Torsion bars
Concerning the internal combustion engine, I seriously considered building this model with some type of motor, but I have decided to just build it with the existing motor and extensively modify it so it resembles the real one. I am still looking for good photos of the original engine and transmission. I have absolutely no photos or diagrams of the transmission and very few of the type of engine used in this tank. Any help would be appreciated. The engine is one of the areas of this model that is just screaming for more attention. I am surprised that with all the other attention to detail, the designer neglected this area and completely ignored the transmission, air cleaner, and coolant system. I guess I have my work cut out for me!!! Well, here are some photos of another item missing from the model; torsion bars. I built the torsion bars from wire using a template to ensure that they were all uniform, and then I wrapped them with thin paper until I reached the desired thickness. I am waiting for all the suspension and lower hull elements to be completed before I paint any of them. If I paint them all at once, then I should be able to get the same shade of color for all the parts. I had to modify the sides of the hull and cut out the printed torsion bearings and bushings so I could build my own from scratch. As you can see in the photo, the ends of the bars are bent 90 degrees so that they can be anchored into the modified bearing/bushing. When the suspension is installed, the interior ends will be completely covered up, and the torsion bar will be anchored to the hull, allowing for some "flex" in the roadwheels just like the real tank. Trial fits of the items have validated this concept and I should also have no problems with separation of suspension arms from the hull since the arms are not glued to the hull, and the weight is actually being supported by the torsion bars. Anyway, this should give anyone interested some ideas for their own models. I just cannot touch a model without modifying it in some way, shape or form...