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From: cfbd@southern.co.nz (Colin Douthwaite)
Subject: Toy Tank
Date: 1996/05/11
Message-ID: <4n2p7r$f92@orm.southern.co.nz>#1/1
X-Deja-AN: 154328870
organization: Southern InterNet Services
newsgroups: alt.ascii-art




====================================================================

               TANK  ( made from sewing thread spools)

====================================================================



            <I----------------------------I>
            <I                            I>
            <I                            I>
          _ <I                            I>::::::: _ 
         (_)<I                            I>:::::::(_)
         ! !<I____________________________I>: WAX :! !
         !_!                                :::::::!_!
        (/////////// Rubber Band /////////////////////)
         ! !  ____________________________  :::::::! !
         ! !<I                            I>:::::::! !
         ! !<I                            I>:::::::! !
         ! !<I                            I>:::::::! !
         ! !<I                            I>       ! !
         ! !<I                            I>       ! !
         ! !<I--------------------------- I>       ! !
         ! !                                       ! !
         ! !                                       ! !
         ! !                                       ! !
         !_!  <--------  matchsticks ----------->  !_!



The Wax block is a slice from a 0.75" diameter wax candle with a 
hole bored through it for the elastic band. The wax slows down the 
untwisting of the elastic band and makes the Tank crawl.  

The trailing ends of the 2 matchsticks provide the traction and keep 
the Tank moving in a straight line.  

Notches cut into the flanges of the thread spool give the Tank grip 
for climbing.  

Getting the correct length of elastic band ( or wax slice thickness )
is important for good tank action.  

The Tank is wound up by using your finger to rotate the matchstick 
at the wax block end. Wind it as tight as you like - if you have 
plenty of spare rubber bands :-) 

Have fun folks !


====================================================================

Bye,