Backyard runner
 

Looking for a backyard tank, something to run around my backyard. My 1/16th scale tanks get hung up in the grass and roots, so am looking for something with more clearance. It does not have to be a real tank, just something to run around the backyard and have fun, do not need battle ready.

So here is what I am looking for:
Larger than 1/16th scale with ~2" ground clearance.
Robust track system since I will be bouncing over things
Does not matter f it is brushed or brushless
Preferably a metal chassis and metal tracks, but not a deal breaker

Also what controller/ESC do you recommend for a tracked vehicle.
Thinking about something like this... but feel you guys will know about these things...
rc chassis

Whatever size and shape you decide on be sure it has enough oomph to pull your lawnmower. It is a lot easier to get hobby expenditures past the wife if they seem to accomplish something practical.

No wife, so no expenditure issue...

So I started to work on this again. First built a turret turning system. The goal was unlimited turning without wiring getting wound up.

Started with a geared down motor: 24v DC brushed worm gear motor, 15 rpm, 70kg.cm / 5.2 ft lbs.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...643881497c.jpg

The motor has a 8mm output shaft. I bought some 8mm steel shaft to extend it.

Since I want unlimited rotation, I decided to go with a hollow slip ring. SInce I want to be able to expand on what is in the turret, I decided on a 12 wire version with 10 amp current. I plan on a paintball or airsoft gun in the turret, as well as other accessories (lights, camera...).
here is the picture of the slip ring.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...4ae25c772a.jpg

The goal is a low profile system, so I chose the hollow slip ring with a 12.7mm hole, because it is easy to find 12.7mm (1/2") to 8mm sleeves. They are used to adapt US 1/2" routers to take 8mm bits. This way the hollow slip ring fits over the sleeve attaching the 2 8mm shafts.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...aaa683d2b7.png
So I welded the sleeves to the 8mm shaft I bought and mounted a Rigid flange with a 8mm hole.

Flange and shaft
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...ca2b8db7fe.jpg

Everything welded together, with drilled/tapped hole for a set screw. Flange is also attached by set screws.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...7a2c1bfad0.jpg
Shaft fitted on the motor

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...215fa5450f.jpg
The complete assembly

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...163b42144b.jpg