I have begun my carrier's transformation

[Jon Bradshaw]

Lynn- To tie it down I have made the appropriate eyes on the front and use the rear towing eyes. I have carted it around the city and several hours on the highway with no issues of it moving. I use several chains in a double "X" on the back and then a single chain through both up front with both tightened down heavily by chain tighteners. I use both the "lever" type and the "screw" type to get maximum tension on the load. Both front and rear chains are on about a 45 degree angle so keep it pulled both down and back. I did have it lift a bit in the front when I first started (while braking) so that's why I pull down hard on it. My best thought on the difference would be that the Universals having only three wheels a side, probably makes them more unstable and prone to bouncing/ lifting when braking....

Maple_leaf_eh- I looked at the armour and it appears to be very thin on the originals so I didn't worry much about it. The idea of doubling the edge did occur to me but I didn't. The sides of the tank cover the edge of the top armour so the only place you see a side edge is the front down low. All other edges are top down so less obvious from a distance.

[Jon Bradshaw]

So I have finally gotten the turret rotation gear made and the turret is on to stay. Permanent fuel tank is in along with fire wall and it's all sealed away from the crew compartment by steel and gasket material. Fitted a mock-up of the gun to get a good pic of my intentions. Also made the headlight boxes for the sides. Tough to make them strong but also not too heavy gauge of steel so it could be bent to the shape I needed. Well re-enforced with angle iron and I stood on them with no issue. Also welded on all the turret "Rivets" I think they look great.

[20387774]

Jon-Great work! Did you make the gear and ring for the turret or did you use something from a commercial application?

John

[Jon Bradshaw]

John

I actually used a local fabrication company to cut the gear wheel's on their water jet table. The big one is actually in 4 pieces and welded around the turret ring. The smaller two are mounted to a shaft and bearing I had laying around. Hand wheel is just a round piece of plate with a bolt thru it.
The turret "ring" is actually salvaged from an old FV432 commanders hatch. It works well and I have no issues with it.

[Jon Bradshaw]

So as I look at the list of things left to build for my little project I am stuck still trying to figure out how to get/make vision port covers. Looking at the pics of the Dutchman at Bovington the covers are pretty standard looking. Is there a source for stuff like that? Does someone on here have one to sell me to have a copy made? I could also really use an interior view of the port cover so I can see how it is operated.

[Jon Bradshaw]

I have looked at the Facebook page for Panzer Fabrik, they are amazing in the detail and skill in making their tank from "scratch" a beautiful Luchs.
Mine is not as well known and is not as detailed but I also don't have the amount of fabrication equipment that they do. If you look in the background that is my entire shop!

[Jon Bradshaw]

So I have been away for a while but now I have some warm weather so time to put a coat of green on her. Took the pic while there was still light, finished it after the pic. I think the colour is pretty good.