RE: QUESTION ?

["SteveT44" <SteveT44-at-comcast.net>]

Richard Davis wrote:

> My first question is, why have I read that some tanks are in
> excess of 125lbs. but have read some speak of building light weight tanks?
> Do they need to be light or heavy?

Richard, having built one of the heaver tanks, and not by choice I might
add!  All I can say is, don't sweat the weight.  In my opinion, weight
doesn't factor-in regarding combat effectiveness.  What's more important is
building a reliable and strong tank that can be easily repaired in the
field.  It needs to be able to role over rough terrain at speed without
breaking or falling apart.  The only time weight is a factor is when your
trying to get the damned thing in and out of the shop or truck!

> What situation might a tank encounter that would warrant
> the upperbody and turret to be built of heavy material ?

None.  The upper body and turret shell only have to be strong enough to stop
paintballs.  At our last meeting Joe Sommer was demonstrating armor which
was nothing more than cardboard with fiber packing tape over it.  It stopped
paintballs great.  The turret base should be strong enough to support the
marker and CO2 bottle, especially as the tank is bouncing over rough
terrain.  Off course, whatever the turret is mounted on needs to be able to
support the weight of the turret.

> So whats the ideal situation, lightweight or heavy, excluding battery
> weight factor?

The ideal situation would of course be a light weight and strong vehicle.
Something overly engineered with an active suspension made out of titanium
or carbon fiber with a high tech light weight battery pack.  Such a vehicle
would be formidable on the battle field.  Real tanks are heavy because of
all that heavy armor.  If you factor that out, then speed, maneuverability,
and targeting ability are your most desirable factors.  Oh yea,
RELIABILITY - RELIABILITY - RELIABILITY!


        Steve "I'll Trim the Fat Someday" Tyng