Building a Tank??

[6x6TRex]

I already start a tank replica on a Bombardier J-5 basis, project just started and stopped after I bought a M113A2! LOL...No need for a replica anymore! The J-5 is 5 feet wide and a lot more stable off-roading!

 

[Another Ahab]

Might get some ideas from this:

- Something homegrown from Russia

If USSR sees this maybe he can comment (I don't read Cyrillian)

http://youtu.be/L6be5GnkkMg

 

[vettes]

Interesting, 2 transmissions in series.

Might get some ideas from this:

- Something homegrown from Russia

If USSR sees this maybe he can comment (I don't read Cyrillian)

http://youtu.be/L6be5GnkkMg

 

[Another Ahab]

Stumbled on this site (weapon design by artist talents).

From reasonable-to-deranged:

http://www.deviantart.com/?q=tank+designs&offset=0

 

[WARWAG]

Just don't be like this guy....

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Heemeyer

That can what happen when you screw with someones lively hood.

 

[6x6TRex]

Interesting, 2 transmissions in series.

Thats actually a pretty smart idea, with the rear mounted engine the second transmission reverses the driveshaft rotation keeping drive drive and reverse reverse.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Building an MV

Moving some gear around, got the idea from Steel Soldiers and started my half track .

 

[frank8003]

Years ago when the first "Ripsaw" came out I got track fever. I emailed those guys and got the bums rush. They do not play well with others, especially since they have been on several TV shows and became a gooberment contractor....................

small updates and if one puts it youtube full screen it will just auto to the next video and on and on ................................
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfVXPSNXTAk

it's entirely possible they have gone quiet media-wise because of getting DoD contracts,
which was their aim in the beginning.

or if that does not work try
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1789&v=ZrF_ae_8BAo

well, it is a track
probably big $bucks ..........

 

[L1A1]

I think building something wheeled would be infinately simpler to build/make work than anything tracked.

But if you want to build a Panzer I (or PzII), go find a T16 as it's suspension is/was very similar to those tanks including the way the tracks looked.

The tracks used on those light tanks were cast if memory serves...But, it's been a few years. T16s were very popular with the logging industry (used as log skidders) and a common conversion was to cut off all of the armor above the tracks which would make what you want to do a little bit easier.


Another donor vehicle already mentioned is the M4 & M5 high speed tractors, used during & post WWII as prime movers for heavy artillery, they have a fully tracked suspension, rear mounted powerpack and usually can be had for not too much money. By using an already exsisiting lower hull, you could save a lot of time,$$$ & headaches with your project.

Occationally, I get bitten by the "fab bug" but at least the vehicles that pique my fancy are wheeled (M20,V100, SDKFZ221,233,LAV25). Haven't acted on any impulses but then again, the ferret resto does keep me finacially strapped.


If I can help even if it is just rendering advice let me know.
Matt

 

[Another Ahab]

I think building something wheeled would be infinately simpler to build/make work than anything tracked.

If I can help even if it is just rendering advice let me know.
Matt

You're right undoubtedly, but tracked machines have their own draw that overrides the intent to keep things "simple".

Can't explain it entirely, but armor is its own excuse; just because it's armor.

 

[L1A1]

Ahab
You're absolutely right & this is coming from a guy who owns a ferret & has owned an M59APC. BTW, how goes the hunt for that white whale?

Matt

 

[Another Ahab]

Ahab
You're absolutely right & this is coming from a guy who owns a ferret & has owned an M59APC. BTW, how goes the hunt for that white whale?

Matt

Whosoever of ye raises me that same white whale, he shall have this gold dubloon, my boys!

 

[L1A1]

Whosoever of ye raises me that same white whale, he shall have this gold dubloon, my boys!

View attachment 557658

Call me Ishmael.......

back on topic!
I think it's been brought up before but unless you want the challenge of completely fabricating the entire tank, it would be a lot easier to buy the remains of a tracked vehicle and add your "new" upper hull. In Oz they refer to it as a "Bathtub" tank. Where everything above the tracks has been removed leaving a tub with the intact drive line. This was a popular conversion done by both the logging & mining industries. Checking areas where those industries had a great presence would be a good start. The pacific North West for logging & Nevada, Utah, Arizona for mining.

Matt

 

[Another Ahab]

This was a popular conversion done by both the logging & mining industries. Checking areas where those industries had a great presence would be a good start. The pacific North West for logging & Nevada, Utah, Arizona for mining. Matt

That's an interesting idea.

Colorado has had it's big mining days also (likely been a while, but Silverton comes to mind).

 

[L1A1]

That's an interesting idea.

Colorado has had it's big mining days also (likely been a while, but Silverton comes to mind).

There was also a lot of logging up in the great white North (Canada).

I think it was Seaco (sp?) down in Ga who did the conversions on M114s. Called 'em "timber tigers". There was another dealer over in Ohio who had a good many HSTs but that was a long time ago. No idea if he still has any or if he's even still around (Sam Winer-sp?).
Not sure if it is still on the air but there is/was a show on cable about logging companies. One of those companies was using a heavily modified Sherman lower hull as some sort of cable hauling device for it's timber operations.
Matt