RC 1/16 GTK Boxer A1 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

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lmcq11
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RC 1/16 GTK Boxer A1 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Hi, here is my new build.

The GTK (Gepanzertes Transport-Kraftfahrzeug) Boxer is a multirole armoured fighting vehicle designed by an international consortium led by German companies, mainly Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

The German Bundeswehr was the first to take delivery of 272 + 131 Boxers to replace some M113 and TPZ-1 Fuchs. Confirmed Boxer customers are Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Australia and the UK. The Boxer has been produced and seen service in A0, A1 and A2 configurations. The UK Boxer will be A3 configuration. Australian deliveries are an A2/A3 hybrid.

The unique feature of the vehicle is the interchangeable mission modules at the back which allow several configurations to meet different operational requirements. With Australia and the UK being users, i have a feeling this vehicle will be popular on RCTW in years to come.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The model will have the following features;
- 8x8 drivetrain with steering on the first two units.
- Clark TK40 control board
- Likely 540 Brushed Motor with 1/10 truck gearbox, or twin 370 motor/gearbox.
- FLW-200 Remote Weapon Station equipped with M2 12.7mm machine gun with rotation, elevation, flash and sound
- Rear opening ramp, will see later if any interior detail can be reproduced.
- Headlights and interior lighting
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Capture.JPG (58.42 KiB) Viewed 11639 times
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The Ludwig basic plasticard kit and some available 3D printed accessories will be used.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The 3D printed FLW-200 Remote Weapon Station offered by Ludwig is the same that i used on the TPZ-1 Fuchs build last year. But instead of equipping it with a 40mm grenade launcher, this one will have a Tamiya M2 machine gun.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The most complex aspect of the build is to plans and figure out the drivetrain. The standard idea is to reuse something easily available as a base for modification such as an RC buggy. My first key imperative was to find one that has the right axel width. My second one was to find one that is cheap, functional with lots of spare parts and upgrades available. I selected the WLToys 979A below. Two vehicles are required for cannibalization.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Capture2b.JPG (92.38 KiB) Viewed 11639 times
Lots of cheap metal upgrades are available for it on the market. If you are not careful, this could start to cost a lot.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
For now, i purchased the metal gears and drive shaft metal upgrade.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
I also purchased the metal steering bars and the link rods. Further purchases might occur as needed.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Continuing on following post.
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:25 am, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

From my 1/35 kit used as reference, i determined the tires should be between 83 and 85mm in diameter. Need eight of them so costs can climb fast. Someone could spend $200 on German made ones. However, i will try these cheap ones available on eBay and designed for 1/14 Tamiya trucks. They have the right diameter and width, the tread is close, and i can buy eight of them for $40 total.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Capture5.JPG (85.43 KiB) Viewed 11635 times
I will try to reuse the available WLtoys plastic wheels by keeping the core, reduce the width and fit the 3D printed Boxer hub caps from Ludwigs. We'll see later if it works out.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
I will be helped by the 1/35 HobbyBoss Boxer kit for reference to extrapolate dimensions, placement and details.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
There is no way to repro exactly the complex underside of the vehicle. So, the idea is to focus on a efficient workable drivetrain and suspension instead.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The Ludwigs parts for the lower hull are prepared for assembly.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
It is fairly simple and goes together fast.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
As usual, all the parts need preparation, specially the angles on all the joints.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
This is as far as i will go for now with the plasticard build, the next step is to engineer the drive train.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Starting to cannibalize the WLtoys 979A vehicles, starting with only one of them in order to check things out before destroying both of them... I am not familiar with RC buggies so this is a good learning and a new RC experience.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu May 13, 2021 3:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Cute little vehicle, too bad.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
This is what is under the hood. There will be a lot of parts for my junkyard...
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Dissabled in no time. Nice 540 motor, metal mount and gear.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The standard gears come in plastic.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
But i have the metal upgrades for them all, including the main shaft.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Looks like superb gears to me for the price...
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
A front steering module is prepared using section of the bottom plate that was cut.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
This is the rear module with the main gear for the motorr. Now, i have to transform this unit for motor drive and steering to be used for for the second unit, using parts from the second buggy.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The work of disassembling the drivetrain modules units, upgrading the parts with the metal upgrades, etc has started. This is quite fun.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Obviously, the Ludwig tub will require some modifications to fit the drivetrain suspension modules. This was expected.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Capture17c.JPG (35.51 KiB) Viewed 11634 times
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu May 13, 2021 3:33 am, edited 2 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Oh well, that's it for now. Hope this build won't keep me up at night. Below is my cat Platon, a Russian Blue, that never seem to have enough sleep.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
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Regards, Louis
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Jimster
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by Jimster »

Great build so far but nothing less is expected of you now :thumbup: Your cat is cool as hell.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Hello!

