End of March 1/16 scale Centurion Update
Well, its been a while (with this project), but just to prove it has not fallen by the wayside...
I ran up against a few issues with my first Hull form.
The central Hull being the the main part from which everything is attached, turned out to be
a bigger obstacle than I had envisioned Buried under a lot of tank "bits" it is deceptively
complicated and has a very particular shape with many compound angles which proved to
be a challenge to design as a paper model.
While it would have been possible to cheat with a smaller scale model and make the Hull more
boxed shape, at this scale I have to be faithful to the actual shapes and angles involved.
For example, the main chassis/hull has angled sides making the belly plate only about 70% as
wide as the top plates. (This is of course to deflect incoming fire down toward the ground)
The nose and Tail have multiple angles as well...setting up some interesting compund angles with
the side plates.
None of this is too difficult, until you try to design an inner form using thicker card, in as few pieces as
possible, that can be easily understood ny the builder...
and an outer "skin" that matches the contours and angles PLUS fits over the formers with just the right
amount of tolerance.
And of course, there has to be a workable assembly method for all this.
Complicate all this with my flip-flopping on the final scale size.
Anyway, the point is...I went through a number of Hull designs...printed parts...and wasted cardstock...
before finally arriving at what looks like a workable Hull!
This design has the fewest parts so far, and I took the suggestion of using a tab-slot assembly method
for the Former parts. (sorry, I forget who actually made the suggestion, but thanks)
The "tabs" are small...even at this scale...but not difficult to deal with.
However, the final assembly requires a little sanding of the tabs as they stick through the side plates.
So, with a new Hull former design, I was able to modify all the "skin" parts to fit and add the remaining
design elements (tabs, slots, cuts, folds, etc).
And I ran through a quick test of all the "skin parts, making sure everything fits the Hull.
(and figuring out all the adjustments and necessary fixes)
And...everything went together properly so I finished up the textures and colouring on the actual parts
Next step is to build what hopefully will be a final Hull assembly.
(I've already started work on Suspension parts, so it better be!)
But, before I do that, I need to sort out the Driver's compartment and Engine compartments.
These will be tubs that are inserted into the Former assembly.
They can be assembled separately and don't rely on any other assembly.
But, they will need to be fitted into the Hull former before the outer skins go on.
I have the Driver's "insert" almost done...just got to add the foot pedals and hand controls,
and a few more small detail elements.
But it will be an awkward squeeze to get in in, since I already sealed up the top of the
Former assembly! (yes it really needs to drop in from the top!)
The Driver's compartment might seem a little pointless (and it is completely optional for the
builder) since the only viewing of this area will be from a very small access port above the cockpit.
But its there in case you want to install it.