M-113A1 Medium Recon Vehicle - Australian Army 1980s - build

[lmcq11]

Hi,

This will be my project for the next few months. The year 2019 has been a good year with a BMP-1, a Sho't Kal Centurion, an M-48A3 and a V-150 Commando. Its time for my annual M-113 build. It will be an Australian M-113A1 Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle with Scorpion 76mm turret. I guess people start to know my weakness for AFVs that have a rear ramp and a turret.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

Designed to replace the M-113 Fire Support Vehicle (FSV) equipped with the Saladin turret and which served in Vietnam, the MRV as the name implied, had a reconnaissance mission and served in the 80s and 90s in Recce troops. Its Scorpion turret with complex sighting apparatus was a good improvement over the Saladin turret.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

The model will have the following features;
- Ludwig base kit and road wheels
- Modified Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret with rotation, main gun elevation, recoil and flash
- AFV-Model suspension, sprocket, idler, tracks and other accessories
- Mato gearbox
- Coax MG flash and sound
- Opening rear ramp
- Partial interior with turret basket rotation
- Head lights and tail lights
- Clark TK-40 control board

A big component of the build is the Spyker Workshop 3D printed Scorpion turret, purchased separately. There is a lot of parts and look fairly complete for the Scorpion tank, but will require some changes to the equipment arrangements for the MRV.

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

This is the core of the turret

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

I have mixed feeling about the quality of the 3D printing, with major printing lines that will need to be eliminated or part replaced for a good looking vehicle that can sustain close up inspection. There is nothing that I dislike like sanding 3D parts. So, I am a bit disappointed personally. I will certainly replaced some of these key parts with scratch build components using plasticard sheets and brass tubes.

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

The important optical device for the main gun looks ok.

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

Hatches and turret top will likely be replaced.

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

Spyker Workshop Scorpion turret

continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

I purchased all the M-113 suspension, tracks and drive components available from AFV-Model of Germany. Expensive but these are of good quality. One of the issue if that the tracks are the Nato version (Canada, Germany...) and not the US version that the Australian used, but there is no alternatives.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

These are the suspension arms and mounting.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

The arm locks into the mount and is activated by a torsion blade.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

In addition to the M113 torsion blade, I purchased a set of stronger Leopard blades as the suspension under the gearbox at the front usually requires better support.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

These are the Ludwig 3D printed M113 road wheels, coming with M3 ball bearings.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

Close up of the 3D printed lines that will be difficult to sand.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

One of the issue that will need to be resolved is that the Ludwig road wheel use a M3 axle, while the AFV-Model suspension arms are drilled for an M4 axle. I wish these guys could talk.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

As this model will not have a full interior, regular gearbox will be used. This time, I will use Mato gearbox. The gearbox main shaft build for a Heng Long sprocket can be easily removed and replaced by a new shaft that can fit the AFV-Model sprocket. Here is a Mato Panther gearbox that I had available but I ordered a lighter Mato Panzer III gearbox for the M113.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

A spacer will be created to fit between the new shaft size and the 2 Mato gearbox ball bearings. The metal shaft can be purchased on eBay.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

Here are the Ludwig M113 base kit components. Nothing new here, this is my third M113 build but each have differences in the way i used the components and build the drive train.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

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1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

Other than some good walk around on the web, references on the MRV are rare. I purchased this book "Military Briefs - Australian Fire Support Vehicle". A good part of the book is for the FSV but there is a good section on the MRV, with history and many black and white pictures, interior shots and some graphs that will be useful.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

And finally, for a 1/16 build with some grey areas, I always like to be supported by an accurate 1/35 kit. The AFV Club M113 FSV (actually an MRV) will provide details and dimensions (extrapolated from 1/35) for the various parts that will need to be scratch built.

1/16 RC M-113A1 M113 M113A1 MRV fire support - Australian Army - build

Well, this is it. Now the fun starts.

Regards, Louis

[BarryC]

How many M113s are in your future?

Barry

[lmcq11]

How many M113s are in your future?

Well, if I look back at my 1/35 modelling days for any indications, I had 12.

An IDF Zelda and a M167 are likely next.

[43rdRecceReg]

A masterly and detailed introduction, Louis.
Like you, I'm no fan of the ripple effect lines, which seem to be an inescapable byproduct of 3D printing. I'm sure, though, they won't prevent you from making yet another
superb model. I'll just get my slippers and a nice 10-year old single malt, then.
Do proceed.

[BarryC]

I'm no fan of the ripple effect lines, which seem to be an inescapable byproduct of 3D printing.

It not a byproduct but a quality of the printing machine. Have a look here.
https://www.model-monkey.com/product-pa ... irfix-kits

Barry

[B_Man]

Nice choice of subject Louis, looking forward to this one.

[lmcq11]

Hi,

The build has started and is already well advanced after a few evenings of work.

