RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Hello everyone. I used to build 1/35 model tanks as a teenager and always wanted a large scale RC version of a Tamiya tank. Well, as as kid I didn’t have the funds to buy one and Tamiya never made an Abrams in 16th scale. Fast forward 30years, and finally they released one. I bought it with the intention to make this one as realistic looking as I could. I want it to look realistic from like 3-4ft. away, so I will not be changing every handle for a wire bent one. I upgraded the barrel elevation servo for the fastest, highest resolution savox I could find, reinforced the turret with carbon fiber struts and the inside of the lower hull deck with aluminum braces, sleeved the barrel to eliminate all slop and also replaced the elevation units “j” bent wire with something with less slop. Now there is no “wiggle” of the barrel whatsoever and the response time of the barrel stabilizer is super smooth and realistic looking. As far as the outside goes, there are a bunch of scratch built items to give it a more realistic look. Stowage items are a combination of a lot of different brands and I still will do all periscopes and optics with a self adhesive film to give it that color changing look. Also on order are some all metal tracks with rubber pads on both sides.
Enjoy the pics.



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I like it!

Your weathering looks awesome.

I have one and would love to pick your brain on the improvements you've made to the electronics/operations and the structural reinforcements you've added.

Barry

Some exquisite details there, lending the Abrams a credible appearance.

BarryC wrote:I like it!

Your weathering looks awesome.

I have one and would love to pick your brain on the improvements you've made to the electronics/operations and the structural reinforcements you've added.

Barry

Thank you Barry.
Once I get ready to install my new tracks, I will take pictures of the inside and add a video as well.




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43rdRecceReg wrote:Some exquisite details there, lending the Abrams a credible appearance.

Thank you. After reading Barry’s built thread, I know it’s impossible to reach his level of realism. I just reworked those things I think Tamiya should have not missed to begin with. I hope as 16th scale gains in popularity, more photo etch, figurines, stowage etc. will be available soon.


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You mentioned in your opening message that you wanted it to look ok from 3-4 feet................well I can give you the news, it looks outstanding from more than 11,000 kilometers away

Extraordinary work and accessory detail.

Tankmaniac,

Speaking of PE where did you get the small chain you used on the fuel caps, MG mount pins and rear side shirt pins?

Your build has all the essentials making it one of the best on the site IMO.

Barry

Stunning build. Well done.

I’ve just started to up my game in the detail front on my last few builds.

BarryC wrote:Tankmaniac,

Speaking of PE where did you get the small chain you used on the fuel caps, MG mount pins and rear side shirt pins?

Your build has all the essentials making it one of the best on the site IMO.

Barry

Thank you, sir.
The chains are made by Aber. They’re generic photoetched chains. When I ordered them it was a shot in the dark, because there was no hint as far as the size goes. I will post a picture of the actual package tonight when I get home from work today.


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HERMAN BIX wrote:You mentioned in your opening message that you wanted it to look ok from 3-4 feet................well I can give you the news, it looks outstanding from more than 11,000 kilometers away

Extraordinary work and accessory detail.

Lol thank you.


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