I am looking to build my own 1/16 scale tank at some point. and I was wondering what everyone thinks would be the best material to build the lower and upper hull. Would it be metal? Or would it be thick styrene plastic? Keep in mind I would be doing this mostly by hand. I know on the German boards there are some built out of plastic. Nothing is final at this point. I am just begining to put some thought into it if it's possible. Any help or input would be most appreciated! Thanks.

I have seen several builds that started with lexan for the upper and lower hull. Styrene can be used for detail parts but the lexan is heat, flex, and damage resistant. You can mill it for curved bits, and cut it clean on a table saw. My future M10 build will be lexan upper hull on a sherman lower assembly. Check out this pic of a Lexan KV1 done by a member of SCAT.

http://web.mac.com/ksoc/iWeb/S.C.A.T...0Projects.html

Thanks edoubleaz.

Amuro

Construction materials really depends on your style of running (hard or delicate) and the extent of power and transmission you would like to use.

Styrene is easy to work with and if you go this route, keep everything as light in weight as possible i.e. no metal parts except for perhaps aluminum in some places. Do not use powerful motors or gearboxes that may twist your Styrene model too much, metal tracks is out of the question. Light weight plastic models can be made rather cheaply and be sturdy and nimble on the battlefield and easy to service, just avoid getting hit by a heavier tank!

Metal is the best construction material for larger (heavier) tanks with powerful motors and metal gearboxes. Any metal wheels, tracks or suspension sysytems will almost always necessitate a metal chassis, although the upper hull and details are fine as plastic. Metal will be highly resilent and can take some punnishment for accidents and rough driving but the weight is hard on the mechanical systems as well so design that portion well.

As a caveat, if you have the plastic mold capability, then high impact (unbreakable) plastic such as the Leopard is made is the best combination of weight and ruggedness!

Thanks heavy. I guess I'm going for a balance of agility and ruggedness. I like edoubleaz ideal of using Lexan (Polycarbonate) sheets for fabrication. It would be lighter than metal and the stronger than any kind of styrene I could use. Plus, I can cut fairly easily, glue, sand and shape it. What would be a recommended thickness? I know that there are 1/8" sheets on ebay. It would be relatively easy to cut and when glued together would from a rigid box that can be further reinforced.