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.

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.

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...s/P8281872.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPEF9dI2_QM

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.

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

I really need to take some new pics of mine - those are 5 years old now :o

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.

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

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.

Pat, is that setup as a normal tank or as some autocannon or MG proxy setting?

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.

All these mods you guys are talking about....How about some pictures. Would love to see the possibilities.

Some quick visual mods

Cut the sides down as the vehicle would appear when in action:
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...psghirqtap.jpg

Raise the armoured screen:
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...psf34jbcdg.jpg

If you are feeling really adventurous:

M3 Scout Car:
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9f3d628b.jpg

M3A1 troop carrier:
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d59e3fc.jpg

M3 75mm GMC
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...C/HPIM3710.jpg

How to get at the electronics:
First prise out the reloads rack and the radio. They are just glued in place.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...psxobtc8dg.jpg

This should reveal 2 screws underneath.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...psntvvkiyw.jpg

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.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...pss74byyrr.jpg

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.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9d38f07a.jpg

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).
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...psc95a0ec8.jpg

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!

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

Still jealous, martin. "Where does he get these marvelous toys?" :p

Thanks for the photo's of the disassembly and the screw locations.

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

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]

The screen is carefully removed with a razor saw, and a replacement window frame cut from plasticard.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...ps72ca4828.jpg

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.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/...ps93acdca4.jpg

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.

Thank You for the info.

Outstanding!!!!!

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?

Mine does funny things like "chatter" just as it goes out of range of the transmitter which is only about ten feet away.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.