philiph8 posted some photos of what seem like quality all metal gear boxes in
the photo page here.
I have two 1/16 scale Tamiya Leopard 1A-4 tanks I want to upgrade with such gear
boxes,where are they available from,and what is the cost for them,they appear to
be much better than the high priced Tamiya DMD system used in their Leopard2 A-6
RC tank kit,the DMD costs$415.00 and the speaker system costs $25.00.
The Tamiya DMD is made with plstic and uses nylon gears,with dual motors driving
it and steering the tank.

Thanks

David

I posted several new pics showing some of the side detail on the hull. I cut the
upper part of the side of the hull from sheet steel, 1/16th inch thick, bolted
it to the 1/8th inch pieces on the side of the hull and welded them together.
Finally, I used an angle grinder and a sander to smooth out the joints.

... Gus

----- Original Message -----

From: dogfacehobbies

To: M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 9:44 PM

Subject: [M1_Abrams] Re: something new?

  Hello there!

 

Well, you didn't sign your reply so I don't know what to call you. I finally got around to uploading a few pics to the photo section. I've had to cut parts off and reweld as I went along because either the parts didn't work as I wanted them to or they were not in scale. I haven't taken any new photos in a few days because despite being retired and supposedly having a lot of free time, I have a rating of 100% service connected disability from the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs, thanks to being heavily exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and I have a string of ailments as long as my arm!

 

Never the less, I get to work on this particular project about 15 or 20 hours a week, when I'm not bedridden. Today I got to spend about 6 hours working on the suspension system but only got about 1/4 of the work done. Hopefully I'll get to finish that part by early next week (today being Thursday). Besides that, it's been raining on and off here in Dallas and since I do all my welding outdoors, I've only been able to do a minimal amount these last couple of days.

 

I'm guessing that when completed, my tank will probably weigh over 30 pounds since the hull, road wheels and tracks already weigh just under 18 pounds and I haven't even started on the turret or rear deck. I thought about using aluminum, but there's just something extra cool about an all steel tank, so I'm going to try to keep it that way unless I run into something that just can't be done some other way. For instance, there will be some rubber on the road wheels and track links and there will be some glass for the periscopes, etc. Then I'll probably use brass gears on the drive train, but that will be internal and not visible from the outside.

 

Besides, it's more of a challenge this way and to me, that's the best part of scratch building models! Thanks for the LCAC link. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm about to. Have fun and thanks for the reply to my post.

 

... Gus

--- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "gusrod1948@..." <gusrod1948@...> wrote:
>
> Haven't seen much activity here since I joined recently but figured there are bound to be others just starting their own builds (like me) I added a link to the American Fighting Vehicles database in the links section under M1 Info. It contains specifics on all the systems in all the variants, including the rare info on track systems (what size, how many, etc.)
>
> My own build is a 1/16th scale made almost totally out of welded steel. Haven't decided on whether to add RC or not. It's quite heavy already (over 10 pounds with road wheels) and I'm barely started on the hull. Still need to set up a milling arrangement on my lathe (or get a milling machine) to cut the sprockets.
>
> I'll post pictures of what I have so far, later today.
>
> Regards to whoever is still out there!
>
> ... Gus

Gus,most 1/16 scale RC tanks normally weigh about 11 pounds,my Tamiya Leopard1A-4 weighs 13 pounds,unless you use lead acid batteries,then they can weigh up to 18 pounds,the more to scale your model tanks weight is,the better,try using aluminum for your abrams upper,much easier to work with.
I have noticed very little activity here since I joined,I have some of the Tamiya 1/35 scale Abrams tank models I converted to RC,use them with the RC 1/35 scale LCAC.
here is a link for the LCAC

http://www.quicktechhobby.com/Hovercrafts/Hovercrafts/LCAC%20HOVERCRAFT.htm
>

--- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "gusrod1948@..." <gusrod1948@...> wrote:
>
> Haven't seen much activity here since I joined recently but figured there are
bound to be others just starting their own builds (like me) I added a link to
the American Fighting Vehicles database in the links section under M1 Info. It
contains specifics on all the systems in all the variants, including the rare
info on track systems (what size, how many, etc.)
>
> My own build is a 1/16th scale made almost totally out of welded steel.
Haven't decided on whether to add RC or not. It's quite heavy already (over 10
pounds with road wheels) and I'm barely started on the hull. Still need to set
up a milling arrangement on my lathe (or get a milling machine) to cut the
sprockets.
>
> I'll post pictures of what I have so far, later today.
>
> Regards to whoever is still out there!
>
> ... Gus



