How to make a 1/8 scale AMX-13 - step by step

Don't forget to watch the Meet my Tanks-video about the AMX-13 if you want to see more of this fabulous little baguette launcher!
• Meet my tanks #3 - th...
The AMX-13 is a French light tank developed during the early 1950. It has an oscillating turret, which means that the whole upper part elevates. The canon is a 75mm auto-loader, fed by two revolver magazine in the back of the turret. The design was revolutionary when it arrived.
This is a pretty long step-by-step description of how I made my AMX-13, a remote controlled tank in 1/8 scale.
2 x 15 Nm, 12 V screw driver as motors
2 x 80 A ESC from Hobbywing
Hull made of plywood and aluminium
Springs as shocks
3D printed tracks, drive wheels, road wheels and idler wheel
3D-printed details, such as the canon, vents, lights, etc
By using existing parts, cheap material like plywood, ordinary nuts and bolt, and a 3D-printer, I would like to show that you can accomplish stuff without spending a lot of money, or having the fanciest tools in your workshop. Enjoy! :)

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

This is the Mona Lisa in a tank building version

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@bifhyop2205]

@@builtbyWikander dude this work is amazing i love it

[@bifhyop2205]

@@builtbyWikander omfg this is incredible 🥰😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@julianmariani5191]

Mona lisa is pure sh***, this is art!

[@ezjuliani]

Do you sell the blue print?

[@laurentpoulain3325]

Travail particulièrement impressionnant. Je me demande combien pourrait se vendre ce véritable travail d'orfèvrerie. En plus un blindé français, ça le mérite d'être souligné. Encore mille bravos. Des mains en or. On veut en voir d'autres pour le plaisir. Merci pour ce visionnage 👌

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot for those kind words! I too think the AMX-13 is a gem; France has made a lot of cool vehicles. There are more build videos to watch on my channel! 😊

[@casuallatecomer7597]

This is amazing! I thought this was gonna be a kit build not a scratch build, but damn the results speak for themselves, great work!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot, and thank you for watching! 🙏🙏🙏

[@danieljoathon8325]

Extraordinaire ce qu'un bon bricoleur peu faire !

[@igorkryukov8939]

Сколько же труда вбухано! Результат впечатляет.

[@jdibagg7543]

dam you are impressive, you need to be selling some of these , that you make. because of you i actually got a 3d printer. i never thought i would , but afer watching you make things that i find very interesting i figured what the hell. i got to admit i do like it so far.

[@builtbyWikander]

That's awesome! It's an incredible tool, opens up completely new possibilities. And thank you. 🙏

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

Beautiful. The movement in the turret is great. It brings the AMC to life. When it rolls out of the work shop and the turret moves it appears to come to a life of its own. I liked the skirt around the turret. When it pulls up towards the end the turret skirt looks like a big smile. 😊

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, it sure does! Thanks a lot for commenting and for watching! 🙏👊

[@praha007]

holy moly, what an awesome you did there. Greetings from a formerly AMX 13-105 chauffeur ( Dutch army)

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you very much! Nice to hear from someone who worked with the real thing! 🙂

[@harryo9748]

11 Paatcie hier 79-3 😊

[@JohnDeere2025]

This has given me #1, the confidence, and #2 the knowledge on how to build tracked models in the future! Thanks for all you do! Your artwork is truly inspiring

[@builtbyWikander]

That's so cool to hear, thanks a lot and good luck!

[@alonacorpuz2241]

This baby baguette look gorgeous, hats off to you

[@builtbyWikander]

🙏

[@Pooper51]

wow its so smooth and gentle sounding while driving

[@dreport9433]

Amazing craftsmanship.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@aljaznovak7777]

But it is a masterpiece of engineering. This man is probably a highly educated engineer with a lot of experience. I would love to see the plans or it will be even better if one day he takes the time to write a book for all those who are trying to learn the techniques of modelling and making RC model kits.😍

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, thanks man, but no - I know a bit of CAD, but I'm not an engineer, sadly. 😊

[@ИгорьПро-м4у]

Колоссальная работа. Я в огромном восторге от просмотра!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks!

