Armour Dreams

[Jonathan Moore]

I have been busy making the track return roller hubs. As usual, I have been using materials that are locally available, rather than ordering specific sized materials, so a little bit of adaption is required. The main hub starts as a piece of tube cut and machined to length, then a flange is welded in each end of the tube and then set on the lathe so that the rings can be bored out to suit the centre bearing housing. This bearing housing is then welded in place. A ring is then welded on to the outside of one end of the tube for two reasons. Firstly to give the impression that the material is thicker and closer to the originals dimensions and secondly to give the polyurethane tyres something to bond to when I cast them in place. This assembly is the reset on the lathe and bored out to the bearing diameter size and correct internal lengths. A separate ring is then welded on to the opposite end of the hub, for the same reasons as the first. Reset on the lathe and then again faced to the correct lengths. Each time the hub is reset in the lathe, for each operation, it has to be adjusted so that the assembly rotates true to within 0.02mm, so you can see its a time consuming process.

[Jonathan Moore]

Once the main hub housing is complete, the next items that need machining are the two retaining flanges. The rear flange houses an oil seal and the front flange locks everything in place, As with the main housing its not a quick or simple process, hopefully the pictures are self explanatory.

[Jonathan Moore]

Finally, the finished assembly and a picture of an original return roller on the PZ2 at the Bovington Tank museum.

I hope that makes sense.

Jon

[Ganmain Tony]

Major fan of your work Jonathon. Extraordinary fabrication and great to see one being created from scratch.

The sad fact is most of these vehicles are very hard to access and see. To witness one being built is a rare privilege and one i am thoroughly enjoying.

Hope it goes as smoothly as possible. Who knows? Some one in the know may help with an engine and drive train. They have to be out there. Perhaps a visit to Russia may turn something up?? Nyet?

[Jonathan Moore]

Hi Ganmain, I guess here in the UK we are lucky having the Bovington tank museum but as you say these tanks are few and far between. The engine and drive will be something that I come up with, as I don't see the point in spending lots of money putting original parts on a reproduction, on that point we will have to wait and see.

I have been making the road wheels and oh boy, what a job.

[Jonathan Moore]

more pics.

[Jonathan Moore]

Finally a finished wheel.

Jon