On these kits the suspension swing arms can attach in a range of positions, from up against the bump stops to down in a somewhat unstressed condition. Frankly, I don’t have any faith that the lower position selected by HB is the normal loaded position rather than a completely unsprung state that would appear if the tank were crossing a wide trench. (Given that they were trying to make the suspension pose-able and terrain-conforming, that could very much be the case.)
Has anyone sorted through this issue when building these kits? I’m perfectly capable of fixturing the hull to meet a dimension but it would save me some time if someone had already researched this and determined if the kit is good just set at the low end of the notch.
Thanks,
KL
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UPDATE
It turns out that the lowest position allowed by the slot on the hull is the normal suspension position.
Tip to set the first wheel station and idler:
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First off, don’t bother with the torsion bars, item A2.
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Cement the #2 and #6 arms in place and let set overnight.
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Construct the idler linkage without cement so it is free to move and put in place (without cement) on the hull.
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Prepare six wheel assemblies. Put wheel assemblies on the arms at the #2 and #6 stations on both sides, and set the hull on a flat surface resting on the four wheels.
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Put wheels on the #1 station’s arm and make sure they contact the flat surface and the linkage is set squarely in the hull. If things are good, apply a little cement where the lower linkage arm enters the hull and leave it alone!
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After it has set add more cement at the linkage mounts to give a solid joint.
KL
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