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1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

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1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Old 07-23-2010, 11:49 AM
  #1  
bigfiver69
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Default 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Okay, okay... I've threatened to build both a Marder 3 and a Hetzer, but those project have just not gotten off the ground.

However, having built a Crusader last year, a nice Cromwell tank is now on the work table.

I've picked up a WSN T-34 to use as the basis of the build - not sure if I'll use the WSN electronics or not. On the fence about that one. I just want a nice indoor runner, not an outdoor battler.

I've also picked up the 1/18 scale (120mm) display model of Michael Wittmann posing on the turret of a knocked out Cromwell. I'll be using that for the turret - one serious problem is that one side of the turret and part of the back are cut off! So that'll take some styrene and filler - still, way easier than building the turret from scratch. On the plus side, the sculpting is outstanding, with working hatches to boot. Nice one!

I haven't compared the turret to my scaled up drawing yet, but it actually looks larger than 1/16 (I was afraid it was going to be smaller!) More 1/15 - 1/14 range. No biggie... I'll just build the rest of the tank to the dimensions suggested by the turret.

I'm doing this as a summer and fall project with my son. Should be a lot of fun, and we're hoping to have it done by October.

I'll post some pics over the weekend.

Shep

Old 07-23-2010, 12:10 PM
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BiggTony
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Sweet, I for one am really looking forward to this build! Please do post plenty of pictures!

Thanks.
Tony
Old 07-23-2010, 12:21 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

i have the same ideas and the same components for the Cromwell. My build will be later in the year.
Old 07-23-2010, 01:12 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

To me, your Crusader is a real beauty ........ beyond belief..........I will be monitoring your thread on this one too. Having your son help you is a neat idea. Or is he gonna build it for you?????????[sm=lol.gif]

You are inspiring me to try a Churchill. But I'm not sure I have the patience to do justice to that tank, and match the excellence of scratchbuilding that I see posted on this forum by a number of really incredible craftsmen. I have been working on my latest project since Father's Day and it is ready for paint.......that is, if I don't throw it thru the window first because I am burned out from working on it every day. I have no patience. Everything takes two to three times longer than I think it should. It's the detail work that drives me nuts.




Old 07-23-2010, 02:08 PM
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Plastic scouser
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Interesting project I look forward to seeing the pics

I am waiting for this Cromwell kit to come out http://rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/vi...hp?f=23&t=5067

Cheers Ian
Old 07-23-2010, 04:17 PM
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thebronze
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Pics or it didn't happen..............
Old 07-23-2010, 04:55 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Yes be sure to post pictures of the build. You may have a few guys building right along!!!!!
Old 07-24-2010, 08:24 AM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Hoping to get some pics up today - very early stages though. I have the t34 broken down, and I have my plans scaled up.

I've decided, for the sake of ease and $$$ to just use the WSN electronics... I just want it to run and work nicely as it boots around the house.

My next decision is.. do I simply modify the lower hull to Cromwell-ian dimensions (like I did with the Crusader) or do I build a completely new lower hull (more accurate, but a pain in kiester).

Decisions... decisions....

Shep
Old 07-24-2010, 10:43 AM
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Panther G
 
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Build it accurate and sell them as a kit. I would pay a fair price for the pre cut sheets and many others would also I'm sure. If the Big Three won't make us some Brit armor we know you guys can at least give us a very doable start. I just simply love the Cromwell as it can also be up gunned and armored too make the Comet. So yeah I'd pay, dearly. I love those too tanks, Cromwell, and Comet.
Old 07-26-2010, 08:04 AM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

I was able to download a nice set of plans from the net, and set about scaling them up.

Based on the diameter of the t34 wheels, I would need to blow up my drawings 245%

Based on the dimensions of the Cromwell turret from the Wittmann diorama, I'd need to scale up the drawings 262%!!!!!

So, obvious discrepancy there....

I decided to split the difference, so I blew them up 253%, which gave a final hull length very close to the original hull length, fractioned out at 1/16th.

All this math make Hulk head hurt.

However, did make the decision to build the hull tub up from scratch. I estimate that it will actually be less work than reworking the t34 hull.

Question for anyone out there who has converted the WSN t34/85 to a t34/76 - in the static Trupmeter kit, does the kit include the spring loaded suspension that is found on the WSN rc version? The reason I ask is that the wheels on the WSN rc verion are the cast metal wheels, but the trumpeter 76 version has the plate-covered wheels and they are VERY similar to the plate covered wheels on the Cromwell. I was thinking of picking up the Trumpeter 76 just for those wheels, but would only do it if it afforded the opportunity to eventually use the rest of the kit as a running tank.

Thanks all - pictures to come when I get them.
Shep
Old 07-26-2010, 12:17 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

the Trump. kit has suspension but it is more like the real tank and uses much more space in the hull the the WSN version. Also the Trumpeter is IMHO a poor platform for anything other then a shelf queen.
Old 07-27-2010, 11:30 AM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Good to know - sticking with the WSN suspension.

Pictures this weekend... promise.

Shep

Old 08-15-2010, 01:30 PM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Hey guys,

Got a little sidetracked, but just warming up the Cromwell build. After a lot of back and forth, I was acble to scale up the most accurate plans I could find and discovered two important things:

- I can't use the "1/16th" Cromwell turret from the Wittman figure set. It's waaaay too large... possible as large as 1/13th. A total pain, but I can use it as a pattern for scratching a turret.

