Lifting and rotating. It’s essential to be able to rotate and lift the model on the bench both during building and when operational. The latter is particularly useful when the running gear, tracks and motion system are being installed and tested. Being able to rotate the hull is particularly useful, in order to be able to work on both sides. To lift and rotate the model, a motorcycle lift and lazy susan are the recommended solution.
Both the motor cycle lift and lazy susan are widely available. The flush, 9 inch (228mm) lazy susan can be bolted to the bottom of the motor cycle lift with M4 set screws and nuts:
- lsr.jpg (30.21 KiB) Viewed 3790 times
To spread the load across the hull bottom, a piece of 10mm MDF (750mm x 25mm) can be bolted to the top and covered with a piece of thin rubber:
Finally, the lateral flanges can be drilled M8 to accept short set screws or pins which are dropped into corresponding holes in the bench or lift table to prevent rotation.
An extended socket is used to rotate the elevating lead screw:
In operation, the lift is raised to allow the tracks to turn:
By removing the two flange pins, the table can be rotated:
The tank can then be lowered onto two lengths of 100mm x 50mm timber to rest, with the weight partially off the suspension. This is the normal storage position. Whilst it's not essential to take the weight off the suspension, it's helpful to rest the springs, especially on the torsion bar types in order to minimise settling over time:
To remove the lift in order to move the tank, it's fully lowered, the anti-rotation bolts are removed and the lift slid out:
It's perfectly possible to build on any flat surface capable of bearing the weight of the assembled model. The lift will concentrate the weight in a smaller area compared with the model sitting on its tracks and could result on a pressure on the building bench of about 5kg/sqr cm. A good solution, which allows the model to be moved around easily, is to use a hydraulic lift table. These are readily available in various capacities, the most useful being the 200kg size:
- Hydraulic Lift Table- 200kg.jpg (75.5 KiB) Viewed 3790 times
Alternatives are available:
The motor cycle lift can be mounted on the top of the hydraulic lift table, giving the ideal build station, which can be raised and lowered to working height:
In the fully lowered position, the tank is ready to be driven off to run or be transported.
The model can be transported in most modern hatchbacks or larger vehicles or by small trailer. If using a trailer, stability needs to be kept in mind. A motor cycle or wheelchair ramp is used for loading. Again, various patterns are available including separate ramps or folding singles. There are three considerations, weight capacity, length and surface. Length governs the slope angle for loading - too short and the ramp will be too steep and will reduce traction. A length of about 1500mm is about right, with a width typically of 700mm.
Other examples used by Armortek customers:
The heavier Armortek models vary in their traction, according to the type of track used. It is possible that in wet conditions, some enhancement to the surface of the ramps is required. This can be done with anti-slip tape. An alternative solution is to rivet strips of 3mm thick rubber to provide treads:
Once the model is safely in the car or van, it must be secured. Otherwise, in a high speed collision, an unrestrained model could be lethal. There are many ways to immobilise the model, using chocks, ratchet straps, etc. With power off, the electric motors don't lock the tracks and if the tank moves, it will attempt to climb over any obstacles. It really needs to be held in two dimensions. One solution is to surround the model with a wooden frame which can be laid into the cargo space and held by ratchet straps. The model can then be driven into it and the rear panel secured around the model. This is one example made from 100mm x 50mm timber.
This concludes the equipment commonly used to move the heavier Armortek models, for lifting, rotating and transporting.
Finally a couple of further considerations. If the bug has bitten, there is the challenge of storing a growing collection. One option is to use industrial racking. The main considerations are weight capacity and access.
Stacking on two levels is possible using the hydraulic lift table but it's helpful to have a way of moving the models once on the shelf.
Industrial bases for moving heavy equipment are available and with a sheet of MDF, can make adequate trolleys for moving tanks around the benches:
All of this will be old hat to many Armortek customers and many solutions are available. This topic is intended for those starting out on a first Armotek heavy model. Moving the models, if not under their own power, isn't difficult but this is one area where having the right kit helps considerably.
As ever, comments and additions welcome.