Magnitizing your tank

[Sappo]

I figured that while I had the m1a2 in bits for a clean up after her muddy day out I would do a few mods to her. First being magnets to secure the top deck. Easy job to do, just did it in stages.

[Sappo]

You can also see the other mod was cutting the battery box so I don't have to flip her on the side to change out the battery anymore, also moved the power switch inside and will be sealing that and the battery box as well. Then it's on to some steel to make the body a bit more rigid. So watch this space.

[Rubicon99]

You can also see the other mod was cutting the battery box so I don't have to flip her on the side to change out the battery anymore, also moved the power switch inside and will be sealing that and the battery box as well. Then it's on to some steel to make the body a bit more rigid. So watch this space.

When using magnets to hold the body on it is a good idea to also use metal hull stiffening braces since the unibody effect of the screw down points is lost. Good to see you are going to do this mod too. Looking forward to your posts and photos to follow.

[Sappo]

Thanks mate, will definitely post pics. Got 2 questions for you, do you think 1mm would be thick enough for bracing, its all i got to use. And do you know of any other Kiwis in the group

[Rubicon99]

Thanks mate, will definitely post pics. Got 2 questions for you, do you think 1mm would be thick enough for bracing, its all i got to use. And do you know of any other Kiwis in the group

1mm of steel should be fine depending on your bracing layout and given what I see of your Abrams in the photos. You are only running 380 motors and plastic tracks so you will not see much flexing. Flexing of the hull really starts to be see with heavy metal tracks and metal suspension components.

Sorry I do not know of any other Kiwis on this forum. But we all welcome you with open arms.

[Sappo]

Hey thanks for that mate. That's one problem here, rc tankers seem to be few and far between. Does make for a bit of a lonely hobby.

[Sappo]

dry fitting first ell that's the bracing done, was a pretty easy job, just one step at a time

[Sappo]

Look mum, no flex

[Beeg]

Look mum, no flex

What glue did you use? Epoxy?

[Sappo]

Yep. A unbranded epoxy I have been using for years now from the $2 shop here in NZ. Also good for casting as well. Now all I have to do is get hold of some red motor's and metal running gear and I think that'll be that. Oh and does the 5.3 system work with IR?Cause I have a plan to build a bit of a biathlon track in the backyard as well. Could make it for airsoft but I think IR would be a better option.