All of those pictures just posted show loads of room for tow hooks, there is even space for the locking hooks, above the the tow hooks.
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T-55 Enigma
Kharkov
Joined: April 09, 2011
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Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 05:54 AM UTC
All of those pictures just posted show loads of room for tow hooks, there is even space for the locking hooks, above the the tow hooks.
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
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Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 06:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
All of those pictures just posted show loads of room for tow hooks, there is even space for the locking hooks, above the the tow hooks.
Yes you're right, probably I've explained badly.
I meant that it was difficult to insert the hook I didn't mean it was impossible
Anyway probably it was needfull to modify the hook holes more or less this way (red lines=new holes boundaries)
I assume that Olivier has already glued the resin parts
Anyway, that's a minor flaw. Build is still outstanding so far in my opinion
Kharkov
Joined: April 09, 2011
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Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 06:33 AM UTC
Well either there is an Enigma around somewhere that has no room for locking hooks and no way to attach tow cables because of a lack of clearance in the the front armor plate, and AA copied that Enigma, or AA made a rather obvious blunder.
Anyone know which Enigma AA used as ref for their kit ?
Anyone know which Enigma AA used as ref for their kit ?
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
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Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 07:41 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Well either there is an Enigma around somewhere that has no room for locking hooks and no way to attach tow cables because of a lack of clearance in the the front armor plate, and AA copied that Enigma, or AA made a rather obvious blunder.
I've found them here
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/13485
Looking closer It seems to me that holes are smaller
Is the same exemplar depicted in the first pic which I've posted
I don't know the museum where pics were taken...
But I know that FAUST has been posted them
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
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Posted: Thursday, July 14, 2011 - 03:03 AM UTC
Thanks guys for your interest in my build log.
I can't tell whether AA goofed something or not with the cable clearance. To be sure, we should know which museum sample AA based their master on. It is certainly not the Mourmelon tank as it misses the hull blocks plus a lot of other features.
Having compared with the Bovington tank pictures, I don't think this is their model.
The one in the Patton museum is still different.
What strikes me most is the different size between the left and right holes in the AA conversion.
Most of the preserved Enigmas do not have the retaining clamp above the hooks. Maybe they were simply deleted by the Iraqis when fitting the glacis blocks.
Like you wrote above, my blocks are glued and I fear that trying to enlarge the holes will turn into a mess.
Having starting my holidays this morning and away from home, I won't keep on the build for a while.
Olivier
I can't tell whether AA goofed something or not with the cable clearance. To be sure, we should know which museum sample AA based their master on. It is certainly not the Mourmelon tank as it misses the hull blocks plus a lot of other features.
Having compared with the Bovington tank pictures, I don't think this is their model.
The one in the Patton museum is still different.
What strikes me most is the different size between the left and right holes in the AA conversion.
Most of the preserved Enigmas do not have the retaining clamp above the hooks. Maybe they were simply deleted by the Iraqis when fitting the glacis blocks.
Like you wrote above, my blocks are glued and I fear that trying to enlarge the holes will turn into a mess.
Having starting my holidays this morning and away from home, I won't keep on the build for a while.
Olivier
Kharkov
Joined: April 09, 2011
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Posted: Thursday, July 14, 2011 - 05:34 AM UTC
Well from looking at all the pictures posted so far I would guess that the Iraqi's cut off the locking hooks but still left enough cleareance for a tow cable on some conversions, and on others they left the locking hooks in place.
But if you think about it, cutting a hole in the armor plate that leaves no clearance to attach a tow cable makes no sense, they might just as well of removed the tow hook from the front hull, and then had no hole in the armor plate, in other words a tow hook on the front that cannot be used is useless and might as well not even be there.
As you say, your armor plates are glued on, and its not worth changing the holes now, like you say it would end up a mess, I think we need to pin down exactly which Enigma AA used as ref
And happy hols btw,
caryl576
Joined: April 23, 2011
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Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 - 01:58 AM UTC
First off, Just to say how much I'm enjoying following this build. It's certainly inspiring me in my own efforts.
As to the tow hoow conundrum, looking at the web pictures I'd suspect the kit was modeled off the Bovington example, as the Holes look far shorter than the others, where you can clearly see the spring shackle holders fit there too (eg mourmelon, patton.....)
but then again that may be the angles the pictures have been taken at and I could be completely wrong!
As to the tow hoow conundrum, looking at the web pictures I'd suspect the kit was modeled off the Bovington example, as the Holes look far shorter than the others, where you can clearly see the spring shackle holders fit there too (eg mourmelon, patton.....)
but then again that may be the angles the pictures have been taken at and I could be completely wrong!
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
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Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 - 03:31 AM UTC
Quoted Text
First off, Just to say how much I'm enjoying following this build. It's certainly inspiring me in my own efforts.
As to the tow hoow conundrum, looking at the web pictures I'd suspect the kit was modeled off the Bovington example, as the Holes look far shorter than the others, where you can clearly see the spring shackle holders fit there too (eg mourmelon, patton.....)
but then again that may be the angles the pictures have been taken at and I could be completely wrong!
