Thank you all for your supportive comments.
Part 11. Drivetrain construction:
This turned out to be the most challenging task so far. Originally, I planned on using the kit resin framework pieces. These did not clean up well and were warped.
I decided to scratch the entire structure with brass rod. I?ve never had good results with soldering. It seems to not adhere to the brass so I just CA glued it all together. I started with measuring and mounting the drive shaft and gear boxes.
Next I added the brass rods one by one. This turned out better because I was able to drill location holes in the fuselage for support.
I painted the forward rods before adding the rear ones for easier access.
Here are a few pictures of the completed structures.
I also completed the propellers and radiators.
Then I decided to start working on the eight wheels. I hate doing wheels, especially eight of them! The kit supplied ones seemed too small compared to the picture. I decided to cast some larger ones I had. One ended up with a big air bubble that I later filled with putty
All the wheels cast and two axels scratched up from metal. I didn?t want this beast resting on brittle resin axels.
Next came the machine gun cage for the observers. I?m going to try and use the resin parts here.
I have to hollow out the center and clean up the edges. This drill and bit came in very handy.
Here is the result of very patient shaving and filing. Only lost one little connection piece!
I should be able to finish this one up by next weekend.
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
