Re: Sov's 1/16 RC M4A3E8 (Tamiya/AHHQ004)
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 12:31 pm
Really enjoying this one! I've got the stuff stashed for the same build so this might give me the kick up the bum to get it started
Wait, I have a Tiger? lol... yes, it will get more attention one day. This Sherman should be an easier time.
I guess I was pumped up to proceed, I went hard at it today.
Figuring out the turret from those that have done this before me. Going to try and use the Tamiya parts for turret rotation. This will require some plastic card and modification. I didn't take too many pics during the process...
Cutting out a ring to secure the takom turret to the hull. This ring grabs the takom turret in the hull perfectly. Eventually I will secure it with screws so it cannot pop off. Will also end up lubricating the entire ring for smooth operations and low wear. The inside the hull ring sort of seals the area off as a bonus.
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The Takom turret is "model loose" and not a fine fit for RC operation. Added some thin plastic card spacers to tighten the fit a bit and reduce the binding of plastic on plastic.
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Created a center section to fill the plastic turret base. This is to attach several Tamiya parts to the Takom turret for operation. The turret ring gear, and metal spar for other part mounting later.
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Test fit the plastic gears with no motor to ensure it spins close enough to round to operate. I was nervous my measurements and cutting left it not perfectly round, and it may be a tiny bit off center but it's close enough it operates.
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A battery mod for my (now) old but still unused new Turnigy 9x to make it Lipo instead of 8x AA batteries. Had to cut off and solder on a new connector, easy job.
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And a video of the electronics test with the system partially wired. Drive works, sound works and the turret spins! (Tamiya sound not featured in this video, I unplugged it for now.)
Thank you all for your encouragement, I'm having fun again and hope to have more frequent updates.