I don't think so. Bovington Enigma derived from a Polish made t-55 AA conversion depicts a russian made t-55
Most likely they kept the conversion details from several different Enigma exemplars and probably front armours replicates those which belonged to the Bovington example
Anyway i think it doesn't be a matter of picture angle. Holes are actually shorter. See these pics taking the hook as dimensional reference:
http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk74/Colin-album/Bovingtons%20Enigma/?start=all
Bovington Enigma:
Patton museum exemplar
Other exemplar (i don't know where it is preseved)
cheers
SEDimmick
Joined: March 15, 2002
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Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 - 04:37 AM UTC
When did the Patton museum get a T-55 Engima? I know there was one at APG, but it was moved a few years ago...
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
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Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011 - 05:39 AM UTC
Quoted Text
When did the Patton museum get a T-55 Engima? I know there was one at APG, but it was moved a few years ago...
Scott according to the caption of the album shown in the SVSM site, the Patton museum has one Enigma. Looks like it was not restored or prepped to be shown to the public a the time the pictures were taken.
http://svsm.org/gallery/t-55_enigma
Olivier
Kharkov
Joined: April 09, 2011
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Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 - 01:50 PM UTC
Hello Olivier
I am thinking about converting my T-55 into an Enigma, (hence the reason I spotted that tow hook/clearance thing, been spending alot of time here looking at pictures) so a few questions -
1. What do you think about the AA conversion set ?, is it any good ?, or should I just scratch build it, everything seems to be easy shapes, so all I need is sizes.
2. Are there any scale drawings around anywhere for the Enigma armor blocks ?
3. Does the AA set depict the fender supports that are welded under the side fenders ?, or does it just depict the ones on top of the fender ?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
I am thinking about converting my T-55 into an Enigma, (hence the reason I spotted that tow hook/clearance thing, been spending alot of time here looking at pictures) so a few questions -
1. What do you think about the AA conversion set ?, is it any good ?, or should I just scratch build it, everything seems to be easy shapes, so all I need is sizes.
2. Are there any scale drawings around anywhere for the Enigma armor blocks ?
3. Does the AA set depict the fender supports that are welded under the side fenders ?, or does it just depict the ones on top of the fender ?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
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Posted: Sunday, July 17, 2011 - 11:33 PM UTC
Hello Matt,
I think AA conversion is not a bad option. I don't know if Legend one is better though.
Concerning the new fenders, they have the square tubing depicted on both side.
The main problem with AA (apart the towing hook hole ) is the poor quality of instructions. For most of the parts it's a kind of guess game where they should be located. So good refs are a must.
The PE parts are really stiff and bending the turret lights covers is a pain.
Olivier
I think AA conversion is not a bad option. I don't know if Legend one is better though.
Concerning the new fenders, they have the square tubing depicted on both side.
The main problem with AA (apart the towing hook hole
) is the poor quality of instructions. For most of the parts it's a kind of guess game where they should be located. So good refs are a must.The PE parts are really stiff and bending the turret lights covers is a pain.
Olivier
zapper
Joined: October 18, 2005
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Posted: Monday, July 18, 2011 - 07:10 AM UTC
Olivier:
Nice work so far. I'm following this blog with interest!
Matt:
Here is a nice pdf. about the Enigma to download (based on the Bovington tank):
http://gurth.home.xs4all.nl/afv/
Click on photobooks in the menu to the right.
Cheers,
/E
Nice work so far. I'm following this blog with interest!
Matt:
Here is a nice pdf. about the Enigma to download (based on the Bovington tank):
http://gurth.home.xs4all.nl/afv/
Click on photobooks in the menu to the right.
Cheers,
/E
Kharkov
Joined: April 09, 2011
KitMaker: 181 posts
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Posted: Monday, July 18, 2011 - 10:14 AM UTC
@ Olivier, I have been looking at the Legend Conversion and tbh it looks exactly the same as the AA conversion, which is kind of strange considering that every single Enigma seems to be slightly different.
I got a feeling Legend just copied the AA conversion set and then made a few changes so they dont get in trouble
@ Erik, thx for that link, thats very usefull indeedy, and it's the Bov Enigma which seems to be based on a Polish build.
Anyone know what the deal is with the Iraqi's using Polish T-55's ?
Or are they just T-54's that have been upgraded to T-55 and therefore look a little bit like Polish T-55's, the Bov Enigma seems to have a Polish mantlet
spiritwalker
Joined: February 20, 2009
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Posted: Monday, July 18, 2011 - 11:11 AM UTC
Bovington example is a Polish built T-54u... Olivier will you add the wading rail to your T-55 based Enigma build?...
T-54/55 for export especially to middle east.....low production costs, plentiful, ease of maintenance, T-55 production lasted a while after T-62 types had stopped been manufactured..
Andy
T-54/55 for export especially to middle east.....low production costs, plentiful, ease of maintenance, T-55 production lasted a while after T-62 types had stopped been manufactured..
Andy
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
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Posted: Monday, July 18, 2011 - 09:42 PM UTC
Quoted Text
. Olivier will you add the wading rail to your T-55 based Enigma build?...
