Miscellaneous Responses

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

> But as long as the hydrolic pump is driven by an electric motor,
> isn't it considered another type of transmission?!

Yes, it is legal to use an electric motor to drive a hydraulic
transmission.  In fact, I'd personally like to see something like that
built to further explore alternatives in the hobby.  Clearly, hydraulics
have their advantages and disadvantages, and it would be valuable to see
them in action to properly assess those differences.

> 
> My two cents: 1. The rules don't allow combustion engines. Fire
> hazard, I guess.

That's exactly correct.  Internal combustion engines are not allowed
under our rules primarily because they are a safety hazard.   They use
highly volatile fuels and they generate too much heat, power, noise and
pollution.

> the point is this is a mailing list to help and discuss this hobby

Absolutely correct.  Discussion is a good thing and varied opinions are 
always welcome.  However, having used email now for over 20 years, I can 
assure you that it is a tricky thing.  Sometimes, the reader interprets 
words much differently than the writer intended.  In person to person 
discussions, we can read body language and facial expressions to keep 
everything straight.

So, it's best to always assume that the other guy is trying to be just 
as helpful as you.  And, more importantly, never take a technical debate 
personally.  One of the best aspects of mailing lists like this is that 
it brings together people with varied and vast technical backgrounds, 
and that naturally leads to some head-on "expert to expert" debates. 
Such debates, when properly conducted, are a huge benefit to the hobby, 
allowing dozens of people to learn simply by reading the exchange.

So, please don't be afraid to throw out an opinion, and don't be alarmed 
when someone has a counter opinion.  You can both be right, you can both 
be wrong ... the only real proof is on the battlefield.

> I am considering the possibility of hosting the previously mentioned 
> New England Bull Session in Late August here in Athens NY (population
> 600). I'll have to find a place to run t! he tanks (my yard is about
> as big as my living room), chill the beer, etc.

With a town population of 600, it shouldn't take too long to find an 
open field.  I'm sure the local motel and restaurant won't mind having 
the R/C Tank Combat circus coming to town.

I'm already looking forward to the trip and my Tiger crew is already 
itching to take some shots at your Sherman ... just like it was meant to 
be ;-)

        Frank P.