The Ludwig parts for the lower hull have annoying interlocking joints that are later difficult to make seamless and polished.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The Ludwig lower hull is configured for Taigen Panther style suspension. After some analysis, the main hole is too big and not adaptable to the AFV-Model suspension.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

I therefore had to recreate new lower hull parts in plasticard, using the Ludwig parts for shape and dimensions. Good thing I had just recently rebuilt my plasticard (Polystyrene) reserve with plates of all thickness from Axels. This gave me the opportunity to eliminate the interlocking joints, and keep the Ludwig parts intact for future use.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The new M113 lower hull is created totally with home made parts.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

AFV-Model suspension units, exterior view. M1x5 bolts are used, mainly for the look because the part is also glued in place.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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AFV-Model suspension units, interior view

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The useless M4 threads are removed from the suspension arms.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

A 4mm aluminum tube with 3mm inner hole will be inserted.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

It is solidly hammered in place, the crushed end providing traction for the M3 threads.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The M3 bolt is test fitted.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

Ludwig road wheels with M3 bolts are installed on the modified AFV-Model suspension arms.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

An internal brace similar to the Ludwig design is created but adapted to the AFV-Model suspension. Notice how the torsion blades end points have been reinforced in place in order to adjust the suspension equally among the road wheels and remove any looseness.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The suspension arms first fit into a hole of exactly the sized of the arm for a firm and tight suspension, no loose movement here.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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Fine tuning and adjustments to the arms themselves are required to align the road wheels correctly.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The suspension was first tested with AFV-Model M113 torsion blades on all road wheels. It did not take much time to notice that adding the weight of the suspension at the front made the model tilt to 51mm at the front and raised to 54mm at the rear, as I kind of expected, from experience with similar suspension without attachments for dampers. AFV-Model should have provided damper attachments on 6 of the suspension arms...

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Stronger AFV-Model Leopard 1 torsion blades were therefore installed on road wheel 1 and 2 at the front.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The model is now at a stable 53mm on both front and rear, the issue is resolved.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

The AFV-Model drive gearbox is installed after removal of some resin at the front in order to align the holes as much as possible.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Continuing with the hull buildup with home made parts without interlocking joints.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

New hull sides are created, each made of 2 plasticard layers that are glued together, with the right thickness for both. The inner layer is made about 1.5mm shorter at the top and front to reproduce the support groove for the roof and glacis.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Comparison of the Ludwig and newly created part.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Notice the important groove for the roof and glacis support.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Buildup of the M113 hull is well under way.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The Ludwig glacis is used and dry fitted, this part is a left over from the M-113A2 build where I replaced it with the Verlinden Glacis. It will not be glued but will be held in place with magnets.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Continuing on following post.

[lmcq11]

Frontal view

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Roof support groove recreated using the 2 layers of plasticard glued together.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The rear of the M-113, with its huge opening ramp that can be easily open and close with a servo, is crying from some interior details.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The vision for the model is a partial interior, with rotating turret basket and lighting, up to the engine bulkhead at the front.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Regards, Louis

[43rdRecceReg]

[Niels jansen]

Great job.
I will follow your tread because my ypr 765 has the same undercarriage with roadwheels etc.

[lmcq11]

Thank you !

The engine maintenance hatch and grills have been built.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

As the driver's hatch need to be repositioned to the left and the periscope holes filled up because they have the wrong shape and position, I opted to replace the section completely.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The left grill needs to be reworked to be accurate, references needed. As there were 80,000 M113 built, there are also some variations.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

For the headlights, Mato Sherman headlights were modified, they are of the right size.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

And installed once the right location has been determined using the 1/35 kit.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The guards are made of thick brass strips and plastic. Notice the AFV-Model US hooks from the MLRS offering, they are a perfect match for the M113. This is a good investment as these hooks are difficult to scratch build and can be purchased for a few Euros. M1x4 bolts are used to hold them in place.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Also notice the AFV-Model MLRS low visibility light on the left, mounted on a copper tube.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Headlights on the left side

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Wires are going through the glacis and are barely visible.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Engine grills and exhaust

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

Overview of the model today. The MRV will have a trim vane with a floating device that will hide most of the lower glacis.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Showing here the top of the AFV-Club 1/35 M113 MRV that is used as reference.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

In preparation for the turret construction and mounting, a new top has been made without the pre-drilled holes. The driver's hatch will also have a different opening device.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Regards,
Louis

[BarryC]

Another modelling adventure brought to us by "Louis the Magnificent"!
Looks like another show stopper Louis!

Barry

[lmcq11]

Thanks Barry but just "Louis the Builder" would do fine.

Continuing with the build. With the delivery of the Henntec Idler adjuster and the Mato Stug III gearboxes, I have concentrated on the running gear.

