Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
A little update on the challenger. I've treated it to some more parts from armoured models. I'm going to add the emitter tube into the mantlet sight, the opening door is a really nice touch. The commanders site and the enforcer are mounted on bearing so move freely. Really impressed with the parts, the gun barrel on the enforcer even has the flutes represented.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Hey folks, this build has been locked into the long grass for a while waiting for parts and inclination to crack on with it.
There were some detail part additions that I wanted to add, around the mounts for the turret armour and a couple of other details such as the cable drum holder.
However the main thrust of the work required is electrical. I initially did an instal with a regular tk60, however after I'd done a tk60g2 install on a tamiya abrams and I was that impressed that I decided to do the same thing needed to be done one my challenger.
Something that was raised was being mindful about cables being twisted. I needed a slip ring which could handle motor power but couldn't find anything like this.
Happily Stanley at rctanklegion has come good and has one in specifically for tamiya modern tanks. It has 4x10A channels and 12A channels. This allows for the motors, rotation, engine deck switch, speaker, head lights, indicators and 2 spare should the be needed later.
Wire hygiene isn't generally my strong point but on this build with all the electrics in the turret I pushed myself to be as neat as possible here.
Here's the wiring within the hull, on this tank there is a good deal of space within the hull, but due to the position of the recoil in the turret being off centre there needs to be some room left for the wiring to move around the turret centre.
I've also made up a speaker box in the front integrated into the hull, like I have done on my chieftain.
On the turret the tk60 was installed in the bustle with the Rx along side on one side and the gyro on the other side. There's also a volume control. Wires were all put into conduits depending on where there were going to on the board. I also added some side plates to keep wiring within the turret and make it easier to attach the turret top.
Some photos of the lighting. I need to add the beacon light to the turret as well as adding some tamiya red clear to most of the white LEDs
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
There were some detail part additions that I wanted to add, around the mounts for the turret armour and a couple of other details such as the cable drum holder.
However the main thrust of the work required is electrical. I initially did an instal with a regular tk60, however after I'd done a tk60g2 install on a tamiya abrams and I was that impressed that I decided to do the same thing needed to be done one my challenger.
Something that was raised was being mindful about cables being twisted. I needed a slip ring which could handle motor power but couldn't find anything like this.
Happily Stanley at rctanklegion has come good and has one in specifically for tamiya modern tanks. It has 4x10A channels and 12A channels. This allows for the motors, rotation, engine deck switch, speaker, head lights, indicators and 2 spare should the be needed later.
Wire hygiene isn't generally my strong point but on this build with all the electrics in the turret I pushed myself to be as neat as possible here.
Here's the wiring within the hull, on this tank there is a good deal of space within the hull, but due to the position of the recoil in the turret being off centre there needs to be some room left for the wiring to move around the turret centre.
I've also made up a speaker box in the front integrated into the hull, like I have done on my chieftain.
On the turret the tk60 was installed in the bustle with the Rx along side on one side and the gyro on the other side. There's also a volume control. Wires were all put into conduits depending on where there were going to on the board. I also added some side plates to keep wiring within the turret and make it easier to attach the turret top.
Some photos of the lighting. I need to add the beacon light to the turret as well as adding some tamiya red clear to most of the white LEDs
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Some videos of the tank in action
Something I'm still waiting on is the Clark rotation unit with the engine deck level sensor. Currently I'm using metal rotation unit, this is a little slow, especially on 2S. With the Clark unit this speed will be increased greatly which really helps which the stabilization. I still need to dial this in on the elevation servo too.
Something I'm still waiting on is the Clark rotation unit with the engine deck level sensor. Currently I'm using metal rotation unit, this is a little slow, especially on 2S. With the Clark unit this speed will be increased greatly which really helps which the stabilization. I still need to dial this in on the elevation servo too.
