Hi Jackeb, :~
I just typed a long reply and have just lost it in the computer
I hate it when that happens....try again.
I think that to add the extra power to a standard hull you will end up breaking it and so constantly have to repair and to reinforce it. So first and foremost...Asiatam Hull....that way you have a really solid foundation to build upon....check out Welsh dragon Models and Forgebear...both are members on the Forum.
The 400 motors will probably have the same shaft diameter as a standard Heng Long motor @ 2.3 mm
BUT the 480's will probably have a thicker shaft of 3.17mm
SO CHECK IT CAREFULLY( Graupner motors do, see 'Cornwall model Boats' for info and good prices )
I run 480 Graupner motors with a 12 tooth pinion gear as I could not find a 10 tooth gear anywhere of the correct pitch. The
PITCH is
VITAL, (I think that it is the actual angle of the teeth,) Heng Long and Tamiya use a >
46 PITCH < so only a 46 PITCH will mesh and work properly with the gears anything else will just be a waste of money.
Now for the slight problem.....if you go for the 480 motors and they have a 3.17mm shaft then you will have to use a larger diameter pinion gear, this will mean that you will have to move the electric motor on its mounting plate, to allow for the larger gear. You will therefore have to dismantle the gearbox to file a larger hole to 'swing' the gearbox away from the first gear and also to move the motor screw holes or to turn one into a slot. If you do dismantle the gearbox then do them one at a time and take plenty of photographs, as the gearboxes are mirror images and so the gears have to go back accordingly.
There is a Gearbox Calculator on the forum, here is the link....
http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/d ... ftware.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It shows a number of charts with different gearbox types. The values are actually 'alterable', so if your new motor has a maximum speed of X-rpm you can remove the current speed from the chart and input your X-rpm and it will automatically change the actual speed and the scale speed for you....It really is a cracking download !!
In my opinion your order of items to get should be....Asiatam Hull and then Metal 3-1 reduction,Gearbox, Metal Drive sprockets,Metal Tracks, You will be amazed at what the Tiger can then climb up and over as the 3-1 reduction gives even standard motors so much more torque and the 400s will be even better
The Heng Long smoke units are rubbish but the fan operated ones really are superb and it looks great to see a tank leaving a plume of smoke behind it as it speeds along....just another thought for the future.
I hope that this helps, and sorry that it got a bit long,
Alb.
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