1/16 Tongde M24 Chaffee Modifications

[rb67mustang]

After watching the Fireworks last night, I came back and I chamfered the short 1/8" rods for the pistol port door hinge in my lathe. Yes they're short, but I was able to hold them in the 1/8" collet, and I used a piece of sand paper to chamfer the edges.


Short Video:

Then I glued the two short hinge pieces onto the pistol port door.

I'm finally caught up on the turret mod progress. Next, I'll finish modifying the 50 BMG bracket that supports the gun body in it's stowage position.

[rb67mustang]

Tank Me, once again, thank you for liking, and for following my build thread, I really appreciate it!!!

[rb67mustang]

Good afternoon everyone!!! I got a lot done with my ongoing M24 Turret Mods. I finally have the 50 BMG Stowage complete, and I went on to doing the paperclip lifting eye Mod on the turret. Later, I'll do the same on the upper hull. I have so many images and videos to share, but I have to go out, and most likely I'll be posting updates tomorrow. But here's a couple of images of the gunners side of the turret!!! What do you think???




This is the 1st paperclip lifting eye installed!!! They look great, and it's very easy to do as well.

[rb67mustang]

That's it for now, I'll get all the progress posted tomorrow!!!

[rb67mustang]

I know I've been sharing almost the same images of what I've been doing to my turret. I'll try to not repeat anything that doesn't show new progress.

You may have noticed that my 50cal gun barrel wasn't level due to the right bracket being a bit to high. Well, it didn't look good, and it was causing a problem to find the best spot to mount the yoke holder. So, the right hand bracket was removed, and relocated, and now the GB is level as it should be.

[rb67mustang]

After relocating the gun barrel, I was able to choose the best spot to glue the yoke mount, and glue it on I did!!!



Short video

[rb67mustang]

Finally, both the yoke mount, and the gun body support have been glued in place, and the 50 BMG Stowage Mod is complete!!!

Here's an image after I glued the new pistol port hatch on. I'm very happy this modification is done, so I can continue onto finish the turret.



Another image with the 50 BMG removed from it's stowage mounts.

[rb67mustang]

I didn't waste any time, I started to make and mount the Paperclip Lifting Eyes on the turret. First I cut the small end off of 8 paperclips. After cutting the first one, I realized there's a clear insulation as if the paperclip was an electric wire. So, I stripped the insulation off of the remaining paperclips and continued with the mod.



Short video

[rb67mustang]

Then I reviewed video screen shots of the restored M24 Chaffee, and I drew a line on the turret, and using the point of a scriber, I center punched the hole locations. Using a pin vise, I hand drilled the two 1/32" holes, and I inserted and glued the first paperclip lifting eye. Just repeat 7 more times!!!



Short video

Here's a short video of the pin vise I use.

Here's the first installed paperclip lifting eye!!! I used the shank of a 5/32 drill bit as a gauge so all the lifting eyes will be at the same height above the mounting surfaces.

[rb67mustang]

Vaseline, thank you for your interest in my build thread, I really appreciate it!!!