Cromwell build update #3

Well hello again, just a quick update.  I was able to do a little more to the tank this week and was able to get all the wheels on it, including the axle caps, which i used brass screws to hold them in place, just like the real thing.  I have to admit, this tank is my favorite vehicle and build so far.  Its just a super cool looking tank and I am so happy with the way it has turned out.

Now the tracks are another story.  I am currently casting them as I write this but its going to be slow going as the mold i made can make 5 track links as a time.  As there are 125 links per side...thats 250 track links I need to cast.  So far I am averaging about 15 a day so if I calculated that right, it will take me about 16.6 days to finish.  That is only if I get a full 5 tracks each pull....

Update pictures....

Cromwell build update #2

Hi again, was able to do a little more work on the Cromwell this week.  I have all the wheels rebuilt and sized (width wise) properly.  It was a lot of work which again, i could have avoided if I had just waited a few weeks to receive the tracks...oh well, lesson learned.

I was also able to add the sprockets and paint most of the wheels.  I say most as I ran out of paint with 2 wheels left ...ugg!  For the paint, I am am using Leak Seal in black for the tires.  I came across this tip from a good friend who used it on his road wheels for his Sherman.  The leak seal dries quickly, leaves a really nice finish in almost the perfect color for tires.  I tried it on my 2nd Sherman build and really like the look and feel of it when dry.

Here are a few pictures .... 1/6 figure there to show the size of this...

1/6 Cromwell Tank build-update

So I was able to do a little work on the Cromwell this week.  Nothing major as I am still in the process of casting the tracks and finishing up the road wheels.  There was a nice calm day so I took advantage and got some painting done.  Here are a few pictures...going green!

I also added the hatch padding to the gunners side as well attached the front idler wheels. My goal is to have this completely finished by Nov as there is a toy and model show I want to display it at.

next up...Weathering of the lower suspension area etc...

WWII Cromwell Tank Scratch Build 1/6th scale

Hi, been awhile since I last updated this blog.  been super busy with 1:1 life and well building the Adler 13 as well as my Cromwell.  In case you didn't know I really got the bug for building a British/Polish tank.  It was one of those projects that started as "can I do it" and morphed into "I can do this".
My technique was a little different on this build, I used the help of a 3d designer and 3d printed a number of parts for it.  This work out fantastic, although it did add some additional cost to the project.

The one area I didn't except to be so costly was the tracks.  I created a master and am currently molding and casting the rest.  125 per side to be exact.  I wanted to 3d print them, to save time and energy but the cost was way to high.  About $2500.00 to have then done though shapeways and about $1500 though a local printing service.  Out of reach for this build.  As it is I have about $300 or so invested in the wheels, tracks and other items I printed. Not bad for a tank this size.

The build itself was pretty striaght forward, i used a 1/35 scale model and some blueprints to get my measurements form.  The tank is complex especially the suspension.  It is housed between two plates and I used RC shocks to make it a working suspension.  Lots of fun and Im still not finished.

Here are a few WIP pics to show where I am at....

 3d printed sprockets

3d printed Idler wheels and tracks as masters














Good overall view of the tank before wheels, sprockets & Tracks are added...

I will update this page when the tracks are complete and the tank painted, hopefully sometime in the next month or so...

Hi again.  Sorry for the long delay in updating this sherman tank build.  This is something I want to do, but I also want to do it correctly or as close to the real thing as possible in this scale.  Its not something I want to rush, but the real reason for not updating or moving forward is that I am currently side tracked with a couple of commission projects.

The 1st is a German SPKFZ 13 early war armoured car. Now I do not normally do German stuff, but its was a paid request and the car is kind of cool as well.
Here are a few pictures of the car, and my model of it in 1/6 scale. It is the only one in existence at this scale that I know of. The new owner is very excited to receive it once completed. Still a wip but getting there...

The 2nd build is a WWII British/Canadian Cromwell tank, mkIV to be exact.  It is one of my grail builds as I have wanted this tank for a very long time, and well, other then Armourtec version made a few years ago and impossible and $$$ to find, this is as close as I am going to get at having one.  Scratchbuilt 100%. Its has working suspension, and the turret will rotate and the gun will move up and down.  All hatches will open as well. I am working with a few 3d designers to create the wheels, tracks and other parts for it.

A few wips pics