Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Cars, Buggies, Trucks, Tanks and more > RC Tanks
Reload this Page >

1/6 Frank Wang Opel to RC

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

1/6 Frank Wang Opel to RC

Old 02-19-2023, 12:02 PM
  #1  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default 1/6 Frank Wang Opel to RC

Just about ready for driving test for my Frank Wang 1/6 scale Opel truck conversion. Its been a fun project, but took a while to figure out the driveline. The axles are 1/8 scale from Veroma Modellbau (Germany) - but are nearly perfect fit for 1/6 Opel truck. The rear rims and tires are also from Veroma. The front rims are 3D resin printed and are reverse bead lock - bead lock is on rear of rim. Front tires are ones that come with truck.

The model was static and produced by Frank Wang (FB) in China - its all steel except load bed wood. Weight is about 15-20 lbs.

Overall view
Click image for larger version

Name:	Overall.jpg
Views:	122
Size:	246.9 KB
ID:	2272501

Click image for larger version

Name:	Overall-rear-three-quarter.jpg
Views:	145
Size:	255.1 KB
ID:	2272502

Click image for larger version

Name:	Overall-front-three-quarter.png
Views:	136
Size:	1.88 MB
ID:	2272504

Heavy duty truck rear axle, 3:1 reduction

Click image for larger version

Name:	Rear-axle.jpg
Views:	149
Size:	226.9 KB
ID:	2272503

Click image for larger version

Name:	Rear-end.png
Views:	132
Size:	1.28 MB
ID:	2272505

My 3D printed battery box goes under load bed and hides battery. The ESC will be under the cab, The steering servo will be up front with fake engine.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Battery-tray-V3.jpg
Views:	127
Size:	39.2 KB
ID:	2272506

Click image for larger version

Name:	Faux-spare-tire-battery-box.jpg
Views:	118
Size:	226.3 KB
ID:	2272507

Load bed floor showing battery location:

Click image for larger version

Name:	Battery-tray-installed.png
Views:	109
Size:	713.4 KB
ID:	2272508

Click image for larger version

Name:	Floor-battery-cover.png
Views:	110
Size:	665.0 KB
ID:	2272509

Veroma front axle and body mounts

Click image for larger version

Name:	Front-axle-body-mount.jpg
Views:	118
Size:	314.2 KB
ID:	2272510

Click image for larger version

Name:	Front-axle-no-servo.png
Views:	121
Size:	1.22 MB
ID:	2272511

More soon...
Bob

Last edited by RC_BobM; 02-19-2023 at 12:09 PM. Reason: Add pix
The following 2 users liked this post by RC_BobM:
herrmill (02-25-2023), Will01Capri (03-23-2023)
Old 02-19-2023, 08:18 PM
  #2  
schmitty1944
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 22
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

That is beautifully made. Very nice job.

Jason
Old 02-25-2023, 08:52 PM
  #3  
herrmill
 
herrmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hangzhou, China
Posts: 1,990
Received 63 Likes on 47 Posts
Default

Nice work, Bob! Always interested in seeing these converted.
Old 02-26-2023, 12:52 PM
  #4  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

Thanks Jason and Chuck. Hope to have a driving video soon! Working on fake engine now which will include an ESS sound module, the receiver and steering servo. That's the last thing to make.
Thanks for looking!
Bob
Old 03-05-2023, 02:08 PM
  #5  
Tanque
 
Tanque's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 2,888
Received 95 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

Very interesting conversion Bob. I like it. I asked Frank about those trucks; he says he has a few left. In your opinion
do you feel they're worth the almost USD1800 he wants for them? The build quality, what is your opinion?

Also in terms of the conversion was disassembly able to be done without major surgery?

I'm interested in getting one of these as I would want to make it functional also but I really don't want to have an extensive dissection in front of me to do it..