Continuing with the build, this set of posts are for the drive train and suspension. I am a tank modeller so i did not know anything about car mechanics. This is a true learning experience for me and it is fascinating.

The cannibalization of the two RC buggies are a wealth of nice parts for my junkyard for future use.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Each suspension module is disassembled.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
This is the proper time to perform the metal upgrades. I am still missing the metal steering so these will be added later as long as Unit A and B are made ready for them when they arrive. In any cases, the priority at this time is to install the units and then take care of the motorization.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The bottom of the first two units are placed to the bottom of the hull with a few drops of superglues. Its only once all the finetuning is done and the placement is determined to be optimal that the units will be bolted in place to the hull.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
A critical step is to determine the optimal length of the shafts. It is better to cut it longer and then fine tune with a hand file. The groove for the gear is made with the hand file.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The replacement parts are made ready. Comparing here the original plastic and metal replacement. They need to be filed a bit.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Thorough testing and fine tuning is required in order to make the shafts and gears turn freely without too much resistance or bumping. The first tests showed poor results.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
I found that each gear seems to have a natural mate. Simply switching the gears has improved the situation dramatically.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Nice gears. The guy that wants to sunk in another couple of hundred bucks can use metal parts for the whole thing, eliminating the need to buy plastic buggies for core components, like the gearbox housing.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Continuing on following post.
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat May 22, 2021 3:21 am, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

The top of the steering units A and B are installed.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
The steering bars on unit B were inverted so that the gearbox with the connection for the main shaft is facing forward, and the steering bars at the back. It is planned for each steering unit to have its own steering servo, linked with a Y connector to the control board.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Unit C and D are non steering, and correspond to the rear axles on the buggies.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Again, creating the main shaft is critical.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Unit C and D are made to face each other, the drive gear is given to Unit C.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Here we are, all units are installed. The steering on Unit A and B will be configured later once motorization is designed and built.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Notice the hull was cut around each suspension unit so that the components can work freely up and down. As these holes will be behind the large 85mm wheels, they should not show too much. I might improve the look later if required by adding some plating to cover non essential areas.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat May 22, 2021 3:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Close up on the suspension units and alignment.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
For motorization, the RC buggie motor cannot simply be linked to the driving gear without any reduction gearbox. What would make the heavy GTK Boxer completely uncontrollable and way too fast.

I am currently analysing two options;

Option A is a twin engine configuration using a good metal gearbox with strong gears linked to a 370 motor that will be independently connected to the two sets of suspension (A and B) and (C and D). A twin motor configuration for front and rear is just like tanks for right and left track... Its seems to be the simplest option.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
I did a small test by plugging a gear on the shaft and manually make the first set of gearbox run. Its seems to offer good strength, control and speed.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
Option B is to centrally plug in a 1/10 truck gearbox with 540 Brushed Motor, designed for Axial 90046 SCX10 SCX10 II, with a pair of strong drive shafts that would be connected to another gear that would activates the drive gear on the gearbox main shaft... Now, this is way more exciting than option A but it is very powerful, maybe too powerful for the drive train i have.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
This is the version with the 55T gear.
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build
But the motorization of the GTK is a story for another week.

Regards, Louis
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat May 22, 2021 3:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Herr Dr. Professor
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by Herr Dr. Professor »

Amid all the RC wizardry, we see ? ?????? ????? ??????????? ????????. Plato is unwise, asleep (or something like that). :haha:
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 GTK Boxer 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

This build kept me up at night for a few hours this week, pretty much like Platon. He gives meaning to the word Copycat (copy cat).
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