Re: gun barrel

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-pittelli.com>]

Brian Kraack wrote:
> Any details you can provide about what you used for the gun barrel would 
> be appreciated.
>  
> I have 3 PVC pipes, 1 2", 1 1.5" and 1 1".  These will make up the three 
> different diameters along the length of the barrel.  What did you use to 
> transition between the lengths.  I haven't found any PVC fittings that 
> appear to do the job, so I am thinking that I will have to use epoxy 
> paste ... also, what did you use for the module at the base of the 
> barrel, where it attaches to the turret ...
>  

I used a combination of materials (whatever happened to be the right 
size). PVC, cardboard, aluminum, etc. all work well.  I used a cardboard 
tube that was the perfect diameter and epoxied in some 1/2" plywood 
plugs in each end and sealed the tube with epoxy as well.  Strong, cheap 
and easy to modify.  I then drilled a whole in each end that was just 
big enough for the inner barrel.  The muzzle is also made from cardboard 
which was cut and shaped to form and then coated with epoxy and some 
thin cloth.

Epoxy is a good transition material, allowing you to shape the joint as 
much as you want.  I used a 50-50 mix of epoxy and pulp.  You could use 
micro-balloons as well.

I made the mantle (I think that's what it's called?) (eg. the part that 
connects the barrel to the turret) out of plywood.  The Tiger doesn't 
have a lot of curves, so shaping it was easy.  But even with lots of 
curves, files and sand paper make quick work of pine.  Then, I drilled a 
hole through the mantel for the inner barrel and used a temporary inner 
barrel to align everything before gluing and screwing the barrel to the 
mantle.  Note, my barrel is made in three parts:

        a) an inner barrel of 3/4" high-pressure PVC,
        b) the barrel base and mantle,
        c) the outer barrel and muzzle.

The inner barrel slides into the other two pieces and the outer barrel 
and base connect together with a PVC joint.  That lets me easily take 
off the barrel when transporting everything and when I need to clean the 
inner barrel or otherwise work on things.

        Frank P.