Scratch Built Tiger 1 1/8 scale

[Hobbyman]

Hi There, retired Engineer ex model aircraft/helicopters and have decided time to build steel tank . Started out as 1/6 Panther ,then realised how big this would be so headed for then 1/8 Panther but considered the Tiger 1 was more appealing . Have fabricated the track plates and welded on the bushings /tabs ...168 of them .But my drive sprockets are troublesome so re engineering ....torsion bar suspension in place using 10gauge wire .Using 90mm nails centre ground down to 3mm for track pins .Will have rh side set up with wood idler wheels to see if they will run/track this wk .May end up up scraping and start again using twin roller chains 1/2 x 1/4 .Body is Mig tack welded together . Using two 18volt drill skins /gearboxes for drive ,but would really like petrol power but not sure If I will live f long enough to complete that!

[Son of a gun-ner]

Hello and welcome to the forum Hobbyman

Your build sounds very interesting/exciting. I am sure I speak for most when I say we would love to see pictures

I hope we can share your journey till completion.

[Ecam]

If you haven't found it yet, we have a larger scale section on the forum with some terrific builds right up your alley: viewforum.php?f=80

I too would love to see some of your work. I love scratch building and love to steal (that is learn) from others.

[MrChef]

Welcome to the forum Hobbyman. I'm looking forward to following you BIG cats progress.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Hello! Ecam has already steered you to the section that may be of greatest interest to you. The builds there just boggle the mind. I agree with the others, so I hope you will keep us informed of your build, show photos, and ask questions as well as explain your own ideas.

[Hobbyman]

Hi There, retired Engineer ex model aircraft/helicopters and have decided time to build steel tank . Started out as 1/6 Panther ,then realised how big this would be so headed for then 1/8 Panther but considered the Tiger 1 was more appealing . Have fabricated the track plates and welded on the bushings /tabs ...168 of them .But my drive sprockets are troublesome so re engineering ....torsion bar suspension in place using 10gauge wire .Using 90mm nails centre ground down to 3mm for track pins .Will have rh side set up with wood idler wheels to see if they will run/track this wk .May end up up scraping and start again using twin roller chains 1/2 x 1/4 .Body is Mig tack welded together . Using two 18volt drill skins /gearboxes for drive ,but would really like petrol power but not sure If I will live f long enough to complete that!

[Ecam]

That is Large and in charge! Thank you for the pictures. Those torsion bars look like a scaled down version of the real thing! And those tracks must have been a tedious endeavor!

[Hobbyman]

I finally have the tracks running well...rebuilt them twice .... they had a horizontal twist and a curve ...my jigs were to flimsy for 140 of them to keep any pression. LH side still missing the torsion bars but all idlers /bushings and bearing hubs for the rear wheels are done and in place. Been thinking about petrol power.... gone off hydraulic but petrol/electric looks good. The silver motor in photos when rotated at 2800RPM produces 9.6 Volt and 6 amps and I have two of them here.I will fit the drill skin/power plants via gears/and idler gears, then thoughts are using a 25cc weed eater motor laying down possibly water-cooled driving one motor turned generator, geared up to maybe 4K or maybe use the two of them to get close to 18volts and 12 AMPs. Then use the drill triggers operated via a RC servo for left and right steering with voltage controlled by RC throttle .Starting to get heavy, making as much as I can from ally but as I can only weld steel have to grin and bear it.Our 9 yr old Computer died so now have Win 11and struggling with-it but have new pics here and will try and load them .......Regards from New Zealand

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"Been thinking about petrol power.... gone off hydraulic but petrol/electric looks good." Most would just use electric motors, as with your idea to use electric drill motors. I think of petrol (actually diesel)/electric as something for real train engines. Such engineering boggles my mind. This is really interesting.
By the way, your Panther is pretty sharp, too.

[Hobbyman]

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Finally have all the wheels turning!..At the moment It's 25KG...Every axle bushed and idler gear on one motor for clearance.Test drive on 18volts but variable speed via drill triggers is now not working ....flat out or nothing . Had the triggers apart to adapt to servo control so suspect something in there I did as both triggers have same fault .Have petrol motor ready to set up generator ..Think It's 25cc and runs sweet . 5 amps draw on battery at full speed .If triggers are dead I might just use switches on/off for steering and engine throttle for speed .when gas motor is in .Is their a speed controller out there for tracked vehicles that can handle 18volts and about 12 amps that is available for home builders ? AmourTech have one for their kits but not listed as a separate part.