M5 from Scratch

[tankfan0720]

Hi All,
I'm new to this forum, but not new to tanks. I thought I would post some pix of my M5 Stuart build. Starting with wheels and tracks because they are the hardest and most time consuming. The model will be full RC eventually. All parts are made entirely from scratch using a 1/35 AFV club model. Sprocket hubs were machined from solid alum. The sprocket chain rings were CNC machined from steel. The idler and bogey wheels are made from cast iron castors with a little resin detail parts thrown in. Enjoy. Till next time. -Bob

[Rolling Thunder Tech]

Holy Crap!! Nice work, it will almost be a shame to paint the parts.

Leonard

[yankee1919]

Great project!

[siquisiri]

looking good!!!

[pangaloss]

First off, welcome to the board. You sure have my attention with your first post, I'm eager to see more.

Tim

[gijoe]

WOW, i love this and can't wait to following this thread and know and see more. Can you tell us a little more about how you made these, sorry just love tracks and want to know more.

[johnro6659]

Amazing! Too bad you could produce that stuff in bulk there are a lot of guys that would love to replace their running gear with metal.

[thetoysurgeon]

I'd sell my kids for those tracks! Awesome job!

[gary1930]

Wow! It looks like our hobby will jump to a whole new level.

[Kev Longino]

I'd sell Dennis' kids too for those tracks!

Outstanding work, can't wait to see more - welcome to the Sixth Army Group!

[Falckner]

Welcome !

Some beautiful work you´r
doing!
Can´t wait to see more

[jfunk]

Looks awesome!

[Germanbilly1]

Wow!! those are really a work of Art.
GB

[mutt71]

Welcome to the board! What an amazing first post as well. This is outstanding work. I'll be following this project closely.

[inxsone]

Great looking pieces...
Wish I had access to those sort of tools...
Welcome to the "board" Sir...

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for the welcome and nice comments on my project. I have a couple more in progress that I will post as I get time. I also have two Armortek tanks that are great kits.

A few have asked about the tracks. I will give a brief summary how they are made. First CAD models of all components are created using INVENTOR. Then each part is machined via CNC in brass or Aluminum to make a master part. Some photos below of the track links and end connectors being machined. Next the masters are used to make a rubber mold for a spin cast machine. Finally several links are spin cast as "proof of concept" in lead free pewter. These are the grey colored track parts in the photos. The actual model parts for RC will be cast from a stronger alloy. Unfortunately they are too heavy for the 21st Cent stuart. I also do not know if they would fit on the sprocket of the 21 cent stuart.

Thanks again everyone for the comments. I enjoy this forum a lot and love everyone's projects. Keep em moving. Till next time. Bob

[Tigertiki]

Welcome on board, amazing work ! My question would be what kind of alloy are you going to use for the tracks ? I saw some armortek ones they are made of aluminum. The Zamac 8 is heavyer and i don't know how if it's strong enough. Are you considering the shrinkage during the process ? Good luck with your project..
Cheers
Tigertiki

[GERMANSOLDIER MP44]

Looking great.

[TBowman]

Hi Bob

Welcome to the forum. Nice to see your beautiful work finally out in public. Don't forget about the other little tank you are working on for me. he he

Great stuff and as others have already said, love those tracks!

Kind regards
Tim

[egonzinc]

Simply AMAZING!
looking forward to seeing this build...

[tankfan0720]

Thanks again all for the favorable feedback and replies. Responding to Tigertiki the RC tracks will be an alloy similar to ZAMAC, a zinc-alum alloy. I think they should be strong enough for a small vehicle, the tensile strength of the alloy is greater than 50,000psi, and greater than 60,000 psi in compression. As a comparison A356 Aluminum only has a tensile strength in the 30,000psi range when sand cast. The armortek links are aluminum, but the vehicles are heavier as well, which require high strength links. Shrinkage of material will have to be considered, although it is minimal with the spin cast process. The white metal spin cast links fit the sprocket perfectly, so I am hoping the zinc alum will shrink about the same as pewter. The track link casting is the next big hurdle so stay tuned. -Bob

[Reef12]

Dang drooling already.

Nice work and yes welcome to the board.

I would ask how much but I know I could not afford them.

Keep the pics coming.

I will keep an eye on this post.


Jeff

[armourguy]

Excellent work. Keep us updated with the progress.

[Leatherneck]

Holy crap is right!

Ever thought of making an LVT?

Welcome aboard, btw.

[johnro6659]

The CNC and other machine tools are they something you use at work or do you have these in a home workshop? I have access to a machine shop but unfortunately I do not know how to do the programing. I plan on taking some classes this spring so I can make some parts or at least masters for a friend to cast in resin. I would love to make my own metal parts though.

[Rolling Thunder Tech]

Well this brings "home projects" to a whole new level. Now if some one could make this into an "affordable" kit, such as in the range of an Armortek or Spearhead vehicle. And if I may suggest as the next project a Chaffee or a Pershing.

