Kettering University student Will Foster builds fully operational half-size Panzer tank

Flint Journal ^ | 4/2/08

[lowbridge]

FLINT, Michigan -- Will Foster never has too much trouble getting a parking spot for his second vehicle.

After all, who's going to argue with a guy driving a half-scale Panzer tank complete with a working air cannon?

-snip

Roughly the size of a small car, Foster's tank can reach speeds of around 20 mph with its three-cylinder diesel engine. Just like the real thing, the tank runs on treads and has a 360-degree cannon powered by compressed air from a scuba tank.

Its camouflaged plywood exterior has become a curious fixture at Foster's Theta Xi fraternity house, where it is often parked next to a shed with a sign that reads "Panzer parking. Violators will be totaled."

A builder and tinkerer since he made his first tree house at age 9, the Annapolis, Md., native came up with his first designs for the tank when he was 14.

But, he didn't have the money or manpower to pull it off.

Seeing golf carts dressed up as tanks in paintball competitions rekindled the idea and it gained momentum when he arrived at Kettering in the summer of 2006.

[lowbridge]

Youtube video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5eYCdheLw

[G Larry]

I guess a concealed carry permit is out of the question?

(Well....it does carry him...concealed!)

[ryan71]

That kid is smart. The skin is straight forward, but underneath, to design and fabricate the drive-train, bogies, and tracks requires some engineering.

[wastedyears]

That is cool

[PhilDragoo]

Three-cylinder diesel.

[Red_Devil 232]

I knew this country had a future! What a kid!

[colorado tanker]

Fantasy come true!

[Fresh Wind]

Now all he has to do is paint “Deathmobile” on it.

[Hunton Peck]

Now that's what I call defensive driving!

[VRWC For Truth]

Need more Utes like this.

[alfa6]

Thank a mucho Phil for the ping

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[alfa6]

Speaking of boys...

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[Samwise]

Hey, now we’re talking! Hobbit Lass’s lastest is rebuilding a camero. I’ll pay attention when he shows up with one of those. Until then, Hubby’s shotgun can handle things. :^)

[alfa6]

Maybe Hubby should upscale one of these, just in case.

http://www.gizmology.net/tanks.htm

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[SunkenCiv]

“...a 360-degree cannon powered by compressed air from a scuba tank...”

[CSM]

Intelligence found in MI ping.

[Samwise]

LOL. I’m not giving him any more ideas. He bought another Corsair on Saturday. He hasn’t finished the last Corsair he bought........(When do I get knew kitchen cabinets?) :^)

[cuz_it_aint_their_money]

For those with firewalls that ban youtube videos.

[Gator101]

So any bets on how long until the progressive-weenies on campus cry “fascist intimidation!” because he replicated a WWII German tank?

[grellis]

If you would like to be added or dropped from the Michigan ping list, please freepmail me.

"Panzer parking. Violators will be totaled."

That's hilarious!