Gus,most 1/16 scale RC tanks normally weigh about 11 pounds,my Tamiya
Leopard1A-4 weighs 13 pounds,unless you use lead acid batteries,then they can
weigh up to 18 pounds,the more to scale your model tanks weight is,the
better,try using aluminum for your abrams upper,much easier to work with.
I have noticed very little activity here since I joined,I have some of the
Tamiya 1/35 scale Abrams tank models I converted to RC,use them with the RC 1/35
scale LCAC.
here is a link for the LCAC

http://www.quicktechhobby.com/Hovercrafts/Hovercrafts/LCAC%20HOVERCRAFT.htm
>

Haven't seen much activity here since I joined recently but figured there are
bound to be others just starting their own builds (like me) I added a link to
the American Fighting Vehicles database in the links section under M1 Info. It
contains specifics on all the systems in all the variants, including the rare
info on track systems (what size, how many, etc.)

My own build is a 1/16th scale made almost totally out of welded steel. Haven't
decided on whether to add RC or not. It's quite heavy already (over 10 pounds
with road wheels) and I'm barely started on the hull. Still need to set up a
milling arrangement on my lathe (or get a milling machine) to cut the sprockets.

I'll post pictures of what I have so far, later today.

Regards to whoever is still out there!

... Gus

--- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Robin Scott" <roscoza@...> wrote:
>
> Hi guys,
>
> Here's the website for the Panzer tank!  Awsome!!!  Enjoy the movie.
>
> http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/04/post_moto_kid_death_
> story_here.html
>
> Robin
>

I tried that link regarding the tank the student built,but the link does not
work,neither does copying and pasting the link,can you repost a valid link.

Hello fellow armor fans just wanted to say HI on my birthday.

No, just making up a Subject Line. Deadline / Circle X is used on many
Preventive Maintenance forms and other levels to designate a deficiancy on a
vehicle that makes the vehicle unusable until dealt with.

Okay, the real reason to make a posting is to make short comment on the recent
viewing of the program; BELLY OF THE BEAST, TANK  on the Discovery Channel.
A rerun for some of you that have a keener eye for what is on the television
schedules.  I finally got to see it and found the host much better than than the
program with the other fella that took the viewer through an Abrams rebuild and
whined too much for not being allowed to drive an Abrams.

In Belly of the Beast, it is another Abrams rebuild, but this fella was at
another location where the hull (aka: a rusty) isn't suspended by a crane for
hull blasting, but kept horizontal.  The blasting media that remains on the hull
is then vacuumed away by hand afterwards.
This program had more computor aided grafics to aid understanding of the power
pack operation.
Sheesh, I remember the day when such info was blasphemy to speak of.
The host was given oportunity to drive the Abrams.  He drove it on the hard ball
first and exclaimed that he had to agree that the Abrams was definately a
'cadillac of tanks' as mostly commented by armor crewmen.
*I have to comment that operation on the hardball caused my glasses to vibrate
annoyingly.  Giving me grief during driving...shaky view.  Also, that same
vibration felt through the body coming up from the track pads pounding the
pavement.  'Cadillac of tanks' to me is when the Abrams finally gets onto field
areas.  Much smoother*
When this program becomes available on DVD, it is worth the money.

As for those people short on Polly S paint or other detailing color woes, use
colored pencils when possible.  Hard to use without a clear dull coat done first
though.  Color Pencils are also hard to use for delicate parts and solid
coloring of large portions, but do help in a pinch.

hey folks Just a small request from some modelers over in Iraq. Anyone
have some water based model master or old polly -s paints that they
want to donate to some soldiers modeling armor over here. If you want
to donate, we need the following colors since we have none, FLAT BLACK,
WHITE, OLIVE DRAB (wwII US),SAND,LIGHT GREEN, DARK GREEN, BROWN,a few
bottles of Testor's liquid cement, and if available some Zap, even
regular super glue would help.If you have a few hobby knives and a few
blades we can use them, currently folks are using oversized folding
knives and sheath knives. . If you are interested email me at either
till.sunderman@...  or mauser_98a@... for mailing
address. Thanks in advance !cheers Till

Hy guys. I'll be recieving a Hobbyzone M1A2 in the next few days and
wanted to see hiow many guys have moded these tanks. I'm sure there
will be plenty of things to do too this model to really make it a good
RC tank so any ideas and help is welcome.