Sure is great to see the handiwork of a talented individual who has the skills, tools and the determination to take on such a project.

Out of curiousity, do you have access to a full size Stuart for taking measurements, or are you using published documents? The reason I'm asking is that I've had a tough time during the progress of several projects, finding documentation that is entirely accurate, as a typical three view diagram usually has some fudging by the drafter.

Leonard
RTT

[tankfan0720]

johnro6659 the CNC's are all in the garage. I have two bench top 3axis mills and a larger floor model mill.

Reply to Rolling Thunder the kit/model price when available will be in the range of Armortek models. There is a full size Stu at the armor museum in Ft Lewis Wa, just down the road from me, but I have not used it for measurements. Also have a lot of photos of the Jacques Littlefield stuart for reference. Mostly I am using the AFV club model for measurements. I know my parts are not 100% accurate, but as long as the whole thing looks gpod and fuctions well I will be satisfied-Bob

[The_Dutchman]

Outstanding, I just love to see how you machine those parts!

[johnro6659]

I am soooo jealous. I would kill for a workshop at home with all the right tools.

[Reef12]

Originally Posted by tankfan0720

johnro6659 the CNC's are all in the garage. I have two bench top 3axis mills and a larger floor model mill.

Reply to Rolling Thunder the kit/model price when available will be in the range of Armortek models. There is a full size Stu at the armor museum in Ft Lewis Wa, just down the road from me, but I have not used it for measurements. Also have a lot of photos of the Jacques Littlefield stuart for reference. Mostly I am using the AFV club model for measurements. I know my parts are not 100% accurate, but as long as the whole thing looks gpod and fuctions well I will be satisfied-Bob

So you will be selling track links as separate then?

That does sound decent.

I am sure a few would want some.

Me I might have to go the Resin route.

So these links do not fit the 21 Century drive sprockets?

Jeff

[Rolling Thunder Tech]

Bob

Thanks for the reply. The work you are doing is superb and combines science and art. I'll start saving my lunch money now so will be ready when the kits are available.

Leonard
RTT

[tankfan0720]

Reply to Reef12, sorry no plans to market just the tracks. The amount of effort and cost to do this would delay the overall project and other projects I want to do. The metal cast tracks would be too heavy for 21 Cent drive train and running gear. I also doubt they would fit the sprocket. Sorry to dissapoint, best of luck -Bob

[Reef12]

Thanks Bob I guess you are right would be some heavy tracks there.

Good deal and still will keep an eye on the build.

[USMCPrice]

I have to second all the other comments, simply amazing work! Kudos.

[metaltankman]

the parts look outstanding ! they look like the real thing. you sure have my respect.


metaltankman

[Reef12]

Okay I guess you are a Machinist.

So any ideas if any of these lathes are worth the money?

G0516 Combo Lathe w/ Milling Attachment


G8688 7" x 12" Mini Metal Lathe


The one above only weighs 90 lbs as compared to 450 Lbs for the top one.

Now how about our friends at HF.

Now this one got just about all good ratings.
Also the cheapest.

7" x 10" Precision Mini Lathe

Thanks if you have the time Bob.


Jeff

[johkaz]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

And what a way to make an entrance, as it is just simply superb work.

Gary

[tankfan0720]

Thanks all for the nice comments and welcomes. I hope to have some more things too look at soon.

Reply to reef12 about lathes. I would say get as big a machine as you can for the money. I am not so partial to these little asian lathes, but it depends on what you want to do. For my work I need to be able to machine 3-5" diameter, these lathes cannot handle that. But for plastics, small dia alum and such they are fine, and well worth the money. I think a person in this hobby needs both a mill and lathe. I am partial to the german engineered Wabeco lathes and mills. They are quite expensive but are like driving a luxury car vs a Yugo. I am an engineer and self taught machinist (including the CNC).

Stay tuned more cool stuff to follow. I enjoy this forum and all the projects. Keep em rolling till next time.
-Bob

[Reef12]

Thanks for the reply Bob even better then I thought.

Good to know that bigger is better.:rolleyes:

Cheers

Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Made some more progress on some Stu parts. Machining what I will call the top bogey block (for lack of a better description) from 1" thick aluminum. See real vehicle reference photo. The little CNC mill has been humming along all week making these. Will have some finished photos of this part once all 4 are machined. The wood parts are the prototypes used to prove out the front side and back side programs before cutting any metal.

Till next time, keep em rolling, Bob

[Reef12]

Looking good Bob.

So how do you remove all of the lines?

Just a rough cut deal?

Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Jeff,
These are finished machined parts (not roughed). The lines are more pronounced due to the light reflecting off the alum. Most "lines" will not be visible once the part is painted. A little dremel and abrasive wheel work will clean up the rest. Some lines will be retained to keep the rough forging/casting look. -B

[tankfan0720]

Well its been a long time since I posted anything on this project. What better day than Memorial Day to add to some photos. I hope you guys like it.

