I printed the M18 Hellcat from RC_3D_Tanks on Cults3D. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I figured for such a small investment, what could go wrong? The build was so easy, I was able to modify where I felt appropriate, add/create new parts when needed and really enjoyed the process. This will be a build log for this amazing model using my Ender 3 Pro. As it was my first large scale print, I wanted it to be easy and cheap, and I don't plan to go outside, I used PLA, but will definitely use PETG and Resin on future models.
The hull can be printed as 1 large piece, or is cut in 2 pieces. I chose the 2 part method, (if the print messed up at the end, then two days weren't wasted). All holes and cut edges lined up perfectly. The biggest challenge at this point was building the tracks.
The wheels can be printed as one piece or two with separate rubber wheels. Again, I chose the one piece method and painted the rubber. The hardest part was the amateur archaeology of removing the large volume of support material between the halves. I spun them with my drill press to paint them.
I assembled the suspension, (they provide two different densities of torsion bars to support the gear box). I used the stiffest bars throughout, as I wasn't sure what the finished model would weigh. In hindsight, I'd have used the heaviest ones under the gearboxes, and the lighter ones for the rest. It uses standard short shaft Heng Long gear boxes, and a small amount of metal had to be filed from the bottom edge of the front of the metal gearbox frame in order to fit in. Seriously, it was about 1/16 of an inch, and 20 seconds with the Dremel.
The sprockets, (of which they offer two different types), did not quite align with the road wheels and return rollers, so I created/printed a small shim to fit inside the sprocket on the end of the shaft. Now they align perfectly.
The hull can be printed as 1 large piece, or is cut in 2 pieces. I chose the 2 part method, (if the print messed up at the end, then two days weren't wasted). All holes and cut edges lined up perfectly. The biggest challenge at this point was building the tracks.
The wheels can be printed as one piece or two with separate rubber wheels. Again, I chose the one piece method and painted the rubber. The hardest part was the amateur archaeology of removing the large volume of support material between the halves. I spun them with my drill press to paint them.
I assembled the suspension, (they provide two different densities of torsion bars to support the gear box). I used the stiffest bars throughout, as I wasn't sure what the finished model would weigh. In hindsight, I'd have used the heaviest ones under the gearboxes, and the lighter ones for the rest. It uses standard short shaft Heng Long gear boxes, and a small amount of metal had to be filed from the bottom edge of the front of the metal gearbox frame in order to fit in. Seriously, it was about 1/16 of an inch, and 20 seconds with the Dremel.
The sprockets, (of which they offer two different types), did not quite align with the road wheels and return rollers, so I created/printed a small shim to fit inside the sprocket on the end of the shaft. Now they align perfectly.
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