The tracks not only look huge, they are huge. Going back over my scale calculations, I begin to believe I made an error. Well, it will be distinctive if nothing else.
Jan 21 2009 --- Here you can see the new M01 motors installed. The chain tensioning system is my own design and it worked well in the tether tests. It uses 2 heavy duty hinges mounted to the floor of the hull. This section of the hull was re-inforced inside with 2 1/2 wide by 3/4 inch solid oak spanning the entire width of the hull. The cross member the springs bolt to is the same oak material. The springs are standard chevy 1980 rear brake drum springs. Very heavy duty. :-) - - -
Took a guess on the track tension and got it right first try. Now I can cut down the rear drive axles.
I followed the directions for rotating the face plates by Steve Tyng found on www.anvilus.com - Very simple to do.
After looking at this picture I thought I had bent my front axle (again) but after checking it, it is just the angle the photo was taken on.
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After the tether tests.
I used an external power supply and controls so I could test skid turns.
Front idler and road wheels after the tether tests. The new M01 motors provided enough torque that without the battery pack in the front it lifted the nose as it took off! ...and that was on 12v!
The FLITS (Fred's Labour Intensive Track System) performed very well in the tether testing. Now if it will stand the test of time.
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The drive train.
Drive train part 2.
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Drive train close up.
Side view with deck and turret skeleton.
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The business end.
Front view with turret skeleton and deck. The compound angles of the turret proved to be beyond my current skill level. So it is a lot more square than real life. It'll have to wait for its first overhaul.
[NOTE: I have been given an idea on how to build the turret so it looks right. So I'll give it a try later.]
