Long time since I posted anything build wise, although I have been tinkering a bit in the background.
Finally managed to get started on the leclerc. I wasn't particularly impressed with how it ran stock, the metal single pin tracks don't help and neither do the very square profile sprocket teeth as they tend to catch the tracks which adds to jerky movement and excessive noise.
The td 3.0 electrics whilst a big improvement over earlier ones still aren't quite at the level of the hl 7.0 and 7.1.
However it isn't all doom and gloom. Waiting for a good AliExpress offer I got this pro version for £220 odd delivered.
It's got fully ball raced running gear, the gearboxes are nice with metal cases and bearing throughout, the swing arms are ball raced and very chunky.
The only thing missing is output shaft bearings but there seems to be a space for this
The plastic seems to be that more brittle type used on the new hl challengers but the loaded bits seem reinforced structurally so hopefully it'll be robust.
First order of business has been to swap in a hl 7.0 system which was pretty much plug and play. Big improvement in sound and drivability also found the fast setting after using one for a few years (shame on me).
I've mentioned above I wasn't happy with the tracks. Carson at dklm posted a video showing OKMO printed ones to utilise the rubber pad tracks shared by the chally, Leo and Abrams. Super! But at 56 dollars plus post for plastic sprokets I wanted to explore other options.
When I checked the mesh of a set of plastic hl chally tracks things looked promising. The pitch of teeth was spot on, and the outer measurement of the sprocket teeth was perfect. Unfortunately the teeth are much thicker than on the hl sprocket.
Enter Mr dremmel. And about 10 grinding drums and some swearing.
Et voila!
The rubber pad tracks run perfectly, because I've reprofiled the teeth so they're angled with a round corner they don't catch any more. Quick run in the garden had the tracks staying on even on the thick grass. Winner!
Video to follow!
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I have not found the TongDe electronics to be different from the HengLong 7.0, but I don't run my tanks outdoors much, as I live in thick weed and woodland. So your notes about the TongDe are interesting, and I will watch for tricks like the automatic reset. 
