I got some dimensions from the M55 in Lawrenceville, NJ. I concentrated on the dimensions that appear “off” in previous discussions of the kit. Hopefully someone can compare them to the ILK models.
Exhaust grate frame is 24-1/8 W x 17-7/8 H
Engine box in front of exhaust is 16-1/8 H
At weld/kink a bit forward, 15-1/4 H
At forward end (perpendicular to fender) it’s 7-3/4 H
From concrete pad to top of fender at front of exhaust grate, 56-3/4 H
To top of cab walkway (rear) (left side) 63-1/2 H
To top of cab walkway (front) (left side) 62-5/8 H
To top of cab catwalk (front, left side) 56 H
To top of cab catwalk (rear, left side) 57-1/2 H
Tracks are well worn rubber chevron, approximately 2-3/4 to 3 inches thick, 23 inches wide, so T84 series.
KL
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Kurt, sorry for the long delay. I was traveling when you posted this and forgot all about it when I returned. I pulled my completed I Love Kit M53 155mm Gun from the display case this evening and my decades old Murphey’s Rule 1:35 scale ruler. I didn’t want to use the caliper and risk marring the paint just before the IPMS Nats.
From your measurements, it looks like the Lawrenceville, NJ example is squatting a bit at the front. Don’t know if this is by design or if the suspension is sagging. The kit sits level. The kit hull is about 6" too heigh. I also measured to the top of the cupola and compared to Hunnicutt’s height. This is also about 6" too tall. The engine deck also measures out to be about 3" too tall. The overall length of the hull and spade matches Hunnicutt’s length.
I pulled my I Love Kit M55 8-inch howitzer from the stash and looked over the tub hull and the engine deck. Both would be a bear to reduce in height. For me the juice just isn’t going to be worth the squeeze.
Rick
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Look forward to seeing the build in person.
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