Tamiya 1/16 Centurion build and field test.

[Rubicon99]

Just an update on the metal tracks from DKLM. Sadly there appears to be a set back. DKLM website clearly indicates “in stock” but apparently they are not available which is a bit misleading. They are only available for pre order and you must pay in full including shipping up front ~$200.

DKLM indicates this WELL below the item listing of “in stock” that the tracks will not be available until mid July which really means these day more like mid August....LoL. Then factor in two weeks before they even ship them and then the “black whole” that is China Post and maybe we will see the tracks sometime in Oct 2022.

Sorry about the bad news, I was looking forward to doing a full test and review on them as I know a number of you were looking at them as well and waiting to see what I thought.

I would recommend NOT ordering them at this time unless you want your $200 tied up for an extended period.

[oldwolf]

Just an update on the metal tracks from DKLM. Sadly there appears to be a set back. DKLM website clearly indicates “in stock” but apparently they are not available which is a bit misleading. They are only available for pre order and you must pay in full including shipping up front ~$200.

DKLM indicates this WELL below the item listing of “in stock” that the tracks will not be available until mid July which really means these day more like mid August....LoL. Then factor in two weeks before they even ship them and then the “black whole” that is China Post and maybe we will see the tracks sometime in Oct 2022.

Sorry about the bad news, I was looking forward to doing a full test and review on them as I know a number of you were looking at them as well and waiting to see what I thought.

I would recommend NOT ordering them at this time unless you want your $200 tied up for an extended period.

Hmm, sounds like the stock that is in is the stock of metal they intend casting the the track links from, lol. The good news is the stock Tamiya track is holding up well so far, so no rush on the metal ones. Thanks for the update.

[Rubicon99]

The metal DLKM tracks have arrived and will be installed shortly. They will be tested on my tank trials course and in the next IR tank battle day in San Diego on July 31.

[761st]

Looks good. I lke the color and detail. Well done.

[sclui56]

The metal DLKM tracks have arrived and will be installed shortly. They will be tested on my tank trials course and in the next IR tank battle day in San Diego on July 31.

Excellent, hope to get some feedback on whether you find the idler+support are sufficient for the heavier tracks.

[DavidN]

I look forward to see in person how you try them out this Saturday. I will probably start building my Centurion in August.

[Rubicon99]

Non weathered loose test fit on tank. Also a short video of the tracks running during fit testing is up on my Instagram @ fsttanks.

[Rubicon99]

Well testing of the DKLM metal tracks did not go so well. They have issues clearing dirt/sand and getting small pebbles jammed in sprocket wholes that cause the track to override the sprockets. This happens frequently and is not something that the tank can self right. It is also an NOT an issue the Tamiya tracks had.

Second issues is the guide teeth hit the center “axle” area of the return rollers cause a very unpleasant grinding sound as the tank moves forward and an even worse grinding sound as the tank moves backwards. The “hit” is so bad that it even loosened two return rollers and required some repair work to them.

At this time I would not recommend the DKLM metal aftermarket Centurion tracks to anyone that drives their tank in soft soils (dirt, sand, light mud).

[sclui56]

Saw your more elaborate post over the other forum, sorry the tracks didn't work well. I had high hopes on these, only concern was the stress on the idler, I did;t think about specs being off to cause issues with pebbles, lifts, and offsets. That's simply too bad. Appreciate your sharing of the negatives, didn't really expect that from DKLMRC.

[Rubicon99]

Saw your more elaborate post over the other forum, sorry the tracks didn't work well. I had high hopes on these, only concern was the stress on the idler, I did;t think about specs being off to cause issues with pebbles, lifts, and offsets. That's simply too bad. Appreciate your sharing of the negatives, didn't really expect that from DKLMRC.

I did not expect it either. Someone mentioned the tracks might have been in development for the Haya Centurion and just happen to fit the Tamiya sprockets. The Tamiya Centurion was kind of a surprise release. DKLM did have these tracks designed and in production rather fast for the Tamiya aftermarket unless they were already in development for someone else. Has me thinking ...... ????

[mikeronie]

I have made a couple of mods to the Centurion. After seeing Rubicon99' tank I decided to add the on off switch under the rear vent. I also place the on off LED indicator under this vent, drilled a hole so it is visible. While working in that area I noticed there is a very large opening that may allow dirt to enter the tank. Using sheet styrene and rubber cement I closed off that area. Also following Rubicon99's recommendations I placed a 8.4V hump back battery as far forward as I could. I installed a after market Tagan small speaker. Since the battery is not easy to remove I added a Remote Recharging Jack Cable from East Coast Armory. The remote jack can either reach to the removal rear deck or out the drivers hatch.

[Rubicon99]

I have made a couple of mods to the Centurion. After seeing Rubicon99' tank I decided to add the on off switch under the rear vent. I also place the on off LED indicator under this vent, drilled a hole so it is visible. While working in that area I noticed there is a very large opening that may allow dirt to enter the tank. Using sheet styrene and rubber cement I closed off that area. Also following Rubicon99's recommendations I placed a 8.4V hump back battery as far forward as I could. I installed a after market Tagan small speaker. Since the battery is not easy to remove I added a Remote Recharging Jack Cable from East Coast Armory. The remote jack can either reach to the removal rear deck or out the drivers hatch.

Good to see you making steady progress👍👍

Sealing off the back is a must for those of us that drive tanks outdoors especially in dusty conditions like we have here in the Southwest US. Without doing so large amount of dust and dirt gets inside. Far more then on most other tanks.

[DavidN]

Many thanks to Mike for getting me started on my tank and some to the steps to watch out for. I am slowly finishing the work on bag A at step 14. So far so good.

[Rubicon99]

Many thanks to Mike for getting me started on my tank and some to the steps to watch out for. I am slowly finishing the work on bag A at step 14. So far so good.

Good to see you have started your build and are making progress. The suspension is the “hard part”, from there the tank really starts to take shape fast. Looks like it should be ready for this months (Sept 2022) LA battle day on Saturday 🤞🤞

[DavidN]

Thank you Rubicon for some of your previous pictures. I used them to guide my progress to ensure I put my parts together correctly. So helpful .

I got those two gearboxes installed last night.

[Rubicon99]

Thank you Rubicon for some of your previous pictures. I used them to guide my progress to ensure I put my parts together correctly. So helpful .

I got those two gearboxes installed last night.

👍👍👍👍

Did you make sure to add the flats spots to the motor shafts for the pinion screw to grab and hold onto? If not the pinion screw/gear will have a tendency to work loose and slip causing the tank to become immobilized.

[DavidN]

Yeap :-)

[DavidN]

[Rubicon99]

The point where the tank soon becomes alive. 👍

[DavidN]

Primed!