[@viochrys]

Bless the algorithm that I managed to stumble upon this video, I like it

[@builtbyWikander]

My sacrifice to the KZbin gods wasn't in vain, then! 😁Thank you for the kind words and welcome!

[@rubenevans690]

how has this guy only got 734 subs he deserves more

[@ripmax333]

He just got another one from me ;-)

[@Vesalempinen]

Thank you, I LEARNED A LOT from watching this comprehensive building session 👍❤️

[@builtbyWikander]

Awesome! 🙌

[@Peajiuct_]

Incredible! Armor like on real amx 13

[@antitheist9976]

Amazing, absolutely fantastic, beautiful work 💯🙂

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@QwerYT4819]

This person has immense dedication.

[@GrimmGitz]

I can't stop watching your work! You've got me really wanting to test my hand at this myself......

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! Awesome if it inspires you to make something!

[@prvt.harumi6821]

What a beaufifull build. Looks stunning

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@christianende3365]

Ich finde es sehr toll wie diese einzigartigen Modelle entstehen da muss man schon was von verstehen und Ahnung haben und die speziellen maschienen

[@davekavanagh7599]

That is awesome, simply awesome, the later French tanks don't get enough love

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! Yeah, they are curious and cool!

[@dr.zoidberg5096]

Omg, I would love to see an AMX-50B or the AMX M4 mle. 54. This absolutely tickles me pink, this is fantastic!

[@builtbyWikander]

So many cool tanks, so little time! 😄

[@stewartharris9588]

Wow amazing. Working on a 1/6th AMX13 for a while. Wish i had those track and sprocket files. Beautiful build.

[@builtbyWikander]

Stewart Harris Thanks, man! A 1/6 scale would make a very nice model, indeed. Not planning on releasing the stl-files, but all reference material comes from images and blueprints found on the net. And FreeCad is free to use. Cheers!

[@stewartharris9588]

Google rctankcombat. It is a group that does 1/6th tanks that are equipped with paintball guns. Some in the US and in the UK.

[@builtbyWikander]

Stewart Harris Rctankcombat.com is a huge inspiration source for my builds! And I really like the 1/6 scale, as well. Working on my first 1/6 scale vehicle right now, the Steyr RSO. Are you planning on putting a paintball gun in your tank?

[@stewartharris9588]

@@builtbyWikander that is the plan. Keeping first tank build simple to try to keep costs down. Not doing full suspension on it.

[@builtbyWikander]

Stewart Harris Ok! My experience is that suspension adds a lot to the vehicle, and it isn't that costly either. Just some nuts and bolts and springs from a hardware store. Whatever your decision will be, it's going to be an awesome project. Good luck!

[@AmSharky-ky2kj]

Someone get this man more subs 🗣️🗣️🔥

[@olafwustehoff2648]

Daumen hoch klasse super von dir 💯✨️👍👍

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot!

[@derdaclskn8594]

That's my favorite tank! In the WORLD what an amazing build!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! Yeah, the AMX-13 is a really cool tank. 👍

[@davidlees9096]

My dad use to rebuild tank engines in the war tiger tanks he use to Maintain tanks and wot you are doing her is a absaloot stunning pice of engineering brilliant my family knows a lot about tank's

[@ASPBEESAU]

very good, personally as a Frenchman my favorite remains the AMX 12T but thank you for this work.

[@builtbyWikander]

Awesome, man, thanks for watching! 🤘

[@Rich77UK]

Absolutely brilliant! I love the early post war French light tanks.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! Right, they are so quirky you just have to like them!

[@arno222444]

@@builtbyWikander Especially when you play World of Tank. Amazing work I am impressed

[@johnitsumi3772]

Excellent travail , bravo et vive la France !