Four yoke machined from solid aluminum:




Six track roller assemblies (+one spare)






Four machined top plates.




Lots and lots of swing arms, enough for 4 complete suspension bogeys.











More to follow soon. Lots of small parts to make. Happy MD everyone, Bob

[jfunk]

Awesome work!

[gunfighter]

Absolutely great project. Have you considered selling these parts? I was planning on replacing the plastic drive sprokets and the gear as well for real suspension, but I do not have the obvious cad cam and machining skills you have. You can email me sepratley if you like.
Thanks
sam-w@cox.net

[jagdpanther abteilung]

Welcome to the SAG Bob!!
This M5 will be the best one out there . It will put my 21st century M5 to shame. Nice work!!!

[Reef12]

Just keeps getting better.

Ever think of having somebody cast the suspension parts?

Steve maybe John or somebody along that line?

For us not to good with plastic folks.

Maybe a set of plans?


Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Hi Reef,
That is the plan to someday cast some of the parts. Esp the yoke and suspension arms, bogeys, idler etc. I have a foundry but not quite set up yet to do alum casting. Have to get the first prototype vehicle working first! The first tank will be machined.

Thanks for the kind remarks and comments guys. Keep em rolling.
Bob

[tankfan0720]

I thought today I would post some progress photos of the bogeys I'm making for my stuart M5. I figured I'd better post something or else my thread will be ancient history. This has been a daunting (but fun) project as the suspension bogeys have a lot of small parts.

The bogeys are not 100% complete. I still have to make the spring retainer pieces. The springs are shown in approx location just to give a feel of the position on the vehicle. I will attempt to make some type of faux volute springs to cover the compression springs

Till next time, I hope you enjoy the photos. -Bob

[Schoenberg]

WELCOME,
Totally amazing. Keep the pics coming.

[Reef12]

Great job indeed Bob and keeps getting better.
Can't wait to come up with some cast suspension parts.

Jeff

[Tiger1fan]

Hi was wondering how this project is progressing? Sorry overly anxious to see the finished M5.

Thanks,
John

[tankfan0720]

Hi John,
Thanks for inquiring about this project. Progress has been slow but steady. It has been a while since I posted anything. And also because I am a lot like this guy.

Actually I've been working to get a new mill running so I can make tank parts!
Here are some photos of some early stuart bogeys I made on the machine as a test. They came out pretty nice I thought. The blue foam is the first attempt to prove out the program before cutting actual material. The last two photos show the bogey with the tire installed on one, in front of my Armortek Sherman for size comparison. They are still not quite finished. The ribs need to be narrowed down to a )( profile on the lathe.

The bogeys for the Stuart were about the same diameter as the Sherman only not as wide. Hope you enjoy. -Bob

[Sixth Vanguard]

Very nice. Will there be anything left from the TUS Stu when you are finished?

[Eddie Acosta]

All I can say is ""WOW"" and ""AWESOME"" workmanship!!

[SLICK7]

Unbelievable! WoW!!

[Germanbilly1]

that

That is some impressive work. Keep us posted on your progress.
GB

[Reef12]

Great balls of fire beautiful.

To bad you won't send those to be casted.:rolleyes:

Plus the suspension parts with springs.:confused:

Even the ones you did in Plastic would be fine to me.:rolleyes:

I bet that machine cost a hunk of change.

Jeff

[Hammer's Africaners]

Those look awesome

[Sourdoh]

All plastic/resin modelers stand in awe of modelers who work in metal.

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for the comments on my projects everyone. Is been a while since I posted anything on the Stu so I thought I would add a little. I finally finished the suspension bogeys for 1 tank (4 bogeys). I also had to remachine the sprocket rings - they didn't mesh too well with the tracks. Finally working on having the end connectors cast in brass - each track side has 140 end connectors, each tank has nearly 300! It gets mind boggling pretty fast.

I hope you enjoy - Bob"nobody messes with Ma Deuce"

Remachined sprocket ring now meshes with track;




Spare sprocket rings;


Late style bogey;




Early style bogey;




Brass cast end connectors;


The next subassembly to be made - the rear idler pivot




Till next time "Keep your heads down". If you know a WW2 vet - thank 'em! Keep their memory alive!

[flyboy_fx]

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE!

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for the comments guys. Glad you enjoy the photos.

David, its taken a long time but I have a lot tools to make stuff with. Not sure what a "flow jet machine" is however - don't have one of those.:confused: Perhaps you mean laser or waterjet cutter? Those are out of my league cost wise.

Till next time. Bob

[Hammer's Africaners]

Wow.......Awesome

[Falckner]

Some good looking suspension parts
thats for sure.

Great work keep it up!

[tankfan0720]

Hello everyone. I hope you are all having a great 2015. Lots of great projects going on this forum. I thought I would post an update on my eternal M5 Stuart project. Got some work completed over the Christmas 2014 holiday.


