- Tundra Buggy -
Designed & Built by: Jim Picton - Jan. 01, 2017
While playing around with some Army Multikit parts, this model came to mind. I had seen a similar unit here in Pitt Meadows where they are used on Blueberry Farms. I took the original photos in a works yard. These units came from India. I do not know what purpose they serve on the farm but thought it might make a nest model. The original had a flat nose cab and a tilting deck.
The model has plenty of power to ramble over a stack of loose Meccano parts that always seem to gather on the workbench and I am quite pleased with the results.
The model has plenty of power to ramble over a stack of loose Meccano parts that always seem to gather on the workbench and I am quite pleased with the results.
Front Quarter view
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Rear Quarter View
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Front Quarter - Topside
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Rear Quarter - Topside
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Gearing from Topside
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Gearing from below
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I opted to use standard Meccano Sprocket Wheels in place of the regular 10 tooth plastic ones that come with the multikits simply for the reason that they run much smoother - every second tooth. The idler wheels are standard Flanged Wheels from various sets, that ride on top of the tracks to keep them centered. In this view, you can just make out the 5-1/2" Double Braced Girders that are bolted to the sides of a 5-1/2" x 2-1/2" Flanged Plate (deck base) I went with the braced girders to obtain a lower chassis (2")
Also note the extensive use of the Plastic Spacers. These provide rigid support for the carriage framework while keeping the weight down. To keep my painted parts in good shape I use common Zinc Strips where a lot of nuts and bolts were required to make the chassis as I do not mind marking them up and they are mostly out of sight.
Also note the extensive use of the Plastic Spacers. These provide rigid support for the carriage framework while keeping the weight down. To keep my painted parts in good shape I use common Zinc Strips where a lot of nuts and bolts were required to make the chassis as I do not mind marking them up and they are mostly out of sight.
Track & Sprocket detail
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Underside view
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The motor is a standard 700 series unit with a 19:1 ration gearbox (under the yellow plate) These were available in a couple of sets such as the Steam Locomotive Engine and the Walking Machine from the Crazy Inventors sets and may also still be available from a few parts dealers as well.
The power is supplied via 4 x 1.5v batteries with switch, but I would think that a 3 volt set-up would work just as well.
I do have an all pinion differential made up that should fit nicely into the unit to give it some steering (once I figure out where to put the braking system). The Battery Pack slides out easily for cell replacement as needed.
As usual, use of this material is granted to any Club Magazines provided Author and Source is mentioned in article.
The power is supplied via 4 x 1.5v batteries with switch, but I would think that a 3 volt set-up would work just as well.
I do have an all pinion differential made up that should fit nicely into the unit to give it some steering (once I figure out where to put the braking system). The Battery Pack slides out easily for cell replacement as needed.
As usual, use of this material is granted to any Club Magazines provided Author and Source is mentioned in article.
