WWI tank tracks
#1
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WWI tank tracks
Im thinking about scratchbuilding a R/C 1/16th scale WWI British tank. I've been looking at alot of photos, but havent found a good one showing how the tracks worked/fit together. Maybe I'll get lucky and find something readymade thats close,but I doubt it. Anyone have a good picture or diagram? Also, Im looking at all the available RTR tanks, looking for something I might be able to use. Any ideas?
#2
RE: WWI tank tracks
Tim, send me a PM with your email & I'll forward what I have for the Mk series.
For ready-made, try contacting DJ Parkins & see if they'd be willing to sell you parts from their pending 1/15 kit: http://www.djparkins.clara.net/djplinkspage.htm
If you want to go solo, you can mold using Alumilite or mill a simple track like shown here.
For ready-made, try contacting DJ Parkins & see if they'd be willing to sell you parts from their pending 1/15 kit: http://www.djparkins.clara.net/djplinkspage.htm
If you want to go solo, you can mold using Alumilite or mill a simple track like shown here.
#4
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Check the Tonka or Mattel Caterpillars. There's plenty of them out there and you might luck upon one with tracks just as you want. Same basic tracks.
#5
RE: WWI tank tracks
The Firingline 1/15 Mark IV has been 'for future release' for several years. I would try converting the Norscot 1/16 Caterpillar tracks (Worked well for my 15th scale FT-17). They are cast metal and functional (individual links). Two of these links combined into one will make a believable Mark IV track.
It will take quite a few sets to make a complete track set for a MkIV, probably 5 tractor sets!
FiringLine:
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/fline/flmaster.htm
Pics of the track:
It will take quite a few sets to make a complete track set for a MkIV, probably 5 tractor sets!
FiringLine:
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/fline/flmaster.htm
Pics of the track:
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Don't know if this might be of some help. It's from Tanks (Look Inside Cross Sections). I don't seem to be able to find my own copy, but did find someone else's somewhat cropped post of the diagram.
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Thanks for all the info. Hermill, the right side picture you posted is exactly what Im wanting to build , only in plastic. I've got quite a bit of .080 lying around. With plenty of supporting structure it should be strong enough. Probably the most tideous part will be all the rivots. With a good close up of the tracks, I might give it a go with brass. Heavyaslead, I looked and looked on the www and couldnt find any good tracks and there you have some with potential. The research continues.........
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Another option might be using the tracks from the Bruder 1/16 excavator. http://brudertoys.com/product_info.p...d=402&cPath=21 Although they're plastic, they seem to be pretty tough.
-Mike
-Mike
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Well, it SAYS that they sell them separately, but when you try to buy a set, it comes back as 'out of stock' and tells you to contact them. I did that this morning, and am waiting for a response. I really think they have potential for an operating tank. (I don't want to say what my project is until I can make enough progress not to embarrass myself)! -Mike
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RE: WWI tank tracks
I hope you can get the Bruder tracks as all other RTR options are too expensive! I cant afford to buy 2 $50-150 models just to use their tracks! The more I think this project thru, the more I realized why not so many have done one in the past. In 1/16th scale, the British MK IV measures around 2ft long and approx 10in wide.... nice size.
#16
RE: WWI tank tracks
The one with the turret is not a Mk I through V, but is a Medium B Whippet. Did you guys know that the tracks on all these tanks only lasted 20 miles? That wasn't an average , but the actuall life of the tracks. Neet project tank though.
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Panther G, that is an interesting fact I did not know. The tracks are probably going to be the hardest part of this build. I cant find anything RTR that really works for me, so Im thinking of making my own. I think Im going to get some plastic chain and go from there.
#18
RE: WWI tank tracks
I was pretty suprised when I read about that fact also. i guess the huge weight of these tanks was too much for the grade of steel they could produce at the time.
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RE: WWI tank tracks
i guess the huge weight of these tanks was too much for the grade of steel
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Plus these tanks didnt really have a "working" suspension, so the crew was thrown around inside the tank. I free handed a 1/16th side panel on to .080 plastic and cut it out. Its ok, but nothing to write home about. I really need some plans. Ive got a couple of books comming from Abe Books.
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RE: WWI tank tracks
Search for plans has turned up NOTHING. Im hoping that the two books I ordered will have at least a drawing I can enlarge. Once I have that, things can proceed. I think I have the tracks pretty much worked out. Im using two plastic chains per side, running over sprokets. Then I will use two HL gearboxes/motors amidships with a drive sprocket for each side. I'll probably use a HL board for electronics. Still pretty much in the planning stage.
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RE: WWI tank tracks
I have some books related to british and german tanks in WWI, specially a russian one with some good schemas and 3-views. Tell me what Mark do you intend to build and if it shall be a male or female tank.
The image correspond to the general layout of a MkV "male" tank.
Hope it helps.
Regards
Uhu
The image correspond to the general layout of a MkV "male" tank.
Hope it helps.
Regards
Uhu
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RE: WWI tank tracks
My data bank is growing everyday, but I still know relatively little about these tanks. Thanks for adding somemore info Panther G. Dang, I can wait for my books to show up!!