I have made a lot more progress on the model. The model's exterior is 98% complete. I'm currently waiting on some parts to finish up the tool posts. Once they are complete the model will head into painting.
I have also completed the last of the model's electronics.
The tank uses two 4QD Vortex speed controllers. To cool off the Speed controllers I recycled a Pentium II and III processor motherboard Heat sinks from two old scrap computer motherboards. The speed controllers are mounted in two plastic project boxes. To aid with the air flow holes were cut into the boxes.
The tank's exhausts are controlled by another separate speed controller that provides throttle control for the model. This way I can have the exhausts simulate engine idle and acceleration.
A battery powered fuel pump has been added to the tank to refuel the smoke generator. This is the same system that I have in my other 1/6th scale RC tanks. The in tank refueler systems eliminates any smoke fluid spills that can ruin the tank's paint job.
As I mentioned earlier the tank's main power switch is located in the let hand rear storage Bin. In the other storage bin I have the switches and small batteries for the Radio Receiver, and other functions.
On the tank's exterior I have completed most of the tank's side details including the spare track racks and the side fenders.
The tank's spare track racks were the kit supplied laser cut sheet metal ones. The only extra detail that was added has been the soldered mounts for the lock pin chains.
The Kit supplied fenders were not used a new sheet metal ones were fabricated. The Tow Hook hinged portion was also made to be functional.
The Kit supplied transport cable rack and tool box racks were not used a new metal replacements were fabricated out of sheet metal and spare kit supplies metal strips.
I also fabricated the tank's gun cleaning kit / antenna storage tube out of PVC, brass, and my own resin latches.
The two rear upper hull armor holes were filled with a piece of scrap steel that was soldered into place.
The road wheel hub cap axel holes were plugged and sanded smooth
The kit supplies you wit laser cut sheet metal side skirts. These skirts are nicely done and no alterations are needed to be made
The kit supplies you with a solid resin Bosh head light. The head light itself is acceptable, but I replaced the kit supplied version with a hollow panzerwerk Bosh light. I was able to wire an LED inside of the head light making it functional. Also the level of detail on the panzerwerk headlight is phenomenal! To access the light I was able to make the black out cover removable.
For the cooling Fan and front head light power switch I was able to conceal the switch in the front gunners periscope hatch.
Once the tool posts are complete the tank will head off into painting, which will probably be after the holiday. Have a safe and fun 4th of July everyone :D