Sariel.pl

Model of a Russian all-terrain tracked transporter. Features full suspension, articulated steering and ligths.

Datasheet:

Completion date: 23/12/2012
Power: electric (RC unit / battery box)
Dimensions: length 94 studs / width 16 studs / height 19 studs (not including antennae)
Weight: 3.273 kg
Suspension: full independent
Propulsion: 4 x RC motor geared 3:1
Motors: 4 x RC motor, 1 x PF L, 1 x PF Medium

The Vityaz is a military all-terrain heavy amphibious tracked transporter, available in three variants: DT-10, 20 and 30, varying in size and load capacity. It comes with an 800-HP engine equipped with a pre-heater, making it possible to start it in temperatures as low as -50°C. It is considered one of the world’s most capable land vehicles, having outperformed all requirements already in the prototype stage, and being perfectly capable of moving through mud, rivers or thick forest:

The model was a perfect solution to unleash the combined power of 4 RC motors in a tracked vehicle. The RC units don’t normally allow to steer tracked vehicles in a simple way, so an articulated tracked vehicle was a great option. Designing a model for driving outdoors in winter also solved the issue of the RC motors overheating under load, while the Eneloop batteries I have recently bought promised a decent performance in low temperatures.

The model was designed for maximized performance in deep snow and low temperature. That meant very robust construction, minimum number of details that could become separated or weaken the body, and increased ground clearance. The chassis of the first and second hull were identical, except for the second one being longer by a single pair of road wheels. In each chassis, all road wheels were suspended on shock absorbers independently, and all vital components such as the shock absorbers or the motors were closed shut inside the hull. The drivetrain gearing, on the other hand, was located inside the tracks, so it could be easily changed if need be, and it was doubled on both sides of the hull, to handle the torque better.  Each hull housed a single RC unit and a single 8878 battery. The first hull housed a number of lights, while the second one housed lights, L motor controlling the central joint’s angle through a linear actuator and connected to the RC unit, and a Medium motor controlling the central joint’s rotation, and connected to the 8878 battery through a switch. The switch was connected to the RC unit’s steering output, thus making the Medium motor remotely controlled by the RC unit. Thus, the central joint’s angle was controlled remotely in two planes, although other than steering, it proved of little use. The Medium motor was quite capable of steering while the model was driving, but not so much while it was standing still. The central joint could be also easily decoupled.

The model was one of my most robust creations ever, with the hulls so tough that one hull could be put on top of the other (it was in fact the only convenient way of carrying the model around). It wasn’t pretty, but its performance in snow and temperature below -10°C has exceeded all my expectations. The model proved practically unstoppable, moving easily through deep snow, gaps and rough terrain. It only slightly slowed down while driving uphill in deep snow, and that was clearly caused by problems with traction. I have spent half an hour outdoors with it, until my camera started freezing, and the model was still perfectly operational and capable. In fact, it was difficult to keep up with it while filming.

All in all, it was an extremely robust and powerful model, and driving it through snow was a great fun.

Work in progress photos:

Photos:

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