-
Phantom ACE
- Recruit
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2021 3:57 pm
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Hi, I have been following your build for a while now and have found it really useful, I’m currently working through Chally TES build and have the TES upgrade about to be mounted but was wondering where you sourced the resin upper detail for the add on side side armour. Keep up the great work ! Al.
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Thank you for the kind words! The toppers for the armour were 3d printed by a friend. I might have the stls knocking about of you have the facility to printPhantom ACE wrote:Hi, I have been following your build for a while now and have found it really useful, I’m currently working through Chally TES build and have the TES upgrade about to be mounted but was wondering where you sourced the resin upper detail for the add on side side armour. Keep up the great work ! Al.
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Hey folks, it's been a long time since I posted on this one. The build got stuck in the purgatory that so many of mine find themselves in where they're mechanically and electricity sorted and mostly detailed but I feel there's more detail to add but I just haven't had the energy or inclination to do it.
In the end I decided enough was enough and packed it off to Gary Farrow to paint, with the thoughts I'd either be happy with it as is or I can add the little bits at my leisure.
The brief for Gary was to paint it up as it might have been had we stayed in Iraq a bit longer, so tail end of op Telic in 2007-8 but obviously with the newer style tea package Megatron sports. Wanted it well banged up with mismatched chobham etc. Gary as is his way nailed the paint job.
I've had a few jobs to do, add a flash, Coaxial mg, added armoured rear fenders from armoured models, rubber front fenders and have added all the glazing that's missing.
To get the anti glare coated effect I've used purple prismatic tape (off Amazon) stuck onto clear styrene and cut to size. That still gives some transparency and a colour closer to reality. I experimented with black and white styrene but the with just ended up looking blue and black was a bit better but not quite as good as clear.
Sent from my SM-S901B using Tapatalk
In the end I decided enough was enough and packed it off to Gary Farrow to paint, with the thoughts I'd either be happy with it as is or I can add the little bits at my leisure.
The brief for Gary was to paint it up as it might have been had we stayed in Iraq a bit longer, so tail end of op Telic in 2007-8 but obviously with the newer style tea package Megatron sports. Wanted it well banged up with mismatched chobham etc. Gary as is his way nailed the paint job.
I've had a few jobs to do, add a flash, Coaxial mg, added armoured rear fenders from armoured models, rubber front fenders and have added all the glazing that's missing.
To get the anti glare coated effect I've used purple prismatic tape (off Amazon) stuck onto clear styrene and cut to size. That still gives some transparency and a colour closer to reality. I experimented with black and white styrene but the with just ended up looking blue and black was a bit better but not quite as good as clear.
Sent from my SM-S901B using Tapatalk
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Tom,
Fantastic!
Looks every bit the part.
Barry
Fantastic!
Looks every bit the part.
Barry
"Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci
-
Herr Dr. Professor
- Captain
- Posts: 5231
- Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2019 10:48 pm
- Location: Southern Wisconsin USA
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Cheese Whiz, Tom, you have accomplished an amazing build complemented by your friend Gary's paint job.
I have a bone stock Abrams, Challenger, Leopard, T72, T90, ZTZ99, ZTZ99A, all old enough now to have HengLong's version 5 MFU (at least they are 2.4GHz). I hardly know what's what on these complicated beasties. I have a few books on some of these MBTs, but I lack basic knowledge of what all the appended gizmos do. Is there a primer of sorts on modern MBTs?
I have a bone stock Abrams, Challenger, Leopard, T72, T90, ZTZ99, ZTZ99A, all old enough now to have HengLong's version 5 MFU (at least they are 2.4GHz). I hardly know what's what on these complicated beasties. I have a few books on some of these MBTs, but I lack basic knowledge of what all the appended gizmos do. Is there a primer of sorts on modern MBTs?
-
Meter rat
- Warrant Officer 1st Class
- Posts: 1533
- Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2020 7:33 pm
- Location: By the sea in Argyle and Bute
Re: Challenger 2 Theater entry standard build
Sweeeet!!!!!
