'Morning, and a Happy New Year from sunny France.
I'm planning to build a Challenger in 1/48th scale using some parts from Tamiya's Cromwell, but I have a few questions if anyone can answer them for me please.
I'm assuming that the roadwheels, idlers and drive sprocket are the same, which brings me to the first question. Were they all built with 15.5in tracks, and are they the same as used on the Comet?
2nd. Was the 17pdr the same as used on Fireflies?
3rd. Were they fitted with the all round vision cupola?
4th. Towing hook; usual type bolted to the rear or leaf spring?
Oh, and if anyone has a built Cromwell that they were going to junk, I'd be glad to take the wheels off of them.
TIA.

John.

Hi John,
I'm only basing this on the SKP Challenger I built and comparing it with the Cromwell and Comet so may well be wrong compared to the real deal...

1. I won't comment on the tracks as the SKP ones are supposed to be rubbish. HOWEVER, see here for more info:
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=6326

2. It's longer so is probably a full size 17pdr.

3. Same cupola and hatch as the Cromwell.

4. Leaf spring, slightly wider than the Comet one.

Lastly, there was a discussion that may help you over on BritModeller:
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?s=3c3ac87a67da063b91468eb5f041b645&showtopic=67430&mode=linear

Thanks Ken. The info was very useful and the discussion about tracks has thrown a couple of spanners in the works. But they're not insurmountable.
Thanks again.

John.

Good luck!

I'm sure I remember reading that Panzer IV tracks could be made to fit but I can't find the source at the moment. I think you need to score the 'bar' at the wide end of each link to match the look. PM me if you need more and I'll have a hunt around.

In 48th scale maybe Tim can sell you a set of sprockets from his beautiful Comet kit (and I'd be interested too).

Found my notes and it's the later solid horned Panzer IV type track as in the Tamiya kit that you need see picture here

http://alliedtanksofworldwarii.devhub.com/blog/731259-cruiser-tank-challenger-a30/

Missed Q2 Yes, the Firefly and Challenger used the same 17pdr gun but watch the muzzle break they did change, the Comet had a shorter version. Contempary photos are your friends here.

Be aware that the Overloon example was 'restored' in the 60/70s using Chieftain bins, Centurion/Chieftain roadwheels and the Cromwell track was used as it was available. I think a Cromwell sprocket was added as well.

Sorry for the edits: Copy and paste /brain interface issues

Comet track links are 18 inches wide, and not the same as the previous vehicles, although the pattern is very similar.

Tim Perry

www.fighting48th.com


www.fighting48th-shop.com