3D printed RC Hetzer

[warprints]

Hi.
I'm new here, I'd like to show you some of my work.
I've only done 1/16 scale for a few years but always liked the large models.
Bigger is better.

So I decided to try something bigger as well.
I did Hetzer in 1/16 scale first.Since I do all my 3D models in real size (1/1) first and then scale down and possibly take away details so it was no problem to use that base model for 1/6 size and give it a try.

The only downside to this first model was that I used the 1/16th scale part divisions from the original model, which created a major limitation - the basic body parts are very large and require the largest 3D printers to produce them.
I changed this only with the second model, which is divided into parts differently than the 1/16 version and can be made on standard printers.

I always design everything as RC from scratch.
I never spare on materials and the parts are robust and designed in such a way that there is no need to replace, for example, the lower hull with a metal one.
There is no twisting of the hull when driving.

All mechanical parts can be disassembled for servicing or maintenance.
The cannon and machine gun can be uninstalled in a minute for transport in the car.

Hetzer is usually around 14kg (31lgs) without battery.

The propulsion system is always all metal.In 1/6 scale it is not possible to use plastic parts as for example in 1/10 scale.
Hetzer has 550 size engines with metal gearing.
The motor shaft is directly connected to the sprockets.
Some people don't like this solution very much, but I haven't had any bad experiences with it.
The same way those little electric cars for kids are designed and they handle it without any problems.



As I was saying, the parts are massive.
The parts are glued together and at the same time connected by bolts and nuts.
The screws strengthen the joint, but at the same time make it very easy to glue and align the parts correctly.

 

[warprints]

The roadwheels have rubber parts like the original.
The tracks are from ASA.
I have very good experience with them and they are strong enough.




One of my favorite parts - a cannon with a realistic bore.
The count and pitch is done according to the real bore.

 

[warprints]

The cannon is moved by a 995 servo and arms, which I preferred to gears.

Unlike gears, the movement of the arms can be controlled by their precisely calculated length.
In this case, there is no need to limit the servo movement by software.
The arms are equipped with bearings.
There are bearings everywhere.



The black part is used to move the "eye of the gunner" - the periscope on the roof.



Canon compared to Hetzer in 1/16 scale.



The front light (notek) is equipped with two 5mm LEDs.







There are three 3mm LEDs in the rear light.

There are also some interesting details on the lower hull such as a jack or a box.

 

[warprints]

The wooden base under the jack is plastic, but at least I tried to make it resemble wood a bit.




On the roof, of course, is the MG34.
The version without the stock, because it just belongs there.





Hatches and all other flat parts are smoothed using the "ironing" function.
I always try not to let the imperfections of 3D printing such as layers or nozzle marks be visible.

 

[warprints]

Construction of the first model - as you can see, the front armour is one big piece.





" Gunner's eye" - moves in a groove hidden inside the part.



Upper hull:



And here is fully assembled model:

 

[warprints]

I learned a few new tricks and made some minor tweaks while building my latest Hetzer in December 2023.
Texture on "Saukopf".




Metal parts for mounting "Schurzen".




Here you can see the magnets for mounting the machine gun.
It's there for safe transport in the car.




Metal handles.I always use those.
3D printing is not very suitable for this.



Some videos:

 

[Captain Darling]

Excellent work, 3D printing has added a new dimension to 1/6 collecting!

 

[Kev Longino]

That is fantastic work!

 

[Squidley]

What a sweet build! Are you selling these as kits?

 

[warprints]

Thank you guys.

Yes, Squidley, i do these for the sale as well.
I will add proper post in the "Maintenance Battalion" section soon.

 

[Sixth Vanguard]

Great stuff
Welcome to the board

 

[ROB48]

Will you be offering them without all the internal mechanics? I would like to have a Hetzer just for display purposes.
Bob

 

[tankfan0720]

Tomas (Warprints) model is very nicely detailed. I like mine.

 

[SteveKrieg]

Wow, that is simply amazing work all-round...and all that from 3d printing...most envious of your skillset aside from my dream of one day having a Hetzer in my collection. Great paintwork also. Tanks...er...thanks for sharing, Steve

 

[warprints]

Thank you very much, SteveKrieg.
Trying to do my best and still improving my skills.

Will you be offering them without all the internal mechanics? I would like to have a Hetzer just for display purposes.
Bob

Yes, i can do it without mechanic parts.
There are "dummy" bearings and other parts (dummy servo for MG, for the example) for this purpose and internals removed in the static kit version.
And the static version weighs less because it doesn't need as much infill.

 

[Squidley]

Specific question regarding the "handles" that you have studding the vehicle in many places. Are these printed also, or are they parts from somewhere? Most everything seems to have some version of them. I'm wondering if you know of an inexpensive source.

Thanks.

 

[warprints]

There are 4 types/sizes of these handles on Hetzer.
Two on hatches and two on the sides of the vehicle.
They can be printed, but they are not nice when printed, so i make these from wire.
So its a hand-made part.
I dont know about any source of these and i doubt about existence of some inexpensive source for them.
Its a specific size and shape.

 

[Squidley]

Got it. They look real nice. What thickness wire do you use?

 

[warprints]

Thank you.
2mm (5/64 ″)
I used hard steel for the first few kits but now i use TIG ALSI5 aluminium rods which are intended for welding.
They are much easier to bend and i use these for the track pins as well.
They are strong enough, easier to cut and lightweight.

 

[Squidley]

Thanks!