tank kits [TANKS]

[Brian Kraack <bkraack-at-siscom.net>]

Hi guys,

I had an interesting idea that I wanted to get some input from you all 
on.  I have a buddy that owns a laser cutting system that he uses to 
make miniature war game model kits out of plywood (among other things).

While I was designing something for him using Google Sketchup (which you 
should try if you haven't) I got to thinking about my as yet unfinished 
tank (it's T004 if you are curious), and how easy it would be to model 
in Sketchup and then cut on his laser machine.  This would primarily be 
a body kit, but it could also (at some point) include stuff for the 
internals, even precision cut roadwheels, etc. could be made.

The idea is, to design the body of the tank (Tiger to start) and produce 
a kit out of 1/4" aircraft ply.  The benefit of the kit would be:

-  precision cut.  the pieces would fit together perfectly and even 
could be keyed for strength
-  quick assembly.  the body of the tank could be put together very 
quickly, maybe a weekend even

obviously, some internal support would be needed, and maybe even 
fiberglassing of the inside, but that wouldn't be difficult.  Even some 
bits of the internals could be precision cut on his laser system (servo 
mounts for turret rotation/elevation, mounting frames for other 
internals such as batteries, motors, etc.) and made part of the kit.

The benefits I see are:

-  excellent choice for newbies, and those without really good 
woodworking skills, or source of plans
-  can be cheaply and easily reinforced with fiberglass
-  quick construction
-  precision construction
-  replacement parts availability
-  ease of "curvy" armor construction (by etching ridges on the inside 
of the bend
-  the plans could be built to more easily include/attach the other 
necessary components, wheels, guns, etc.
-  light weight


Here are some questions which spring to mind:

-  is there enough market for it for us to spend the many hours 
necessary to design the kit?
    -  would you buy it?  just a guess, but the price might be in the 
$200 range for the kit initially
    -  would you help with the design?  (the possibilities are nearly 
endless with this laser system)
    -  would the body, properly reinforced with framing and/or 
fibreglass be strong enough and durable?

This would be kindof like a hobby business, not one where a fortune 
would be made, but it also seems worthwhile from the point of view of 
growing the hobby.  I think if a kit such as this existed and worked, 
then it would become much easier to get into the hobby.  I'm sure plenty 
of other useful bits for the hobby could be constructed with this laser 
system too ...

in short, what do you think?  any feedback will be appreciated!

tanks,
Brian
T004 (to be completed some day)