Hello and many thanks for the members who have replied with friendly messages!
I suggest to speak about wheels, which are so important for the realism of the model, and necessary to adjust many components as axles , suspension springs, or later, bodies.
M1A1 wrecker run on 11.00x20 Non Directional Tires, which tread is very famous and tipical of the WW 2 US trucks. Unfortunatly, I only know 2 good reproductions in 1/24 scale:
- Half-track M3 tin-plate model of KADEN (former GONIO) uses too small 9.00x20 tires.
- Some tires I bought many years ago in a swepmarket, probably issued from an IMAI kit of US 155mm howitzer.
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Each tire is made of black vinyl and comes in 2 parts: the main which reproduces one side and the rolling surface, and the opposite side:
If these tyres are very interesting due to the name of a famous manufacturer , they are too small to figure 11.00x20. After many reflexions and calculations (which I'm not very proud...) I decided to operate a esthetical surgery to obtain the master I will use later for a silicon moulding.
The first step consist in turning a bone (in white resin on the picture) to correct the diameter of the tyre. The tyre is cut with the Chopper to obtain a perfectly perpandicular section. The missing section represents 2/30 of the circumference and will be taken in a identical tire. The reason of this step of 1/30 is the number or teeth of the genuine IMAI tire. At the end, my tyre will have 32 teeth (It seems to have 35 in reality) and a correct diameter.
Let me show you the final result in a next message.
The problem of the rim's masters is easier to resolve: 6 holes 20" rims exist on a diecast 1/24 model from ERTL, Chevy 55' stake truck.
Rims have been turned and modified with KFS resin parts (item TQ 18: Trailer Disc Brake Kit) to obtain 10 screws rims. Rolling bearings caps are not in place yet.
I hope to show you the results of my chemical experiences next time...
See you later