RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Bizzare moments in time part 47


So, was in the compound at work today sorting some equipment out for hire, and this guy walked in who I sort of recognised.

And said "your Andy!"

I said yea, and he replied. The guy from the model shop has sent me down as you know a fair bit about Tamiya`s including the tamiya tanks. (I had taken some of my models to the shop last weekend to show the owner that there is more than nitro! I also took my tiger 1 tank).

Turns out this chap had walked in wanting a battery for his tank and could only say that it was a Tamiya, so Roger sent him down to see me!. This chap was an old customer of work`s who I hadnt seen in 20 years.

So sitting in my workshop is the following for repair..






I think that it is a Tamiya Leopard 2A4 circa early 80`s. I havent got the upper structure yet but looking at photo`s on TC it matches up. He rang me earlier to tell me that he had forgotten but he has got another tank!. He is coming down either tonight or tomorrow, with the other vintage stuff that he has got for me to take a look at, and see if there is anything I can do with them.

It's a 1A4 not a 2A4. There's a big difference between the two. If you need bits give me a shout I'll point you in the right direction.

As Andy has said its a Leopard 1 A4 from the late 80's early 90's I have one the problem with trying to upgrade it is everything has to come out even the gearbox as it works completly different from the modern rc tanks and there is no turret turn or gun elevation. The tracks hull and suspension are all metal though and the detail is better than the kt.
Stevie

Thanks guys, I got it running tonight put a new battery connector on to it and run it up on my bench. One of the drive gear pinions was loose, so I went over it and tightened all of the grub screws up. The motor is OK, as are the clutch drives.


What`s the verdict on putting a modern ESC into it, instead of the 2 microswitches? as it would give a better control of the speed.

I did this a few monthsw ago on my 1A4. I installed Tamiya TU's from AFV model shop which sells direct fit boxes for it, as well as a PRO elmod unit and 14 tooth minions to add some top speed to the tank. Came out great. My build is here for the tank.
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I've kept the original gearboxes, I actually found a brand new one from Japan. I use an ESC and it is preferable to the clunky switch method. I found a proportional FWD/REV one on Ebay and it is nice having full control in both directions. Type Viper ESC into Ebay you should find it that way. I'm doing loads of mods on mine right now, I've had it since 1978 (yes it and me are that old "I'm 45") Mine is here on this site, please take a look.

I was thinking of using a viper ssr as there is no brake and its full forwards and reverse. The guy who owns it has never run it!. He came into work today and i was telling him about doing this mod and he is keen. He also brought me a heng long tiger 1, a tamiya falcon and a gorgeous wild one (both in need of a strip and rebuild).

I have told him about doing the esc mod and he is keen on getting the Leopard proportional instead of on-off-on.

all the parts you need to fix up this 1A4 are avalable from JR RC on ebay in the tank section