hi managed to buy a used Tamiya King Tiger, its an old model with the single motor and clutch system. Im finding it hard to control, can the speed controller be changed for an electronic version? is so what you suggest and how would i go about fitting one.

It has 3 servos forward/backwards (speed) one for the turret rotation and the other for the clutch system. It has a small box inside where i think all the servos plug into.

My modeling skills are limited, if it is going to be to much work, i will sell it, if anyone is interested, i would sell swop for a decent HL tank.

Its all there, including a 6 channnel futaba unit, spare tracks, other odds and ends....

its a nice enough KT but id rather have something simple like the HL Tiger i have......


any help would be appreciated...

Kev

Swapping to an electronic control is easy.

Now if you are finding the top speed too fast using the stock gearbox, just swap out the stock 500 Mabuchi for an Integy 45t, 55t or 65t motor. They originally made the 55t for their comm lathe, but crawlers loved the torque, so they went ahead and added two others. All have FULL bearings and are rebuildable (replacable brushes and openable to repair)

Any simple reversable R/C car ESC will do, but I'd suggest one that has a delay between forward and reverse. Saves breaking tracks, though plastic tracks are fairly cheap these days.

Check in the turret, you may have a flash unit that often came with the King Tiger, and its just not hooked up. I can show ya what it shoukld look like, got a trio of 'em for my special projects.

Its fully usable, just not capable of battling, and not worth upgrading for battle unless you're handy hobby-wise.

If you trade it away, make sure you get a Full Function (Smoke and sound) HL out of it... fully operable with metal gearboxes and tracks, if possible. Its worth at least that.

cheers for that, it has the strobe unit, dont really know how it works, just been messing with the track adjusters, undid them and spun them round once then tightned them back up....works a treat....i will look for a speed controller with a soft start (if they do them?)

cheers for the info.....there was something on this forum about the clutch system but i cant find it.....

Kev

You could always upgrade it and fit el-mod electrics give you full battle and correct sound but I think you will have to buy new gearboxes check with Blitz about $225 which is cheaper than using tamiya.



regards pete

Hmmm....didnt want to do that really. If i can get a speed controller to make it easy to control im not really bothered about sound....i have a good smoke unit from a HL tank which i can install, should be a simple contect and turn on!!!

I just like the idea of the HL tanks, plug in one battery and away you go......with this you have to lift off the lid to connect, infact the first time i connected it, it shot off down the garden!!! and i hadnt even turned on the transmitter!!!! lol

i did contact the company who make the el-mod gear and there system dont support a single motor drive like whats in my tank. I have a spare HL tiger with motors etc i may swop them over to that system, but i will try to sell it first i think......

Kev

Plus he only has one motor, and servos to adjust which wheel gets rotation... confusing system lol

Ok, madbadger:

This may bore others, so if they start ragging on ya, PM or email me and I'll talk ya through things.

The flash unit should have a battery clip for 2x C cells (aka it runs off 3 volts) but that may be missing. Any two-cell clip will do, but I dunno about feeding the unit anything more than 3v. The button is for firing the wee beastie, and you can tell the unit is charged when the whine it gives off goes up past hearing range (or peaks out) The slider switch (if I remember right) is for either auto-fire or for manual (push the button) and the knob on the clear casing holding the board adjusts the automatic flash rate for the auto-fire.

It is supposed to be mounted button-down on the traverse crossbar in the bracket on top. There should be a sliding rod with a brass end there, and when you push the bottom of the shaft up (under the traverse gearbox) the rod end actuates the flash. You're supposed to attach a wedhe-shaped piece to a servo arm to actuate the rod. I think I have the instructions for mounting & operation in my old manuals file, I can send it on if you want.

And don't let that flash unit go cheap. Its no longer made, and the last one I saw on eBay went for over $40 US. Thats why my trio aren't for sale (though I would loan one to one of the electronics guys if they wanna take a shot at duplicating it)

I can talk ya through the other things (as I said) so just ask, or PM or email me, and we'll get your baby rolling.

hi Whitewolf, its all there and it does flash, seems to work fine. Im more concerened about the speed control. Im finding it to fast, i crashed it yesterday while reversing and broke the exhaust off...ive managed to glue it back on. Ive been looking at one of these ESC speed controllers

TAMIYA Electronic Speed Controller RC ESC TEU-101BK or can anyone suggest a better soft start? speed controller that would work.

Its easy to find in any search engine. Do you think this would work with the KT and solve me control problems. If i can get the thing to control properly, i will keep the KT, but at the moment if find it frustrating trying to manouver with it. My HL tiger is much better fun to use!!!!. Ive thought about fitting a HL smoke unit to the back of the KT and just run it off a simple switch. at least the dung dung sound from the smoker will sort of sound like an engine.
I have even thought of connecting a RX13 board up just to hear the sound Anyone know if this can be done,

(common wackywheelz to the rescue)???? im not bothered about starting up or anything, just the engine run sound would be enough...

Some one on this forum made some mods to the twin clutches to make it spin on one track, mine does spin on one track, but only on wood or concrete....it wont stop the track on grass....sounds like its slipping....only i cant find the thread again....

Cheers Hope someone can help me

Kev

Can anyone tell me if the motor in my KT is brushless?....only i have seen some ESC that say not suitable for brushless motors....

oh and what does 10...15...20 motor turn rating mean? only some sites state this....sorry for being a bit stupid....

cheers

Kev

Brushed. It's a 540...dunno how many turns...I've seen people say between 27 and 36.

D.

thanks darkith have you any idea which sort of ESC, i have seen this one....140A Brushed Motor Speed Controller ESC (item 160284440343) if you would have a look for me and give me your opinion..or if you could recommend one for me, it would be appreciated.

cheers


Kev

Should work fine.

D.

Great i will get it.....thanks for you input mate....much appreciated...

Kev

Did you buy your KT from a bloke in Mansfield by any chance??

I would imagine an ESC for a model boat would be more suitable.
They'll take a fair few amps and usually have a "soft start" too

you should find what you need here

http://www.astecmodels.co.uk/catalogue.php

Mark

Hi Madbadger I have used a Mytronics marine ( 15 Amp ) ESC to run an old Tam KT, got it from the eplace at about £15 . They do more expensive ESC's as well. I belive they have a web site that is UK based. I think you will find that with a bit of work and patience ( plus some cash now and again ) you can make these older kits run very well. Hope this helps and keep us updated on your progress. All the best for now
Alan