Chunwai Models M1A2 Review

Chunwai Models began manufacturing 1/8 scale all metal RC tanks in 2005 and now have expanded into the 1/16 scale range. What follows, is a review of their newest 1/16 scale all metal RC tank the M1A2.

When you open a box containing a Chunwai M1A2 the first thing that hits you is just how massive the size and weight is, as you remove the well packed tank from it's box and the high level of detail begins to become apparent. Once the tank is fully removed, you can tell from the look and feel alone you have a vary large high quality hand made tank in front of you! Along with the tank the tank you also get:

• 12v trickle charger

• WFLY  6-channel Transmitter

Extras from Chunwai:

• Metal 50 caliber  machinegun

• Metal tank commander

The operation of the tanks is simple, when the tank is turned on, the front and rear lights illuminate left right, forward and reverse is all controlled via the left stick on the transmitter, main gun elevation and turret traverse is controlled with the right stick.

Turret design
When a toggle switch, located in the upper right side of the transmitter, is activated the main gun will recoil with a fast rear movement followed by a slow return. The recoil and elevation mechanisms are all designed with very strong a 12v, (speed controlled) drive system, the main gun elevation is driven by a servo giving precise movement .

Detail
I could spend all day listing the detail on this tank it's simply outstanding, on the model every hatch is designed to open with strong metal hinges, the high level of detail that's shown in the photos below.

If we compare size with a 1/16 Tamiya Tiger 1 and a 1/16 Sherman M4A1 (76) as in true 1:1 scale, you can see how both are dwarfed by the massive M1A2. Designed for Internet Explorer This is a small mpeg video of a 1/16 scale, 31.lbs all metal Chunwai M1A2 on a drive-by without any sound card install, this is just the sound of the tank itself, amazing how much it sounds like a real M1A2

Internal
Access into the internal area is done with four screws (two front and two rear). With the tank Chunwai has included a complete schematic of all the electrics, Hull structures and gearbox. The upper hull and lower hull is connected by an easy unpluggable umbilical cord which allows for complete separation of both halves. The lower hull is welded 3mm thick aluminum as well as the upper hull.

The turret is easily detachable via a long retaining screw that runs directly through the turret axel. Once removed simply lift the turret off being aware if the unplugged umbilical cord as it feeds out the turret ring.

All Chunwai  tanks come with a large deans-plugged 12v 7.0 Ah battery and charger the battery sits horizontal in the center of the tank floor inside two retaining brackets that hold the battery firmly in place.

Idler System
	The M1A2 has a unique idler adjuster system that's built into the front idlers. Screwing the set screws in or out will adjustment the track tension by manipulated the idler wheel by moving it forward and back the system is super robust, designed for independent idler setting and center anchored into a solid block of aluminum. Both Idler wheels set in metal shielded ball bearings for durability.

Drive System
	The drive system is made up of two large 12v 450rpm geared motors that are chain driven. Everything inside this tanks is, super-sized and super strong. A set of schematics are included enabling the owner to disassemble the entire gearbox.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
	Almost everything on this tank is strong thick metal, even the ESC ( Tak Po electronics T-2000) is build inside a metal housing along with a large heatsink, it connects to a small 6-CH receiver, only five channels are used and one open-channel for a gyroscope for the main gun or some other upgrade.

 

Radio System

The WFLY 40Mhz 6ch transmitter is simply fantastic! I found the distance to be equal to that of a futaba 4ch skysport. The WFLY construction is strong and all trims and sticks are tight strong and fully functional, the telescoping antenna is made strong and tight as well and of standard length. On the right side of the transmitter is a recharging point and the battery bay holds the standard 8 AA's on the underside is a PC interface for PC Simulation, also the system holds CE and FCC certificates. As per the photo the TX crystal can be removed, I tested this transmitter on a Tamiya Tiger 1 Futaba receiver (RX 39Mhz) and the transmitter was fully compatible. Features: ●In airplane mode: channel 1 & 6 mixture function: Flaperon. ●In airplane mode: channel 4 & 2 mixture function: V-tail. ●In airplane mode: channel 1 & 2 mixture function: Triangle win ●In helicopter mode: Channel 3 mixture function is to channel 4 & 6. ●In helicopter mode: channel 3 mixture function is only to channel 6. ●Channel 1,2,3,4,6 reverse switch. ●Normal mode can be used for car and boat. ●Sound-and-light hint notification for low power: when the battery voltage is below 8.8V, the power indicator light 1S/1S glitters and buzzes. And when it is below 8.3V, the power indicator light 0.5S/1S glitters and buzzes at the same time. Specifications:  FT06-A 6 channel Receiver is FRP06 6 channel receiver ( using UM-5 mini size RX crystal ) and transmitter tested is a 40Mhz Throttle and left/right control is located on the left stick the turret traverse and main gun elevation is located on the right stick main gun fire (Ch5) is a toggle switch located top left. Manufacture list compatible with; Futaba rx and Feigao rx, E-sky rx, Blue Arrow rx etc.

Track System
Real	Chunwai	The tracks have been updated from the M1A1 T156 to the A2 T158 pads. Each pad is molded with a tip on the underside that inserts into a slot that's been designed into the actual track itself, this keeps the pad firmly in place when driving. The pads them selves are made of durable thick rubber. When you look at the upside of the track you can see it has fantastic detail, the guide teeth have been updated as well. All of the end connectors are securely attached, I never lost one in the testing phase.

Each road wheel is mounted on it's own metal shielded bearing and strong metal spring supported suspension arms. An adjustable shock absorber system has been included and is located on the front and rear road wheels, this to adjust the height of the tank and to keep proper tension on the track
Rear deck
	The rear deck has been completely redesigned to scale the rear panels open the reveal the on/off switch and the internal charging plug the tank comes with a 12v trickle charger.

In summary I would like to say that the Chunwai Models M1A2 is a tank that will last a lifetime, strong and extremely durable this is one tank every tanker cannot do without and most definitely needs in their collection, it's all thumbs up on the massive Chunwai Models M1A2 don't delay, order yours today !