Re: Returning member from Ohio [TANKS]

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

Mike Snodgrass wrote:
> I was in this group a while back and started a M4A3
> Sherman. Unfortunately, a job change to the RR which
> owns you and all your free time set me back a long
> way. Changed jobs, less stress and more hobby time
> made me a lot happier! I am still plugging away with
> this beast, at least the hull so far. Was thinking
> about the motors you folks are useing and what my
> options are. Planning on going with roller chain and
> cast treads. Whats with the KCM's and how to get 2 of
> those? Have any of you had success with a particular
> surplus house for motors whatever variety? Thanks in
> advance.

Welcome back, Mike.

In your absence, we've learned that KCMs simply don't have enough power 
for anything over 60 pounds, especially tracked vehicles.  In Maryland, 
we converted to EVWs (which are custom-wound truck fan motors), using a 
9:1 gear ratio at 12volts.  They have plenty of power and good speed at 
that ratio.  Unfortunately, the supply of those motors has basically 
dried up in the last year or so.

As recently confirmed by Dr. "Can't Test Too Much" Sommer, the so-called 
"EV-X" motors found by Steve "The Scrounger" Tyng at surpluscenter.com 
look like a good replacement motor, using the same ratio or you can use 
300W scooter motors at 24v for the same performance.  Both types of 
motors are being used in various vehicles being built this winter around 
the country, so we should have some actual battlefield performance 
results in the next couple months.

Hope that helps and glad to see your working on your tank again.

        Frank P.