Thanks to Chris Hughes for his posting of the Memorial Salute to the acclaimed
armored vehicle restorer and preservationist.

Chris's posting also reminded me of a matter of curiousity that has bugged me
for quite a few years.  So, I pose it to you all to figure it out.

I'm guessing, the time of the matter of the deal occurred in the 1990's.
The Army, or some fractional interest thereof, was interested in obtaining a WWI
armored vehicle for a collection.  Perhaps a museum.   I understood that a
collector had the wanted vehicle, but would only trade if something of his
interest would be given.

That is all that I can recall.  I did not read of this in a newspaper, but heard
via word of mouth.  Only, I'm not sure if was when I was at Fort McCoy,
Wisconsin during Task Force Desert Fix, or some other National Guard temporary
duty...Hmmm, maybe even Texarkanna.

My active imagination has me guessing that Fort Knox was the place that wanted a
WWI tank or vehicle.  Since, they have a Mark I or IV tank there on display that
I've not heard of them ever possessing before.
As for the trade.  Once again, my imagination has it being a decommissioned M1. 
Once again, just my imagination.

So, what are the facts, Forum Members???

Letter from the President

Military Vehicle Technology Foundation

January 20, 2009





Portola Valley, Ca



Dear Friends of the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation,



I am sad to announce that our long-time friend, the Foundations founder, Jacques Littlefield, passed away on January 7, 2009. Shortly before his final hours he indicated satisfaction with the status and accomplishments of the Foundation and its most recent project, the just completed German Panther.



Jacques acquired his first full-sized military vehicle, an M3A1 wheeled scout car, in 1975. By the late 1990s as the collection became more significant, he started to plan for its longer term preservation. In 1998, he created the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation (MVTF) as a non-profit corporation. The mission of the MVTF is to collect, preserve, restore, document and display armored fighting vehicles and their associated equipment. The MVTF serves the interests of authors, historians, educators, the defense industry, veterans groups, model makers and the entertainment industry.



Over the last few years, Jacques and the board of directors had many discussions about the future of the MVTF. He made it clear that he wanted the Foundation and its activities to continue after his death. Last week, his children agreed that the Foundation should continue to develop, preserve and display the vehicles and the current items will be named the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection. Jacques family, the staff of the MVTF, and the board were all greatly heartened by the expressions of interest in the future of the MVTF following the announcement of his death.



The Board of Directors of the MVTF met following Jacques death and elected new officers to continue his work. With the agreement and support of Jacques children, the MVTF will continue to be housed at its current location in the hills above Portola Valley. Access to the collection by interested researchers and groups remains a critical element to continuing to fulfill the MVTF charter and mission. Therefore, many restoration projects, display enhancements and the tours will continue.



In his will, Jacques created an endowment for the MVTF that will allow us time to transition to a self sustaining organization. The Board and the friends of the MVTF now have the opportunity and substantial responsibility to increase the endowment and manage the operating costs to ensure that Jacques' legacy collection continues to be available to provide its unique contributions.



If you would like to make a donation to the MVTF in Jacques memory and help preserve, display and have access to the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection, please consider sending a contribution to:





MVTF

P.O. Box 7390

Menlo Park, CA 94026





The MVTF is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 corporation. Donations are considered fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.



I hope you will join us in preserving and advancing Jacques legacy.





Sincerely,


William A. (Bill) Boller

President

Military Vehicle Technology Foundation





Email addresses:





To make arrangements for tours:

tours.mvtf@...



To arrange access to the collection for commercial purposes:

permissions.mvtf@...


For any other issues:

inquiries.mvtf@...

Thanks for looking!

Chris "toadman" Hughes

http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com

Just a heads up that the maximum file size that can be attached to a
message has been increased from 1.5 megabytes to 15 megabytes.

While photos has up to 100 GB of space Files are still limited to 100 MB

Enjoy the weekend

Moderator

I want to take the time to wish everyone a great New Year. May 2009 be
a even better year to model the M1 Tank. Sometime between the 30-31 I
will be over the ocean enrout to my 3rd tour over Iraq. Will check in
from time to time.

You will like it.

Click to find out why

http://www.bebo.com/in/8340859840a556865838b134

......................................................................


This email was sent to you at the direct request of Dweezee
<dmon722000@...>. You have not been added to a mailing list.

