For some, the idea of several hours of painting and designing intricate models with minute details and features sounds like a delightful afternoon spent. Some of us would much rather just have it come already painted with motors so that it can move. [Cory Collins] sought to combine these two hobbies by building a highly detailed motorized tank dubbed Tankbot 2.3. (Video, embedded below.)
It’s based on a simple hexapod kit ordered online that includes a built-in Arduino compatible board (it’s based on the Arduino 2560 Mega). The legs were redesigned to match the aesthetic that [Cory] was going for. The redesign allows for an extra pivot in the leg mechanism. The turret section was designed and built on top of the base with support for a servo to turn it (though the firmware isn’t quite there yet). After all the parts were 3d printed, the laborious process of painting began. With some delicate airbrushing and some quick stencils cut for the decals, it was complete.
We are amazed by the types of kits and parts that you can find online and the fact that they’re usually inexpensive to boot. We’ve come a long way since 2013 when we covered a much simpler Arduino based tank.
Thanks [Cory] for sending this one in!
https://nerf.fandom.com/wiki/Combat_Creatures
Beautifully built and detailed, but I can’t help feeling those legs should be armored as well…
I would leave the top off and 3d print a top over.. the spiderbot from Watchdogs.
Could be a sport, Ranged Battlebots. I think they do that with model Battleships.
Now there’s an idea. Like Battlebots but fewer rules, guns encouraged, and played outdoors.
I bet it could get DARPA funding…
Already exists – Mech Warfare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvpGmiR5HnA
I did model battleship combat back in the 90’s. It was a lot of fun. It would be a lot easier to do these days with 3d printers and improved electronics. I went to the National event a few times where we had 40+ boats going at once! Here’s an example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP95CK1qKwI
Oops, didn’t click on Tillin9’s link. Same video. Anyway, it was a lot of fun.