So I finally took the plunge and decided to add in Henntec adjustable Idler mounts. started with a HL T-34 whose plastic idler mounts had cracked on both left and right sides. Surprisingly easy to install. hate the slotted screw heads however. Gonna look for some hex socket ones....







And yes, Those plastic gears will stay in until they break... Just like Victor's KT...

Big Mike you really need to check out the Taigen T34 lower. It is amazing. No use upgrading these Heng Long chassis.

I've seen it.
The suspensions is the same, they just mount a metal chassis insert in place.
So that takes care of hull flex. But considering that my entire T-34 wasn't that expensive (>Dutchman!<) I wasn't going to shell out for it just to have an adjustable idler.

This is a good upgrade for a HL and required for any long term running.
Only another 1/2 dozen to install in various other tanks (Victor's KT for one).

It also has a built-in track tensioner as well so no need for the Hentec set-up. Kinda of like a metal version of the Heng Long one.

If it was a torsion bar suspension, in a heartbeat I'd go for a Taigen Lower.

But for those that only have "Hull inserts" and a adjustable tensioner it's not that much of cost effective upgrade, by buying a new taigen lower for an existing HL tank.

But T34 is Christie suspension in real life !!! 

MikeC wrote:

But T34 is Christie suspension in real life !!! 

Yup. And what you may not know is that in 1941 the Russians designed the T-34M to address many of the shortcomings of the T-34.

Guess what one of the design changes were? Get rid of the Christie suspension and use torsion bars due to inside hull space constraints. But Germany invading put a halt to its progress (5 incomplete hulls manufactured). So ramp up production of the T-34 continued.

Even the purposed T-34 replacement, the T-43 scrapped the Christie suspension... Also cancelled, but the T-43's turret lived on to be used on the T-34-85 (1943)

Except the Taigen T-34 isn't quite Christie suspension...


Spring Connected to the swing arm simulating a Christie Suspension
(BTW WSN T-34 with Plastic hull used this suspension style. I know as I have both a WSN and a HL T-34.)


Actual Christie suspension doesn't connect directly to the swing arm as that would leave a huge opening in the tank for dirt/debris/shell impacts!
They connect to a torque arm that is connected to the swing arm

Again. Taigen suspension lower hull is good, but I have a HL lower to add in a adjustable idler (and a WSN "Christie Suspension" Lower as well).

Adjustable Idler $44.50 USD.
Taigen Lower $135.00 (albeit with $70USD Steel Gearboxes). And would need new axles for the swing arms...

So no, just the idlers for this upgrade....

Mike, I was just trolling you. You need to stop ending every forum discussion with a dissertation on the subject and illustrative engineering diagrams.

MikeC wrote:

Mike, I was just trolling you. You need to stop ending every forum discussion with a dissertation on the subject and illustrative engineering diagrams.

Oh I know you were trolling me. I just like to debate and bring facts to the table

LOL... Plus it makes me a Post Ho!

You nasty post ho! LOL!