- As far as the hull goes, I'll be converting the WSN t34 hull. It;s very close to scale, has all the lugs for the suspension and electronics.... just needs to lenghtened about a scale foot.

Here are some pictures.... the t34 before the blowtorch came out; a comparison with my previously build Crusader; the oversize Cromwell turret; the Wittman figure sitting on my HL Tiger: some of the references I'm using; and the disassembled tank, with the read of the tank cut off.

More to come!

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Old 08-15-2010, 05:25 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

here is i pic of my 1\16 scratch built cromwell




paul
Old 08-15-2010, 05:30 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Hi Paul,

nice to meet you here too.

There is one big mistake at this very nice buildt Cromwell, you know what ????


It´s not in my collection
Old 08-15-2010, 07:07 PM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Septon...

I remember seeing it before the paint went on - looks super sharp!!!

Shep
Old 08-19-2010, 02:55 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

i like i. your build is great, it will be a great help when i build mine. thanks
Old 10-06-2010, 05:14 PM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Hey Lads,

Sorry I've been out of the picture on this build.... just been really, really busy. But the good news is that I have now amassed all the parts I need to get the tank looking AMAZING.

I decided to go whole hog on this, and instead of putting plates on the cast t-34 wheels that come with the WSN version, I went out and bought a Trumpeter t-34/76 with the earlier wheels - they look just like the Cromwell wheels and I think will add a lot to the final version.

Also, I've sourced a new set of HL Panzer 3 tracks and sprockets. I'll be sawing off the sprocket teeth, and removing two to get the more correct diameter on the rear drive for the Cromwell.

It's gonna be sick.

On a side note, if anyone has converted a WSN t-34 into an SU-76 or SU-100, and has a spare t-34 turret ring (with the teeth, so the turret will turn) please let me know. I have one already to use for the Cromwell Turret, but if I had another, I was thinking of building a Centaur turret and swopping it out from time to time, just for fun.

Thanks all - pics coming this weekend.

Shep
Old 10-06-2010, 07:34 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

I want more & I want it NOW!!!!! give me pic's before i kill again
Old 10-16-2010, 03:28 PM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Hey all,

Finally getting some decent progress made on the Cromwell. Getting the tub and chassis right so far has been a bit of a challege, because I want to convert off the t34 hull as much as possible without altering the dimensions too much.

Here are some before and after shots. I use a lot of filler around the joints, and I often harden it up with a layer or crazy glue... sets like a rock. I've taken the teeth from the HL Panzer2 drive sprocket, and mated that with the drive from the t34. I haven't created the cover plate for the front return wheel, and I haven't added the caps to the road wheels because those will be coming off again for painting. This is really just to ensure that the fit and dimensions are there. I may also tighten the tracks up by removing a link.

Also, haven't altered the rear end of the tank at all, and haven't even begun to think about details like bolts, hardware, etc.

Anyway, slowly getting somewhere. Love to know what you all think.

Thanks
Shep
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Old 10-16-2010, 04:50 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

As a scratchbuilder (or in my case a scratchbutcher), I look at your project and can appreciate your work so far, and wish you much success on the rest of the project. Keep up with the photos as I intend to copy your efforts and you can save me a lot of time and mistakes when I build mine. [sm=regular_smile.gif]

I want to do some British armor too, but right now I have the hots for a few Italian items. I also want to do some French Tanks, but I may give up on that idea.

Rex

Old 10-16-2010, 05:33 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

I second what Rex said - the creativity you show on your build wil help me overcome problems when I get to mine. I never thought about mating the drive sprocket teeth from the Panzer III to the T-34 sprocket - that's a great idea. Did you cut the "angle" part off the ends of each track shoe, to make the track look more "British"?
Old 10-16-2010, 05:52 PM
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bigfiver69
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread


ORIGINAL: sassgrunt

I second what Rex said - the creativity you show on your build wil help me overcome problems when I get to mine. I never thought about mating the drive sprocket teeth from the Panzer III to the T-34 sprocket - that's a great idea. Did you cut the ''angle'' part off the ends of each track shoe, to make the track look more ''British''?

No, just slice off the section with the teeth, removed two and then soaked the disk in hot water for a minute to soften it up. Then, I joined it together with Krazy Glue, and simply glued it onto the t34 drive wheel. Perfect fit!

Shep

Old 10-16-2010, 06:32 PM
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sassgrunt
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Sorry, Shep - I wasn't very on what I was talking about. If you look at an individual track shoe from a Panzer III or Panzer IV, you'll see that it has an angled portion at each end (I don't yet know how to post pictures of this). The Cromwell track shoe has "unsupported" ends of each track shoe, and I was thinking that by chopping the angles off of the Pz III/IV track, it might look pretty close. Here's a link to what the Cromwell track looks like:

chttp://www.bnamodelworld.com/images/modelkasten/SK-49_4.jpglear
Old 10-16-2010, 06:34 PM
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Default RE: 1/16 Scale rc Cromwell Tank build thread

Sorry, bad link. It should be

http://www.bnamodelworld.com/images/...en/SK-49_4.jpg

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