pic: GEAR & CHAIN IN TUBE 8WD

[InFlight]

I understand the attraction of belt/chain in tube drivetrains as a design exercise.

The trade made is very involved and long replacement times if a belt/chain/axle/bearing failed during a competition. You could very easily miss a match for the amount of time it would take to replace any part.

Considering maintenance, and tensioning should be prime considerations in determining the best way to implement a belt/chain drive train.

[Cothron Theiss]

Originally Posted by InFlight

I understand the attraction of belt/chain in tube drivetrains as a design exercise.

The trade made is very involved and long replacement times if a belt/chain/axle/bearing failed during a competition. You could very easily miss a match for the amount of time it would take to replace any part.

Considering maintenance, and tensioning should be prime considerations in determining the best way to implement a belt/chain drive train.

+1

And using 3" tubes means your chain has room to fail. If you can use larger sprockets without increasing the weight too much, the closer you can get to the insides of the tube without interference, the better. also, using sprockets that large means it would take a monumental amount of force to cause a chain failure at the sprockets, because the load would be distributed over so many teeth. This also means less wear, or "stretch" over time.

I would try and tweak the design so that the ends of the drive rails are open, so that if you do need to get to your chain or gears, you don't have to disassemble your chassis frame.