I got to give it to Guido, his HennTec idler adjusters are unbreakable. This is not ideal for scratch building because I need to take them apart and modify to adapt to the subject. This is a No14 Panther adjuster that I just cut in half in order to mount on the reduced size of the M113.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

This is the AFV-Model M113 Idler wheel, with its two (provided) ball bearings and a M4x12 metal pin available on eBay for a few pennies and used as an axle. It turns like a charm.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

I installed it like that, first with its central brass reinforcement but later removed as it is in the way of the interior floor. Its really not needed on a small M113.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The hex bolt for the arm adjustment is accessible from a groove at the bottom.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

This is a Mato Stug III gearbox that I removed the drive axle. The fact that it is retained with gears can be easily unlocked from the main shaft by hex bolts is wonderful for scratch building. A new drive axle arrangement with the required length is designed and prepared from available material.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

A new shaft of 4mm in very thick brass is made to fit the AFV-Model sprocket. As the ball bearing on the Mato gearbox are 5mm, a thin aluminum 5mm spacer tube is used to bridge the gap and goes on top of the brass axle in the gearbox. And in similar fashion as the Mato axle, holes for the hex bolt are drilled to provide a good anchor for the gears on the axle. I had earlier purchased a true 4mm metal axle rod to use but I do not know what kind of material it is made of because it is so strong that I could not even create a scratch on it with my best metal blade. So, I had to go with plan B which is a very solid 4mm and thick brass tube, it should do well.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The new shaft is mounted on the gearbox and tested for weaknesses.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Change in plans. I earlier thought I could only do a partial interior with the Mato gearboxes, I mean without the driver's position. However, because I ordered 2 pairs of gearboxes from MatoMart in order to get the free shipping, I tried many options and I realised that if I use two right side gears, I could position them in a way to free the driver's area and get everything enclosed in the normal engine area of the M113. This is how the gearbox are installed. So now, this M113 MRV will have a full crew compartment interior.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Notice the shaft extension for the right sprocket running through the front of the driver's position, in similar fashion as the real thing. An inner 5mm flanged ball bearing is keeping things aligned.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The height and glacis angle of the M113 allows for unusual gearbox installations and mounting arrangement. After my third M113, I think I finally found the optimal gearbox and installation for those modellers wishing to build the interior.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

The position of the gearbox is tightly calculated, thoroughly tested and the Dremel was used in two places to remove material from the metal gearbox mount in order to fit.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

To facilitate the running of the sprocket with its axle at the bottom of the hull, it is essential to get the maximum elevation possible for the gearbox to clear the torsion blades of the first road wheel, and without gears sticking out of the hull.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Everything needs to be calculated for a tight fit.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

This is now a gearbox maintenance hatch, convenient.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

AFV-Model M113 sprockets are installed.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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Assembling the AFV-Model M113 tracks requires patience. In general, the casting is good and there are some rejects but AFV-Model provides a lot of spares, which is great. Cutting these pins to the proper length and giving the end point some strength is the main issue here.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Test fitting of the newly created tracks is as expected, both tracks and sprockets run like a pig. Some links are too loose, sprocket teeth are too sharp, they also need oil. The tracks are taken off and reworked.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Detail views of the AFV-Model M113 tracks and sprockets, without their rubber pads that will be installed at the end of the build.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Regards, Louis

[lmcq11]

Hi,

On this build, every interior millimeter counts. Some room was grinded into the wall panel so that the gearbox screws can fit inside and providing a couple of extra mm for the driver's position.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Starting the interior. The driver area is still missing a few mm in width but it will look ok from the rear ramp. This is the maximum I could get.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

The building of a RC model with interior needs its own standard. While most RC fans like to have their electronics and wires cleanly laid out with strong gearboxes and huge speakers, the focus of this model is to pack as many RC features as possible while aiming for the most accurate model exterior and interior.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

This is my third M113 so the general layout of the basic interior is no surprise, however, building the Scorpion turret basket, rotation device, ammo racks and supporting equipment will be a totally new experience. Unlike a tank, the regular M113 is a battle taxi so once it is built, it can only be driven around with stops to open the rear ramp to show the interior. The M113 FSV is a combat vehicle. Operating the turret within a fully detailed interior, viewable from a large lowered ramp really combines both worlds.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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Dusty opeations

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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I had to cheat a bit to fit the TK40 on the side panel, the rear bulkhead was pushed out to the rear by a few mm.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

This will be the general planned layout of the electronics. A Clark TK40 on the left panel, Flysky received at the bottom of the rear bulkhead, the battery will be on a tray above the receiver, the rear ramp opening servo will be in front of the driver's area with a push rod towards the rear, and a small HL speaker will be inside the fuel tank at the rear on the right. Remaining free space on the front left will be used for the switch, volume control and battery connector. The front glacis and roof will be held in place with magnets, providing full access to everything.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Its important for the roof to be well supported by the bulkhead and the I beam crossing the rear of the driver's position.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

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The tracks were reworked by re-tightening every link, then a drop of superglue into each pin end point and a thorough filing of any pin residue outside of the track did the trick. I also rounded the corners of the sprocket teeth with a file. The tracks are now strait, looking good and stable.

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

M-113 M113 M-113A1 MRV 1/16 RC Scorpion Turret Australian Army build

Next step, I will put the hull aside for a while and build the turret because I am really curious how my plan for the turret rotation system will work out.

Regards, Louis