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Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:58 pm
by Jib
Looks great!
I’m so jealous, I’m so far away from being able to paint and call mine finished. I spent over a week just working on that functional gypsy rack.
I am almost to the point where I am done with the electronics, so I can keep it actually assemble and able to run whenever, so I guess there’s that.
P.S. I do have a motorized CROWS LP for my 1/16th Abrams (God knows when I’ll get to that). The motor for the elevation on it is the tiniest motor I’ve ever seen, but that’s not saying much.
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 1:18 am
by Herr Dr. Professor
11C asks: "do you have an idea as to what variant you are going to build?" My first step will be to go through the books I have on the Abrams. I am rather weak on modern MBTs; whereas, there are some eggs-perts here on RCTW, e.g. Meter rat.
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 12:56 pm
by Jib
11C wrote: ↑Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:36 pm
I've also notice the new metal turret drive does not have a clutch. where could I find one?
It does exist!
https://youtu.be/-sBt9u9s678?si=5vpmNi4zdQTMzuPW
So I got it off AliExpress, unfortunately they are sold out in that page
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKQt9qd
I think maybe the thing to look for is one with the rotating wave box description?
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 8:58 pm
by tankme
I have one of those "rotating wave" gearboxes on my Abrams and my turret will not move unless it's powered. I'm not sure if they changed the design at some point or what because clearly yours moves by pushing it. There is the other option to go with the GRAY rotation unit from the Merkava tank. It is like the standard Heng Long unit only faster. There is no clutch since it has such high gearing. It can be turned without power.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568070 ... pt=glo2usa
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 11:05 pm
by HERMAN BIX
The Merkava unit has a spring loaded drive cog that is pulled clear of the turret ring when rotated by hand.
It’s the only way to get at the battery compartment.
And it’s fast
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 11:24 pm
by tankme
HERMAN BIX wrote: ↑Wed Sep 10, 2025 11:05 pm
And it’s fast
I install it in all my modern tanks now.
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:38 am
by 11C
Jib wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:58 pm
Looks great!
I’m so jealous, I’m so far away from being able to paint and call mine finished. I spent over a week just working on that functional gypsy rack.
I am almost to the point where I am done with the electronics, so I can keep it actually assemble and able to run whenever, so I guess there’s that.
P.S. I do have a motorized CROWS LP for my 1/16th Abrams (God knows when I’ll get to that). The motor for the elevation on it is the tiniest motor I’ve ever seen, but that’s not saying much.
Nice! that's exciting stuff. once the paint is finished i have to move to the harder points of the build. I have a few ideas in mind for some upgrades
I will have to do some research on what components are compatible with the stock hardware. However I have a feeling I will just scrap the stock hardware entirely
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:51 am
by Jib
You can do a rotating periscope, gun smoke, servo elevation, servo rotation, and use their gun/turret stabilization unit with the HL TK 7.1, but no CROWS, but yours isn’t motorized anyways so maybe no big loss there.
Do you have any other non standard electronic components?
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2025 7:52 pm
by 11C
Jib wrote: ↑Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:51 am
You can do a rotating periscope, gun smoke, servo elevation, servo rotation, and use their gun/turret stabilization unit with the HL TK 7.1, but no CROWS, but yours isn’t motorized anyways so maybe no big loss there.
Do you have any other non standard electronic components?
Sorry for the late reply, Life has pulled me away from my project until January.
Oh wow. I didn't know the 7.1's had those features! i was going to gut the insides and use a clark board, but that might be a better option
sure can! The CITV does have a small motor and gearbox attached, I do want it to be powered at some point. The only other non standard parts atm are the turret motor, I do plan on replacing the lower hull with the metal one on heng longs website. I just cant part ways with cash for the price they want so i'll just have to wait for a sale.
I'll try to have those files up on cults here soonish, They haven't been forgotten for those still wanting them.
The username will be 11C so its easy to find!
Re: Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS
Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2025 8:01 pm
by Jib
11C wrote: ↑Sat Oct 18, 2025 7:52 pm
Jib wrote: ↑Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:51 am
You can do a rotating periscope, gun smoke, servo elevation, servo rotation, and use their gun/turret stabilization unit with the HL TK 7.1, but no CROWS, but yours isn’t motorized anyways so maybe no big loss there.
Do you have any other non standard electronic components?
Sorry for the late reply, Life has pulled me away from my project until January.
Oh wow. I didn't know the 7.1's had those features! i was going to gut the insides and use a clark board, but that might be a better option
sure can! The CITV does have a small motor and gearbox attached, I do want it to be powered at some point. The only other non standard parts atm are the turret motor, I do plan on replacing the lower hull with the metal one on heng longs website. I just cant part ways with cash for the price they want so i'll just have to wait for a sale.
I'll try to have those files up on cults here soonish, They haven't been forgotten for those still wanting them.
The username will be 11C so its easy to find!
Yeah I want that metal hull too, but like you, the price has kept me away for now.
Your only issue with using the TK7.1 for all of those features is that most of them are for components in the turret, so if you want to keep 360° rotation you’ll need a slip ring with a decent number of wires running through it.
You’ll also need a motor to servo control board (I can’t remember what it’s actual name is, but that’s the jist of it) for the CITV motor so you can plug it into the servo port on the TK7.1