the Tamiya wheel. Could it be that the slightly bigger diameter of the Dragon wheel is a consequence of the 'bulging'?
At least this means that when using the Tamiya wheel on the dragon kit the vehicle stays level with the ground as 0.04mm is not noticeable.
Taking all measuerments in account, and the fact that the wheel/hub details are identical I think the Tamiya GMC wheels can be used on the halftrack kit as all difference are within an acceptable range.
Backdating aside, this also solves the 'bulging problem' as I agree fully with Terry Ashley on this topic that this is a rare and not a common feature. (I understand that Terry has been the victim of rather low abuse from some Dragon guys on this topic, a shitty thing to do in my humble opinion! Especially as in my view Terry's reviews are the 'golden standard' on the Net, and his M2 review was very, very favourable for Dragon!)
Well, the proof is in the eating of the pudding. When the Tamiya wheels 'look right' on the kit the problem is solved. I think this is a nice and low cost solution, as most of us probably have some GMC wheels, be it kit parts or resin repalcements, in the spare box. (I haven't measured the Italerei GMC wheels as I don't have these in the spare box.)
If I have done some sloppy measuring, some stupid maths or if I have not taken the tyre side wall height in consideration (no data on that!), please correct me!
Cheers,
Alex |
| |
|
|
|
