RE: IS-3M... its huge!

["Steve Tyng" <stevet-at-stcharlesmd.com>]

Mike Butts wrote:

> However I would like some opinions on whether or
> not this is a good tank to build. It has a massive gun
> (122mm)

The only issue with a long barrel overhang is it can be a hindrance in close-in 
fighting.

> My only worry is the turret size/shape. Is it workable?

At 1:10 scale the 4.5" turret height is sufficient.  That+s about how much height I 
have in the T34 turret.  The shape is another matter.  It will need to be fabricated 
in fiberglass.  Fitting a magazine will be challenging.

> P.S. I am in the Navy and ship out to great lakes (for basic)
> next summer and will reside in Charleston S.C. after that for
> about 1.5 years

I was in Great Lakes for a year while doing my A and C schools.  Are you in the nuke 
program?

> I also would like to know how wide these road
> wheels are. From what I can see each arm has 2 road wheels
> and the track overlaps the wheels by about their own width on
> each side plus there is a space inbetween the wheels for the
> tracking tabs. So should I just pick some widths that work
> and go with it or what?

3/4" wide as in 3/4" plywood should work fine.

> What kind of gap is needed between
> the wheels for the tracking tabs... 3/8" with 1/4" tabs

I would recommend 1/2" wide tapered tracking tabs.  That+s what was used on the 
original TTS and its working fine.

   Steve Tyng