Machined the side plates from 1/4 alum in two operations (front half and second half)



close up of Hull machine operation:



Rear pivot arm:



Rear pivot arm assembly w Idler wheel:



Both pivot arm assemblies:



Front drive case, with 1/35 scale AFV club hull:



Side hooks, fun little CNC part:



Assembled left track side:



Sprocket close up:



Track detail:

[panzerwerk]

Very impressive !

[xacto11]

A very cool project! I'm glad you are still working on it and sharing with us.
One thing though, and it is said with only the highest regard to work you have done, but the return rollers on Stuarts and Shermans were all steel, not rubber.

[tankfan0720]

xacto,
No offense taken - Its hard to tell from my real tank photos. I have some great photos of the Jacques Littlefield M5. Where the paint is worn the support roller appears black, but this may be rust or scale on steel, not a rubber tire. Its hard to tell. But I think you're right. These on my model are not rubber but hard black ABS plastic. Its easy to machine and takes paint well. Once painted they will look fine. When the paint scrapes off from use it will look like the real vehicle. I suppose I could have machined them from Aluminum - but that would just add more weight, for not much gain. The single complete track side weighs about 12lbs now - most of that is the track.


The support rollers also have a hub cap that covers the screw and bearing - which is not shown in the photos.


For the rollers -I'll just have to make sure to throw some rust stains on 'em after they are painted!
Best regards,
Bob

[Tigertiki]

Nice worki just remember my puma project which is going forewer too. Hopefully i'll live enough to finish it !
Cheers
Attila

[Reef12]

Wow again, almost forgot about this.




Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Well its been 9 months since my last post on this. Time flies. Just a few pix to show something of progress. Finally got it to a rolling chassis. Time for motors and electronics. Hope you enjoy.

The front tranny plate is 3D printed from Shapeways. Perfect fit. Nice when something fits (er at least the second time!). The rear end is a little high because there is no weight in it - it will mush down with batteries and motors....weighs about 40lbs - mostly tracks. But its a smooth ride....


Thanks for lookin....-Bob

[xacto11]

Beautiful work. Thank you for the update.

[Reef12]

That does look nice indeed.


Jeff

[armorpax]

WOW


Fantastic work.


Dave

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for looking guys, and thanks for the feedback.


Couple more pix. Just got the front tow hook bosses from the 3D printer. These are made in 416 stainless infused with Bronze. Second pix shows where they mount on front tranny plate. They should be plenty strong!


Till next time, keep 'em rolling.

[tankfan0720]

Here's a few update pix. Got the glassis plate machined and mounted as well as hull mg mounting bracket. Also experimenting with machined idlers. The machined version are more scale and correct than the cast iron versions currently installed. Thanks for looking.
-Bob


Front glassis plate machining:



Front glassis plate installed:



Hull Mg Mount machining:



MG Mount installed:


Idler machining from 5" round stock"




Trueing up Idler on lathe:


Finished Idlers and tires from black ABS plumbing pipe:

[The_Dutchman]

Oh boy! Amazing work!

[Sixth Vanguard]

Originally Posted by The_Dutchman

Oh boy! Amazing work!

What he said

Very fun to watch, thanks for sharing

[Pzer 2]

Holy Scatchbuild Batman,
WOW

That is superb work. Master Builder stuff. I can't imagine what the cost will be, but it will be worth it

AWESOME

Steve

[Tigertiki]

Hi Bob,
You might want to cast from aluminum those plastic parts ?
Attila

[Reef12]

Holly Molly that is sweet, you doing all of that lathe ,mill work Bob?

[Squidley]

What a stunning piece of work!

[tankfan0720]

Thank you guys for positive feedback - always nice to hear.

Reef its made from a combination of manual lathe, manual mill and a lot of CNC mill work. Some 3D printed parts. And yes I do all the work. So far about 5 years into it.

Attila: Would love to cast the front tranny piece in Alum. Haven't looked into having it done yet - it will be expensive for 1 prototype piece. For production quantity casting is way to go. I will probably machine the first Aluminum one from a big block 3" (76mm) x 4" (101mm) x 12" (304mm) - with lots of waste . Its a long run time on mill and multiple sides of machining. Haven't gotten the motivation to do that just yet!

Will keep you all posted!
Bob

[tankfan0720]

Hi Sag,
Here are some new pix of M5 parts I recently had printed at Shapeways. The gold colored parts are stainless steel - bronze alloy. Really strong. Posting these to show what is possible with todays technology! The white part is printed in Nylon.


Enjoy!

[tankfan0720]

hello SAG, nearly 10months since last post on this. Time for an update -LOL. Got some cast parts from member on this forum! They are awesome! Sorry for the poorer quality phone pix. Hope to have it running under RC power soon. Stay tuned! Thanks for looking. Feedback always welcome.

