Metal track tightness

[Bulldog01]

Got the metal tracks installed on the Bulldog. Was just wondering how much droop they should have? In the photo I have the tank sitting up on a drill case so the tracks are elevated. Does this amount seem right? Or should I add a link? Thanks - Bulldog01

[Tankbear]

I use my tank on grass so I find if too loose will raise off the drive sprocket teeth during a sharp turn. So end up shortening them till that stops.

Looking at yours I say look about right, as only the weight of the tracks which is making them hang like that but normally the tank be sat on them.

Ian.

[Bulldog01]

Yes Ian, the tracks are drooping under their own weight. I don't want to break the front idler wheel from tracks to tight or have the tracks keep coming off the drive sprockets also. Some sorta spring loaded idler tensioner would be awesome....any idea on where to find one??
Thanks - Darren

By the way - the tank is the HL M41A3 Bulldog

[Bulldog01]

So far, I haven't had any issues. Just currious about track tension....

[Tankbear]

Hi Bulldog1, I know it is a balancing act with the track tension. Not certain if there is a commercially available spring loaded idle tensioner although I believe a member on this forum did post how he made one (might of been a pershing but think same idea).

Ian.

[MichaelC]

It looks okay. Usually you would see more slack when you have it up on blocks. It really depends on how hard you drive them. I don't drive mine very hard and I like the slack look like the real thing. I would imagine if I take them out more I would want mine a little tighter.

I just checked Welsh Dragon and I didn't see any tensioner for the Bulldog. Is there any play at all on the engine mount ? You could in theory try to move the motor mount a little and play with the number of tracks but I would run it for a while first before playing with them. I honestly think you would be fine with what I can see.

I wouldn't touch the idler at all seeing that it is plastic........The other thing I find is that if you get stronger springs for the boggies you will get more tension on the tracks as well.

[MichaelC]

Try this is you are worry or want to play with the slack a little.

http://www.welshdragonmodels.co.uk/tank ... 1070-p.asp

[Bulldog01]

Thanks Tankbear and MichaelC - The tracks work good so far. Mainly driving on concrete and grass. Driving hard but not too hard. Since I fixed the broken mantlet arms and got the airsoft shooting hard I'm having a blast with my first tank! Still need to paint the gunner and drive sprockets and add some weathering details and upgrade to steel gears when the metal one's wear out etc....This is the first of many tanks to come!!! LOL

[Tankbear]

..This is the first of many tanks to come!!! LOL

And the tank addiction takes another victim. LOL good to hear your having fun and bitten by the tank bug.


Ian.

[Bulldog01]

That's for sure!! Been playin' around with RC stuff since 82. Don't know why it took so long to check out tanks. I would like to get rid of the firing recoil. Is there an easy solution to this??? It throws the airsoft off a bit when the tank jerks back.

Darren