I took soooo long to build this one. I started printing back in March, and just finished it. For me, that's a really long time. Because I did so little over so long, I didn't take many pictures. So this will be short.
This was a pretty easy build. All the parts fit well. Getting the springs in the suspension tensioned correctly at the beginning was a bit tough as I had to guess. When the tank is finished it will be difficult to go back in and change the springs out. So, I put slightly heavier springs in around the gear boxes and softer springs in the front. Seems to run pretty well without any rocking to the front or back. I honestly couldn't recall what spring went where, it was trial and error, (should have taken notes, sorry).
Only two parts were tough on this tank. I had a really hard time printing the track links. Early in the process I was able to print several at a time. After 50 or so, I began to have problems, (older Ender 3 Pro). I changed the filament, replaced the print head, build plate, and made countless changes to the file, (temp, speed, retraction, etc.), but nothing worked. Finally, I reduced the print quality and was able to print 1 link at a time. I had 2 friends try to print them, (both Prusa machines), but couldn't get them to work either. I can't figure out why. Nonetheless, the tank is done and runs well. The other challenge is the recoil. The barrel is extremely loose in the mantlet and servo tray. It wiggles so much, it looks like it will fall out when driving. Modifying the diameter of the barrel, or adding a guide in the tray can help. As I didn't want to edit the file and print it again, I wrapped the barrel in sheet styrene to thicken it up and it works better. And I had to drill out the barrel a little to get the IR bulb into the muzzle break with wiring.
I also modified the upper hull to use magnets to access the battery.
It uses the CanSou TK26/YK26 motherboard and transmitter. It works well. Speed can be a bit jumpy as the tank is very light. The sounds can be individually selected, matching different engines, the guns, rotation, etc. The sound quality is pretty poor, and different speakers only made marginal differences. But the whole system is inexpensive, is Tamiya compatible, and will be fine for occasional use.
On to the photos:
This was a pretty easy build. All the parts fit well. Getting the springs in the suspension tensioned correctly at the beginning was a bit tough as I had to guess. When the tank is finished it will be difficult to go back in and change the springs out. So, I put slightly heavier springs in around the gear boxes and softer springs in the front. Seems to run pretty well without any rocking to the front or back. I honestly couldn't recall what spring went where, it was trial and error, (should have taken notes, sorry).
Only two parts were tough on this tank. I had a really hard time printing the track links. Early in the process I was able to print several at a time. After 50 or so, I began to have problems, (older Ender 3 Pro). I changed the filament, replaced the print head, build plate, and made countless changes to the file, (temp, speed, retraction, etc.), but nothing worked. Finally, I reduced the print quality and was able to print 1 link at a time. I had 2 friends try to print them, (both Prusa machines), but couldn't get them to work either. I can't figure out why. Nonetheless, the tank is done and runs well. The other challenge is the recoil. The barrel is extremely loose in the mantlet and servo tray. It wiggles so much, it looks like it will fall out when driving. Modifying the diameter of the barrel, or adding a guide in the tray can help. As I didn't want to edit the file and print it again, I wrapped the barrel in sheet styrene to thicken it up and it works better. And I had to drill out the barrel a little to get the IR bulb into the muzzle break with wiring.
I also modified the upper hull to use magnets to access the battery.
It uses the CanSou TK26/YK26 motherboard and transmitter. It works well. Speed can be a bit jumpy as the tank is very light. The sounds can be individually selected, matching different engines, the guns, rotation, etc. The sound quality is pretty poor, and different speakers only made marginal differences. But the whole system is inexpensive, is Tamiya compatible, and will be fine for occasional use.
On to the photos:
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