Notices
RC Tanks Discuss all aspects of rc tank building and driving here!

M16 Half-Track

Old 07-01-2016, 08:34 PM
  #1  
Buggman60
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Norriton, Pa.
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default M16 Half-Track

OK, so I just ordered the Torro M16 half-track and cannot wait for it to arrive. I was pleasantly surprised to find that buying the item new from Germany was actually cheaper than any of the other offers including used models on Ebay. Will post pics as soon as it arrives.
Old 07-02-2016, 03:26 AM
  #2  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

get the El-Mod control board for it as well - its not cheap but it is a huge improvement both in terms of functionality and allowing you to use a 'proper' radio of your choice.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPEF9dI2_QM
Old 07-02-2016, 09:46 AM
  #3  
Crius
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 4,656
Received 313 Likes on 259 Posts
Default

I have a couple of those and I really, really like them. I'm slowly converting one to a covered M3 (or something similar) and I like the elmod idea but the wallet really screams when I even think about it. Maybe someday. Can't wait to see photos of yours and hear how you like it, Buggman.
Old 07-02-2016, 10:13 AM
  #4  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

Oh its not at all cheap - but its worth it, transforms it from a toy to a model

I really need to take some new pics of mine - those are 5 years old now
Old 07-02-2016, 10:36 AM
  #5  
ROLLIN ARMOUR
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CHICAGO, IL
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I just got an M16 about 3 weeks ago. I got it from rctankcommand. Even got free batteries for it. I have been cruising it around the house and it runs good. I am good to weather it and put some canvas rolls on it. i thought about taking out the AA guns and making the .50cal metal mount on the passenger front side.
Old 07-02-2016, 11:30 AM
  #6  
Tanker 10
 
Tanker 10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Crius
I have a couple of those and I really, really like them. I'm slowly converting one to a covered M3 (or something similar) and I like the elmod idea but the wallet really screams when I even think about it. Maybe someday. Can't wait to see photos of yours and hear how you like it, Buggman.
I would like to upgrade mine to a rc system that actually has some radio range but can't figure out how to get the guns off to get to the receiver without breaking something. Would love to see a how to "take it apart" video. HINT HINT
Old 07-02-2016, 11:36 AM
  #7  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

There is a fair amount of brute force required to bust the radio gear and reloads out of the way, but the rest of it is accessible via a Philips screw driver.

If you want to break open the turret you need to remove the floor panel it stands on. After that its just a case of patience and finding the screws.
Old 07-02-2016, 11:51 AM
  #8  
Martellus
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: WV
Posts: 828
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Pat, is that setup as a normal tank or as some autocannon or MG proxy setting?
Old 07-02-2016, 12:10 PM
  #9  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

Its the dedicated M16 board, with the add on CSI card to handle the IR battle - not required for the full functionality, but good fun
Set up as a light tank, with a 3 Second reload.
Old 07-02-2016, 04:21 PM
  #10  
Buggman60
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Norriton, Pa.
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

All these mods you guys are talking about....How about some pictures. Would love to see the possibilities.
Old 07-03-2016, 02:54 AM
  #11  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

Some quick visual mods

Cut the sides down as the vehicle would appear when in action:


Raise the armoured screen:


If you are feeling really adventurous:

M3 Scout Car:


M3A1 troop carrier:


M3 75mm GMC


How to get at the electronics:
First prise out the reloads rack and the radio. They are just glued in place.


This should reveal 2 screws underneath.


Next take out the 2 screws at the rear of the compartment - they are painted so they don't show up in the pic, there is one in each corner tho.


Now you can lift out the turret assembly - be careful as you do this as there is a 8 pin plug connecting the turret to the control board.


The El-Mod board is a drop in replacement, but if you want to use it with the CSI board for battle you'll need to solder on the black connector at the right hand end (or ask the El-Mod guys nicely if they can do it for you).
Old 07-03-2016, 03:57 AM
  #12  
ROLLIN ARMOUR
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CHICAGO, IL
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Ex_Pat_Tanker, How did you make the raised armored screen on the front windshield? Also how did you make the roller on the fronts of the M3s. I really like your GMC M3 75mm. I wish i had the skills to make that one. Great job!
Old 07-03-2016, 04:26 AM
  #13  
Crius
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 4,656
Received 313 Likes on 259 Posts
Default

Where did you get the tires for the M3 scout car?