[@SergeiMosin]

the slight stutters in the slewing and elevation add just the right amount of extra realism to the build. Just needs a little weathering work and it'll be indistinguishable from the real deal

[@martingardener90]

I have just found your channel and am absolutely amazed, after looking at so many videos of people "building RC tanks only to find they are actually only assembling a very expensive kit. I intend to build something myself now in retirement, I was thinking something simple to start with and always liked the WW1 whippet. Would love to know how you control those drill motors with the RC.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you very much for those kind words! As for controlling the motors, I use two ESC's, one for each motor, connected to two channels on my 8 channel reciever. The tracks can then be controlled individually, either by using two sticks on the radio, or by mixing the radio so that you accelerate and steer with one stick. It's like having a setup for two remote controlled cars in one tank. The Whippet would make an awesome model, and as you say, would fit a more simpler approach. If you haven't already, check out rctankcombat.com , I have learned a lot from those guys.

[@vanguardactual1]

@@builtbyWikander Do you sell your creations after you've had them for a while? To make more room and such? I honestly am interested in your 1/6th models and have you ever thought of making 1/4 or 1/2 scale?

[@peymanenanloo6570]

فوق‌العاده است استاد چقدر جزئیات در این مدل رعایت شده ........👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@rb67mustang]

Highly detailed & quality workmanship!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks! 🙏

[@neeevirus]

just found this channel and omg this is awesome amx-13 is one of my favorite tanks, it looks so cool with the oscillating turret huge respect from building it purely on your own and not assembling from a kit I wish I could do this myself, but I don't have the equipment nor the skill to make one of my own anyway, definitely subscribing to you

[@builtbyWikander]

That's so kind of you, thanks a lot! 🙏🙏🙏 Yeah, it's somehow so very, very French. Love it. 😁

[@honeybadger6755]

This is amazing and deserves way more love

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks, man, appreciate it! ✌

[@noobproud8252]

I'am not a tank specialist but good job for your skill et creativity !

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks!

[@garfield1415]

Truly beautiful craftsmanship!!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@gitgood8509]

And here i am, 3 years later, discovering this masterwork. Tank you, KZbin, very cool.

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, better late then never, I suppose. 🙄 Welcome, anyhow, and thanks for watching!

[@gitgood8509]

@@builtbyWikander oh, but it's me, who should thank you for the enjoyment that i had watching you build this AMX. So, thank you, and i am gonna watch what else you have in store, as well as subscribing 🙂. Have a great day!

[@builtbyWikander]

@@gitgood8509 🙏 Likewise!

[@brucewayne9300]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!! loved the attention to detail thats where its at

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot, man! 🙏

[@janburja6890]

if you have time, in the future you could make the amx 50 foch, it doesn't have a turret so it should be easier, but still just as epic!

[@CPTDilxDozer]

Holy shit! I have been trying to figure out how to connect the drive system for my 2 speed bostitch drills to a drive system and you just answered im question! Such a simple design! Thank you!

[@builtbyWikander]

Great to hear, man! Best of luck with your project!

[@tranducanh2004]

Amx 13 is one of the tank that have oscillating turret because i like that kind of the turret, is high Aerodynamics and good moveability. But anyway your model look very detail and you have good hard work to make the tank. Welldone bro.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you. Yes, the turret was an interesting and fun part of the build!

[@Hieu_Laziest]

Please do more videos like this, I love it

[@builtbyWikander]

As soon as the 105 is ready, there will be a How to build-video! 😊

[@gemmamudd7167]

I am totally jealous and amazed it is beautiful thanks for letting me see the tank in action

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot and thanks for watching!

[@ВячеславДобрынин-л5у]

серъёзно заморочился,достойная работа!

[@michelcara5403]

Très belle réalisation,il parfait AMX13 avec ça tourelle FL11 bravo

[@builtbyWikander]

Merci! Thank you!

[@MrHjertebageren]

That is beautiful work

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@CFox.7]

astounding. deserves millions of views

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@larrypoole3906]

Great build. Awesome skill with aluminum, wood and sheet metal.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏

[@whiteyguitar666]

Where you tooooo, Ill pop down with some money now lol,,,That's pure awesomeness well done

[@baer1204]

Klasse !!!!! 👍👍👍👍 guter tipp mit der Federung 👌😎 Ja Ja gut das es ein 3D Drucker gibt 😉 !!!! Sieht Skurril aus der Franzose

[@builtbyWikander]

Danke! Yes, they are quite special looking, and that makes them interesting. :)

[@unbekannternr.1353]

This fine build earns a subscription!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@slawimenet]

young man!!!!... you had much more fun that is legally allowed under law!!!!...:-)))) but?.. final results?... absolutely outstanding!!!... fantastic job!... Greetings from Pensacola, FL...

