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New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: December 26th, 2024, 7:09 pm
by RC_BobM
I started experiment with the tracks for M3 halftrack. I wonder :thumbdown: :roll: :thumbup: :crazy: could I use link type track instead of rubber band type track? I think I have solution. Now to make the rest (the other 99.98%)!

First concept with square end connector. this would work if end connector blocks are metal (Alum).

Second concept with link-link connection, 2mm pin.

Printing the links in Galaxy black Prusa PLA result in links that look like rubber! Also difficult to see the seam between links. Should be good.
Sprocket CAD
Sprocket CAD
My sprocket 12-2024.JPG (34.06 KiB) Viewed 2098 times
Track Concept, version 1
Track Concept, version 1
Track V1 concept.JPG (27.1 KiB) Viewed 2098 times
Track version 2
Track version 2
Track V2 concept.JPG (34.92 KiB) Viewed 2098 times
Track version 2 - bottom side
Track version 2 - bottom side
Track V2 concept -bottom side.JPG (24.54 KiB) Viewed 2098 times
Sprocket - Army green PLA
Sprocket - Army green PLA
Sprocket - Army green PLA 2.jpg (142.29 KiB) Viewed 2098 times
Sprocket prototype
Sprocket prototype
With version 1 track
With version 1 track
with version 2 track (photo1)
with version 2 track (photo1)
Version 2 track (photo2)
Version 2 track (photo2)
Version 2 track (photo4)
Version 2 track (photo4)
Version 2 track (photo3)
Version 2 track (photo3)

I plan to use two track motors, and perhaps another motor to drive front axle (3 motor).

More to hopefully follow.
B

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: December 27th, 2024, 7:19 pm
by cahlfors
Awesome!
People here have good experience with PLA track, so that should work. Personally, I would be hard pressed not to try sneaking in at least some TPE pads... :lol:
//

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: December 27th, 2024, 7:47 pm
by RC_BobM
hi Christopher
Yes may be possible to add TPU pad to the design. I don't know if one needs it however. The vehicle weight and links with cleats should give plenty of grip. I would like to power front axle so should have plenty of power. Yes PLA is pretty amazing material, I find it very strong and tough too, and if painted (protected from UV and water) will last a long time.
Best regards.
Bob

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: December 29th, 2024, 10:17 am
by mrTyko
Impressive Most Impressive.
As a well-known character has said. :lol:

Robert

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: January 3rd, 2025, 6:45 pm
by RC_BobM
A little more progress, waterjet cut Aluminum chain rings. :shock: I am mostly happy with track design. The 2mm steel/brass/stainless steel track pins are glued in with rubber cement, so they can be removed. Time will tell how that works. :idea:
Sprocket with Alum chain ring
Sprocket with Alum chain ring
Tracks overall
Tracks overall

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: January 3rd, 2025, 11:02 pm
by cahlfors
"Rubber cement" as in the stuff you glued photos in the albums in the old millennium?
Having things removable is always a good idea! Looks very good, indeed!

//

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: January 4th, 2025, 11:38 am
by mrTyko
Impressive

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: March 3rd, 2025, 1:03 am
by RC_BobM
A little more progress on HT. Made the front wheels - the first one from PLA+ and painted.

CAD of front wheels
M3 front tire and rim
M3 front tire and rim
Printed tires in PLA +
Printed wheels
Printed wheels
Rear track gearbox complete except for painting.
track gearbox
track gearbox
gearbox2
gearbox2
Sprocket hub
Sprocket hub
Completed track both sides
trACK
trACK

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: March 3rd, 2025, 10:40 am
by cahlfors
Looking great! :clap:
I think you will be happy with the linked tracks (as opposed to rubber loops). :angel:
//

Re: New for 2025 - US M3 Halftrack

Posted: March 4th, 2025, 1:55 am
by RC_BobM
Thank you Christopher - yes I like them, much easier to make than rubber loops! Sometimes design compromise has to be done.
Best regards,
Bob