Still jealous, martin. "Where does he get these marvelous toys?"
Old 07-03-2016, 05:05 AM
  #14  
Tanker 10
 
Tanker 10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the photo's of the disassembly and the screw locations.
Old 07-03-2016, 05:07 AM
  #15  
Panther F
 
Panther F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Franklin, IN
Posts: 9,772
Received 41 Likes on 38 Posts
Default

A lot of guys use parts from the Trumpeter static M16 Half track kit for their detailed features for the RC version.

The M3 project benefited from that kits front tires/wheels.





Jeff
Old 07-03-2016, 05:25 AM
  #16  
fynsdad
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: kettering, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I ripped out the guns and just went for a covered version. That way I had lots of room to fit an esc, sound generator, relocated battery etc...
[ATTACH]2171060[/IMG]
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	image.jpeg
Views:	77
Size:	1.04 MB
ID:	2171058  
Old 07-03-2016, 05:49 AM
  #17  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

The screen is carefully removed with a razor saw, and a replacement window frame cut from plasticard.


The roller is made from aluminium tube, with end caps made from plasticard, and the springs are left over elevation springs from Tamiya kits. The whole thing is just for show, there is no movement in it what so ever.


Rear wheels on the scout car are from another M16 - in the past some vendors would break up defective M16's and part them out, thoI haven't seen this done now for several years.
Old 07-03-2016, 08:31 AM
  #18  
ROLLIN ARMOUR
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CHICAGO, IL
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thank You for the info.
Old 07-03-2016, 04:04 PM
  #19  
Buggman60
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Norriton, Pa.
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Outstanding!!!!!
Old 07-16-2016, 11:25 AM
  #20  
Buggman60
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Norriton, Pa.
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well the M16 half track arrived yesterday afternoon. I loaded it up with batteries while waiting for the 9.6v to charge up. Then, I fired the unit up and was straightening it out with the trim dials when all hell broke loose. The front wheels began to slap from left to right, the gun turret started spinning and the unit went into a high speed reverse. A restart of the unit and the controller stopped all that nonsense EXCEPT for the front wheel slap. Anyone ever encounter something like this?

Last edited by Buggman60; 07-16-2016 at 11:27 AM.
Old 07-16-2016, 11:29 AM
  #21  
Tanker 10
 
Tanker 10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Mine does funny things like "chatter" just as it goes out of range of the transmitter which is only about ten feet away.
Old 07-16-2016, 11:34 AM
  #22  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

The stock radio/receiver board is garbage - The El-Mod board and a 'proper' radio is the way forward

I love these halftracks, WASAN did the right thing here as far as we are concerned - spend the money on the model, and cheap out on the electronics.
People looking for a toy get what they paid for, while clever guys can cater for the aftermarket users like us.

Last edited by Ex_Pat_Tanker; 07-16-2016 at 11:41 AM.
Old 07-16-2016, 11:39 AM
  #23  
Tanker 10
 
Tanker 10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yes, but after spending $250.00 for the vehicle I'm in no hurry to spend another $200.00 for the El Mod and a transmitter.
Old 07-16-2016, 11:46 AM
  #24  
Ex_Pat_Tanker
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Peterborough, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 2,146
Received 39 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

think of it in tamiya terms tho - you'll spend that much at least for a sherman, and that kits hardly a benchmark these days...
Old 07-16-2016, 12:18 PM
  #25  
TheBennyB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: West Grove, PA
Posts: 3,147
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Also with the Elmod board you'll now get progammable parameters such as drag brake, gear shift noise at certain throttle positions, momentum, etc and you can add more sounds such as the halftrack getting strafed which comes on the board out of the box. Yes it is a couple bucks but well worth switching over to a hobby grade TX, RX and getting the benefits of the Elmod board in my opinion. I've also been kicking around on fitting a bigger motor with a reduction unit to give it some more low end.

Last edited by TheBennyB; 07-16-2016 at 12:21 PM.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.