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Vhat is this?
This mini tank is a Funtrak. It is designed and built in
England. A four stroke petrol engine drives a hydraulic pump which
drives two hydraulic motors, one for each track. The driver controls
speed and direction using two joysticks, one for each side.
It is an unusual way to control a tank, but the advantages in the
Funtrak application are many; above all safety - if you let
go of the controls the tank stops instantly - and precision steering.
A Funtrak is suitable for those over about 10 years of age,
taller than about 140 cm. The turret can be removed (as in the picture)
to improve vision for short drivers.
How do you drive a Funtrak?
First, there is a safety review, where the vehicle is described
and you must repeat certain critical details. The equipment (which
you can borrow) are coveralls and a helmet.
You accelerate, brake and steer by using the two joysticks. They
control how fast each track turns and in which direction.
Before you can take off, the engine is started by the staff, who
also has a safety remote from which the engine can be cut off
from a distance if needed.
This little tank has a very "classical" feel, comparable to the
small tankettes of the 1930's, due to the fact that the suspension
is very stiff, so if you don't drive with some finesse you will
get a bumpy ride!
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