The 4.Serie Sd.Kfz.223 one shot lubrication system moved on. All of the individual rubber hoses were fitted to the wheel stations.
The angled steering mechanism is now fitted together with the steering wheel. We are still waiting for news on the drive coupling shafts. One more has been located. The last remaining item will have to be made if the outstanding item is not found. The gearbox casings were steam cleaned and the main selector shaft has received attention. Whoever disassembled and reassembled it previously replaced the bearings with the wrong sized bearings. The centre bearing – a roller bearing consequently overheated and failed as the shoulder on the shaft is rolling on the side of the roller bearings. This resulted in the roller bearing seizing up leaving some residual damage on the shaft. Luckily, we have a team of engineers with the skills to identify and rectify this problem. See main image.
The interior mapping of the 4.Serie Sd.Kfz.222 is moving ahead strongly. This is quite different to the 3.Serie and 5.Serie interior. Given that this is the only example of the 232 originally assembled it makes the process even more challenging and fun. The process of research and discovery has been kicked off through the article published in Inside Track this week and will continue to do so as we make new discoveries.
The 3.Serie Sd.Kfz.223 Kochgeschirr (canteen) holders have been determined in this week’s Inside Track as well. The mapping out of the interior of this vehicle will pick up momentum during the winter months when the hull is back inside, and we can place the individual fittings against the tab map internally.
Our new large vertical machining centre is now ready to start its work. A replacement screen and other fittings are now installed, the system has been cleaned and checked for its first test run next week.
The mapping of the interior of our 5.Serie Sd.Kfz.261 is happening alongside that of the 4.Serie Sd.Kfz.222 as we continue to build the base of design and layout understanding between other 5.Serie le.Pz.Sp.Wg and this earlier armoured car.
Have a good weekend.