Jerry
Old 03-05-2023, 03:10 PM
  #6  
PE YOUNG
 
PE YOUNG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SEOUL, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (KOR)
Posts: 173
Received 53 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

It's a model that shows the speciality of 1/6 scale.👍
Old 03-07-2023, 09:06 AM
  #7  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

hi Tanque (Jerry),
If you want a sturdy RC Opel truck then this is the quickest way to get there. The construction is generally good, but its intended to be static. Its all hand made, hand formed, spot welded steel. The frame is steel rectangular tube, so it is very strong. And it does require a lot of dissection - like removing all the non functional wheels and suspension and fake engine. It does give a good base for conversion. The Veroma axles and tires will set you back a lot as well. Not as expensive as an Armortek tank, but still expensive. I will have about $2500 -$2700 into this one when done. The other option is to build one from scratch - which IMO would take me even longer, as I make a CAD model first before cutting metal. Its not as nice as the Metalbox Opel detail wise -if you can find one those. I plan to make a second one into the halftrack version, using Geisswerk brass tracks. I'll be using Alum cast wheels, and 3D printed parts throughout.

I pre-ordered both of mine and I think they were around $1500 USD each including fast FEDEX shipping. Having the truck base saved me some work - but designing and building the working suspension has been a major project. But enjoyable as I love scratch building (and I have a lathe, CNC mill, printers etc). I think it will make a nice model once detailed and repainted. So in my opinion yes worth it, but definitely not for the faint of heart (build wise).

All of the surgery to remove stuff can be done with a dremel and cut off discs.
-Bob

Last edited by RC_BobM; 03-07-2023 at 09:09 AM.
The following users liked this post:
herrmill (03-22-2023)
Old 03-07-2023, 10:33 AM
  #8  
Tanque
 
Tanque's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 2,888
Received 95 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RC_BobM
hi Tanque (Jerry),
If you want a sturdy RC Opel truck then this is the quickest way to get there. The construction is generally good, but its intended to be static. Its all hand made, hand formed, spot welded steel. The frame is steel rectangular tube, so it is very strong. And it does require a lot of dissection - like removing all the non functional wheels and suspension and fake engine. It does give a good base for conversion. The Veroma axles and tires will set you back a lot as well. Not as expensive as an Armortek tank, but still expensive. I will have about $2500 -$2700 into this one when done. The other option is to build one from scratch - which IMO would take me even longer, as I make a CAD model first before cutting metal. Its not as nice as the Metalbox Opel detail wise -if you can find one those. I plan to make a second one into the halftrack version, using Geisswerk brass tracks. I'll be using Alum cast wheels, and 3D printed parts throughout.

I pre-ordered both of mine and I think they were around $1500 USD each including fast FEDEX shipping. Having the truck base saved me some work - but designing and building the working suspension has been a major project. But enjoyable as I love scratch building (and I have a lathe, CNC mill, printers etc). I think it will make a nice model once detailed and repainted. So in my opinion yes worth it, but definitely not for the faint of heart (build wise).

All of the surgery to remove stuff can be done with a dremel and cut off discs.
-Bob
Thanks for the information Bob. I expected that it was some work to get it to where it is now so that's no surprise. As to Veroma parts
I've purchased things from them before so I also know they're pricey but great quality- you get what you pay for.

You must have been planning the conversion of the second truck to the tracked version for some while to have gotten tracks from Geisswerk! That will be another fascinating conversion....

Jerry
Old 03-07-2023, 10:52 AM
  #9  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

Tanque (Jerry)
Yep started the Maultier a long time ago. I was planning to scratch build the entire truck. I bought the Giessworks tracks from Martin a long time ago (~2011ish). A friend in Romania made the cast alum bogeys and rubber tires. Since I always have 10 projects going at once, it was going to take 10 years to make this. Fortunately Frank released the trucks last year.

