RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Hi all
Am going to take the plunge and have a go at scratch build my own tank..

But its coming down to 2 scales 1/10 or 1/8th..now i would perfure the 1/10th as i have other models at this scale.

But its going to come down to availability of parts for the 2 scales ( things like drive wheels , wheels, tracks, gearbox etc)

i don't know what gearbox thes use for these larger scale tanks

Do you guys know where would be a good place to start looking for those parts in the Uk.

Thx
Caddy

HI Caddyshack, :~
I must admit that I do not know where to get the gearboxes etc at this scale.This is just a thought but If there are places that you can buy wheels and tracks from then could they also supply gearboxes ?? How heavy is the tank going to be when it is finished ??
I know that they would be 'Out of scale' but with a suitable sleeve on the output shaft how about some of the high end quality 1/16th Metal Reduction gearboxes ??....If you changed the motor to a 480 Gruapner or larger then it should have the power to move your new tank. I have spent some time looking at the model boat world for gearboxes but they are ALL much to highly geared...BUT...How about this as an idea to bolt onto the 1/16th gearbox ??....it allows > 2 < motors to drive a common output shaft.
http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/aca ... 41_20.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
One of these twin motor packs, IF ,it could be made to fit the Metal Reduction gearbox would throw some seroius power at the output shaft, it uses 500 to 700 motors so 2 x 700 motors gives you a 1400 motor which should give you some serious power !! . The only drawback would be speed with its built in 2-1 reduction .....BUT...since you would be using a larger driven sprocket then the ratio would come back up again to give you the correct scale speed.

I realise that this gearbox has plastic gears but they are at the very 'top' of the drive train and so are much more about speed than torque and should work perfectly.( like the DIY reduction gearbox that uses a plastic gear to convert standard Metal Heng Long gearboxes to Reduction gearboxes...... http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/v ... =38&t=4981" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )
Cornwall model boats are very helpful and may be able to offer you some advice on how to attach them, to the Metal gearbox....They do a good range of flexible couplings, ( like a universal joint only smaller ) ,but I would have thought that a common mounting plate with shim plates to raise or lower either gearbox for alignment would work just fine. You also have plenty of space to play with in the larger scale tank.
Alb

I think this sort of thing will be what you may need to do to get the required torque to drive 1/8th scale tracks etc. Motors are 2 X 24V 250W electric scooter motors running at 12V. Motors from ebay, Chain and sprockets are from Technobots http://www.technobotsonline.com/index.p ... ory_id=193" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
Hope this helps
Phil

I would go with 1/8. At least there are companies producing 1/8 like Mark 1 tanks. They may be able to supply items that you cannot produce youself.

Hi mate Ive been thinking the same . But like you say its the tracks etc. Ive been looking into a 1/6 sdKfz 251 D . The metal 1/6 tracks come at £400 a set each road wheel around £45 . But these are top quality parts second to none . But Ive been layed of so cant afford these. I have been chassing rolling thunder plastic parts . Here I can get the front road wheel with rubber tyre , tracks , all the running gear for £145 but in the US so import duty . To some this may seem like false economy but if I was to buy the top quality parts Id rather save up and buy the whole thing. The tracks can be altered so they will last longer and can always add the rubber pads ?

Andy

Hi Andy, Did you consider a 1/6 scratch built tiger. Ther seems to be plenty of tracks and sprockets available. Saxondog received offers of full track sets within hours of advertising. Seems plent available in UK. Tiger hull is quite boxy. Start with building the hull and gradually get other parts. I can always supply measurements.

Thx all for your replys

I think 1/8th is the max i would go to..would still like the 1/10th tho

Will just have to keep looking around..have seen some 1/10th on the webby but its been in Germany,and as i don't speak any German i can see prob's arising ...

I have dealt with German sites before and they dealt with me through english.

1/8th is more available than 1/10th, although 1/6th is the most catered for scale. I have spent some time scratch building in 1/12th and now 1/8th so have a whole raft of available suppliers. My tracks came from Kenny Kong in China, via a guy in HK but I could have got alternatives from Germany, Eastern Europe, Russia or the US. I'll try to post some details over the next few days if I get a chance.
Jd

Thx that would be a great help