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, thank you! 🙏 And you are right, it was a blast to build. 😁

[@slawimenet]

@@builtbyWikander You are a real Master of Grand Disaster...:-))) on the same note?... my hat of to you- all the way to the floor- because of your skills... Thank you for a great vid as well... keep on a great work...

[@alonespirit9923]

Is fun to see the design and engineering of these builds.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@marcelchevillon7128]

sacrée boulot a toi pour la réalisation du char

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@wayneuk9657]

Superb work, brilliant to watch the full build👍👍👍

[@builtbyWikander]

Much appreciated, and thanks for watching!

[@ThisOLmaan]

Beautiful Tank hard work pays off

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks! 🙏

[@rubenevans690]

i would appreciate it if you did a video about electronics as i have no idea how to start in that aspect

[@builtbyWikander]

I will look into that. For short, I use two ESC, one for each motor, and a battery, and that's it. No other electronics to get it moving. But a how to-video might be a good idea anyway!

[@rubenevans690]

@@builtbyWikander thank you so much man for being so awesome. cant wait to see you get to 1000 subs!

[@angelsone-five7912]

I don`t like the tank but your workmanship is awesome. Very well done.

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, thanks, man! 😁

[@fretlyra7767]

alors là bravo !!!! toutes mes félicitations de France pour avoir fait l'un des meilleurs char de l'histoire militaire française ;) ;)

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 😁

[@samuelcruz9258]

Thats an impresive job. I feel envy. You have a powerfull rc tank.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks, man!

[@carsca]

Very very nice work. Can i ask more info about the track construction? How do you prevent the exit of rod between the tracks?

[@builtbyWikander]

Hi, thank you! On this model, I put a little drop of superglue in the holes that the piano wire is pushed into. It keeps them in place.

[@MrEfthimiou]

What to say for that build, absolutely amazing the whole process, thousand bravos my friend!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@thatrandomguy2272]

This is cool, you gotta make a m47 patton next

[@AdamFilipCreations]

This is super cool! Great job, the tank looks awesome!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot, and thanks for watching! 🙏🙏🙏

[@happymoon8471]

Man this is insane this is the best thing I ever saw I swear Im trying it wish me luck. Im 24 yo Not so good at modelism and suck at " garage things and tools " But I really need to try this xD

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, that's awesome, man! Thank you and best of luck!

[@Nigel2Zoom]

Very impressive build!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏

[@professorgryphonsmuseumofb5380]

Nice to have a hobby ...and thousands in special equipment 😤😤

[@builtbyWikander]

Well, it's actually not that expensive. Most hand tools are an inheritence from my grandpa's workshop, and the printer is a 300$ model.

[@incog30]

You sir are a true talent! Just amazing.

[@builtbyWikander]

Very kind of you, thanks a lot! 🙏🙏🙏

[@ScaleMilitaryModels]

Wow! Super cool, and creative!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks!

[@yx_wonwotblitz4155]

Very cool I must admit

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks!

[@SBRRCTRUCK]

wow! I really like it

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks!

[@vikingfly4415]

Wonderful work. I admire the quality of your work. All that remains is to make a Leclerc Tank :-)

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! Ooh, a big one... We'll see, but it's probably not the last French tank I'll ever build.

[@teohwinson5611]

U DESERVE WAAAAAAY MORE SUBZ!!!!!

[@builtbyWikander]

Haha, thanks man! And thanks for watching! 😁🙏

[@georgegoh3148]

Lovely tank. Really take some time to built it. Nice very nice.

[@builtbyWikander]

Hey man, thank you! About 200 h of effective work, I would estimate. :) Thanks for watching!

