Sherman adjustable Idler
Wheel Mounts
1:35 #F052
Review by Terry Ashley
Each idler consists of the bolted hull mounting plate, the idler axle mounting bracket and the idler axle. The axle is designed to fit into the mounting bracket allowing it to be set at different angles as per the original; this will allow minor adjustments when using any aftermarket individual track set.
One thing to watch when removing the small axle plate from the casting block
is the axle and mounting pin on opposite sides with the mounting pin forming
part of the pouring gate.
Care is needed not to cut off the pin as you remove the part from the casting
block which I did before noticing this and had to then add the inside pin from
plastic rod.
Cut the pin as close as possible to the casting block with a sharp blade to
leave as much as possible of the pin to ensure a good attachment to the axle
mounting.
To fit the idler mounts to any VVSS Sherman kit you will have to first remove the plastic idler details which shouldn’t be a problem but ensure you mark the position of the mounts before hand to ensure the resin parts are positioned correctly.
It is not advisable to use the set with kit vinyl tracks as the tension will be too great for the axle unless this is re-enforced them somewhat which would negate the movable feature.
Conclusion:
A nicely detailed idler set that is easy to add to any Sherman kit to give
the option of positioning the axles that will come in very handy when using
individual track link sets.
Highly Recommended.
References:
| SHERMAN A History
of the American Medium Tank R.P.Hunnicutt. Presidio Books ISBN 0-89141-080-5  |
British Tanks
of WWII (1) Concord #7027  |
Check the Formations website for details of other update sets available and thanks to Rob for the review sample.
Page created 19 June 2005