New photos:

Aluminum tranny plate casting:



Tranny plate finished - not painted:



Tranny plate painted and installed! Looks too cool for words!



Cast gun mantlet - ready for machining:



3D printed tow hooks installed on rear:



Close up of rear tow hook:



Drive motors and drive chains installed:



Left side drive chain and sprocket close up:



Three quarter view of front drive case



Hull side view:



Another hull side view:

[The_Dutchman]

Brilliant piece of engineering workmanship! You could give Armortek a run for their money!

[Sixth Vanguard]

Great update

[xacto11]

Worth the wait. Really impressive work.

[Tigertiki]

Looks sooo good !

[pangaloss]

It's great to see this project progressing. It's been a long time in the making but it sure is worth it. Absolutely beautiful.

[Panzercommander HOH]

Very cool.

Now to throw away my two 21st C Stuarts... They are not worthy.

Well done!

Fred

[tankfan0720]

Gents, thanks for the nice comments and feedback. Much appreciated.


Dutchman: Don't think I can compete with Armortek, its taken me 5 years to get this far! They blow me away for speed of releasing models. But this model is inspired by Armortek models. This tank will go with my Sherman to fight the axis models. The end connectors and track links are Armortek Sherman parts - modified specifically for the M5.


TigerTiki: Thanks so much for your help! Your additions to the project are awesome. Hope you are able to get back to your projects soon!


Hopefully next time <sooner than 10 months> I will have video of driving test. Till then.....
Bob

[SteveKrieg]

That's very exacting and factory-standard...surely the makings of your own 1/6th scale tank factory...most impressive. Thanks for sharing, Steve

[tigerace007]

Most impressive, that is an engineering master piece!

Regards,

Stu

[Reef12]

Holy Molly that is even better.



Jeff

[Commies!]

Those tracks.... I WANT THEM! But great job and best of luck to your build of the famous light tank.

[tankfan0720]

Happy New year everyone!


Here are images of recent progress and video of my M5 first RC drive test. Sorry about the silly commentary during vids - I was so excited. Giddy like a schoolgirl! Enjoy.


Ready for RC test:



Gun barrel and mantel:



Gun barrel other side with MG:



3D printed parts:



3D printed headlamps:



Rear tow hook post:



RC drive tests:

https://youtu.be/feqLb2DT6hg

https://youtu.be/nta8jh5atMI

https://youtu.be/3dBLLtpqNjQ

https://youtu.be/VVltQ5PRFDo


Till next time....

[Reef12]

Well even Better, and a Happy New Year to all the folks here.

Been busy with other stuff minerals mostly and Fossil collecting.

Still have to finish the Sherman, sorry for the steal on the post .

Will get that thing done soon.

Cheers

Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Thanks Jeff,


Here are some more video of outside driving test today.


https://youtu.be/hRp7eAnnpjw

https://youtu.be/jDX6WUB8Fpo

https://youtu.be/z8MkC0_yE8Y

https://youtu.be/gn8EfW1GbBI

https://youtu.be/nhJBI2NhOfs

[Tigertiki]

Where is the snow?..Must be some trick !

How do you like the controller ?
Cheers
Attila

[tankfan0720]

Attila,
I like the controller a lot - it was easy to set up for single stick track control. Its made for battle robots, so it has fast response. Also all connection are screw terminal -very robust. The motors seem to have plenty of power. They have several model depending on how much Amperage each motor needs. My Stuart track motor have 1/4 hp (180 W) each at stall of 80 AMPS, so I figure the controller providing a max continuous of 60Amps should be enough - I don't want the motor to stall. So far so good.


Now for the benedini sound....


B

[tankfan0720]

Hi SAG,
Been a while since a post. Lots of work done on Stuart - just not much to show for it. Painting tracks, new springs in front bogeys. Some new parts - front fenders in brass. Enjoy.

Left fender without paint. Shown with Dragon shovel.


Driveline with hub caps on rollers.


Nice butt..


hub caps on rollers..


Right front fender..


Right side with painted fender....


Overall view..


Till next time....

[armorpax]

wow! Absolutely brilliant work


Dave

[xacto11]

Fantastic work! I am so envious of your skills.
One constructive criticism; the return rollers and the outer face of the tracks should be painted OD. They were steel.

[tankfan0720]

Thanks Dave, I will be needing some of your parts soon. The Stuart has a bazillion tools held with footman loops. They are pain to make. Also want some metal periscopes and covers soon.

Xacto will be painting the return rollers soon - everything in fact. I realized as soon as I put them on that duh why didn't I just paint the whole roller assy. The track links were painted gunmetal - to look like steel. But you are correct they should be OD too. That would be easy to fix. They are definitely not rubber -although the dark color does look like it.

Thanks for feedback,
-Bob

[Reef12]

Super fantastic.

Boy you going to be casting parts for one?

I bet not, making a kit?

That is sweet.

And I can't believe you are not a machinist.


