1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

[BarryC]

Excellent engineering Louis!

Barry

[lmcq11]

Thanks Barry

Here are the sprockets and finalized gearbox.

The kit comes with well made and detailed sprockets (front) that can be reused for RC. The teeth are solid. The sprockets come in two halves. Heng Long parts donor are made ready at the back.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Once glued, the center pin for gluing the static sprockets to the hull is removed. The sprockets are prepared to accept an Heng Long Sherman sprocket gearbox connector.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Using cheap Heng Long Sherman sprockets, the center core that connects to the gearbox is carved out with the Dremel and made ready for insertion into the Stuart sprocket inner hole. It needs to be made perfectly round and marrying the shape of the Stuart sprocket internals. Fine tuning done with nail file.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The HL gearbox connectors are solidly glued in place into the Stuart sprockets.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The gearbox are removed from the hull, length of new shaft calculated

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The shaft are simply cut with a hand metal saw.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The notch for the modified gearbox on the left is remade with a hand metal file, a 10 minute operation. Comparing the before and after gearbox modification side by side.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Thankfully, there is just enough thread left for the center screw to be use to hold the sprocket in place with a shortened hex bolt.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Reinstallation of the gearbox and positioning of the sprockets. It seems i might have cut the shaft 1mm too short but i will know for sure only tomorrow when the tracks are put on. I might have to put a washer inside to spread them out a bit.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The front suspension wheel only has to be lowered for the sprocket to be installed.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

[lmcq11]

The ability to have installed superior commercial grade RC tank gearbox instead of some gizmo creation is a big plus for this build.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The gearbox final installation is done. They are solidly in place, ready for future metal tracks.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Building up the plastic tracks. They should be ready tomorrow. Thankfully, these are short tracks. It is difficult to keep the glue away from the track pins. Every link needs special attention.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Regards, Louis

[Ad Lav]

Keep up the good work! I’d buy a converted Stuart if you go into production

[lmcq11]

Hi, thank you!

Here are the tracks and running tests

Each tracks takes about 4 hours to built. They must be made workable with each link requiring close attention when gluing. Care must be made to prevent any glue from touching the connector pins. The first 10 links are the most difficult to put together, after that, a routine sets in and its easier. I suggest adding the connector teeth on one side at a time so that by the time you do the other side, the previous one has dried and stronger. Everything is assembled with superglue.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Adding the teeth is tricky. I suggest putting glue only on the exterior side because any glue that finds its way to a connector pin will seize it and become a major issue requiring its replacement.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

When assembling the tracks, always and constantly go back to the previous 5 links to make sure they are still loose. Once in a while, some superglue from the connector teeth leaks to a connector pin and will prevent it from operating. It is essential to quickly snap it loose as soon as a tight link is found, before the superglue is fully set.

Its not complicated, it just takes time. Put yourself in a mindset that this will take 8 hours of your Covid confined weekend to build these tracks and it will be easier. I went thought it meditating, thinking of former girlfriends, past vacation trips, good stuff like that. And 8 hours is nothing compared to the 25 hours it took to build the AFV-Model Leopard 1 metal tracks a few weeks ago...

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

After the first track is completed, i was really encouraged. It looks great and quite strong.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Sprocket looks tight.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

The connector teeth are better than i thought they would. They hold in place quite well.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

I was really happy to have created a track adjuster. It is absolutely necessary. Its easy to just put a plasticard strip matching the required strength for the tracks. Then the track adjuster cover plate is put on to hide it.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Both tracks are made. The Clark TK-60 board is temporarily connected for the testing phase. I have been waiting for that moment for a week.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Continuing on following post

[lmcq11]

The electronics were simply thrown in for the testing.

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

NOW, the moment of truth. The RUNNING tests;

Below is a YOUTUBE video of the initial gearbox, sprocket and track testing.

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Below is a YOUTUBE video of the running test around the pool deck, with some sharp turns at full speed.

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Below is a YOUTUBE video of the suspension and tracks stress test, in slow motion to see it working.

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Well, this is it. It is working quite well, a real success. I rate it as; ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

The tracks are surprisingly strong and managed the limited stress test without a single issue.

And finally, here is a comparison of the size of the Stuart chassis with the Leopard C2 Mexas completed last week,

1/16 RC M5A1 Stuart Light tank - build

Regards, Louis

[BarryC]

Great work Louis, your engineering fixes appear to work very well!

Barry

[Will01Capri]

Bloody good work, very nice indeed

[Kaczor]

Amazing, truly inspirational

[General Jumbo01]

Exceptional work, the action looks perfect. If only the track were more robust you needn't change another thing. Enjoying your progress.