1/3 scale 3D printed RC Sherman M4A3 tank

[DragonSherman]

Sorry for the long absent. Being busy fulfilling my promise to build a drivable Sherman tank for my youngest son who is 10 yrs old. Finally the lower hull of the Sherman is almost complete. Did a test drive and the smile on my boy face speak in volumes. Hope you all will enjoy this as much as I do.
Best
Nutty professor Dr Shrek

phpBB [video]

[DragonSherman]

Here are few pictures of my son and I test drove the Sherman tank … hahaha
A video is much more fun than pictures. Anyone kind enough to show me how to upload a video?

[Model Builder 4]

Hi DragonSherman,

That is a fantastic looking build and your son is very lucky to have it made for him

Regarding adding a video clip you will firstly need to upload it to YouTube or the like then you can either put a link to it within your thread or there is an option for you to embed it directly into the thread by using the video tab within the toolbar, either way though you will have to upload it first, hope this helps

Cheers,Lee.

[DragonSherman]

Thanks Lee

[Herr Dr. Professor]

That little fellow is going to be the terror of suburbia! Oh, wait! His dad is in the tank, too. Look out world! What an accomplishment, DragonSherman. Congratulations!

[Raminator]

Wow, what a project! Here we all were thinking that 1:16 makes for a "large-scale" tank, then you come along and show us how it's really done!

It'd be great to see more of what you've done; the inside scoop on your design, printing, electronics, propulsion, etc. if you're keen to share that kind of info.

[DragonSherman]

Thanks. It was a fun project. Still trying to get it done as soon as my 3D printer is working properly. I guess I spent more time in tuning and repairing the 3D printer than building the tank … LOL

Raminator: Here is some specifications of the tank. It is printed using PLA+ filaments. Motors are 36V 500W. Gear ratio is 18:1. I use 60A sabertooth electronic speed control. Radio is 10 Ch Flysky.

I started with 1/35 scale, then moving up to 1/25 scale, followed by 1/16 scale. Then I made the leap into 1/6 scale. This is when my sons were only 5 and 7 yrs old. They asked “Daddy can you build us a tank so that we can sit inside?” When I got into 3D printing, I knew then I can build them a drivable tank … LOL.

[tankme]

It's a cool project. Since I will be a grandpa in the next month or so, I may need to take on a project like this for the grand daughter. I'll make her a tank fan. I could even paint it pink for her...lol That would drive my daughter absolutely nuts, but it sounds like fun.

I'm going to place a guess that the motors you are using are scooter motors?

[DragonSherman]

Thanks Derek. Congratulations on becoming a grandpa soon. You definitely should build your grand daughter a "Pink Panther" tank so that she will be the coolest girl on the block ....hahaha. I recalled when I took my 1/6 scale RC Sherman tank to a living history reenactment event, I felt like Pied Piper with kids following me to my van at the end of the event ...hahaha. Their parents were all laughing when I said that.
Yes those are Scooter motors.

[tankme]

I use the geared 350W and 450W scooter motors in my 1/6th scale tanks and they work well. I've even sat on one of my 1/6th scale tanks and it had enough power to pull me around. It bent a few suspension arms so I don't do that anymore. I always believe in overbuilding my custom projects. You can always slow a tank down with your driving technique, but you can't make it faster.