The suspension units are 3D printed Nylon- which may or may not work for this heavy a model. I can always machine those in Alum if I have to. Having the truck base even with some surgery required saves a lot of time.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Frame.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	59.8 KB
ID:	2272580

Click image for larger version

Name:	Bogey-truck.jpg
Views:	139
Size:	211.5 KB
ID:	2272575

Click image for larger version

Name:	TRacks-n-wheels3.jpg
Views:	134
Size:	286.4 KB
ID:	2272576

Click image for larger version

Name:	Track.jpg
Views:	134
Size:	307.8 KB
ID:	2272577

Click image for larger version

Name:	Sprocket.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	159.9 KB
ID:	2272578

I'm excited to finish the Maultier, but need to get the basic truck version finished first.
Bob

Click image for larger version

Name:	Tires-and-rims.jpg
Views:	136
Size:	245.6 KB
ID:	2272579

Last edited by RC_BobM; 03-07-2023 at 11:01 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Will01Capri (03-23-2023)
Old 03-08-2023, 02:56 AM
  #10  
Crius
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 4,611
Received 306 Likes on 252 Posts
Default

That's looking really good Bob. I've always wanted a 1/6 scale Blitz, but that price is just a little out of my league. And I might have to make some changes to my list of people I'd like to be adopted by. Number one used to be Hugh Hefner, but then he died, so for the last couple years the number one spot has been taken by either Jerry or Master Sergeant Mike, but you're creeping up there Bob.
Old 03-08-2023, 07:32 AM
  #11  
schmitty1944
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 22
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Those track and suspension parts look absolutely stunning. What a cool and obscure project.

Jason
Old 03-22-2023, 09:40 AM
  #12  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

3D printed fake engine to hide receiver, ESS Sound module (inside block) and mount steering servo. Lots of CAD time and printing, but cool to see it come together. Just the last 90% left to do.
Click image for larger version

Name:	fake-engine.jpg
Views:	102
Size:	44.7 KB
ID:	2272634

Click image for larger version

Name:	fake-engine2.jpg
Views:	113
Size:	28.8 KB
ID:	2272635

Click image for larger version

Name:	fake-engine3.jpg
Views:	104
Size:	33.5 KB
ID:	2272636

Resin and FDM printed parts...
Click image for larger version

Name:	printed-parts-1.jpg
Views:	94
Size:	267.1 KB
ID:	2272637

Click image for larger version

Name:	printed-parts-2.jpg
Views:	113
Size:	154.1 KB
ID:	2272638

Till next time..
Bob
The following 3 users liked this post by RC_BobM:
herrmill (03-22-2023), Pah co chu puk (03-23-2023), Will01Capri (03-23-2023)
Old 03-22-2023, 06:05 PM
  #13  
herrmill
 
herrmill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hangzhou, China
Posts: 1,990
Received 63 Likes on 47 Posts
Default

Superbly drawn & executed, Bob! Brilliant work!!
The following users liked this post:
RC_BobM (03-24-2023)
Old 04-12-2023, 04:12 PM
  #14  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

First driving test yesterday. Hope you like it.
Fake engine - 3D printed




Upside down - driveline


Some driving videos:

Till next time..
Bob

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Fake-engine-3.png
Views:	22
Size:	1.78 MB
ID:	2272708   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fake-engine-2.png
Views:	23
Size:	1.83 MB
ID:	2272709   Click image for larger version

Name:	underside.png
Views:	28
Size:	2.06 MB
ID:	2272710  
The following users liked this post:
schmitty1944 (04-12-2023)
Old 04-12-2023, 04:18 PM
  #15  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

Deleting double post - hopefully

Last edited by RC_BobM; 04-12-2023 at 04:22 PM.
Old 04-13-2023, 01:46 AM
  #16  
Crius
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 4,611
Received 306 Likes on 252 Posts
Default

That looks great, Bob, very impressive. What did you use for your sound system? Also, to get it to the point where it is right this minute, how much money do you think you spent?

I should have this SAS Jeep finished pretty soon and then I can come and Chase your Blitz around the yard.
Old 04-13-2023, 07:20 PM
  #17  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

Hi Gary, Thanks for looking. I estimate about $1350 in additional parts not including the truck. The Veroma stuff is pretty expensive. Also lots of CAD hours and 3D printing myself to adapt the Veroma axles to the body. The sound is simple ESS Dual sense module, which is inside the fake engine. These modules are pretty nice and easy to integrate into a car/truck and have pretty extensive sound library.

Grand total including truck was $2686.00, less battery. Expensive I suppose. But for perspective the Metalbox Opel truck when available was $1800-1900 and not RC. It is better detailed but this one doesn't look bad.