Andy
Andy,
as you may be aware of the answer is "unfortunately" yes
But it will be a little bit delayed as I'm currently away from my workbench.
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
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Posted: Monday, September 26, 2011 - 06:24 AM UTC
After a long stop, I resume this build. I have to modify the loader's hatch as it is of the early model without the AA MG. Fortunately I have the right one in a Blast conversion so I just have to cast a new one. The inner side of the hole must be "narrowed" with strips of styrene.
The TC hatch is the AA one. I'd like to represent the liaison arm of the IR light but I didn't find a good picture of it with the typical Iraqi protection so far.
I also modify the AA springs for the mobile armor block above the driver station. The expanded ones are far too long. So you need to cut 2,5mm for the curved part to rest on the hinge. The welded ends must be shortened too to get the same effect.
I started to build the wading rail around the engine deck as "my" model is a Russian tank. I'm not satisfied my the result so far. I'll post picsof a decent part later on.
Olivier
The TC hatch is the AA one. I'd like to represent the liaison arm of the IR light but I didn't find a good picture of it with the typical Iraqi protection so far.
I also modify the AA springs for the mobile armor block above the driver station. The expanded ones are far too long. So you need to cut 2,5mm for the curved part to rest on the hinge. The welded ends must be shortened too to get the same effect.
I started to build the wading rail around the engine deck as "my" model is a Russian tank. I'm not satisfied my the result so far. I'll post picsof a decent part later on.
Olivier
17741907
Joined: December 05, 2007
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Posted: Monday, September 26, 2011 - 12:45 PM UTC
Fine process so far Oliver....
Ranchhand
Joined: September 04, 2010
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Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2011 - 04:37 AM UTC
very nice, following this one closely
I was thinking of doing the legend one.
I was thinking of doing the legend one.
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
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Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2011 - 05:49 AM UTC
Really good progress Olivier
Congrats
Congrats
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
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Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 03:03 AM UTC
Hello guys,
I finally tackled the dreaded wading rail. It's far from perfect but I'm satisfied with it considering that the turret rear armor blocks will partially cover it.
I also added some bits like the additional towing eyes on the rear plate.
On the turret, I discovered I missed some reinforcing ribs at the base of the rear turret armor blocks supporting arms. I added the four of them.
I also managed to cast the loader's hatch which is of the initial type on the Mourmelon tank.
I still have some details to add like the position lights or the driver vision blocks "wipers" and I think it will time to give some paint.
Olivier
I finally tackled the dreaded wading rail. It's far from perfect but I'm satisfied with it considering that the turret rear armor blocks will partially cover it.
I also added some bits like the additional towing eyes on the rear plate.
On the turret, I discovered I missed some reinforcing ribs at the base of the rear turret armor blocks supporting arms. I added the four of them.
I also managed to cast the loader's hatch which is of the initial type on the Mourmelon tank.
I still have some details to add like the position lights or the driver vision blocks "wipers" and I think it will time to give some paint.
Olivier
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
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Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 04:52 AM UTC
Hi Olivier
I'd like to know what is the width of the strip that you have used to replicate the engine deck rail. I'd like to add this detail on my T-55
Anyway, you're doing a great job so far in my opinion
Cheers
I'd like to know what is the width of the strip that you have used to replicate the engine deck rail. I'd like to add this detail on my T-55
Anyway, you're doing a great job so far in my opinion
Cheers
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
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Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 06:43 AM UTC
Thanks for the comment Mauro.
In fact I didn't use strips of styrene. I cut the rail in a plate of styrene starting from a rectangle. Then I drilled out the various holes. The next step is to remove the center of the rectangle and leave a 1mm wide border. You still have to cut the notches with a new sharp blade and you're done
Beware, the assembly is very fragile due to the notches and it tends to "twist" and turn into undesired shapes.
Olivier
In fact I didn't use strips of styrene. I cut the rail in a plate of styrene starting from a rectangle. Then I drilled out the various holes. The next step is to remove the center of the rectangle and leave a 1mm wide border. You still have to cut the notches with a new sharp blade and you're done
Beware, the assembly is very fragile due to the notches and it tends to "twist" and turn into undesired shapes.
Olivier
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
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Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 07:00 AM UTC
Interesting indeed...
I'll try for sure to do the same on my (endless) JNA t-55.
As you told, It may be fragile, but I think it allows an easier assemblage and better alignments. What was the thickness of the plastic rectangle?
Thanks a lot for sharing this trick
Cheers
I'll try for sure to do the same on my (endless) JNA t-55.
As you told, It may be fragile, but I think it allows an easier assemblage and better alignments. What was the thickness of the plastic rectangle?
Thanks a lot for sharing this trick
Cheers
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
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Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 07:18 PM UTC
Mauro,
I used 0.3mm thick card. When drilling the holes , I started with a 0.3mm drill then I enlarged the holes with a 0.5mm one.
Olivier
I used 0.3mm thick card. When drilling the holes , I started with a 0.3mm drill then I enlarged the holes with a 0.5mm one.
Olivier
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