R/C Steam Turbine Tank

Step 3 Main Components:The chassis

For the chassis, I used a Kyosho Nitro Blizzard. The reason for using this particular chassis, is because I wanted a treaded steam turbine vehicle, and this was the only chassis available with a forward and reversing clutch, used with a nitro engine. Turbines only spin in one direction, unlike steam piston engines that can reverse.

Kyosho Blizzard uses disc brakes on the differentia for skid steering. Basically it uses a servo to stop one side of the track from moving, to perform steering.

Blizzards are not cheap toys, but a high quality RC machine. I got this from ebay, in used condition, much cheaper than a brand new one. If you go with this cheaper route, make sure that the chassis and mechanics are in working order. You will save some money if you look for one with engine problems - the nitro engine will not be used for this project.

Kyosho also make an electric version of the Blizzard, which has no clutch for forward/reverse (electric motors can spin in both directions). Make sure that use the "Nitro" version for this build. A picture of the box is provided for the Nitro version below.