1/16 Katyusha

[vlpbruce]

Hi again gang.  I have made some very good progress on the right side of the engine.  Actually, I really only need to finish the carb and the lower parts of the manifold and it's ready.  
While I was waiting for glue to dry on the engine, I got a pretty good start on the launcher.
By the way, does anybody know where I can find a 1/16 scale dog (preferably a spaniel)?
Thanks again to all of you, and for all of your support.

[vlpbruce]

Thanks Dicky. You are very correct about working on small assemblies. I do the same, and just hope I don't launch the part across the room when I remove it from the rod. :-)

[vlpbruce]

Dicky, I am using what will end up being the bowl on the bottom of it to hold on to. When the rest of the little guy is done, I'll just snip it off, and shape it (and pray I don't do something dumb).

[Teabone]

Vilpbruce

I some how missed the start here and don't know if we are doing a kit or scratch, while I know some Katusha were mounted on the old GAZ truck most seem to be on the Studebaker 2-1/2 ton which from the looks of your differentials it looks like Studebaker.  An interesting subject and you are doing a great job with it.  That old 86 hp Hercules JXD, 320-ci engine saw a lot of use during the war it powered all the M8 and M20 Armored cars which there were a bazillion of.  I have space problems so 1/16 would never work for me but I am really interested how you do this and what references you use.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Bones, Thanks for the compliments. Actually, I'm building her based on a ZIS-6. I found drawings of the frame and engine on Armchair General, and loads of pictures on Primeportal, and a few other sites. To answer your first question, she's pretty much all scratch. I have an old 32 Ford I may be able to use a few parts from, but I'll have to make almost everything. Thank you again.
Bruce

[Teabone]

Vlpbruce

Looking at your differentials again knowing that would be one of the most difficult parts for me to build if I was to get crazy enough to try something like that.  I was wondering how you made the axle housings?  Did you master one and then cast the other to match?

I believe those old Autocars had Borg-Warner differentials and thought they had a pan on the bottom of the banjo housing, the drawing you have must show it solid.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Thanks again Bones,
The Differentials are actually wooden drawre knobs that were about the right shape, with the axles added from tubing, and the whole thing blended together with epoxy putty. The drawings for the ZIS-5 show the diffs you are mentioning, but the pictures I have are showing the solid ones. It looks like they rotated the diff housings 90 degrees and brought the drive shafts in through the tops. Thanks again for the interest and support. I hope to have a bit more to update in a few days.
Bruce

[Teabone]

May 27, 2013 6:07:58 GMT -5 vlpbruce said:

Thanks again Bones,
The Differentials are actually wooden drawre knobs that were about the right shape, with the axles added from tubing, and the whole thing blended together with epoxy putty. The drawings for the ZIS-5 show the diffs you are mentioning, but the pictures I have are showing the solid ones. It looks like they rotated the diff housings 90 degrees and brought the drive shafts in through the tops. Thanks again for the interest and support. I hope to have a bit more to update in a few days.
Bruce

Bruce

Great idea with the door knobs,  The turned differentials were very common in the old heavy duty trucks of the 30's and 40's probably all Borg Warners, I would suspect that the rotation forces vs moving a heavy load probably made them go to the more conventional design we see today.  Your depiction of the shafts and tops of those differentials looks spot on from what I remember.   I awoke this morning realizing who I am and as you often hear in old British movies I got to thinking way above my station.  I do not have the skills to build something like that from scratch, I need to keep my feet on the ground and watch how you do this.

Bones.

[vlpbruce]

Bones,
Thank you again. Seeing your work, I think you could do something like this.

[Teabone]

You must have mistaken someones else's work for mine, I can get by with straight stuff IF I have a good drawing with dimensions to go by until I hit something curved like the truck cowling, differential housing or fenders though at some stage they went with flat fenders.  Things that are curved knock me out I just have a terrible time and give up and giving up is not something I like to do.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Fair enough. I do like your work. I think my vacu-former is really going to get a workout on the cab. That's the only way I can see making the fenders.

[Teabone]

May 27, 2013 21:08:27 GMT -5 vlpbruce said:

Fair enough. I do like your work. I think my vacu-former is really going to get a workout on the cab. That's the only way I can see making the fenders.

Go with the flat fenders if they came in before the Studebaker's took over the role.  I have seen where those vacu-formers work and they are impressive, The would sure make it possible to do the curved parts, who made you former?  I think that Monogram made a real good one years ago that are sought after at a premium when one can be found.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Thank you again, Bones. Actually, I made my own vac-former a number if years ago. I saw an article in an old Finescale Modeler, and built it out of a bread pan, a piece of plywood, and a vacuum attachment. Thanks again for the advice and encouragement.
Bruce

[ironhand6]

 I happened to wander up north and saw bruces stuff first hand. let me tell you, pics just dont do it justice. you would have too see the motor in person to appreciate it. but I must confess my favorite part is the launching rails. they look pretty complete a will look the part when painted. and if you haven't noticed, Bruce is a dangerous man to be around- he makes scratch building look really easy to do...

[Teabone]

May 29, 2013 12:46:51 GMT -5 ironhand6 said:

 I happened to wander up north and saw bruces stuff first hand. let me tell you, pics just dont do it justice. you would have too see the motor in person to appreciate it. but I must confess my favorite part is the launching rails. they look pretty complete a will look the part when painted. and if you haven't noticed, Bruce is a dangerous man to be around- he makes scratch building look really easy to do...

Ironhand6

I am not sure about dangerious but I have noticed beside doing an outstanding job he is the very well equipped model builder.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Clint:  You flatter me
Bones:  Thank you very much.

Just an FYI, I'm really only dangerous to myself (most of the time).  

[ironhand6]

bruce, did you see squadron has a "katy" reference book on sale in their newest flyer? I think it covers the Zis 6.

[vlpbruce]

I did not see that. I'll have to look into it. Thanks pal.

[vlpbruce]

Hi again gang. I am still making (slow) progress on the engine. I do hope to have pictures soon. I have hit a mental block on the lower part of the manifold, but I will get through it.
Thank you all again for the support.
By the way Clint, I do have the book you were telling me about. It is a very late model. I want to build an early model.
Bruce

[Teabone]

Well it has been said that great works of art take time and were still here knowing that it will get here eventually.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

Thank you Bones. She will get there. As you say, it will just take time.

[ironhand6]

 Ah. I wondered if that might be the case. I do remember some time ago that you were doing an early Katie, and I really don't know that much about them(Gasp!!) hope you get over the mental block soon! Btw- I have it on firm authority that a certain Mr. Sam Adams helps unjam the ole' MoJo!!!!

[vlpbruce]

I think I figured it out. I should say "we" because Mr. Adams did help.
I was over complicating it. Pictures should be by the end of the week.
Thanks

[Leon]

I'll be checking in for updates Bruce,keep up the good work.

[vlpbruce]

Thanks Leon,
Love your work so this means a lot to me.

[vlpbruce]

Hi again guys.  I have been making some pretty good progress on the engine.  It is about 90% done. I am sending a picture of the carb.  I wil have more to post very soon.  Thank you all again for the support.

[Teabone]

Bruce

That looks like some mighty miniscule detailing there.

Bones

[vlpbruce]

It is my friend. Thank you very much for following, and for your support.

[Teabone]

Bruce

We need more small detail its what separates great from the merely OK.

Bones

[wbill76]

Some impressive work there Bruce, look forward to seeing more after this little teaser.