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| An Old Project; but not forgoten! Or dead! | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 12 2006, 04:18 AM (397 Views) | |
| outcastrc | Jan 12 2006, 04:18 AM Post #1 |
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  ![]](http://209.85.122.89/static/1/pip_r.png)
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I started this project a couple years ago and due to some problems obtaining parts I put it away. One of these days I will get back on to it and finnish it. I have more pictures somewhere around here and will post them later. The project was to build a functional RC tank, using simple tools and parts. It was loosely based on a Sherman M4A3. The intended size of the project is 1.5 - 2 feet long. Running wheelchair motors and electronics.  The idea was to use 2 lengths of chain as the main track. Cleats will be bolted or welded to the chains. I was working on different test sections of track to choose the best route to go. The sprocket wheel is two Princess Auto sprockets welded on each end of a small piece of pipe. The bogie wheels are conveyor belt bearing wheels.   The bogie wheel design is a simple version of the Sherman M4A3. The parts include aluminum C channel for the main base. Aluminum arms, that support conveyor wheels. Springs are plain Home Depot compression springs.  I made it as far as making a making a bunch of test sections of track. I tried bolting the plates on, welding them on, and finally I tried chain with mounting tabs. I really liked that way but I could find no cheap source for the amount I would need. The sprocket design seemed completely feasable. It was just steel sprockets from Princess Auto. 2 ground sprockets per track bolted or welded together into a wheel. The bogie design "seemed" to work as drawn. Wether it would have been enough to hold the weight or would have needed stronger springs I am not sure. I put the tank on hold because I was running into too many obstacles at the time and I figured a day down the road I would be better equiped knowledge wise and money wise to tackle it again. On a plus side the RC system I devised to run the wheelchair powered tank skid steer lawn mower I helped my father'n'law build works great and has been for years! It was a great test bed for getting the drive system worked out in the tank. When the time finally comes I know exactly what I need to get the thing moving.  For pics of the lawn mower Click here |
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| EC | Jan 12 2006, 04:36 AM Post #2 |
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Making Trax!
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Looks awesome!
 What did you use to make those pictures?
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| outcastrc | Jan 12 2006, 01:59 PM Post #3 |
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That was with Coreldraw. Its uses vector graphics. Works well for making designs. |
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| hpiguy | Jan 12 2006, 07:05 PM Post #4 |
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Worthy of the Trax!
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Nice write up, good luck with it. |
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| Toyranosaur | Aug 10 2006, 05:16 AM Post #5 |
Making Trax!
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Forgive me if this sounds dumb or ya already thought of it, but it seems that if you move the treads over 1/2 link, they'll be centered on an outer link and you can just tack weld 'em: Then the problem of having 1 tread segment having to pivot on 2 outer links is eliminated! Ta Da! Chris |
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| outcastrc | Aug 10 2006, 06:31 AM Post #6 |
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If I had a welder it would be easy. Its still on my to do list... I have the box with all the parts sitting in the garage with a sign that says "Open when you can weld!" 
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5:00 PM Nov 25
