MOCK-UP
I like to take the prototyping process through all stages of development. Trial fitting
pieces together helps identify issues along the way that might otherwise be overlooked. It
also helps me compare against the designs to see how close the hardware meets the design
measurements so I know whether to make adjustments on additional pieces to compensate for
error. So far, this thing is a gem.
In this picture, everything is held together with masking tape. I know, seems kind of funny,
but the results are cool. It is cool to see it coming together! I just have a couple pieces
of scrap metal over the front and back (at least partially) to give an idea of what it will
look like when it has its skin on it. Sort of.
It also appears that I have plenty of room for the electronics. Having the batteries up
where they are works out really well, logistically. I just hope that once this thing is up
and running around, there won't be a weight distribution issue. I think the batteries will
be reasonably protected there in the sense that the armor will be bent like an "A" frame
over top of them, making the armor stronger. I may even add a couple gussets to increase
the strength that much more - just weld them in. My concern is that this location is a
contact point for the weapon against an opponent and may incur some incidental damage there.
The true test will come in an actual battle.
Here's just another mock-up with the cardboard version of the weapon sitting on the back.
I think it's cool just like that. I may have to re-think the outer armor design.
Perhaps all I need is just some wheel wells to protect the wheels and call it done.