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                    |::::d8888PY888b::|         _,-'  \
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                  \______/'     `\______/

M-K














Subject:      Toy Tank
From:         cfbd@southern.co.nz (Colin Douthwaite)
Date:         1996/05/11
Message-Id:   <4n2p7r$f92@orm.southern.co.nz>
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 !