Tamiya motorized 1/35 Semi Track Sd.Kfz7 >RRC

[modler]

I doff my cap to you sir, I’ve just put servo steering on a 1/6 scale jeep & I thought that was hard work
Cheers
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you sir for your reply. I only recently achieved this steering mod at this scale using the scale parts that came with the model. I did another 1/35 Peerless Max steering mod many years ago and still have that model. So you can see it has been on my mind for more than a few decades lol.

Here is a video of the latest Peerless Max Tractor steering mod. https://youtu.be/4ID6UAoDQds

I will soon be doing this steering mod to the Semi Track which may be a little more difficult as it is a single leaf spring design.

[modler]

I'm genuinely surprised that 'cute' seemed to cause such offence. I'm generally very careful about the words I choose. The adjective- 'cute' (originally from 'acute') means endearingly small, but attractive, in the Oxford Dictionary.
Your model is small by the 1/16 standards prevalent here, and it is decidedly attractive. How can that cause an upset?
Anyway, I wish you a Happy New Year; do keep posting, and perhaps try not to construe a compliment in a negative light, when it's given

Greetings 43rdRecceReg, I appreciate your reply and the exact meaning of the word "cute", However, Here in America, the meaning of "cute" is a little different than the Oxford Dictionary definition. But that being said, I accept the terms of that meaning here at this site and will no longer be offended by its use at this site. If I went up to one of my friends here and said his modeling efforts were cute, there would be a problem that might result in fisticuffs is all I am saying. Perception of this word cute varies by location apparently. So thrilled to be talking about it with someone from Scotland.

regards
Modler

[modler]

Looks like some cutting, filling, fitting is required to get the servo into position. Trying to use all of the stock plastic front end steering pieces in this mod. Just want to add a small servo to operate the steering linkage. This model 8 Ton Semi track truck has a "manual adjustable steering" type front end to be used with the motorized option as stock. I am just adding a micro servo to that stock plastic steering setup

This will be a running scale model that will not see outdoor use.

[Jimster]

Good engineering. Following this thread with interest.

[modler]

Good engineering. Following this thread with interest.

This is the best one yet. It is only my 2nd use of these sweet little servos.

Here is a video of the finished steering mod https://youtu.be/OBMcD9TFQNU

This thing is now RRC

[modler]

Got this model converted fully to RRC. I changed the motor because it was drawing too much current from the 2s lipo causing the ESC to kick out its over current limiter.
So changed 3v 130 motor to 6v 130. Also changed the plastic 10 tooth pinion gear to a brass 8 tooth gear. Much smoother throttle response now.

Also had to staple the track as one side was stretching too much causing the track to jam. The way these tracks are connected seems a bit weak so a couple of well placed staples greatly enhances the strength of the connection. Other than the track issue, the kit seems pretty solid.

I will do a test run ASAP with video. The body still needs finished but I like everything to be ironed out on the chassis before going for the body completion.

This kit was designed to run with 2 AA cells. The box on the back of the chassis is the AA battery box that includes a on\off switch. I am using a very light weight 2s lipo instead. I think the AA cells would be too heavy for this model. That extra weight would be hard on the driveline, tracks, idler, road wheels. Performance\endurance with the lipo will be much better than stock.

The stock AA battery box is now the radio\ESC area.

video of steering on the bench. In this video, the motor has not been swapped out yet in this video,

https://youtu.be/ZJ-dyR67q-8

upgate 1-3-20 : Ok here is a video of the model running in full RRC mode. https://youtu.be/wpoMfRWUSTA

[modler]

Mounting the body to the chassis was more difficult than I thought it would be. The body is removable and sits on 3 mounts. But it is not that easy to get those 3 mounts to line up.

[Jimster]

Looking good. Definitely a project that requires above average skills.

[modler]

Looking good. Definitely a project that requires above average skills.

Yes Jimster, this one took a lot of time and experience to resolve issues with the build with respect to the motorized aspect and also, I underestimated the difficulty in fitting the hood and sides of the hood. Next one I will focus on the body fitting and body mounts as there are some flaws in the assembly of this one. The glue got out of control in the hood sides as it came apart when trying to force it to line up.

May buy a non motorized version just to get some spare body panel parts.

The tracks worked great at first then after a few days started to jam and then it was throwing tracks all the sudden. Turns out the track design on the Half Tracks is different than Tanks and are not interchangeable and they are also directional in the way they are installed. I was perplexed why these problems suddenly appeared but then realised the tracks had "broke in" and the tensioner needed set. After adjusting the tensioner, realised these rubber tracks could use some clear grease (small amount) to keep the rubber from binding on the drive sprocket teeth which got through the center of the track. After doing that it suddenly became very smooth and now no more binding or tracks coming off.

This is one of Tamiya's most advanced 1/35 scale kits IMO and is visually stunning and unique and really stands out in a collection of like models.

I will do some videos of this Semi Track doing a white table run and a 20° bridge climb ASAP.

[Jimster]

I think with paint and weathering your body panels/hood would look just right for a hard working piece of German war machinery. Whatever you decide to do I’m sure it will be a nice model.