Need Leasons about Axle Types

[george]

Hello Again

This is George, I am New here, most of my time/money is spent on R.C military ships, submarine and tanks.

I have been researching a couple of scratch build vehicle projects BUT I am getting stuck on the axle part.

Can someone explain a few points about axle technology? From what I see there are LOTS of "locked" front and rear axles, to me that means that both wheels turn at the same speed in turns, Y/N ? I hear that`s Great for rock crawling BUT how is the handling on regular flat surfaces, dirt, grass, slight smooth inclines?

I seem to be unable to find any, for lack of a proper word, unlocked axles, are they available? I would like to know since I am looking for either 1/18 or 1/10 for the 4x4 projects I mentioned and only front steering.

Any leasons you can share and sources you can point me to would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
George

[WhiteWolf McBride]

George,

All the Tamiya semi tractor axles come 'unlocked' and its the user that woiuld be locking them. Likewise with the TLT, TXT, HighLift and CR01 axles.

Some lock them with JB Weld, but the easier way to do it with Tamiyas (or so I'm told) is to take one of the trio of spider-gears out of its proper place, and put it between the other two. This basically 'jams' the setup, and the diff is neutralised, making the left and right-hand side wheels turn together.

If you are lookinf for used ones, you'd need to ask how the uder locked them. JB-locked ones CAN be un-done by either bouling the epoxied metal gears, and the JB should crack off with some work, or soaking them in MEK (plastic solvent) and the JB will flake away easily (I've done both)

Anyone else care to contribute?

[Izzy]

In my experience - un locked axels are great for around the house and at a meet where your on nearly flat surfaces.

Once you get into dirt, the crushed rubber or out in the yard (no matter how nicely mown or manicured) the trucks jsut get hung up. High sideed by one tire.

Some people try going for super articulation. It is rather funny looking to see a scale looking truck with what would calculate as 18" of wheel travel.

Others resort to locking the axels. (Yes both tires spin at same speed). Some just the rear most axel. Some the front driver only. Some both sets of drivers and still others go for full 4 wheel drive.

Now - There are some scratch builds on here that weigh enough that they don't need all wheel drive. But. That's pretty hard to come by.

I built a dump and was invited over to PFB place - it hardly could move around his play area - loose dirt. IT had plenty of weight and those nice off road tires. But it just wanted to dig a whole - even though is was a 6x6 with floats on the front.

A buddy of mine had been running a 6x6 but no weight - his performed better than mine.

Next time I wen't I locked up all the axels and dropped all the BB's out of the tires. WOW what a difference. It floated right over top of everything.

But

When you drove it in the kitchen it had some issues. IT put a lot of stress on the steering wheels - having to try and pull the front end around even though thte average tire speed of the fornt was no different than the back - therefore it wanted to push through the corners.

- my suggestions -
So if it is an offroad truck (dirt grass outdoors) go for the full locked scenario.
If it is a a show truck shelf queen - never sees dirt - go for the all standard open diffs.
If it is somewhere in between - try locking up some and leaving others loose. Try adding a powered front - but not locked - helps in steering - especialy long trucks.



Izzy

[george]

Hello

First I should make sure to thank you all who replied. I forgot to mention that my scratch build project wishlist was for: WWII U.S Amphibious jeep and a WWII German SChwimmwagon and finally a WWII U.S DUKW. I have smaller scale models of the two vehicles on the way and I have a body already for the Schwimmwagon and ALL are going to be water proof.

So Thanks for the axle info. now I am on the hunt for: cheap, used, axles, if that`s possible?

Anymore tips, suggestions, let me know please.

George

[WhiteWolf McBride]

Oh...

One of my contacts over in the Blizzard forum suggested (and tried) a semi-locked option... and how. And NOT with one of those cable-locking systems that inflate the price of the axle at least 50%...

Old way was to fill the pumpkin with epoxy or JB, right? Wasteful and overkill. But what if you filled it with something VERY thick (viscous), but not ~solid~. Like packing grease. If my memory serves me right, for some reason 10,000 weight was what he used. I can try to see if I can still access the forum... or contact him. (forum was 'MakingTrax')

The Kyosho Blizzard used a diff between the tracks (pretty sure it was recycled from one of their trucks) and you braked one side or the other to turn it. The super-thick grease effectively locked the diff up unless you braked the track, forcing the thick grease to give.

Its an option. And seeing that you'll be in the water, probably a rather worthwhile one.

WhiteWolf

PS: everyone has the Robbe-to-Tamiya axle adapters, to use Panther tires on Tamiya axles, but there are none for the other way around! I think I may havta ask one of you guys to make me a set!

[CG Bob]

George,

I built the Dean's Marine 1:10th scale DUKW a few years ago. I used Robbe axle kits and made my DUKW full time 6 wheel drive. I originally used some Robart 4" diameter diamond tread airplane tires. I recently purchased some DUKW tires and rims from RC4WD, and have started installing them on the DUKW.

[george]

Hi CG Bob

Thank You for the tips, I have read your posts on this subject before and to be honest you are the inspiration for this build, that`s what I tell my family, so they blame you.

I can`t afford the axles from robbe so I have to look for U.S/Canada sources BUT I was also leaning towards the DUKW Tires as well. Wish I had the money but will have to look elsewhere for the axles. I don`t think WWII vehicles had locked axles that`s why I ask about open/unlocked brand name axles. Maybe there is some used ones on the market? I am in No rush.

Thanks Again for the tips and pictures.

George