Can it be possible to calculate full scale 1.1 measurements from a 1/16th scale model ie the Takom FT ie take a measurement from the model and times it by 16, how accurate would this be?
Well, the simple answer is that if you want accurate measurements you need to measure a full-scale vehicle and do so with care. The number of variations in details and sometimes dimensions between different kits is testament to the difficulty of producing accurate models.
Takom seems to be earning itself a good reputation so far, but all manufacturers will face limits on how accurate the scaling down of parts can be - they'll have to round some measurements up or down to the nearest unit (perhaps a tenth of a millimetre?).
The accuracy of any model will also be affected greatly by the choice of reference material - were scale drawings consulted, if so, which set? Is that set accurate itself? Was a full-scale vehicle measured, and if so, did it have any non-standard features?
Even if the model itself is highly accurate, your calculations may be hampered by your measuring; even if a micrometer is used, the reading you get will vary according to the pressure exerted on the measuring jaws (with digital micrometers, at least), so the dimensions you calculate for the real vehicle will probably not be 100% correct.
Measuring a large-scale model is probably fine if you want approximate dimensions for the real thing, but if you want really accurate sizes, you'd need to have a good set of scale drawings with measurements on, or be able to measure an original vehicle.
Thank Tincan for your reply. I suppose if I make an error on my measurements then it's by 16.
I am planning to make a full scale replica in the future similar to the Polish FT replicas in respect of using different power and steering controls to original, (imagine trying to find an original engine gearbox and transmission). The hull needent be as thick in certain places, just need hull, turret and track section measurements. Using modern technology and the inspiration the Polish guys had making there's I sure it can be done. Just in the prep stage of gathering info.
Wow! Sounds intriguing, I'll be interested to hear more as it progresses, especially how you decide to steer it - there are numerous ways of doing so.
I've seen one or two photos of FT replicas, but their shape and proportion looked a little off; since Takom's model looks very good, any careful measurements, scaled up, ought to result in a good likeness of the real thing. Getting the shape right is surely more important than perhaps being a few millimetres out, since errors would have to be reasonably large to catch the attention.
Having seen the two Weald foundations FTs in bits and building the Takom kit it's basically like a big meccano kit, sheet plates bolted on an angle iron frame, no rivets, just bolts like the original. The Polish made tank parts are fabricated in a different way to the original design ie cast wheel station parts. I also agree that the Polish made FTs are slightly odd in shape but the running gear I believe is a Audi or Ford car engine running two hydraulic systems for steering. Looking at the video of the replicas they seem to run ok as far as I can tell. The tracks would have to be fabricated unlike the cast originals, not many to make as a MKIV. Outside appearance would be important to the interior although you could go down the road to near original.
I would like to compare original sizes (hull wise) to the Takom FT kit full scale calculated sizes I made, just to see how far out I would be from the original. Any one have a few original measurements to hand? I will get back to the Weald foundation to see if they can assist in the new year.
