1/6 1943 Stuart M5

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning all,
I am working with Stian and Clark to see about reverting this tank from 12 volt to electronics that we are more familiar with, TK series. Per Stian, Clark was looking at a prototype board that would handle the voltage range for larger scale 1/6 and up tanks. I haven't heard anything back in the last week so am hopeful that a plug and play Clark TK board will be my answer. The motors will be swapped out for more modern versions that will pull current that even a TK-60 could handle. Gearboxes will be cleaned and relubed and remain unchanged otherwise. As 1/6 scale tanks go, the Stuart is the lightest of the lot being mostly model grade plastic ( really 'thick' plastic tho' ) and weighs in around 35-40 pounds. Ditching the old 12 volt battery for a 5000mah type battery will save some weight. I am adding a large Tarr smoker and a much bigger speaker so it will even out in the end.
regards,
Painless

[Max-U52]

That sounds like a pretty good plan, painless. I take it you're planning to use a 3s lipo for power? When I built the hetzer I knew I wanted to use 24-volt so I went with a 6S lipo and I use a sabertooth 2x32 to control the motors, but almost everything else runs off the radio or an IBU2. I'll be watching with interest to see what you do for power and electronics on this tank. It looks like you've got some pretty innovative ideas and I look forward to seeing how everything turns out.

[PainlessWolf]

Hello Gary!
It seems that fellows like you who plan on paint ball battles with your metal, large scale tanks and the like are the innovative sort. I am creating an up scaled version of one of our 1/16 IR tanks. Cannon flash and recoil and elevation\depression, full lights including spot, hull mg on a servo, smoker and sound suite to match. Skid steer and geared speed. Pretty standard stuff, just in a larger scale tank. I don't think I'll be using LiPos and will stick with good old non combustable Nmh type batteries. The upper will use magnets to attach at all of the original screw posts but would still be a pita to get at the battery if someone went south with it. As far as pie in the sky ideas went, I considered reinforcing everything with sheet metal and mounting a small .25acp automatic in the turret and having the interior be accessed like a Tamiya by pulling the turret top up and off. A gasoline engine was briefly considered. At the end of the day, I really want just a detailed, well running 1/6 Stuart. If I ever get another large scale tank, I'll go the metal route and work with Bob over at ECA to get a working scale engine replica, etc. built into it.
regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

Spent yesterday on the road and came home to an email noting that my tap and die set had been delivered and was in my mailbox. Joy!!! I walk down to get it and nothing...We have in the area, apparently, some low life who goes around checking mailboxes and stealing parcels from them. Arse never takes takes the bills, you know. I assume that these items are pawned for cash as it has happened to me before... Anyway, I called the Sheriffs Office today because in the past, the Post Mistress' only recommendation was to get a monthly rate P.O. Box or set up a security camera. Well, my mailbox is a quarter mile walk down the drive, little hard to get a battery powered camera to set up and keep powered in some inconspicuous location when the box sits by the state highway, out and away from everything. Well, I did get a little work done today after ordering a new set ( to be delivered to my door this time ) We'll see what Walsenburgs Finest can do ( as they are based only 30 miles away ) Pics:

[c.rainford73]

Mr Painless it really gets my blood pressure up when I hear such stories especially when it happens to good people like yourself. I know how patiently you waited for those bits for your build. I hope it all works out for you. Maybe a p.o. box isn't such a bad idea, especially when it comes to protecting expensive parts and personal items and information.

Your idea about the Clark electronics has really caught my attention buddy

[PainlessWolf]

Carl!
Thank you, my friend. Oh? Has the 1/6 scale bug bitten you as well? *chuckles* So, still going back and forth with the original Tap and Die set seller on E Bay. I may get a new tool from them, I do not know. While waiting, I ordered a replacement Tap set from Home Depot. It arrived yesterday via UPS and will do the job nicely! Works with Dremel tools but I think for accuracy, I will take a tip from Mr. Steinbrunn and use a pin vise as a handle for the taps. Today saw a lot more of the styrene hatches and detail added to the lower hull. All those little bolts and some more hatches await the next session. Pics:

[PainlessWolf]

S.O.A.G.,
Per the Sheriffs Office, it is a guy in a car who comes around in odd hours after dark. They have not caught his face nor plates on ( surprised me to hear this ) their camera setup in a blind on the main road through town. Close tho' they say so that gives me some hope of the thievery ending soon. More styrene on the Stuart tonight. The bottom of the lower is starting to look like something. ) It will really fill in with all the attaching bolts mounted and everything painted. I am working it by sections and am ready to tackle the styrene plates and hatches up front this weekend. Pics:

[PainlessWolf]

Finished up the styrene hatches on the front of lower hull. Also added an interior mesh screen over the small grill slots in the front. They are supposed to help with air flow and since I am adding stronger motors, it seemed like a good idea to keep those open. Pics:

[HERMAN BIX]

Air flow slots.......if you say so Mr Wolf.....god knows I cant help either way !!
Checking in all the time, but as for advice or guidance...........its a firm acquiescence to your position and direction from me

[PainlessWolf]

Herman!
Thanks for looking in. Mr. Steinbrunn closed those off because ( I reckon? ) he kept the stock motors and electronics in his Build and it hardly ever gets turned on. He was going for definitive scale detail. I plan on running mine more often and I think air moving through over the stronger motors and modern electronics might not be a bad thing. The slots are low on the front curve of the hull and hard to spot unless you are looking. One thing I will remember is not to run it through water that will rise up on the lower hull. ;o)
regards and thanks!
Painless