[@nowemfaith3186]

Perfectly made!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@chuliard1967]

Simply jaw-dropping amazing!!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@ruskiwafl8029]

Can you provie some blueprints or/and 3d models of things you use. `Couse it look stunning and I want to do it myself too

[@matttrafton2725]

Awesome. Don't know why someone doesn't make an rRC AMX-13 tank.

[@udeeshamithun4943]

This tank is very excellent ! Awesome work ! Well Done !

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@Cvile69]

Thanks for the indepth look into your process, I got some great ideas for my own tank project :D

[@builtbyWikander]

That's awesome, thanks for watching!

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

You can make big profit selling these I might even like to get one

[@thephdiogene4718]

SUPER GENIAL !!!!!!!! Wouahhhh ! J'adore votre travail !!!

[@HAYAOLEONE]

Beau travail. 👍

[@davidlees9096]

How brilliant is that

[@walangpera2103]

Woww,,!!🤩🤩 Amazing Tank very Hard Work ,,!! 90 '/, Beautiful

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Stunningly beautiful!! Bravo!!!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thanks a lot!

[@wagnerhansuntalionable4597]

I'm impressed!

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! :)

[@L1DZRU]

Yep that's the armor it complately perfect and accurate

[@TheSirBlackbird]

Toujours aussi excellent, superbe boulot.

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@jeanmi6426]

Trop beau et superbe travail !😊👍👍👏👏💪💪

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

You should make a business for rc tank models like these and many many many different types for like 1500- 3000 would be pretty cool

[@builtbyWikander]

Yes, it would be. Maybe some day!

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

Plus that’s a pretty nice amx-13 and have you made a full metal version?

[@builtbyWikander]

@@BOEING--mh6xm Thank you! No, I don't have the machines or tools to make one in metal.

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

Oh ok

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

Oh and have u ever made a m26 Pershing?

[@owais146]

AMAZING MAESTRO

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you!

[@owais146]

WELCOME@@builtbyWikander

[@marbrose4804]

Would have like seeing how the tracks were made from start to finish.

[@RobbOnTheRock]

Such an Awesome video Eric, you have a true talent mate, love your problem solving techniques. Some great solutions being created here :)

[@builtbyWikander]

Hey, thanks, man! Hopefully it can light a spark for people so more are getting interested in RC tracked vehicles. :) Nice to see you have a channel as well.

[@RobbOnTheRock]

@@builtbyWikander thanks, I was inspired by toir videos. But to be honest, I dont think I can compete with your quality or editing skills 🤓 awesome job buddy.

[@builtbyWikander]

@@RobbOnTheRock Seeing your level of details, I am sure of it. :)

[@ysn59]

A piece of art! Bravo.... 👏👏👏

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you! 🙏

[@joaquinruiz687]

Es impresionante lo bien hechos que están, hasta el más mínimo detalle, eres Un artesano increíble. Mi enhorabuena a tu trabajó

[@builtbyWikander]

Thank you, that's very kind of you! 🙏

[@patverum9051]

Served my time in the Dutch Army 1968-1970, on this tank ,but with 105 mm cannon. Very fast tank, ours did 60 km/hr,but thin armour and a heavy gun with lots of recoil. In terrain the gun had to be in it's support to prevent cracking the welds..... Worst feature; the clutch, driver needed to be gentle...it burned out easily. Was used in reconnaisance squadrons together with M113 and Lynx C+R.

[@builtbyWikander]

Pretty cool to hear from someone who has real experience of them! Thanks for sharing!

[@patverum9051]

@@builtbyWikander Hi, how we trained to shoot the cannon was hilarious, the AP grenades were about 6000 guilders each so training was done with a full-size tank but with a bore reducer insert that was calibre .22. So everything was working,all aiming etc as standard,but the bullet fired was about 5,6 mm, targets were to scale dinky toy in a large sandpit,and the sound of the shot was just like a firecracker. Even so our results at the NATO shooting matches were usually very good. BTW changing the clutch took 3 days... We spent 2 years in Germany guarding the Fulda Gap, where the Russians were supposed to come trough. Seeing what is happening today makes me realise that it all wasn't so unthinkable, in those days we had the Karl Gustav and the LAW but the Russians had the numbers then...