1/35 scale M5A1 conversion to RRC with MTM gearboxes

[modler]

Ok finally got back to Scale conversion work. My latest work is on a M5A1 light Tank. This is a fairly small model and is challenging to say the least to convert it to radio remote control. This model has nice poly tracks and was once available with some type of motorized gearbox. I like these models for conversion because the tracks, sprockets, bogies, idler wheels etc were designed as a motorized model from the start.

[Mithras]

Looking fantastic, so far!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Yes, as you know, Modler and others, many of the older Tamiya kits were designed from the get go as motorized, but the motorized equipment was deleted long ago. I wish I had known about them during all the years between teenage and oldage. I would have loved em.

[modler]

Yes, as you know, Modler and others, many of the older Tamiya kits were designed from the get go as motorized, but the motorized equipment was deleted long ago. I wish I had known about them during all the years between teenage and oldage. I would have loved em.

Oh they can still be found with (all metal gearbox) but at a much higher price of course. In the case of the model in this thread, MTM gearboxes can be installed with good result. I have bought several used models with the metal gearbox that had never been run so they were in VGC!

I have also bought several new ones still in shrink rap. They cost upwards of $200 but they are pretty unique and can last a long time. I have a Sherman M4E8 with metal gearbox originally a "motorized remote control" model that is 45 years old and still is in operation

edit...but yeah I get what you are saying Herr Doctor about the "years between"

[modler]

Looking fantastic, so far!

Yes this is a very cool model with excellent tracks. To get the suspension lined up takes a bit of patience so that all the road wheels spin (mostly) when in operation. I had to cut 2 of them loose and realine also had to raise the rear idles wheels up just a bit. I will show that in the next pictures. It is now running very well and has very good track action. very smooth and takes very little power to run the tracks. if you look at the forth picture down from the top you can see road wheel issues. Still works good just looks bad visually when a road wheel is off the ground not touching the track and of course does not spin with no load when in operation.

[modler]

...

[modler]

Here is a local M4A1.

[Ecam]

That Stuart looks frail in 1:1, no wonder it's a hard R/C conversion (reliably). Do you think the chain on the front sprocket is a anti theft device? Even have an M32B1 in the background!

[modler]

That Stuart looks frail in 1:1, no wonder it's a hard R/C conversion (reliably). Do you think the chain on the front sprocket is a anti theft device? Even have an M32B1 in the background!

Yes and or to prevent someone moving\dragging it forward into the busy street as a prank

Well the M4A1 "Stuart" may look frail in the picture above but up close looks quite sturdy. I think these things are known as sports cars of the Tank world with the twin V8 Cadillac motors.

I wondered what that other Tank is... M32B1 eh? I will post a better picture of that one...as you can see, it is chained as well.

[Ecam]

I'm currently building a version of the M32 in the Group builds section.

When I was younger my brother had a bunch of comics titled "Ghost Tank" (as I recall). About the Stuart and crew with the ghost of General Stuart along for the adventures. They had a Stuart in Garden City Kansas when I was younger and the hatches were not welded closed. One of the few tanks I was actually in. Tank has been long since removed from the city park...