adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

As I wait for my Sherman to arrive, I am already deciding on my course of customizing action. I am planning on keeping the stock clutch system and motors (2 of RS380), but I want to add an ESC to allow for variable speed. My question is should I spring for a dual motor ESC or just put in a simple ESC supplying to both motors? There is a lot more ESC's than there are dual motor ESC's, and are cheaper to boot. I figure two RS380 motors are not using as much as one RS540, so current handling would not be a problem.

Any thoughts?

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

Dmon:

The original dinna have 380's (like the new ones have) it has 280's. You can't even fit 300's in it unlkess you specifically source some short-can units, as the space between the gearbox casing walls is a limiting factor.

I thought someone made an inexpensive twin-motor ESC like the Traxxas unit (think it was Losi) for the eMax (but for a mini-truck) but for the life of me, I cannot find the name. I know it exists, as I've seen it, and have a Rx/ESC unit that has extra slots on the board & in the casing for extra motor leads.

I can take pics of it, but does anyone have any data on this unit (aka web-page or review)??

EDIT: Whoops, Google to the rescue. Its the LOSB0825, a Team Losi Twin-Motor ESC w/Reverse, sourced out of theie Mini-LST truck. It runs about $40 bucks US.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...SB0825-450.jpg

PS: can't find any specs on it, but these 1/18's routinely run 380's (my Mini Inferno's do!)

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

You mean that my Sherman is going to be that gutless? Not even RS 380's? I think I'll have to mod that....

Thanks WhiteWolf for the info.

BTW as a Traxxian enthusiast ( I have two TMaxx's, one big-blocked), I have been enlightened that teh EMaxx speed controllers are crap! They tried to build it themselves, failed miserably, then farmed it out to (I believe) Novak. They were excellent usnits, but cost too much for Traxxas' tastes. When they released their new improved waterproof eMaxx,they put in an inhouse built ESC again and they burn out in a matter of hours. My local hobby shop has given up on Traxxas warranty on them, and supplies HPI ESavage ESC's with their EMaxxes.

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

I love it when a plan comes together!

My favorite local hobby shop stocks the Losi ESC, $45.99 CDN. No shipping, no messing with Customs, no bidding on eBay. Thanks Wolf!

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

I have a pair of sherman gearboxes here if you want to swap for the early clutch type the ones I have in good condition here is a pic

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

has the suspension parts/hull/tracks changed between the old 1970's sherman and the new ones? i got a chance to pick up a basket case 70's sherman with a really busted up lower half. if the old 70's hull and bogies are the same as the new modern one i found tree sprues on the auction site. any one know?

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

the new sherman uses bearing wheels and the old sherman uses nylon caps to hold the wheels on other than the bearing wheels and arms the rest is the same suspension mounts springs shocks and lower hull the same

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

thats good news! think i'll pick it up its gonna set me back about 25 bucks and alot of milliput but what the heck. i've got an old futaba thats collecting dust so why not!!

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

Dmon & removeb4flt:

Only with the 56014 full-function one. The 56005 had the self-same suspension as the RT1601, no bearings, bend-the-tab to hold the shocks on, etc. Only thing they upgrade on the chassis was the gearboxes, and the way the body mounts on it.

Nothing from the old RT1601 or 56005 chassis can be used on the 56014 ~except~ the dummy HVSS casings, the tires, and the idlers (and even they need improvement.

OH, and the chassis, with a ~bit~ of work...

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

I have the 56001 56005 and 2 56014 chassies and they are exackly the same rt chassies dont have the side mounts for the upper hull but can easily be drilled and fitted the suspension mounts are the same the idlers are differant on the 56014 but the old hulls will except the new style no problems and replace the syspension arms and you can install the bearing style wheels direct bolt on and the motors from a 56005 56001 and 56014 are interchangeable but you will need to drill 2 new holes to install them in the RT model the shock are all the same on all models just the 56001 56005 and rt are held on by rivits and the 56014 are bolted on but the fisical shocks are exactly the same units

RE: adding an ESC to a first gen Tamiya Sherman
 

sounds good. going to pick up the sherman tonight. my local hobby shop had one brought in on a trade for some train stuff. the dealer wanted 50 bucks. I got him down to 25 because I'm a regular. maybe might have to try and fabricate some vvss.