specs and dimensions ?

["Richard Davis" <its2farout-at-earthlink.net>]

 Now that I realize that building a lightweight tank would be to my
advantage, where can I find the most indepth specs and dimensions of tanks
to start my mockup model to work out a drivetrain and cannon? I am
interested i the abrams MlA2 or russian T-80.                              
Thanks,RDavis


> [Original Message]
> From: SteveT44 <SteveT44-at-comcast.net>
> To: <tanks-at-rctankcombat.com>
> Date: 4/9/04 6:19:48 AM
> Subject: RE: QUESTION ?
>
> 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
>
>