Jeff

[Hammer's Africaners]

Awesome work!

[johnmshaw]

Fantastic work

[tankfan0720]

Quick update on M5. Happy Memorial day to everyone - esp those who serve/served.


Hull picture -May 2017. Top deck fitted, turret bearing fitted, hull speakers (for Benedini sound fitted):





Head lamps - machined lens from plastic and lens cover cap from aluminum. They look like they are illuminated but just flash reflection. Waiting on LED to install to make them work.





Machining turret floor plate:




Finished turret floor plate:



Drive train was fully tested this weekend at local museum. Tracks got scratched up a bit. No issues with drive train - so happy!



All for now - till next time!

[Sixth Vanguard]

Thanks for the update. Incredible craftsmanship

[gunfighter]

Originally Posted by tankfan0720

Hi All,
I'm new to this forum, but not new to tanks. I thought I would post some pix of my M5 Stuart build. Starting with wheels and tracks because they are the hardest and most time consuming. The model will be full RC eventually. All parts are made entirely from scratch using a 1/35 AFV club model. Sprocket hubs were machined from solid alum. The sprocket chain rings were CNC machined from steel. The idler and bogey wheels are made from cast iron castors with a little resin detail parts thrown in. Enjoy. Till next time. -Bob

Bob,
I had top look at this work again. You are a true craftsman and way above my skill set. I am trying to acomplish this with my FOA M3 project.

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Gunfighter, start with one part, then work on the next. One thing at a time. Its easy to get overwhelmed with a project like this. It takes patience but anything is possible.
Bob

[Reef12]

That sure is some darn great work there.
Think I could share that with a site Bob?

Cheers

Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Jeff,
Thanks for the feedback. Yes you are welcome to share this thread on other sites. As long as it doesn't violate any SAG rules. Thanks, Bob

[tankfan0720]

Hello all,
Time for a project update. Since Photobucket has disabled my previous photos I will try to upload them to this site. They will be smaller unfortunately. Here goes.....

[tankfan0720]

Hmm, ok the images don't display. Will try something else.

[tankfan0720]

Sorry about the delay, it seems at though Photobucket has disabled my images from previous posts. Here are some latest images of project, showing turret nearing completion.

Gun Mantlet -close up


Hull Mg


3D printed Filler caps and lift hooks installed


Turret roof parts after machining


Rear engine deck installed


At Arlington Fly-in - July 2017


With turret installed, Side view


Another side view with Turret installed

[loic]

Bob, your tank is awesome! I wish to could convince you about making some of these magnificent parts available to FOA customers...

I'm looking at the picture of your Stuart in the field. I can see an FOA Panther tank running gear next to your machine. Do you know anything about this tank/owner?

Right now, there is only a handful of finished FOA RC Panther out there. I think it's our best tank! Would love to know more

Cheers from hot Utah,
Loic

[tankfan0720]

Loic,
Thanks for feedback on my Stuart. Its been a labor of love. Finally coming together after many years.


I do know a little about the Panther. It is FOA wheels and tracks. The hull and turret are scratch built from sheet steel. Its a nice looking model - and get lots of attention because of its size. The RC part needs some work. It was not running at the show. The owner built this I think before your RC versions were released, so I'm not sure "what's inside", ie what motors, speed controllers etc were used.


The owner says it is not safe to run as it is unpredictable under power. I'd like to help him get it working - but he says he doesn't have time to work on it at the moment.

[tankfan0720]

Here are some new images of recent progress. As always hope you enjoy and thanks for looking.

Rear deck details fitted - before paint. Filler caps are 3D printed, small ones in metal, large plastic. Hinges are 3D printed. Footman loops are from Armorpax


Rear deck removed showing speaker bracket and 2X battery charge points. Not sure if this will be permanent home for speakers. May build separate enclosure for them. They are a bit vulnerable to debris dropping on them.


Some paint on rear deck parts


Headlamps and Hull MG. New LED on the way to finish headlamps. Headlamp housing are 3D printed in metal.


Close up of banana plug (+) charge point - thru fuel filler caps.


Commander and Gunners hatches test fitted in place


Some of the tools ready for install. These are a combination of Armorpax parts modified with my wooden handles


Till next time....keep 'em rolling

[xacto11]

Always a pleasure to see your updates on this project. Really beautiful work.

[HDHSVI]

Amazing work! You've been at this for good little while and I've been popping in to keep up with your progress, I for one has just been in awe an absolute master piece of work! Looking forward to the next installment!

Cya
Hankster

[Pangaea95]

Most impressive, very cool!!!

[tankfan0720]

Hankster, Xacto, Pangaea95
Thanks for the feedback and comments. It is great to see it finally look <and work> like a tank. Yes been at it for nearly.....7 years! Life <and other projects> keep getting in the way - but I'm determined to finish it! Will post again soon.


