Desert kubelwagen, static to rc build.

[Model Builder 4]

Morning all,

A few pics of a build that I've been working on for the last couple of days, it was a static 1/16 tamiya kubelwagen kit which I've had in the stash for a while but I decided to give it the rc treatment. I've converted it once again using parts from the wpl line of vehicles and it's powered by a small 30amp esc and 2s lipo. Next stage is on to the painting

Cheers, Lee.

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[silversurfer1947]

Looks very nice. Any chance of some photos of the working parts? Are the wheels and balloon tyres from the kit? I would fancy having a go at one and testing my abilities.

[Model Builder 4]

Thank you Richard, pretty simple conversion really. I cut the front and rear wpl axles down to the required width and modified the wpl motor/gear unit which now sits under the rear seat and can hardly be noticed, a bit of stowage would completely disguise it though. The esc and receiver are hidden in the trunk where the motor would sit and access is through the top panel which is removable and can also house a small lipo. I used a small servo which easily fits under the hood and connects down to the axle for the steering. The balloon tyres are the originals from the kit but the wheels are 3D printed as they hold the tyres on better, hope this helps

Cheers, Lee.

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[Model Builder 4]

This is a little clip of the first chassis test before everything was fitted properly

Cheers, Lee.

phpBB [video]

[silversurfer1947]

Thanks Lee. That all looks a very neat installation, something that I might even be capable of. I shall put it on my list!

[43rdRecceReg]

An elegant, and apparently simple RC solution, Lee! (Note the stress on 'apparently' ). I might even be tempted myself as, up to now, I've never owned a wheeled RC vehicle.

[jarndice]

Very nice job Lee,
I have avoided the conversion so far because I considered the floor pan too flimsy and instead I have been looking for an r/c chassis that I could fit the body too (By the way when are the dealers advertising Trucks and Cars going to include the wheel centre front to rear measurements as well as the overall width?) BUT this build changes my thinking,
Looks like I shall have to blow the dust off my Tamiya Desert VW box of parts and think again

[Model Builder 4]

The conversion is pretty straightforward Roy even for a plastic butcher like me I'm up to 13 vehicles now besides the tanks so I've had a bit of practice ( edit, it's 15 now, I just counted them ) if you need any more info on the build please ask and I'll help where i can. It took me about 2 days on and off from box to build

Cheers, Lee.

[Model Builder 4]

Thank you Jarndice I found while just testing the chassis before the bodywork was fitted to the floor pan that it was pretty rigid even after the cutting with not too much flex. I made sure that everything I installed was going to work properly before gluing the two main side panels and rear panel to the floor pan, this made it even stronger with no flex at all ( it is a very light little vehicle ) I found then that the bonnet/hood section did not need to be glued down as it just clips in between the 2 side panels snugly which will let me remove it if I need access to the steering servo. The rear seat is also removable so I can get to the motor unit also if required. The motor is barely visible under the seat but as mine is going to have a roof you can't see it anyway. I'm sure you'll make a grand job of yours Jarndice and if you need any more info on what I did please ask away

Cheers, Lee.

[Model Builder 4]

Put a splash of paint on the kubel, going to give it a worn desert weathered effect next and finish it with a wash, I need to get the driver painted also

Cheers, Lee.

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