improved cooling system

[windmill]

As folks know, the red 390 motors generate a lot of heat, and a cooling fan is prudent, but it doesn't come without other issues. Even after adding fenders, and flanges to close the gaps, the cooling fan draws in contaminates off the tracks.

I'm now experimenting with a dual fan setup. A small 30mm fan that draws through the engine air intake on the back deck to over pressure the fighting compartment, and vents out the periscopes, and laser range finder housing.
A second 40mm fan for the engine compartment that draws through the radiator grills on the back deck, and discharges out the radiator louvers on the rear in a manner similar to the real tank.

It seems to function well, but still waiting on the Trumpeter photo etched grills to complete the project.

[Rubicon99]

As folks know, the red 390 motors generate a lot of heat, and a cooling fan is prudent, but it doesn't come without other issues. Even after adding fenders, and flanges to close the gaps, the cooling fan draws in contaminates off the tracks.

I'm now experimenting with a dual fan setup. A small 30mm fan that draws through the engine air intake on the back deck to over pressure the fighting compartment, and vents out the periscopes, and laser range finder housing.
A second 40mm fan for the engine that draws through the radiator grills on the back deck, and discharges out the radiator louvers on the rear in a manner similar to the real tank.

It seems to function well, but still waiting on the Trumpeter photo etched grills to complete the project.

Looking good!!

Good choice going with aftermarket tracks.

[windmill]

Looking good!!

Good choice going with aftermarket tracks.

Thanks.

I got Mato tracks, sprockets, and idlers, but I've since found even nicer tracks. https://www.rctank.de/T-90-T-72-HQ-Metal-tracks-silver, and may get them when the budget allows.

[Rubicon99]

Thanks.

I got Mato tracks, sprockets, and idlers, but I've since found even nicer tracks. https://www.rctank.de/T-90-T-72-HQ-Metal-tracks-silver, and may get them when the budget allows.

I have two sets of those. They are a little “grippier” then the Mato but overall about equal in durability and smooth functionality. With the more powerful red 390 motors and increased torque/speed they tend to have link end issues. The link ends pull loose a bit more frequently then with the Mato tracks. They have a slightly more aggressive look, but the Mato are a little easier and cheaper to come by so I tend to recommend Mato first.

I run the above tracks on a few tanks not just the T72/90 (yes with the correct sprockets they work on other tanks) that are using slightly less powerful motors but with higher voltage 9.6v batteries. This “medium” power balance seems to favor these tracks and gets the best all around performance out of them. (Not ripping link ends off but still putting max power/grip to ground)

You can find the above tracks on EBay, Toucan sells them and you can buy them from DKLMRC. Both have much faster and cheaper shipping to the US then from the European site.

Here is a set on one of my T72s. They are clearly more aggressive looking. Also notice the inner sprocket tooth to track fit. Regardless if HL or Mato sprockets the track is slightly too narrow. This causes sprocket “power” to be placed closer to the ends of the link connectors which in turn causes them to come loose more often.

[windmill]

Here is a set on one of my T72s. They are clearly more aggressive looking. Also notice the inner sprocket tooth to track fit. Regardless if HL or Mato sprockets the track is slightly too narrow. This causes sprocket “power” to be placed closer to the ends of the link connectors which in turn causes them to come loose more often.

Well, that pretty much settles it, I'll pass on them.

Thanks.

[windmill]

The engine compartment radiator intake housing that directs the incoming air flow at the motors. It will be attached to the top half of the hull with the retention magnets mounted to it. It seems that a side benefit of my additions is that they stiffen the hull some.

[dai phan]

The engine compartment radiator intake housing that directs the incoming air flow at the motors. It will be attached to the top half of the hull with the retention magnets mounted to it. It seems that a side benefit of my additions is that they stiffen the hull some.

Very nice engineering work! Did you ditch the smoker? Dai

[windmill]

Very nice engineering work! Did you ditch the smoker? Dai

Thanks,

Yes, just doesn't jibe with my experiences with real tanks. May try to repurpose it as a kill indicator.

[dai phan]

Thanks,

Yes, just doesn't jibe with my experiences with real tanks. May try to repurpose it as a kill indicator.

Real tanks don't puff like that do they? Dai

[windmill]

Real tanks don't puff like that do they? Dai

They can put out huge amounts of smoke when desired to obscure movements, but otherwise none as to not give away its position.

[dai phan]

They can put out huge amounts of smoke when desired to obscure movements, but otherwise none as to not give away its position.

Smoke screen! Dai

[windmill]

Everything in place, just need the photo etch parts, and some paint.

[windmill]

Made a little jig, and scratch built some armored louvers for the radiator, and engine intakes. The photo etch grills will go on top.

[windmill]

Finished up the louvers, and painted them. Still needs a little more weathering, and the photo etch grills. not "rivet counter" accurate, but very functional. and a reasonable representation.

[Rubicon99]

Finished up the louvers, and painted them. Still needs a little more weathering, and the photo etch grills. not "rivet counter" accurate, but very functional. and a reasonable representation.

You did a great job. Now get out and get those motors hot and see how well your upgrades works.

[dai phan]

So with the red motors, the tank will go faster than stock form. However in my inexperience opinion, in stock form the tanks travel more of a scale speed. I in fact hardly push 100% but instead 60% to be more realistic ! Dai

[Rubicon99]

So with the red motors, the tank will go faster than stock form. However in my inexperience opinion, in stock form the tanks travel more of a scale speed. I in fact hardly push 100% but instead 60% to be more realistic ! Dai

Yes and No.

Close to top scale speeds for the modern tanks YES, but only when in “High Power Mode”. With the red 390 motors and running at 8.4vs (average peak output for a 2cell Lipo or Li-ion) the modern tanks will be able to run in the scale speed range of 35 to 40 mph. Most of the real modern tanks can achieve much higher top end speeds in the 45 mph and up range. To reach these scale speeds one needs to be running above 8.4v but that’s when the red 390 motors start getting really hot.

For WWII tanks the motors do make them a bit to fast when the tank is set to “High Power Mode”, but provide higher torque and smoother turning in the low power mode something the 390 motors also do for the modern tanks.

Overall 390 motors can make tanks faster but more then that they make them operate much smoother and effortlessly especially for the heavier tanks running metal tracks and metal road wheels. Not to mention those that have been upgraded with other metal parts and balancing weights. These can start reaching the 10 and even 15 lbs ranges and need the 390 motors to maintain an acceptable level on handling and performance.

[windmill]

Based on my real world experiences with modern tanks, it was clearly evident that HL tanks are under powered in stock form. Its not really noticeable running around the confines of the living room, but outside in open spaces it is.

[dai phan]

Based on my real world experiences with modern tanks, it was clearly evident that HL tanks are under powered in stock form. Its not really noticeable running around the confines of the living room, but outside in open spaces it is.

Does HL know this and still puts in under powered motors as cost saving measures? Dai

[windmill]

Does HL know this and still puts in under powered motors as cost saving measures? Dai

Probably, as they offer several upgrades.