Renault FT - French Army WW1 tank- Build

[lmcq11]

Hi,
Here are the tracks and MCT-2 control board fields trials with videos.

It takes about 4 hours to build the tracks, half of it to cut the 3 parts from the sprues and clean. They are fully functional, accurate, solid and of good quality plastic.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The tracks are installed on the Renault FT chassis. Although there is no tensioner, they are perfectly tight and running well.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The 35rctank MCT-2 control unit has been connected by the receiver and motors. I had no problems installing the MCT-2, it was almost plug and play. For $43, this control board is pretty useful for its small size. The speaker for the engine sound is not connected yet as it goes with the ACU unit . The control board is a bit noisy with a hissing sound. Here is a YOUTUBE video link of the engine in action.

https://youtu.be/qY7DV50gztA

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Here is the running trial of the chassis, gearbox with tracks, MCT-2 control board with Flysky receiver. Its a fast runner. It can be made to run slower. Here is a YOUTUBE video link of the running trials.

https://youtu.be/ifIIF80U0qk

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Regards, Louis

[c.rainford73]

They are quite responsive little gearboxes Louis. I'm glad to see it running so effortlessly

[midlife306]

Cracking job Louis


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[lmcq11]

Thank you Carl and Midlife306

They are quite responsive little gearboxes Louis. I'm glad to see it running so effortlessly

Yeah, I am bit surprised by the overflow of energy going to the gearboxes. The MCT-2 control board accept 3.7V and 7.4V batteries, so I will reduce the voltage to the lower option for a more realistic WW1 tank experience. I have already ordered some more of these gearbox so that I can cheaply RC the unbuilt Luchs and maybe others with some mods.

gearbox with 130 motor

Capture4.JPG (46.49 KiB) Viewed 3924 times

thanks, Louis

[lmcq11]

Hi,
Continuing with the build up of the hull.

One of the important task is to determine how the main hull will open to provide access to the electronics.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The tops part have been glued together into a 2 section removable cover.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The internal radiator part was emptied and modified into a locking mechanism

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The radiator positioning grooves now serve as a lock on both sides.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The cover is held firmly in place at the rear and front.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Behind the vertical parts are positioning grooves that are also reused at the front. No need for magnets at this time.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The small one man turret is reinforced with a base made of plasticard.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The small gun is nothing impressive but it does have a recoil mechanism that I want to reproduce with also a gun flash.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The main gun is rebuild with overlapping brass tubes. The inner tube is large enough for a 3mm LED than will be installed soon.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Close up of the turret markings

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

The 2 overlapping brass tubes are extending inside the turret in preparation for the creation of a custom recoil mechanism. At this time, it is unknown if I will be able to install gun elevation within such small turret. The priority is turret rotation, then gun recoil/flash, then gun elevation.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

This is the model as it stands today. Turret rotation will be done with a 360 continuous servo installed inside the hull.

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

The build is going pretty fast considering I started it last Sunday...

Renault FT 1/16 RC build

Regards, Louis

[MITCH]

I really like this little tank!

[B_Man]

I will be following this one closely Louis, it looks like a nice kit. It will be great to have a detailed build thread from a skilled modeler like you to use as a blueprint for a future project too.

On a slightly related note here is a French 37mm round my Great-Grandfather bought home from the First World War.

[X82d Pathfinder]

Very nice work! I would love to see some 1/16 WWI armor become available from the big names.

[X82d Pathfinder]

Very nice work! I would love to see some 1/16 WWI armor become available from the big names.