1/6 1943 Stuart M5

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:28 am

Mike,
You gave me the idea and good advice to avoid becoming overly involved with the inner idler arm. This setup will work and will look far more realistic than 21st Centurys single arm setup. I am really looking forward to getting this tank on it's tracks. It will be a benchmark in the progress of the build. Thanks again, Doc!
regards,
Painless

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 4:35 am

I've been working with Shapeways and speaking with ECA to have some smoke diffusers for this tank made up in plastic or resin. Something stiff that I can add the wire mesh to and match the appearance of the original parts. Today was a very good day. High 80s and clear. I had to spend most of it on the road but time was made to stop at a Hobby shop in Colorado Springs. Much needed primer and paint were found and the use of them began as soon as I got home. The primer I used is some that I had and decided to employ given the size of the piece and the smoothing effect required for cut up and sanded sections of the lower. I am pleased with the job it did. It will cure overnight then on to the Olive Drab. Pics: ( click to enlarge )

c.rainford73 · Post by **c.rainford73** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 4:50 am

Great job covering such a large canvas with no flaws. I've yet to try that primer, so it is now on my list of things to buy

The smoke dischargers you are looking to purchase.... Can you scratch build them yourself Mr Painless?

How have you progressed in the electronics Front? I noticed Stian had a 1/6 Stuart running a Clark tk60 board....

Is that a test run with this particular piece in mind

Keep up with all the great work!

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 5:17 am

Carl!
Thank you! Given the size of the pieces, I am having the bodies made up then I will finish them by cutting and adding the metal mesh . I will have to mount them using bolts and nuts for durability. Mr Steinbrunn built his using copper and they are beautiful and fragile. For something on the tank being thrashed around close to the ground, I want to go a different route. That was another builder using a TK-60 to test his build and electronics. I will use a TK-60 as well and use a 12v NiMh running at 5000mah. With the Graupner speed 600 motors, the mfu will be in no danger of a voltage overload. ;o)
regards
Painless

c.rainford73 · Post by **c.rainford73** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 5:23 am

Will you have to solder the motor leads directly to the spots on the tk60 dedicated to larger motors? Or will they plug into the provided standard board locations?

Sorry for the the questions, I'm just very curious

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 5:46 am

Carl!,
The Graupners will plug directly into the standard board locations. Doing it this way is a step above having to add twin ESCs. I'll even be able to add this tank to that Flysky radio and run it off of there. A Bonus with being able to apply switches to functions. ;o)
regards,
Painless

c.rainford73 · Post by **c.rainford73** » Sun Jun 10, 2018 10:24 pm

PainlessWolf wrote:Carl!,
The Graupners will plug directly into the standard board locations. Doing it this way is a step above having to add twin ESCs. I'll even be able to add this tank to that Flysky radio and run it off of there. A Bonus with being able to apply switches to functions. ;o)
regards,
Painless

This is most excellent news. Please post pictures of the electronics as you fit them. Will you be using a specific sound set from Stain?

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:15 am

Carl!
Afternoon' Today, I am painting the lower hull. It will have to cure overnight as it took two cans of the Model Masters OD to complete it. Stian will be building an oversized box for the FS8 speaker so there should be some great sound. He will be providing the sound set as well. It has been a productive Sat and Sun. I am very close to putting the lower back on the tracks now.
regards,
Painless

PainlessWolf · Post by **PainlessWolf** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 2:54 am

A Red Letter Day for this build. The lower hull paint is done and the running gear is back on and the tracks FIT and WORK as I had hoped. Pics: ( click to enlarge )