RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

jfulls94 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 28, 2025 5:46 pm Not to far off being "complete" if that is even possible with these

Complete for now...

Looking terrific!

Thank you, Much appreciated. im already on the lookout for my next tank to build, but I'll keep that as a surprise... because I don't even know myself!

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I have wondered if I might anneal the brass cables over the gas stove fire, making them a bit more flexible. Is this a really dumb idea?

Herr Dr. Professor wrote: ↑Wed Jan 29, 2025 1:50 am I have wondered if I might anneal the brass cables over the gas stove fire, making them a bit more flexible. Is this a really dumb idea?

Coincidentally earlier today I annealed some brass rod to make the disconnect rod for my 5th wheel. I used a map gas in a propane style torch, the brass won't glow red like other materials will. Once hot I squished the ends (smacked them with a hammer) in order to drill them. Without the heat the rod would split. Not sure the gas stove could "overheat" the brass cables.

I've heated the brass ends and cable with my map torch to burn the oils off of it for painting. I think it would have to be on there a good bit to melt it. The melting temp of brass is 930°C (1710°F). After looking up both propane and mapp torch temps they definitely could melt brass. If you are running the torch over it to anneal it you should be fine.

Yeah in struggling to paint my cables, any tips? Mostly over the copper part

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I would try an etching primer for metal. Many auto parts stores in the US sell such primers in spray cans, and I would expect just the same in the UK. I would try to keep the cables in the correct shape while painting, so I could install them on the tank with minimal flexing.
I have used "metal" cables, but not brass. After priming with a metal etch primer (Rustoleum I buy on Amazon) I just "weather" the cable itself with a Vallejo or an AK Interactive weathering product or with Magic Grime (from ebay). Then I paint the reinforced metal loops on each end appropriate color, being careful not to paint the weathered cable wrapped around the end. After the cables go onto the tank, they are sprayed along with the whole tank in a flat clear acrylic.

Herr Dr. Professor wrote:I would try an etching primer for metal. Many auto parts stores in the US sell such primers in spray cans, and I would expect just the same in the UK. I would try to keep the cables in the correct shape while painting, so I could install them on the tank with minimal flexing.
I have used "metal" cables, but not brass. After priming with a metal etch primer (Rustoleum I buy on Amazon) I just "weather" the cable itself with a Vallejo or an AK Interactive weathering product or with Magic Grime (from ebay). Then I paint the reinforced metal loops on each end appropriate color, being careful not to paint the weathered cable wrapped around the end. After the cables go onto the tank, they are sprayed along with the whole tank in a flat clear acrylic.

Thanks for the tips I'll give that a go!

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Well, the time has finally come for its 1st built shakedown test, very very happy with the results! 95% complete there will always be things to do!

https://youtu.be/PwQ69PSUj3Y?si=OUsYngsP41sBRvIF



I've greatly enjoyed this build, so much so that I have purchased two more project tanks ... you'll have to wait and see what they are! Hope i get better as my knowledge grows!

very nice you have done an excellent job on that love it
dave