Re: Frank Builds session [TANKS]

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

Gettysburg114th-at-aol.com wrote:
> Frank,
> Are there any build sessions scheduled for Annapolis in the near 
> future?  My Tiger 1 hull structure is done.  I am now looking for 
> surplus wheels.  5" dia X 1" with a 3/8 axle.  I am to the point where I 
> am, "LOST."  I need lots of help in order to get this thing completed.

We meet almost every Friday night in the workshop, with everyone welcome 
to stop by for as long as they want.   If Friday nights don't work for 
you, we can arrange a Saturday afternoon/evening session as well.

With regard to Tiger wheels, if you can't find the right size and/or 
type for sale at a reasonable price, there are two approaches you can 
take to build them in a couple of evenings.

First, you can cut them out of 3/4" plywood/MDF using a saw and sander. 
  With a waterproof coating they will hold up very well.  If you want a 
little nicer look, we can spin them up on the lathe and face mill them 
to give them a more metallic look.

Second, you can use one of our existing wheel molds (or make your own) 
and mold a set of wheels out of polyurethane.  The resulting wheels are 
a little heavier and more expensive to produce, but they will be very 
durable and can have more detail if you want. Rick's Stug was the first 
to have a complete set of molded wheels and they look great.  Paul has 
since created a set of plugs and molds for various diameter wheels.

        Frank P.