Many people love building model tanks. As such, there are a great many different manufacturers producing a wide range of models. From tanks used in the pre-WWII era all the way up to the ones being used today you will find no shortage of tank models to choose from. If you are a hard core model builder looking for a challenge, however, you can take your model building one step further. You could attempt to design and build your own 2/5th scale tank. If you are up for a challenge then this large scale model will certainly give you a run for your money.



It can take a bit of room to assemble so make sure to give yourself plenty of space. The first thing you will want to do is to gather up the tools and supplies you will need. This includes a drill press, a 5/8th chuck, a bench mounted disc sander, a 12 inch sanding disc, a welder and a block and chain combo capable of handling 660 pounds. Any other tools you may need can normally be found in most any garage or toolbox.

Next you will need to buy a 1/35th scale tank in whatever style you will choose to emulate. You will know need to take set of calipers and measure each component of the model. Take the measurements you get for each and multiply them by 14. This will give you the dimensions that you will need for your 2/5th scale tank. It can be time consuming to do this step but it will allow you to get the best looking scale tank possible.

The next step can be a little bit involved. Using a 2D CAD program you should draw out your plans according to the measurements that you have taken. You will then add a primary reference point that will be used to draw the tank's basic outline. Cross sections can allow you to separate the tank plans into sections that are a great deal more workable. Drop lines can be used to show the different areas of the tank as well. You should now begin to lay out your mechanical components. These will include the road wheels, tracks, dry sprocket, suspension, engine and transmission.

The first components you should make would be the tracks and road wheels. This will allow you to move the vehicle wherever you need it to go. After you have created these parts you can then begin to assemble the body components. A fiberglass shell is the perfect material to create these parts from. Once you have the basic body form built you can then build the additional body parts. This includes the engine compartment as well as any weaponry that the particular model of tank you are building came equipped with such as a turret and gun barrel.

The last step to building your 2/5th scale tank is to assemble the transmission and engine as well as the other mechanical parts. As you put these together you should ensure that they are working properly. Once you have every thing in place and have ensured that it is all working you will have a great looking, as well as drivable, scale model tank.