RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Right this is my second current build, so they might both take me a while! Aiming for a late production model here, but might skip doing Zimmerit as am not sure I can be bothered and I like the clean look! Started with a hl panther g with IR, got it from tank zone. I know they have a bad rep on here but they were actually pretty good and really helpful! So one positive review for them atleast! Going for a relativity detailed build and going to try and keep/ modify as much of the original as possible as I want to keep it quite light (my late production tiger ways about 14lb and is a right pain to lug about!) just going to add metal wheels as the rubber is removable and easier to paint, may in future add metal tracks, drive sprockets, idler, and gear boxes but this will add a ton of weight so we will see!
As for the electronics will be adding an IBU2 and TPA so I can use 2 speakers and my turnigy 9XR, I really need to find out make a decent smoker too!
Any way I will post pics as I get through the build and I would just like to say thanks to all the guys on here who have posted there builds as the hints an tips has been really helpful in planning and commencing this build! Pics to follow!
So we started with this bog standards IR smoke and sound tank, first mod was the c-hook holders and retaining pins
I used some spare dolls house screws I had from my tiger builds hinged mud flaps ( and it means i can just un screw them if I want to add Zimmerit) to attach the chains and some pins for the retainers, then I used a pin vice to drill holes in the mountings
I then modified the barrel travel lock, the hl one is molded in the closed position and I wanted it to work so I drilled the end with a pin vice at the hinge point then cut through where the lock meets the mounting frame and glued some pins in for hinges, am currently using a piece of chain and a pin to hook it on too secure the barrel but am looking for a better solution for this!
Added taigen photo etched grills and schumo tow cable clamps may add some bolts and other details at a later date
Decided I wanted working drivers/radio operators hatches the easiest way to do this is drill out the plate mounting these with a dremmal and fit a complete working metal version, I used plasticard to secure the plate/ super glue.
And this is how it looks so far!
Also added working front light/wiring, fuel over flow pipe, well lines, plate cut marks, next is going to be weld lines and track hangers which I will fabricate from plasticard.

Lets hope so! Am also considering hinging the engine deck plate, but not sure if I can be bothered to go to the trouble and I have no idea where to get a metal working replacement! The big question though is- yo zim or not to zim!

On a late G no zim. Only the very early G's had it. You would have to do some further mods to it if you wanted it accurate...

Thanks kirk, that gives me and excuse not to bother, I don't want it deadly accurate, don't want to get to detail involved, I would like some late pattern steel wheels, although I can't seem to find any where that sells them, only the early/ mid rubber tired ones! So may stick with those!

Hey Sponge,

Keep explaining well as your doing, for the thick ones like me saying what tools your using really helps
cheers, Jake

Looks like a fun build...going to like watching this one come to life

ALPHA

Hey Jake, I will do my best to explain, I don't have that many tools to be fair I just tend to botch and improvise! I will try add more pictures of the stages / process for you guys though.

Well for a botch job...she's coming along pretty nice Hoob... have you taken a look at Phil's Panther build? ....You're kind of following his blueprint .... and his came out great

LINK:http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/v ... +PANTHER+G

ALPHA

Thanks Sponge, look forward to the rest of the build..

Ha ha alpha your just to sharp! Am pinching alot of ideas I got from phils panther and Jake 101 but doing them in my own simplified way as the detailing on those builds is beyond my current skill set but they are invaluable guides for anyone looking to build/ customize a panther and am going to approach something comparable with those builds! ( I hope!)