Elwarpo

So I decided I needed a more capable tank for running around my backyard. My 1/16th tanks get hung up on grass, roots...

The goal was to have a larger scratch built tank, that is optimized for running in rough terrain. This is not a historical tank build. While not a true historical build, I happen to like certain WW2 tanks and it will resemble them.
Size will be 24-36" (60-90cm) long and 15-24" (38-60cm) wide about the size of a 1/6 Stuart
Ground clearance will be at least 6" (15cm)
Weight will be 20-30 lbs (9-13kg)

So I started shopping for components.
Running gear will be 18 road wheels and 6 sprockets (9+3 per side). I ordered 3 of these...
The running wheels are 48mm in diameter and the sprockets 54mm. The track is 44.5mm wide and plastic. They have a metal upgrade option but decided to try plastic first..
I received the components and they are very well made, nice machining, and quality components.

For motors I ordered 2 geared down 795 motors. at 12v they are rated for 529 rpm, I plan on running them at 24 v, so 1058 rpm no load, probably 800 rpm at load. This will give an actual (not scale) speed of 5.5 mph which is about as fast as I plan on running it in the back yard. Looking for more torque over speed.

Electronics will be Dimension Engineering Sabertooth 2x12Rc, Cellshield and SportBEC. I confirmed this would be sufficient and they were very helpful on the phone, great customer service.

Batteries will be 6S Lipo (6000 MAH, 50C). Might have to go higher capacity though. Camera system will be on a separate 3S 2500 MAH battery.

The chassis will be welded steel with a plastic or aluminum body.

The turret is still undecided, but most likely a 8" turret ring. Since it is for backyard fun, I plan on ether a paintball gun, full auto airsoft or BB gun. The gunsight will be a wireless camera to a screen on my transmitter.

I will run a 6 channel receiver with 2 for driving, 2 for the turret (rotation and elevation), one for lights and one to fire the main armament. Since the main armament may take more power, this is why I chose the sportbec over the 1 amp BEC in the Sabertooth.

I will update with pictures as I build it.

GTORA2

Sounds Awesome!

Elwarpo

The wheels and drive gears are well made solid. Nice machining and paint. Hardware was all quality stainless steel or brass. Metal is .175" thick. Tracks are nicely molded, steel pins are blackened. Wheels have sealed bearings on both sides.

Elwarpo

Started working on the hull, the 1/16 Panther shows the size.

Elwarpo

So started assembling the suspension while I wait for the motors to come in.

tankme

If you are building your own tank there are many ideas on ways to build a robust tank at R/C Tank Combat - Order of Battle - TANKS.

lposter

Ive used that design of suspension before on tanks and it has always worked well for me.

Easily adjustable, easy to fix, robust, cheap and eady to engineer.

Not great size wise on 1:16 tanks but on anything above that it really is a nice solution.

P

Elwarpo

Thanks, the tank will be ~36" long by 18" wide. I am not sure on the exact springs, they may be a bit weak for the full weight of the tank.

Elwarpo

So brushed this project off again and started working on it. That is a 1/16th Panther for comparison which it dwarfs....

MasteroFlego

looks kinda churchilly

Elwarpo

Yes, decided many smaller wheels would work better. Will be very high clearance (almost no lower hull to hit things) since very little will be below the upper hull.