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M1A2 Abrams Tank

I've just started construction on a 1/6th Scale Radio Controlled M1A2 Tank (January 2005). After several months of research (R/C Tank Combat and other sources) I'm now ready to begin construction. I also joined a local R/C Tank Combat Group.

My first decision was to use birch plywood for construction. 1/2 inch for the base structure and 1/4 and 3/8 inch for decking, turret, and skirts.

Starting with the Hull, I developed detailed drawings of the hull outline and reference points for the road wheel, sprocket, and support roller mountings.

I used dimensions from the display tank located where I work (TACOM) and from line art drawings that included measurements provided by the Abrams manufacture - GDLS.

Using these drawings, I made a poster board template of the hull sides. I traced the outline onto 1/2 inch birch plywood. Next I cut out the 5 sections of the hull bottom

After cutting out the sides, I located the torsion bar and rotary shock mounting positions and cut holes for them.

The lower hull is assembled using 1-1/4 inch wood screws and waterproof Liquid Nails.

The hull is sealed with an oil based water proofing paint before a based coat of Desert Sand is applied.

The lower hull comes it at about 14 X 50 inches.

I purchased 32 Colson Performa Wheels for use as road wheels. Part number WC07 which are 7/8 inch by 4 inch diameter.

These wheels normally come gray. They were spray painted sand/black using American Tradition® Plastic Enamel Spray Paint.

Since the support rollers will not be visible, I may not paint them. They are 7/8 inch wide by 2 inch diameter wheels.

Road wheel arms were cut from 1/4 X 1 inch aluminum in lengths of 4.5 inch.

These were taped and drilled to form completed road wheel arms.

Each road wheel arm is attached to a set of road wheels by a 5/16 by 4 inch long shoulder screw. The upper end of the arm (torsion bar end) is attached to a 3/8 by 3 inch shoulder screw.

1/2 OD brass bushings were pressed into the torsion bar mounting holes on the hull.

Tension is maintained by Zinc-Plated Steel Cot Extension Springs 2-1/2" Length, 11/16" OD, .091" Wire Diameter. A collar with setscrew and spring mounting screw was fabricated from a 9/16 nut.

The torsion bar shoulder screw was inserted through a 1 inch by 1 inch aluminum "L" bar, collar, and hull before mounting to the road wheel arm.

Track blocks were cut from Oak 1/4 inch thick by 1-1/8 inch wide by 4 inches long. They were stained dark black and sealed with resin.

140+ of these later.... Each track block was attached to #2060 attachment chain using 3/16 rivets.

Tracks are Steel Double-Pitch Attachment Chain K1 Attachment, Every Pitch, #2060H Chain from Mc Master-Carr and will be cut to length for final installation.

The Abrams will be powered by two De Walt 24volt motors with De Walt 2 speed transmissions.

Extending from the transmissions, these two shafts from the Robot Market Place will be cut to length and attached via. pulleys to a 1/2 diameter keyed shaft extending to the "final drive sprockets."

Collar bearings will be used to secure the final drive shaft to the hull.