TOPIC:

Al wrote:

Thanks Blakbird. I do usually like the challenge of keeping things original. This one is definitely going into the long term project list. I think I’m going to need to make some contacts on the tank forums to get this sorted ???
 

That sounds like a good idea.  The tank knowledge on the TB forum is fairly thin.  There are not too many posts about tanks here, and even among those of us who have built a couple, the RT-1601 is the oldest Tamiya RC model there is so it is hard to find someone who has even seen one.  I'm very interested to see what happens with your build and what information you are able to track down.  Good luck!

Thanks Blakbird, those are great. I was having another look at this yesterday and I’m definitely missing some gears, which is going to be a pain, as already discussed these came as pre-assembled units. I also need some better images of the gears in the middle, they sit underneath the motors.
I did receive some new motors yesterday which fit perfectly.
 

Thanks to Blakbird I’ve got to this stage on one side of the gear box.
 
Okay so some of the metal rods need trimming down, but at least this seems correct and does function.
 
This middle section I can’t make head nor tail of. I’ll need to see photos. I suspect I don’t have any of the gears. So this could be tricky or I improvise something ???
And finally this is the other side. I’m definitely missing the central gear. 
I have the 2 other gears.
My other possible issue is going to be the pinions for the motors. I’m assuming the originals were already pushed on.

At this point, I’m going to tidy up the sprocket side and get that complete.
I’ll then move onto cleaning up the wheels and suspension. Then I think this is on hold until my parts order arrives in January.

Wow, a real piece of Tamiya's history and a challenging project. Look forward to seeing/hearing more in the future.

Looking great AI -

I found this on the net , but it looks like you were able to progress very well with your project. 

 

Is that the chassis that’s for sale ?
Cheers.

Al wrote:

Is that the chassis that’s for sale ?
Cheers.

Yes, this tank is for sale inJapan .

Aud $ 562- plus fees and shipping .  

Update on the Sherman.
 
I made a start on cleaning everything up. Even after a good scrub yesterday the plastic wheels still all feel a bit grubby and oily. I’ll give them a blast with some degreaser and wash them all again.
 
These are the tyres I managed to save. I don’t think I’ll need to use any of these as I bought a new set. But I’d like to restore them if I can. They do feel very brittle though. I’ll do a test on one of them in glycerin and pray it doesn’t fall apart. 
The nuts and bolts all got a bath in some degreaser and once they are all clean and dry I’ll attempt to work out what’s original ???
 
There’s always a stubborn screw or two and this is one of them. I cut a slot in the head and managed to get this out.
One more to go, I might have to drill it out !!!!

And last but not least and possibly the most boring picture ever, a length of steel rod so I can remake some of the gear box shafts.
 

Love it, epic restoration