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Armor/AFV: British Armor
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Purpose of Reel on Turret
BuffaloModeler
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 03:28 AM UTC
Can anyone inform me of the purpose of the reel on the back of the turret on a Challenger I? I'm building Tamiya's Challenger and I'm wondering if this reel should have wire or cable wrapped around it. I can't find any clear references which show this reel and its contents.

Thanks a lot
Sudzonic
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 05:32 AM UTC
The cable reel is used for what is called D10 cable witch is used for signals work like connecting two of the old clansman radios together and such like hope that helps john.
BuffaloModeler
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 05:50 AM UTC
So, If I added some fine gauge wire to the reel, it would look much better than being bare? Was the cable jacketed or bare metal?

Thanks for helping out!
Sudzonic
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 06:06 AM UTC

Quoted Text

So, If I added some fine gauge wire to the reel, it would look much better than being bare? Was the cable jacketed or bare metal?

Thanks for helping out!


This is the best pic i could find of the cable drums. if you look at the left drum it has the cable wound on it? it is an black plastic coated cable and is a pig to work with (cold shiver as i remember the days of being a signeler) hope that helps.
BuffaloModeler
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 06:17 AM UTC
Thanks again for the explanation and the neat photos! I appreciate it very much.

John
CMOT
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 07:44 AM UTC
The cable looks like heavy duty speaker cable, if it is the same as the cables we used to full over everywhere on the plains.
ossie262
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 07:46 AM UTC
hi
modern tanks still have them fitted and they also can have a cable version as well.
ossie
Sudzonic
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 08:01 AM UTC

Quoted Text

The cable looks like heavy duty speaker cable, if it is the same as the cables we used to full over everywhere on the plains.


Sound familiar i remember spending hours unrolling it off the drums to check it for breaks and ree rolling it back on oh the joys of being a platoon signaler.
BuffaloModeler
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 12:47 PM UTC
Here is a photo of the Challenger I...I used fishing line and CA'd it to the inside of the reel. Obviously, it is still in the assembly stage.

CMOT
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 01:42 PM UTC
Don't forget the sheath the cable as shown in the picture.
ptruhe
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 05:29 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Don't forget the sheath the cable as shown in the picture.


Is the sheath always on?

Paul
Sudzonic
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Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 09:26 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Don't forget the sheath the cable as shown in the picture.


Is the sheath always on?

Paul


I am not sure? we did not always use the sheath. it is used to keep the cable in place as it is very springy and has a mind of its own and will unroll its self off the drum if it is not used. there is also a green canvas type cover that covers the whole drum to protect it.
Sudzonic
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Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 - 03:42 AM UTC
BINGO found some better pic's of the drums and the cable..
Here is the drum with the canvas cover over it.

And here is some close up's of the cable itself.



Hope that is help full to you john.
BuffaloModeler
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Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 - 07:22 AM UTC
This is indeed very helpful. I think I'll go with putting the sheath over the wires and not cover the entire reel. I also think I'll try using thin strips of Tamiya tape and find some photoetch buckles to add to it.

Can I add more photos as the work progresses?

Thanks again

John Z
ptruhe
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Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 - 09:30 AM UTC

Quoted Text

the drum with the canvas cover over it.


Great pictures. I've seen these strapped on the front of some Warriors in Op Telic pictures.

Thanks,
Paul
trackpads
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Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 - 10:18 AM UTC
We very raily used it, more of a pain in the ass than any thing, usual kept the D10 in a bin.and that was usuayl cut into 50 meter strips only ever got used at night for the ground sentry,The only time i ever fitted it in to place was on hand over when we changed back to c.v.r.t.

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