The T34 tank used a compression shock absorber spring on each road wheel swing arm. We worked on two different shock absorber types for the models.
The idea was to use cheap parts bought from the hardware store. This so parts could be made quickly and replaced if needed be. We also needed the ability to adjust each shock for the weight load on the tank. Two or three ways to adjust the shock tension was devised.
James Miller of the EastPac group proposed and built the first types which were used in the first model. This consisted of rigid copper pipe, brass tubing, hex head shaft and a compression spring purchased at the hardware store.
The first set of shocks James made were functional and fairly cheap to make but we found the shock tended to jam up to to restrictions internal of the shock body. His first design kept the spring internal of the shock body providing a clean outline. James also designed and cut the top mounting plate to allow the top of the shock mounting to move up or down depending on the amount of preloading needed. He also incorporated a small rubber washer inside the shock body that trapped air inside the shock tube to aid in the steady movement of the shock piston.
The shocks were mounted in a forward sweep toward the front of the tank on both sides of the hull. This was to keep the shock in proper alighment of the swinf arm travel. It also allowed use to gain more shock compression if needed.
screw.
I used black or "gas pipe" because its what I had in the shop. This also comes in galvanized used in water piping.
The pipe 'nipple' was cut to proper length on a bandsaw although it can be cut with a hacksaw. The cap was attached and screwed down tight. In order for the spring used to slide over the pipe with ease I chucked the unit onto the lathe and turned the outer body down a bit. I also took the time to turn the pipe cap down to a better looking part. The cap was then placed into the milling machine to have two flats placed across the head so that a wrench could be used to take the cap back off in order to install the eye screw and standoff washers.
In the picture below to the right you can see the odd angle in which the bolt protudes through the swing arm bracket, this piece was not used as the bracket needed to be straight. The bottom plate is threaded for the 3/8 shoulder bolt to allow for a little bit of preload to be added to the shock for weight. The 3/8 bolt used for the piston simply had the head cut off.
The blue part of the shock is just layout die sprayed onto the body. I use layout die to protect steel parts from rust, the head and bottom portions were painted yellow. No real reason for the choice other than it was handy at the time.
