[CNCRouterman]

MikeM posted while I was composing my response. His reference to a longer lever is a good one. Think 10 speed (or more like 21 speed these days) bycycle. When you make the pedal sprocket bigger, it takes less cranks to go a given distance, and you can go faster, but it is harder to climb a hill. To get good leverage climbing on such a bike, you use the smaller crank/pedal sprocket and the bigger wheel (axle) sprocket to give you leverage. You go slower, but some of these mountain bikes give you such great leverage, you can climb a very steep incline.

[N2extreme1]

If you turret gunner is going to be sitting you might want to make the top of the tank lower. The smaller it is the harder it is to hit. It looks like you extra space that is not needed.

[spacebison]

Yeah, we already planned on making it a lot shorter.

[AABanned]

The nerf launcher is essentially done. Once the sealant is dried(after school), we'll be firing it.

Here it is in it's un-beautified glory:

[CNCRouterman]

Might want to get in touch with Boom Master. He has done a lot of R&D on this subject (nerf launchers). I use an electrically actuated fast acting double pilot diaphragm valve with insanely fast opening and flow rates, but it is a bit on the big side for a hand held. 1.5" inlet and outlet. Smaller ported fast acting pneumatic valves are available, and when combined with a $15 or so 24v solenoid (use three 9V batteries in series) will give you push button firing, with much more consistent opening speed, as well as less operator induced targeting error from jerking the hand valve open.
Boom has a lot of good, inexpensive designs for your application.

Good for you on using STEEL and NOT plastic for the pressure chamber! Plastic, especially PVC is BAD news for a pneumatic pressure chamber in our working environment, period.

[AABanned]

Originally Posted by CNCRouterman

Might want to get in touch with Boom Master. He has done a lot of R&D on this subject (nerf launchers). I use an electrically actuated fast acting double pilot diaphragm valve with insanely fast opening and flow rates, but it is a bit on the big side for a hand held. 1.5" inlet and outlet. Smaller ported fast acting pneumatic valves are available, and when combined with a $15 or so 24v solenoid (use three 9V batteries in series) will give you push button firing, with much more consistent opening speed, as well as less operator induced targeting error from jerking the hand valve open.
Boom has a lot of good, inexpensive designs for your application.

Good for you on using STEEL and NOT plastic for the pressure chamber! Plastic, especially PVC is BAD news for a pneumatic pressure chamber in our working environment, period.

I'll definitely get in touch with him. That sounds like something that I'd be interested in for the future. It's gonna be a pain trying to fire the launcher from inside the tank.

I made sure to do all my research before building this. I didn't need to be holding a bomb in my hands. PVC would most likely just explode like it wasn't there with the pressures a launcher deals with.

[Cromagnum Tankerman]

Hey guys, Like I said earlier take it out and run it and find out what it can and cannot do. Then make the changes when you can.

Have fun ~ You will figure it out as you go along.


Treaddz

[CNCRouterman]

As Treaddz points out, take 'er for a spin, loaded, and see what you can do. Tires aren't too expensive are they? I would guess you could scavenge some used lawnmower wheel and or tires for cheap. Getting into a game or two will definitely shine all the high points you need to address. Other than entry fees, minimal cost for getting combat ready as she sits. Though, I definitely would recommend a valve upgrade for the launcher, and Boom will most likely share a 3 to 6 shot rotary magazine design with you, or go with the cheap rear load design to get started.

[Boom Master]

Boom Master here. Sure anytime. Happy to help.

ddupont@charter.net

[Team Predator]

Better keep an eye on your heigth. Could turn out to be too top heavy and roll over. Speaking from experience! We are in the process of tearing our tank apart for the 3rd time to alleviate that problem. You will learn on your own as you go. We all have. GOOD LUCK

[Dkuehner]

Like the idea of the go cart. Does the field ou are using have many hills or tilts that you have to deal with?