Leopard 1 A4 R/C Tank 1/12 scale scratch build

[Hein SA]

Hi Andy
First I sanded the whole body with 360-600 grit sandpaper. Painted it with fiber glass resin and repeated the sanding where needed. Then painted another layer of resin followed by a light sanding and 2 layers of paint The plywood I used was qiute smooth already, but if the grain is deep, mix in body filler with the resin, using the same catalyst.

[Hein SA]

After almost 2 years of operation, the tank is still in perfect working condition. I am surprised how well the track system, and speed controllers work, since they are the two components which seem to give the most problems with scratch built tanks.

[lister fiend]

hi hein,
i joined this forum just after you built this
so missed it which is a crying shame.
i can't believe that it's made of wood, it looks so real
coupled with the fact it's given you 2 years of hassle free running, must be very satisfying indeed.
so do you have any other projects on the go?
well done again
lister

[Hein SA]

Hi lister

Hehe thanks I deliberately over engineered the tank to a large extent, and I am glad i did. I am presenting it at the Stellenbosch university's engineering open day on Saturday, looking forward to get kids interested in engineering and model building.

With my studies I do not have enough time on my hands, but would like to start work on a model gas turbine in the holidays.

I also scratch built a RC speed boat which was a lot of fun. Find the construction pictures here http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/viewt ... =24&t=6274

Here is a picture of the completed model:

[jaw7620]

Excellent build the only other all wood build I have seen is for a 1/6 scale Cromwell and that was not as detailed as yours

[Hein SA]

Hehe Thanks jaw7620.