LVT (A) 1 (no.2) Littletankman

[daisycutter]

how do the rc boats keep water from coming in via the prop shaft?

[nickmow]

Apparently they use a thing called a "stuffing tube" which is basically a brass tube filled with Grease. I think Im just going to opt for a washer, as the drive wheels will (should) be well above the water line (Think unsinkable Titanic type idea coming up here LOL) There will no doubt be some leakage but I, and I think Andy has or will divide the internal hull up with bulkheads so it cant completely flood.

[GreenAmphibian]

Your build is looking good! When I built my LVTP-7 I made mini stuffing boxes by using three sizes of brass tubing to keep the water out. The smallest size is a close fit over the sprocket shaft and about 1/4" long, the next fits tightly over that and is also 1/4" long, the outer tube is sized to be a tight fit over the other two and a length to fit from the gearbox to the sprocket. Solder them all together and fill with white lithium grease to keep the water out. If you need more strength where it goes through the hull, you can solder a washer to it and then epoxy it to the hull. Hope this is of use to you. I am currently working on the LVT4 version.

[nickmow]

Stuffing box, thats it, I translated your advice poorly G.A. Basically your saying that the tight fitting tube full of grease is the way to keep the water out. I dont think I understood what you meant over at Rcgroups but all of a sudden the light bulb has gone on. ! Thanks for you help and welcome again. Cup of Tea ?

[littletankman]

Hi all that sems a good idea . On my waterproofed HL Tiger tub I just used rubber washers but sectioned of the front compartment so if any water came in it wouldnt reach the main bd , just hope it keeps of the motors ?

Andy

[GreenAmphibian]

I found that I had to do it that way on mine to keep the H2o where it should be. Why not make the whole center section removable? It would give you great access to the innards and could be held in place with magnets. A thin strip of silicone would make a good gasket for it.

[Saxondog]

I have a suggestion that has worked well for me to water proof the different sections in some of my boats.I did this as an extra protection on the bulkheads to protect the electronics.It may well work for the machines you guys are building,cheers Blake

[littletankman]

Ive been ploding on with the LVT but some times its three steps forward and four bacxk. All good fun. Thanks again for the turret plan Nick. Ive made the turret , mantlet and turret sitting ring . Still got some final details to do .

[nickmow]

Fantastic mate !! Know what you mean about progress though. I'm just working on details waiting for Tracks and wheels to turn up. Keep at it matey.

[littletankman]

( sorry my daughter added those )
Thanks mate my Mato tracks and Sherman tub came today . how do you plan on lengthening the tracks ?

Andy