| Q:You talk about using a gas motor or "weedwacker" motor, how did this turn out? A: The weedwacker motor idea was a good one and in fact I managed to scratch build a trannie and install the setup in one of my tanks. After many months of building and testing I finally came to the conclusion that while I could do this, the idea just wasn't what I wanted. Any time I wanted test the model or just play with it I had to take it outside. I also had to wait until daylight and a respectful time to fire her up. It seems the neighbors didn't care much for the noise at 7 am. As a result I moved back over to using electic motors. Q: The movie clip on the front page shows one of your models being controlled by a cord of some kind? A:Yes, the tank in the movie does use a power cord. I removed the joystick control from a used wheelchair. This control allows me to quickly equip and test the model without the need of installing a Electronic Speed Control. Some of these are in the hundreds of dollars and I have been through the problem of burning one up due to some problem with the model. The controller gives me forward, reverse and even speed control. If you are able to find a used power wheelchair, you may consider paying a small amount and get both the motors for you own project and in addition a joystick controller. Q: Does your tank have enough power with the wheelchair motors? A: Yes, the movie on the front page although a bit on the blurred side does give a fairly decent idea of the climbing ability of the tank. The motors are typically rated at 80 watts or so, but with the right chain sprocket ratios I have had no problems with the model climbing what I recall is a 60 degree incline of the ramp. The model also seems to handle the grass and weeds with no problem. Q: What electronic speed control are you using? A: I'm currently using a speed controller design and sold by Joe Sommer. This controller is great for model tanks. The really nice thing about it other than the resonable cost (About $100.00 at this writing.) is the fact that many of the parts can be replaced fairly cheap if need be. Joe's controllers are top notch! Joe Sommer's web site is Anvilus Machine Works. Click here to go straight to the site: Anvilus Controllers These controllers can be set up to have proportional control you you so desire for about 40-50 dollars more if you found the right source for SCR's. Q: How long have you been working on your T34 model? A: Too darn long. I suppose its been on and off for about 6 years so. This is the second T34 model I have built. I learned many things from the construction of the first. I manage to spend a few hours each week working on the model.The gas motor idea while it work although not very well I must confess took about a year off and on before casting it to the side to install electric motors.I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get the model to a 100% complete stage. There always seems to be something I want add in the way of high detail. The details I add always seem to take longer than I want.The swing arms for example took me about 5 weeks of working on and off. The machining of the parts needed for 10 swing arms just takes time. Q: Are the tracks cast in aluminum? How long did it take you? A: No. The tracks are cast in a zinc material using a spin casting machine. We as a group started to cast these in alumium but when we looked at the work that would be needed, we purchased a used old spin casting machine.There were a few links cast in aluminum but these were only test pieces. I wouldn't use aluminum unless I had to, this due the fact the metal doesn't take paint very well or any sort of chemical staining. Q: Do you plan on buildng any more T34's? A: Not likely, although I have many of the master parts needed to do another if the desire ever so strikes one of us in the original group of guys who started the project. Q: Any other models planned? A: For myself, I still have the 1/8 Sherman project sitting on the shelf to begin again one day. I've also always wanted to scratch build a troop transport truck and hope to start this one day. As far as other tanks, I don't know, I've always had a hankering to build a Panther, perhaps a WW1 tank. |
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| Copyrighted 2007, J.R Bates |