2009
Hull is almost complete, still needs details and paint. The outer hull was also prepped and painted with several layers of acetone/resin mix. This further strengthens the hull and allows paint to stick to the wood. After this process cured the whole outer hull was painted with several thin layers of high quality rock guard (the type that turns in to a hard rubber) This gives the smooth wood that bumpy iron texture that you see on real tanks.
Once this dries a couple layers of 2 part acrylic resin was applied to the whole outer hull using a foam roller. When this cures it forms a scratch resistant rock hard surface and preserves everything under it.
Once this dries a couple layers of 2 part acrylic resin was applied to the whole outer hull using a foam roller. When this cures it forms a scratch resistant rock hard surface and preserves everything under it.
Engine is a 2.4 hp horizontal shaft air cooled generator engine equipped with a centrifugal clutch. Cooling is provided by the opening on the bottom of the engine compartment as well as vents on the top of the engine cover.
The engine cover is starting to take shape, its also the most detailed part of the hull.
The engine cover is starting to take shape, its also the most detailed part of the hull.
Wheels are started. These were made by cutting 36 8" x 8" x 3/4" plywood squares and then using a jig and template, they were router-ed to make perfect circles. A smaller wheel was cut out of 1/2" ply to make a spacer. Two nylon discs were cut to fit between the spacer and each wheel half. These act as a rub guard so the track guides dont rub directly on the wooden wheel.
After everything was glued and screwed together, Steel bushings were inserted and epoxied inside the wheels. Heavy duty washers were then placed on the backside, bolted to the wheel and welded to the bushings.
After everything was glued and screwed together, Steel bushings were inserted and epoxied inside the wheels. Heavy duty washers were then placed on the backside, bolted to the wheel and welded to the bushings.
This is the new frame with the suspension mounts bolted to it. This design is much stronger than the previous integrated frame that was part of the hull. The previous design was giving me issues with bending at the mounting points.