If you would prefer not to receive invitations from ANY Bebo members please
click here - http://www.bebo.com/unsub/8340859840a556865838

Bebo, Inc., 795 Folsom St, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA.

-thanks, I'll check em out
-- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Jan" <lookinnwpt@...> wrote:
>
> I got my M1A2 from TowerHobbies - they have all the IR firing tanks
in
> stock now including the micro pair tank sets. Bananahobby in Ca. has
> both versions but I didn't find them until after I bought one from
> Tower whom I usually buy from. The VsTank company website has parts
> and list the Airsoft canon for $18 but if it is shipping from over
> seas it will probably have a lot of shipping charges added to it.
>
> Jan
> Newport RI
>
>
> --- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <chuck1978us@> wrote:
> >
> > Is there a distributer for the airsoft version in the states?
I've been
> > thinking of getting a vs tank or two my self, I figured that
would be
> > one way to have fun on my next trip to the sand box.
> > Chuck
> >
> >
> > --- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Jan" <lookinnwpt@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all - kind of quiet here lately. I finally added a VsTank to
my RC
> > > collection of cars, truck, planes, and Helicopters (one more on
the
> > > way from Hong Kong still). I was thinking of changing the
turrent gun
> > > to an Airsoft shooting one from the IR one it came with. Anyone
know
> > > if the circuit board can handle the changover and are there any
other
> > > problems with the mechanical changover. Kind of boring shooting
at
> > > myself . . . seems I can't get hit.
> > >
> > > Jan
> > > Newport RI
> > >
> >
>

I got my M1A2 from TowerHobbies - they have all the IR firing tanks in
stock now including the micro pair tank sets. Bananahobby in Ca. has
both versions but I didn't find them until after I bought one from
Tower whom I usually buy from. The VsTank company website has parts
and list the Airsoft canon for $18 but if it is shipping from over
seas it will probably have a lot of shipping charges added to it.

Jan
Newport RI


--- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <chuck1978us@...> wrote:
>
> Is there a distributer for the airsoft version in the states? I've been
> thinking of getting a vs tank or two my self, I figured that would be
> one way to have fun on my next trip to the sand box.
> Chuck
>
>
> --- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Jan" <lookinnwpt@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all - kind of quiet here lately. I finally added a VsTank to my RC
> > collection of cars, truck, planes, and Helicopters (one more on the
> > way from Hong Kong still). I was thinking of changing the turrent gun
> > to an Airsoft shooting one from the IR one it came with. Anyone know
> > if the circuit board can handle the changover and are there any other
> > problems with the mechanical changover. Kind of boring shooting at
> > myself . . . seems I can't get hit.
> >
> > Jan
> > Newport RI
> >
>

Is there a distributer for the airsoft version in the states? I've been
thinking of getting a vs tank or two my self, I figured that would be
one way to have fun on my next trip to the sand box.
Chuck


--- In M1_Abrams@yahoogroups.com, "Jan" <lookinnwpt@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all - kind of quiet here lately. I finally added a VsTank to my RC
> collection of cars, truck, planes, and Helicopters (one more on the
> way from Hong Kong still). I was thinking of changing the turrent gun
> to an Airsoft shooting one from the IR one it came with. Anyone know
> if the circuit board can handle the changover and are there any other
> problems with the mechanical changover. Kind of boring shooting at
> myself . . . seems I can't get hit.
>
> Jan
> Newport RI
>

Hi all - kind of quiet here lately. I finally added a VsTank to my RC
collection of cars, truck, planes, and Helicopters (one more on the
way from Hong Kong still). I was thinking of changing the turrent gun
to an Airsoft shooting one from the IR one it came with. Anyone know
if the circuit board can handle the changover and are there any other
problems with the mechanical changover. Kind of boring shooting at
myself . . . seems I can't get hit.

Jan
Newport RI

Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

I now have the latest (Hobbyzone etc...) M1A2 and i'll be using the
stock upper hull/turret 'as is' at present, although i have removed the
air con unit from the rear quarter. I'm not sure how accurate an M1A2
it is, but if you know of any other glaring changes to be made.. please
let me
know.

I have modified Tamiya Type 2 (black cover) gearboxes to fit and also
fitted a T-03 DMD. Everything runs sweet on the bench while the tracks
are being reassembled.

Next up will be to add more functions and a correct sound module.

Happy tanking........

.

Sorry about the SPAM.
Banned 'em from the group.

Moderator :-)

Sorry about the SPAM.
Banned 'em from the group.

Moderator :-)