1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Hi there

I orginally started this thread on the RC groups tank forum, but this forum seams a lot more active, soI thinkI will give it a go here instead.

Anyway, here we go. I began the task of designing and building a 1:8 scale model of the american main battle tank, the M1A2 Abrams.

http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM...5.intro.lg.gif

The whole thing is going be build out of aluminum, mostly 3mm, and TIG welded together. Actually it is kind of a hybrid between a RC tank and a robot as it will be able to drive on its own based on GPS and sensors (Greatly inspired by the UAV and FPV builders). Here are some of the components I got so far:

Motors, batteries and ESC
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...0/IMG_0075.jpg

Transmitter (Spektrum Dx6i), reciever (AR6200 DRM2) and BEC
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...0/IMG_0076.jpg

First part of the video system. This camera are going inside the CITV and in good FPV manner is going to be controllable via headtracking
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...0/IMG_0077.jpg


Here are the progress on the mechanical part so far. The lower hull is ready for welding
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...LROn4/foto.jpg

The hull is 955mm long and with the gun the whole thing is going to end up being almost 1,3m long
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...ELvw/foto3.jpg


Dont expect this project to be completed any time soon as I need to finish my other current project as I need it for making parts for this thing:-). If interested in CNC maching, take a look at my different projects
CNC lathe <font color="#22229c">http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showt...t=51688&amp;page=29</font>
CNC mill: <font color="#22229c">http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showt...?t=76676&amp;page=4</font>
CNC router: <font color="#22229c">http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showt...?t=39417&amp;page=2</font>

Or if you are just into pictures, take a look here: <font color="#22229c">http://picasaweb.google.com/jacobguldberg</font>

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Im converting a quite detailed sketchup model into a parametric CAD drawing as i go along. Right now im focusing on the getting the lower hull up and running before i attempt to build the upper hull and turret and before starting adding details.

As for the suspension, I went with what seems to be a well proven design, an arm inside with a simple spring mechanism. Each wheel/suspension assembly features 4 12mm bearings. That means a little over 1kg of bearings in total, with probably more added as we go:-)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Sr...0/hullassm.jpg


Batteries goes in front and motors in the back, this should help keep the weight evenly distributed and also makes room for the turret going down in the middle

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

This looks to be quite the interesting project. I'm looking forward to watching this progress, good luck to you.

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Man, all i can say is CAN YOU Build me one. i want an Abrams so bad It makes my bones hurt. I wish SOMEBODY would make a 1;16 scale RC Abrams other than Hobby Engine. Since they are the only ones you would think that they would make a decent model. They pretty much have a monopoly on the ABRAMS. DO IT RIGHT for Petes sake. I do have the HE LEO2A5 that I heavily modified with all Tamiya PAnther gear Gearboxes and Tamiya LEO2A6 tracks and sprockets but that took alot of custom fabrication to make thing work properly. PLEASE SOMEBODY BUILD ME AN ABRAMS M1A1/2

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Just some pics from my HE LEO2A5

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Will you be machining the track links separately or doing something else in this regard? I would assume that is 6061 Al you are using? Looking like a good plan so far and a nice build.

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Its 5754 alu.

I still dont know what I will do with the tracks. I do consider buying them from http://www.kennysmodeltank.com/ , but including shipping (and without possible VAT) it will set me back 650$. That is ALOT of money for some hobby tracks.
The alternative is to mill each link out of aluminium :-) This will result in bit less details, but it will be cheap and i have unlimited spare parts

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Ouch on the track price! I think if it were me and had the equipment you do I would make them myself. I would imagine them to be more time consuming than anything.

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

You are probably right. Im just being lazy:-)

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Hi again

Not much of an update on the structual part. Still working on the lathe project and I ran out of TIG gas. I did however manage to wire the drive system and do some testing. If a do a fast acceleration or deacceleration, the motors jump around. Im pretty sure it will be possible to damage the belts if or pop some fuses if i dont take care.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Ss...092%5B1%5D.JPG

Ive bought what is going to be the "brain" of the system, a Arduino board. Its a simple microcontroller board aimed at beginners like myself. The thingy to the left is the GPS. Imanage so far to pass the raw GPS strings to the PC and parse it so I can work with the coordinats etc. I may buy a bigger board as I already have plans for 10-15 sensors in total.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Ss...094%5B1%5D.JPG

Last picture is of a 1:35 modelkit I got of ebay. Its kinda nice to have a real life copy I can twist and turn and measure. I dont plan on building it, but who knows, I might get bored some night
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Ss...096%5B1%5D.JPG

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

WHat motor's are you using. Those are bigger the 550 can size. :)

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Its two 350w 24v electric scooter motors. Originally I planned for 500w, but 25a is the magic limit for when things really starts to get expensive :-)

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Wow. Very nice.

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Been working on the PC interface, this can be done from the sofa in the evening:-) Right now the heading, speed (upper right corner) and the coordinats are working. For the rest I still need to buy a bunch of temperature probes and a voltage and current sensor. Also im planning of adding a rpm counter for a more precise speed reading

The fresh GPS string ticking in

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Ss...%20Picture.jpg

The main screen of the software, most of the screen is reserved for video feed and map window
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/Ss...%20%281%29.jpg

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

Still just nerding away. Camera working and GPS now interacting with map. Who dont want to be able to drive their tank from miles away:-)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0LG_WGqL0_w/St...%20%283%29.jpg

RE: 1:8 M1A2 Abrams scratch build
 

That is cool!! i got the 1:9 scale abrams tank and that would be awesome in that! just gps isnt that accurate lol!

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2100832Hello i am working a same scale as your project, i am planing use machine and cast aluminum to build for chassis it less weigh :p

Talk about digging up old threads this is nearly 6 years old and the chap who started the post hasn’t posted for nearly 6 years so I doubt you will get any response from him you would be far better starting a new thread based on what you have achieved and plan

Hello Rivetcounter. oop ! 6 years old topic i don't think i will get any reply thread from him thank you for notice. I just bought this 1/8 M1A2 track set with sprocket from Hong Kong China if some one in this forum plan to scratch build the same lets discuss begin :p.

You have started with the tracks and sprockets this is where people fail when it comes to scratch building RC tanks if the same supplier has road wheels I would consider buying them also as this will be expensive to have a full set of 28 road wheels and tyres made, you could look at suppliers in Germany but I think most supply Leopards in 1/8 I don’t recall and Abrams at events, one thing that will be vital is a friendly machine shop or someone you know with a mill and lathe another helpful thing you will need apart from plans is a good model Dragon make a very good 1/35 scale model and Hooben will be later this year releasing there Abrams in 1/16, I have seen the Hooben model and can say that there is a lot of detail, don’t forget to do a build thread.

Hello Rivetcounter. 1/8 scale M1A2 was my main scratch build plan, due to my age ... for easier carry around. I am also plan to build smaller scale 1/16 all metal M1A2 project see picture are track set with sprocket. metal road wheels set with idler wheels, and some chassis detail parts .50 machine gun too . :cool:http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2101502