Here's one I am sure you guys will know the answer to. I've built Tamiya's jeep kit afew months back and I am working on another one I want to use in a diorama. (My first in about 20 years) I want to have the front wheels on the jeep turned, what is the best way to do this? I am sure I'll will have many more questions before this project is completed.

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh

Ron;
No big deal here, just place the chassis on a flat surface, then cut the axle both end at the angle you´d like to turn (both to the same side), then rotate and glue it back.
I don´t know how to explain ti to you(my english isn´t good enough!) but I can search some draw and send it to you later.
Cheers!

Thanks Paulo, I'll check it out tonight and get back to you if I have any questions.

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh

You´re welcome, feel free for asking me anything, if I could help I´ll be satisfied.
HTH

Okay Paulo, I check out the under carriage of the jeep lastnight, if I cut the axle at an angle to make the wheels turn out. What about the steering arms? Do I need to fabricate new ones?

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh

I just finished that kit. I didn't turn the wheels, but if you do, the steering arms should be fine. The's if we're talking about the same thing.

CF,
I might not be calling them by the right name, but when the front wheels turn left or right, these are what make them turn. And if the front wheels are turned these rods would change position too. Then again maybe they don't, i'm confused and my head hurts.

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh

I think you are talking about the arms that are connected by the tie-rod, and those would turn with the wheels. I don't know enough about real vehicles to know the proper name.

Don't mean to jump in here, but yes Ron, you'll have to fabricate new tie-rods when you position the wheels...

Gunnie

Gunnie,
That's what I thought too. Any ideas on what I could use to fabricate them. I was thinking (and I hurt myself doing it too) maybe a stiff wire like used for paper clips. I could cut it and bend it to the shape I needed.

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh

Actually (it hurts me to think too ) I'd recommend .025" styrene rod instead of the paper clip. It's easier to work with. A pack only goes for about $1.60 - and you'll use it on other projects.

If you really wanna go have some fun - cut a length of .020" solder to the right side. Roll it under a metal ruler to flatten / straighten it out. Crimp the ends with a pair of needle-nose pliers so that you can attach the flat surface to the drag-arms off each brake drum. Finish off with two Grandt Line or white glue bolts and go have a beer. The solder is easy to work with too.

Gunnie

Thanks Gunnie, I'll give it a try this weekend. After working 14 days straight, it will be nice having this weekend off, and get sometime at my workbench.

Ron C.
Ashtabula, Oh