Thanks, Bob

[tankfan0720]

Hi all. Time for quick update. A few more parts have been made and installed.

3D printed parts: Siren, Periscope tops, Hatch hinges in Stainless steel, Rear tail lamp housing in Stainless


Printed periscope tops with Hatch hinge installed:


Printed Siren installed, but unpainted:


Siren installed and painted:


Assembled cable, Stainless cable, 3D printed cable ends (stainless)


Brass brush gaurds for headlamps:


Underside of hatch: Not sure why image rotated itself


Hull MG painted, installed:


Overall view:


Overall view 2

[Panzercommander HOH]

Holy Cow!

Looking sharp, tankfan!

Keep 'em comin'!

Fred

[Jäger353]

Very very great work !!!!

[tankfan0720]

Hi All,
Here are a few updates to the M5. Mostly small detail fiddly bits. Enjoy, thanks for looking.

Antenna base:


3D printed tail lamp mounts:


Finished tail lamps:


3D printed Periscopes for drivers, radio op, and turret. Small brass detail parts added to 3D printed parts.








All for now, till next time....

[Hammer's Africaners]

That's fantastic work!!

[ROB48]

Beautiful work. Always a pleasure to see your progress. Just one question - How much does this thing weigh?
Bob

[tankfan0720]

Thanks for the compliment Hammer, Bob. It weighs about 75lb w batteries. 16lbs are the batteries themselves. Its getting too heavy to lift on my own -LOL.


It's surprisingly nimble though, each track motor has 1/4 HP (approx. .18Kw), so it can really move out, just like the real tank. -Bob

[Reef12]

Still a pretty good deal there.
Like the look, keep after it.

Cheers

Jeff

[tankfan0720]

Somehow I got a duplicate post - see below.

[tankfan0720]

Hello SAG friends. Happy 2018! Hope everyone got some cool tank stuff for Christmas.

Time for a brief project update. Not much to report - lots of little details that take a lifetime to do!


First couple images of the 3D CAD file from Autodesk Inventor. This is the main assembly model that all parts are made from. I'm hoping to have this project finished in 2018.





Turret detail in CAD





3D printed ice cleat models, Gold parts are stainless steel and will be used for casting masters. Black is ready to install in Nylon. Each tank needs 32 of these on the turret.







Brass periscope gaurds. Each one takes about an hour + to make.



Drivers hatch installed, showing hatch armor and fake welds - milliput



Armorpax excellent tow hook assembled. Fully functional like real one. I'm a little afraid it is too fragile for RC use. Will have to be careful backing up!



Installing shovel and rear tools.



Spare track link brackets. I will 3D print the spare track links to save time and weight.



Tested LED headlamps! Working!



Lastly overall shot of front end.




Thanks for looking! Questions and comments appreciated - till next time -keep em rolling..

[ROB48]

No photos are showing up (or is just me?).
Bob

[tankfan0720]

Hi Bob, perhaps something in your browser settings? The images seem to appear ok for me. -Bob

[Jäger353]

Very nice work!
Concratulations!

Which 3D printer do you use?

Greetings from Germay

Jäger353

[tankfan0720]

Hello Jager,
I don't own a 3D printer, I use Shapeways for all my printing. The ice cleat is made in an SLS process in material HD (High strength) Nylon. The metal parts are printed in a SLS type machine as well in Stainless/Bronze. The nice thing about using a service - they have the high end machines - I don't have to buy them or maintain them. I can just buy the parts I want. Best regards, Bob

[Tigertiki]

Great job... I know what do you mean by details.. I fell in a paktrap..

[tankfan0720]

Here is quick update. Rear tools are all installed. This part of project seemed to take forever. Lots of small holes to drill. Each fitting held on with #0-80 screw and nut for strength. Bob Steinbrun book on detailing M5 is very helpful for this phase.


Hoping to have some outside shots soon.


Fitting all rear tools....



All tools fitted.



Another shot...

[tankfan0720]

Hi All,
Got some outdoor pix today of freshly upper painted hull. Nearly finished with hull, except to paint lower hull and tracks OD green. Still some work to do on turret.


Enjoy.

[armorpax]

I am in awe of this project..........................


Best regards


Dave

[Panzercommander HOH]

Originally Posted by armorpax

I am in awe of this project.........................

Wholeheartedly agree with Dave! It's awesome!

I love seeing it progress!



Fred

[tankfan0720]

Dave, Fred
Thanks very much - Dave we are always in Awe of your projects, its nice to return the favor!
Hoping to have some "with turret" photos soon!
Bob

[tankfan0720]

A couple more images. The Stuart is officially allocated to 2nd Armd Division now. Also marked with S/N - US property now. The numbers were painted from laser cut masks (made from Frisket paper). Fun but time consuming process. The stars and numbers are per size and location specified per AR-850 -5, Jan '44. The unit fought bravely in Normandy and was one of the units at the spearhead for operation Cobra.

Till next time.....

