Trumpeter/Taigen hybrid T-34/76 (obr. 1942 model)

[Raminator]

My apologies Soeren, didn't see your post. It's the Clark recoil unit for the Taigen Tiger I.

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I meant to get the Sherman unit (since the M4 and T-34 turret are both fairly small), but I ordered the Tiger one by mistake. It needed a lot of rework to squeeze it into the tiny T-34 turret, but it's very solid and well-engineered.

[Raminator]

I've been too unwell to get any real work done on these tanks for the last few months, and only managed to start back about four weeks ago. I promptly drilled into my left index finger and couldn't do anything while the digit was bandaged, and now here we are. While recuperating I had one of those "good ideas" that's rapidly become more trouble than it's worth. I thought running all of the upper hull electronics through D-sub connector would be a good way to simplify the connection, since the upper hull needs to be removed to change the battery and refill the smoker. Fitting it to the quick-connect cross-member would allow it to help hold the upper hull in place. So far, so good.

However, in order to fit the plug there, the speaker has to move about 10 mm forward. If the speaker is moved forward, the Elmod board has to move too. If the Elmod is moved forward, it won't clear the power switches. You can see where this is going.

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First up was to make a new low-profile switchplate for the power and smoker switches.

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The switchplate extends inside the chassis with built up a mounting for the Elmod that lifts it above the hull floor, and built a I've wired up a 25-core ribbon cable from the D-25 connector that splits to each of the upper hull functions.

Now that all the electronics have moved forward, there's not enough room for the hull MG servo, so that's had to move down and left to clear the motor connections and battery. I'm running the motor, speaker and smoker wires underneath the suspension towers, kind of like a conduit. There's not a lot of room in the T-34 hull, I've had to make the best use of the space that I can. You guys with your Tigers and Panthers have got it easy!

[c.rainford73]

Mr Raminator I've happened upon this wonderful build for the first time and I must say it's absolutely amazing! It's so well done your wiring trick is a brilliant idea!

Carl

[midlife306]

That looks great. Where did you get that unit from?

I’m eager to know as well, looks nice & robust!
Cheers
Wayne


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[c.rainford73]

That looks great. Where did you get that unit from?

I’m eager to know as well, looks nice & robust!
Cheers
Wayne


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Wayne I agree it's a super tidy and fabulous upgrade to the design! Total freedom to remove the upper hull. I'm very interested in seeing more

[HERMAN BIX]

Just WOW!
You dont muck around do you Mr Raminator !!
Never thought I would like an 'inside' as much as an outside !

So ?

Whats happening with your old IBU2 unit
I happen to know a body that needs one for a similar project.

[Soeren]

That looks great. Where did you get that unit from?

I’m eager to know as well, looks nice & robust!
Cheers
Wayne


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He wrote it wad the Clark unit. That looks really sturdy. Everything inside this tank is great engineered. Must be almost free of maintenance.

[Raminator]

Cheers for the kind words lads, but the praise for the wiring might be a bit premature. While I've endeavoured to make sure that everything fit with the hull closed, I neglected to take the turret wiring into account.

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It might not be super clear in this photo, but the slip ring for the turret will crash into the speaker box and get tangled in the Elmod connections. Not much of a 360° turret then, eh? I might take a few days to ponder/improvise/sulk before revisiting the idea.

[Estnische]

Ram, where did you get the Clark recoil unit? I see Ozarmour sell a universal one ('fits most tanks'), which I'm guessing will plug into the servo socket of my RC5HL?

Somehow I missed the beginning of this build. You've done a fab job!

[Raminator]

I bought this unit from Clark directly, I couldn't find anyone else with it. A little pricey, but without my own 3D printer I think it was worth it.

By the looks of it the universal recoil unit matches the profile of the H/L airsoft, so it should fit just about anything. Judging by the quality of the design of the Tiger one, I'd imagine the universal unit would be a solid performer that you really couldn't go wrong with. It comes in a kit with a regular servo, so it'll plug into the RC5HL with no dramas at all.