| Building
the Turret (Pack 16) |
| The
turret bearing is a two piece brass ring (CE0401) that fits tightly
into the deck. Unfortunately, the bearing was twisted a little out
of shape when it was received. Lay the bearing on a flat surface to
find the high/low spots. Use a vice to hold the bearing while you
CAREFULLY bend it into shape. According to the Armortek instructions,
the turret bearing is glued to the deck. A trial fit of the bearing
made it obvious glue could not hold the bearing down to the deck.
After a trial fit, my turret did not fit into the bearing. |
 |
So I decided to bolt the bearing to the deck using M3*10 csk screws,
shorter screws (8mm) would work too. I drilled 9 holes per half using
a #29 drill, making sure the hole was centered from the underside
edge. A drill press and locating pin was used to get consistant holes.
|
| Fit
the bearing in the turret opening. The seams are on the outboard sides.
Install the other bearing half. The fit was very tight, I did not
have to file down the ends to get it to fit. If you are having trouble,
it helps to look under the deck to see whats going on. |
 |
With the bearing in the deck opening, position a clamp in the middle
of each bearing, centered on a hole and apply pressure to seat the
bearing. Using a #40 (2.5mm) drill bit, drill through the deck. Then
use a M3 * 0.5 tap to cut the threads. There is not enough room to
put a M3 nut on underneath. |
 |
A 90 degree countersink drill was used to produce the correct countersunk
hole, take only enough material to keep the screw head just below
the surface of the bearing. Insert a screw and tightened it down.
Move to the next adjacent hole. Make sure you work from the center
out towards the ends. Cleanup the bearing surface with fine sandpaper
to remove burrs. |
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When I was finished, there was a 1-2mm gap between the bearing halves.
Goes to show how much slack there was. The turret dropped in without
any filing, making this modification very worthwhile. |
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The weight of the turret and bearing stress was causing the deck to
sink in the middle, so additional support under the deck was installed
using aluminum bar stock. The supports are located just in front and
behind the turret bearing. NOTE: The turret motor mount should be
fitted to the hull roof to make sure the extra supports clear. |
 |
The turret ring gear is secured by six M5 * 10 hex head bolts. |
![[Tiger 321]](321_1.gif)
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