Re: Market Survey [TANKS]

[Derek Engelhaupt <derekengelhaupt-at-rocketmail.com>]

Steve,

 

Having just the plans like you have posted for your T34/85 is a really good start.  Before buying the Tiger I was considering doing the T34 (still am considering it after the Tiger build is done) because all of the measurement work had been done for me.  I think one of the biggest obsticles is obtaining all of the information/measurements needed to actually start building.  Having that info in the beginning cuts down on the development time and re-working time when your measurements just don't add up.  Speed controllers are another big issue for me also.  I was going to go with the Anvilus type setup, but adding SSR's and finding the right ones scared me (I scare easily...hehe).  I agree too that tracks are next BIG headache in the process.  Seeing as a set of metal tracks and sprockets for my Bradley are $750 shipped, the TTS track system unassembled would have to come in at a better price point than that :).  I would say that I would pay somewhere in the order of $100-$200 for an unassembled track system (goes back to me being lazy and not having a bunch of fancy woodworking machines).  My next concern would be the turret since they have a bunch of round and/or funky angles to play with.  I would say that I would shell another $100 for the turret.

 

As far as a whole kit goes (unassembled), I think that would be the way to go.  By the time I have spent all of my time and money buying materials and such, a ~$500 "kit" would be welcome.  Make it a static suspension kit with an upgrade for those that want a working suspension.

 

I think the motors, batteries, and transmission parts should be left up to the builder/buyer.

 

Well, those are just my opinions.....some of the prices might be a little high for what others are willing to pay, but if no money is made on the items the producer tends to stop producing them.

 

Derek

 

Steve Tyng <STyng-at-acptrust.com> wrote:

To really kick start this hobby it seems apparent that some form of kit needs to be made available.  Since I've built MY last tank for awhile I thought a nice winter project would be to develop a basic running chassis kit.  The idea is to provide all the pre-cut mechanicals for a running TTS chassis without the body.

 

If anybody's interested, I'm wondering what people would be willing to pay for the following modules?

Motor and transmission assembly:

Chassis kit:

Drive wheel kit:

Road and idler wheel kits (priced per pair left/right):

TTS kit (unassembled):

Turret rotate kit:

 

Complete kit (all of the above):

Options/Upgrades

Sprocket drive TTS (drive wheels and TTS Kit)

Suspension kit (priced per pair left/right):

Turret kit (baseplate with mounted marker):

Turret cover:

Chassis cover:

 

Steve "Looking for a lucrative midlife career change" Tyng   ;-)

 

 

 

 

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