Parade Float

spiderclimber · Post by **spiderclimber** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 1:54 pm

Hello all,

I have been talking about the parade float I am building for a Young Marines group for a while. I finally got the pictures loaded up. I will attach a few for you to see.

I did figure out the tread. I worked with what I had which is a sheet metal shop the company I work for runs. I used 24 gauge sheet metal to make the track underneath and giant wire spool center boards to make the rounded treads.

Anyway, here are some pics of the work in progress.

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spiderclimber · Post by **spiderclimber** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 1:57 pm

more pics

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rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 3:33 pm

Wow!! Very impressive and I must say quite an undertaking you have there. Really looking forward to seeing the finished results.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 4:28 pm

Now, that is just SUPER!!
And, a lot of work. You are to be commended for your community spirit.
Tanks for posting the pics.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:02 pm

Truly impressive I cannot wait to see the finished product. Truly that should be an award winner. Fjimp

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:02 pm

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joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:03 pm

Nice looking job. Can't wait to see the finished product. Are you keeping track of how many hours you have spent on it? I bet it will a quite a few. Thanks for the pictures.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:31 am

judaspre1982 wrote:Is it going to be an Abrams?:D

Where did you get the curved stock for the tank tracks? Did you have to make them?

Nice touch putting a safety edge on one side of the sheet metal for some rigidity yet still allowing for some flexing.With no safety edge it may have been too flexible.

Nice design!

Dave

See post #1!;)

It be a 'buffalo' (Marine amtrak).

spiderclimber · Post by **spiderclimber** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:43 am

Hello all,

Thanks for the comments. I will keep posting pictures as I go along.

The treads for the tank were described in the first post but to make it a little clearer, they came from the centers of giant wire spools. Ever drive by a place and see the 3 foot wire spool sitting there? the centers of those are wood too, about 32 inch boards. They curve them to go around the middle of the wheel and make the center of the spool. So no shaping needed, just cut to length.

The tank as everyone seems to call it is an amtrak water buffalo, which means it was sort of a tank but more of an amphibious vehicle / people transport.

I am not sure how many hours I have in on it now. I know it is more than 50 at this point. It is entertaining to see people drive by in the last few days. I have had multiple people all out stop to look at it while I am building. Luckily, our road is quiet and they don't cause an accident. I have also met two "neighbors" from one street over who have had to stop and ask what I was building.

Anyway, I did finish up all the tread and the back door / ramp steps yesterday. I will have to get a picture or two up of those tonight. As I could not make the entire back pivot down like the real one did, I had to come up with something that would still work and be functional for the float. I think the modification came out well. Pics to come tonight.

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:32 am

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