I will add more detail stuff, lights, driver and a new paint job.

Best regards,
Bob
Old 04-30-2023, 01:02 PM
  #18  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

A little color and weathering added. Still not sure I like it yet. Working on the rear canvas cover. The mounts and hoops for the cover are not so great. The rear axle is still bright because its so pretty and I have to remove it completely to paint it.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-1.jpg
Views:	113
Size:	276.8 KB
ID:	2272777

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-2.jpg
Views:	116
Size:	296.4 KB
ID:	2272778

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-3.jpg
Views:	122
Size:	322.6 KB
ID:	2272779

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-4.jpg
Views:	94
Size:	369.2 KB
ID:	2272780

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-5.jpg
Views:	94
Size:	231.4 KB
ID:	2272781

Click image for larger version

Name:	Camo-weather-6.jpg
Views:	120
Size:	170.5 KB
ID:	2272782

More soon, take care,
Bob
Old 04-30-2023, 03:59 PM
  #19  
Crius
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 4,611
Received 306 Likes on 252 Posts
Default

Lookin' great, Bob. You've made me just a bit green again, but I like it.

You know what she needs? A pair of lines of bullet holes from that time they ran into those lunatics in the jeep and they stitched 'em up with a twin Vickers!

This also really makes me want to start on the 1/6 M3 scoutcar, but I really need to get the type 82 finished first. But you do have me wanting a blitz even more, especially since I picked up the quad 2cm flak gun. That would look awesome in one of those, especially if you make the bed sides so they can fold down. So many projects, such a short lifespan, eh?
Old 04-30-2023, 05:06 PM
  #20  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

He He Gary,
"A flak in back" would trump any Vickers" LOL! Was just thinking mine is cool and all - but it doesn't have any guns. How about a flak gun hidden under the tarp!

Twin Lewis guns would definitely wreck my paint job.

BTW the sides do fold down just like the real thing. They are hinged. Its a decently built and detailed model. Best of all - all steel. But its deceptively heavy - close to 30lbs!

I think the Blitz half-track will be even cooler. I'm hoping to get to that in my lifetime.
Bob
Old 05-13-2023, 10:37 AM
  #21  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

A little fun with truck and Armortek E8 Sherman on trestle bridge I built from scrap. The bridge is 6 feet long, gives you a sense how big these models are! The garden gnomes love the bridge.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Bridge.jpg
Views:	112
Size:	566.7 KB
ID:	2272816

Click image for larger version

Name:	E8_ground_level.jpg
Views:	109
Size:	429.8 KB
ID:	2272823

Click image for larger version

Name:	E8_overhead_-_on_bridge.jpg
Views:	110
Size:	276.1 KB
ID:	2272817

Click image for larger version

Name:	E8_quarter_view_-_on_bridge.jpg
Views:	98
Size:	381.2 KB
ID:	2272818

Click image for larger version

Name:	E8_side_view_-_on_bridge_2.jpg
Views:	115
Size:	367.4 KB
ID:	2272819

Click image for larger version

Name:	Truck_on_bridge_-_ground_level.jpg
Views:	105
Size:	300.1 KB
ID:	2272820

Click image for larger version

Name:	Truck_on_bridge_-_side_view_2.jpg
Views:	100
Size:	378.5 KB
ID:	2272821

Click image for larger version

Name:	Truck_on_bridge_-_side_view.jpg
Views:	119
Size:	372.9 KB
ID:	2272822

-Bob

Last edited by RC_BobM; 05-13-2023 at 10:39 AM.
Old 09-02-2023, 10:57 AM
  #22  
RC_BobM
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 542
Received 93 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

Added some details - tie down points for cover, hoops for cover and new paint (different green) and some weathering. Nearing completion.

Click image for larger version

Name:	re-paint1.jpg
Views:	76
Size:	276.2 KB
ID:	2273269

Click image for larger version

Name:	re-paint3.jpg
Views:	65
Size:	278.1 KB
ID:	2273270

Click image for larger version

Name:	re-paint5.jpg
Views:	68
Size:	256.1 KB
ID:	2273271
Bob

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -

Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.