My Takom MkI C19 is getting near completion, and as always at this time my mind begins to wander about a new project.
A few weeks ago I posted a photograph of Mk1 (Ozatel) at the beach of Palestine.
I like the Takom M1 kit and I like this photo , so this is at the top of my list.
When I posted this photo there was a reply which mentions a revised idler sprocket (By Rhomboid)... I dont know exactly what he means...
And clearly visible on this picture is the sandshield on the front. Is there more info (drawings /pictures ) on these sandshields ( I think I have to scratchbuild them ....)
I hope some one could help me .....
greetz
Ronald
-- Edited by SMK on Sunday 28th of February 2016 10:53:15 AM
-- Edited by SMK on Sunday 28th of February 2016 10:54:15 AM
The Front Sprocket that Rhomboid spoke of is the front track tensioning wheels visible at the front of the tank. Mk1 Tanks were first fitted with toothed front sprockets, the same as used at the rear to drive the tank. They soon found the teeth increased the wear on the track so later marks had a smooth version fitted. My best guess is they fitted some spares from a MKIV to this tank.
The holes cut in the sprocket are slightly different between the MK1 and MKIV, so a close up would confirm a MKIV wheel or a MK1 wheel with the teeth cut off.
Hello Helen,
I thought so ,but I didn't know the original idlers had teeth
So if I understanding correctly, the wheels provided in the Takom Mk1 kit are wrong......( the same as the Mk VI)
I have put these smooth wheels on my current mk1 C19 ....( but luckily you can't see it...😜)
But I can use these wheels for Otazel....
For the Gaza Tank you can use the smooth idler as per the kit instructions.
For the Mark 1s used at the Somme in Sept-Nov 1916 the front idler had teeth. So you'll need to do one of the follow:
1. Convert the Mark IV drive sprocket which has been provided in the kit to look like those on the Mark 1 (triangle shaped holes instead of circular holes).
2. Cast a duplicate set of the drive sprockets to use on the front.
3. Steal from another Mark 1 kit... but then you'll be out for that kit.
The idler provided in the kit is wrong and right... it's wrong for the Fall engagement on the Somme but correct for the Gaza tanks.
Question - Did the surviving Mark 1s that made it through the Somme Fall offensive have their idler wheels replaced by smooth idlers after Nov 1916?? Or did they keep them into the 1917 Offensive?
From one modeller to another, you cannot notice either way unless you want to display your model with the tracks off. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
