pic: 499 Prototype drivetrain final layout

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

We have the axles sitting above (or below, really) the 80/20 in an effort to eliminate milling operations on our side rails. If you're planning on milling slots into the 80/20 to allow axle clearance for tension and you're expecting to machine bearing blocks for your axles, why use 80/20 at all? The advantage in 80/20 is that it allows for tensioning easily, but since you're milling the side rails anyway, it'd be pretty easy to add some slots for tensioning.

I really like this design Madison. This would be a very friendly prototype layout since it would allow you to use however many wheels you want.

As for machining the slots, all that results in is a loss of movement (and you really only need an inch to tension the chains). The real purpose of using 80/20 is that it allows you to tighten the bolts anywhere along the track, in other words, no need for a tensioning screw or other such contraption.

Will these be using AM Gen 2's? Perhaps you should start another thread

[edit] One thing you may not have considered (and I did not consider it the first time I designed my drivetrain) was tightening the bolts on the bearing blocks. From the looks of your design it would appear the wheel prevents people from reaching the outside bolts. [edit]