CMP Ford F-AT Quad...help?

[DaveW]

So, everything is on hold at the moment.
I just received information that the back end Towing hardware on my Chassis is NOT a Ford setup.
Supposedly its a Chevy FGT setup.

Which is funny because I just photographed a Chevy Gun Tractor with something entirely different.
(see the attached photo)

I'm not arguing...I'm no expert...thats why I ask for help.
But I'm hoping I will receive some more information (photos) to help me decide what to do.

Redesigning the kit (and model) is not a problem.
Rebuilding this prototype is.
I am able to cut off some parts...some times...
but there might be too much to modify, and as a result, might require building a whole new Frame.

Which, at this point, I really don't want to do.

But, I never release a kit without at least one attempt to build what is in it.
So if I change something like this, I'll have to test build it.

Sometimes there are interchangeable parts...was this set-up ever used on a Ford?
...if so, I am good to leave it in place.
But if its definitely a Chevy specific set-up, then it will have to be changed.
The axles and engine in this FGT are definitely Ford type.

[DaveW]

Thanks Bruce for your help in sorting this out.

So, the bottom line is, that I referred to a couple of photos of an FGT chassis
for the setup at the rear (Hitch/Spring mount, Towing Cable Roller and Guides, Brackets and Plates, etc)

and the reference was obviously a Chevrolet built FGT chassis...not a Ford.

I have been doing a careful job of comparing Ford and Chev chassis,
and trying to make sure I am following Ford designs.
I am already aware of many of the differences.

And yet, I did not check to see if the Ford setup was the same as the one I was designing.
Which it wasn't.
There appear to be many variants out there, but the original Ford and Chev chassis'
appear to each have a "factory" setup of their own.

Luckily, it was not a big fix...
I was able to surgically remove the parts I had already designed and attached to my prototype build.
The removal damage was easily covered with some new surface layers printed on lightweight paper.

The new parts design is much simpler with less parts to build and install.
And it went together quite easily.

I'm glad I didn't have to start from scratch and build an entire new Frame!
But I have cut apart this Frame one too many times making changes,
and as a result my Frame Rails now have a bit of twist in them.
It didn't seriously affect installing the new Towing parts, so I am good to go.
Hopefully this is the last major adjustment.

[DaveW]

Still searching for some info on the exhaust System. Anyone?

As I mentioned before, I'm guessing on a straight cylindrical Silencer, mounted somewhere inboard of the left Fuel tank.

I think its a Y-pipe under the the Oil Pan, leading to a straight (but angled downward) exhaust pipe (straight into the Silencer).

After the Silencer, I have no idea how short/long the Tailpipe is or where it exits.

I have yet to decide if I will include exhaust pipes, since they will be very narrow pipes at this scale, with many sections/parts (because of all the bends and twists)
and subsequently hard to build out of paper.

I would like to at least include a Muffler though, so I'd really like to see a photo of that.

I don't know if Chev is different than Ford, but I'll look at either!...?

[Older photo...still got the Chevy Hitch equipment...]

[DaveW]

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I have been preoccupied with the build itself.
I'm also busy on my own Forums, and I have been posting updates there.

let me recap a little bit...

Engine and Transmission installed...




...
With no other help, I decided to do a basic exhaust...but this will be an optional detail since it may not be very accurate.
And, it is difficult to build at this scale.



...
With the Chassis almost complete, I set about designing the internal supports and the Underfloor.



...
Then I started work on the Body...assembling many of the smaller surface layers and details before the final assembly.



...
Assembled body on the frame...things are looking good now!

[DaveW]

Time to sort out the front clip...had to redesign that as well!
using the wrong reference materials, I had created a Chevy doghouse, not the Ford!
Quite a bit of difference in the designs.



...
and a Radiator (almost forgot that!)



...
and, one of the trickiest parts, the front Fenders!



and I installed the Roof Tarpaulin



...
lastly, the details up front (bumper, tow cable parts, headlamps, etc)



...
and thats about it...except for some final details, like side view mirrors*.
*another builder option item since it will require the use of outside materials.

but I do need to add some Markings.
And this is where I have run into a problem.
I have yet to confirm actual markings on a WW2 Gun Tractor like this.
I'd like to do something Canadian, if possible.

Can anyone help?