1/6 Dragon Sherman Tank Build part 2

Continuing on the Trans-housing.  The housing is the correct shape, size and is well constructed. However it is missing a number of things including the following:
Casting material
Casting or foundry numbers
Casted in areas (fender mounts)
Tow cable cleat
Comb device (will not be adding one on this build)

The is a problem though when putting this together that you really need to watch out for.
There are two casting sections on the inside of the housing (in the pic behind the round tubes, circled in black).  It looks like when you are attaching the side covers, they should butt up against these parts. Problem is, these casting sections are about an 1/8th of an inch to far in, creating a noticeable gap when the sides are pushed against them.  If you mount it this way, the housing will sit improperly against the lower hull creating a gap.  The proper way to mount these side covers is to mount them flush with the outside of the housing. This will ensure a proper fit when glued to the lower hull.

Another area I encountered was in the lower hull itself, where the housing sits.  There was a small section where the housing contacts the hull, again it is suppose to sit flush.  In my case there seemed to be some excess material in the casting of the hull causing the housing to sit off center.  I fixed this by sanding it down to equal the other side, so that the housing fits flush avoiding any possible gap between the housing and hull.



















Another area that needs attention is the Sprocket hub.  It is missing both casting material and the round rear gear cover.   I added the gear cover by creating a small disc out of styrene sheet. 

as you can see from this photo, I filled the hub with casting resin.  The reason I do this is that I like to secure my front sprockets, by using a 1/4" rod glued into the sprocket and run though a hole drilled through the hub.  It is the same way John at ECA does all his builds and makes for a more secure sprocket to hull fit.

Here are the completed sprockets, with rod glued into place, holes drilled though hub.  

I also replaced the poor detailed bolt design on the sprocket with brass bolts.  There bolts can be found at       www.microfasteners.com

And here is the final completed Transmission housing with casting material, foundry numbers, tow cleat etc

Next we move on to suspension.....