[Panzercommander HOH]

AWESOME!



- Fred

[Tigertiki]

And where are the images ??
Cheers
Attila

[tankfan0720]

Attila,
I was wondering that myself - they seem to have disappeared for a day. I thought maybe it was just my browser. Perhaps Postimage was doing some server maintenance??? They seem to be back now.

Fred thanks for hanging in there for support!
Bob

[Hammer's Africaners]

Fantastic work

[tankfan0720]

All
My images from Postimage seem to be appearing, then disappearing. They have a message that says "Postimage.org domain is locked for registry". Not sure what that means in English, but they recommend updating URL with .cc vs .org. This seems to have fixed my images for now. Sorry for them being there then not there.....

[Tigertiki]

Everything under control now. Images are back !
Cheers
Attila

[tankfan0720]

Hi SAG, Happy memorial day (in US) weekend. Time for another brief update on this project. Looks like some of my Photobucket images from the project beginning came back somehow? But not all of them. At least for the moment. Yeah!

Been working on the final details, which seem to take forever even at my snail pace.

Fake spare track link - 3D printed:


3D printed ice cleats (plastic) and fake spare track links (plastic):


Printed ice cleats installed on turret rack:


Another view of cleats on racks:


Overall view of turret, need one more cleat rack set on both sides of turret and then on rear of turret -Sigh. The Stuart has a lot of ice cleats.


Made my own spin cast ice cleats. These are more economical than having them 3D printed. Being metal they are more durable.


Ice cleats like Minions, multiply overnight...


Painted metal spin cast cleats. Finally done with these.


Turret AA MG mounting bracket parts. Like a mini "Kit" in itself:


Bracket parts in fixture for soldering:


Final result -soldered bracket with stainless steel mounting post:


Till next time...keep 'em rolling..

[tankfan0720]

Hi SAG, Happy memorial day weekend. Time for another brief update on this project. Looks like some of my Photobucket images from the project beginning came back somehow? At least for the moment. Yeah!

Been working on the final details, which seem to take forever even at my snail pace.

Fake spare track link - 3D printed:


3D printed ice cleats (plastic) and fake spare track links (plastic):


Printed ice cleats installed on turret rack:


Another view of cleats on racks:


Overall view of turret, need one more cleat rack set on both sides of turret and then on rear of turret -Sigh. The Stuart has a lot of ice cleats.


Made my own spin cast ice cleats. These are more economical than having them 3D printed. Being metal they are more durable.


Ice cleats like Minions, multiply overnight...


Painted metal spin cast cleats. Finally done with these.


Turret AA MG mounting bracket parts. Like a mini "Kit" in itself:


Bracket parts in fixture for soldering:


Final result -soldered fixture with stainless steel mounting post:


Fake door hinges added to rear engine compartment:


Till next time...keep 'em rolling..

[Tigertiki]

Looks great ! Finish line is close !
Cheers
Attila

[tankfan0720]

Some outside shots today. Attila getting close -er to finishing LOL. Repainted tracks and lower hull finally all painted. Added light coat of "dust" just for good measure. Little rear fenders installed. Now to finish the turret....
















Thanks for looking...

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning!
You've basically built a mini-tank. My mind boggles at all the hours and outlay you have poured into this Beauty. It is so worth it. ;o) Following along!

regards!!!

[Hammer's Africaners]

Fantastic work.

[tankfan0720]

Painless
Thanks for the reply. It is indeed a mini tank. Almost too heavy to lift without a hoist or lift table. About 75 lbs without batteries (that is another 12-16lb depending on size of battery). For a small vehicle it is heavy. Hopefully will have some video soon of driving outside - before this site goes off line. Despite the models weight the main motors (2X 1/4hp each) provide plenty of torque.


Hammer: Thanks again for lookin in.

[ROB48]

This has been a fantastic build to follow. Sure would like to see it finished and running.
Bob

[tankfan0720]

Hi all, been a while since I posted on this project. Working on the million turret details. Hope everyone is having a good spring.


Ice cleats added to turret rear:



Parts for .30 Cal M1919 tank mount:







Fire suppression handle:



.30 Cal mounted to turret:





Till next time...
B

[tankfan0720]

Taken on July 4, 2019. What could be better than tanks on Independence day?





With its bigger brother (Dragon) Sherman


Till next time,
B

[TBowman]

Stuart is an incredible piece of work!!

Amazing!

[Panzercommander HOH]

Man, that's awesome!

Well done on the Stuart! Love the photos of them together on your deck!

Fred

[tankfan0720]

Tim thanks for the compliments! Your projects are my inspiration and never cease to raise the bar! Thanks Fred - they are a good lookin pair. Need to get some German armor finished. Thanks for looking. More soon..
Best regards,
B

[Panzercommander HOH]

NO!

Keep turnin' 'em out for the US!

HEHE - just kidding - do what moves you!

Again - awesome work!

Fred