WPL E-1

BlackSeaRC presents a fully detailed review of the brand new WPL E-1 (or E1) 1:16 scale radio-controlled tracked vehicle.
The E-1 is the first model in the new long-awaited E-Series. It joins the existing B-Series (4x4 and 6x6 wheeled military vehicles), C-Series (4x4 crawlers) and D-Series (4x2 commercial vehicles and micro cars).
This product comes almost-ready-to-run (ARTR) but requires the installation of some detail parts for completion.
This video includes:
- Introduction to WPL (Naughty Dragon) and their existing model series
- Unboxing the E-1 with an overview of contents
- Look at the loose detail parts and how to install
- Detailed look at completed vehicle
- Development history of real vehicle with interesting facts
- Close-up look at the RC handset and its features
- Functional checks
- Performance testing (indoor and off-road)
NOTE: One important detail to note is that although the manufacturer claims this product is 1:16 scale, a review of the dimensions indicates that this model is in fact somewhere between 1:18 and 1:19 scale. This is of particular interest if you are planning to use this RC vehicle in association with other products (e.g. military truck and transport trailer) and want to maintain accurate scale realism. It is also relevant to know if selecting a driver figure to fit in the cab.
The E-1 is not a licensed product but is based on a real vehicle, the Soviet GT-SM (GAZ-71) or "ГТ-СМ (ГАЗ-71)" in Russian. It is not a tank but a non-armoured, fully-amphibious tracked transport vehicle. In the video, we look at the interesting history of the GT-SM, which is a derivative of the very first Soviet tracked transport vehicle. It started life as the GPI-S-20 prototype and then entered mass production as the GT-S (GAZ-47). In the 1960's the Soviet Union was developing large areas of the Far North and Far East of Russia. A new more capable vehicle was required so the GT-S was comprehensively modernised and became the GT-SM (GAZ-71). The full name is "Caterpillar-tracked Transporter - Snow and swamp vehicle Modernized". It was mass produced for 17 years between 1968 and 1985. This vehicle proved to be indispensable and earned legendary status amongst all those who used them. As well as having excellent mobility (including being fully amphibious), it was extremely rugged and reliable. It was designed to be operated in temperatures between -50 and +40 degrees Celsius. It was used for a multitude of applications including exploration, geology, surveying, oil and gas pipelines, road building, power engineering, etc. A substantial number of the original vehicles are still in service today. A direct derivative of the GT-SM (GAZ-71) is still in production today, designated GAZ-34039 and produced at the ZZGT factory. Furthermore, there are numerous manufacturers offering upgrade packages for the GT-SM as well as new vehicles based on the original well-proven design.
In future videos, BlackSeaRC shall look at E-1 upgrade options and present some interesting ideas for customisation.
About WPL:
WPL is the 17th brand to join the BlackSeaRC collection. WPL or 'Wan Pi Long' (Naughty Dragon) RC models are produced by Shantou City Youyoulong Toys Co., Ltd. Their product range currently includes:
- B-Series: B14, B24, B16, B36
- C-Series: C14, C24, C34, C44, C54
- D-Series: D12, D22, D32, D42
- E-Series: E1
- DPV: WP-14 Desert Patrol Vehicle
For further information about the company and products, see:
www.yylwj.com
www.wpl-rc.com
About GAZ:
Gorky Auto Plant (GAZ), based in Nizhny Novgorod, is one of Russia's largest automotive manufacturers. Its subsidiary company for specialist tracked vehicles is Zavolzhsky Plant of Tracked Tractors (ZZGT), the historical producer of the GT-SM (GAZ-71) and the current manufacturer of the direct derivatives.
For further information about the company and products, see:
www.gazgroup.com
www.zzgt.ru
About BlackSeaRC:
BlackSeaRC was established in 2020 to bring you a regular selection of interesting videos featuring scale realistic RC vehicles, accessories and equipment. Content includes unboxings and detailed reviews, kit builds, upgrades, modifications and customisation, vintage restoration projects, RC testing and driving adventures in scenic locations around the Black Sea and more.
/ blacksearc
/ blacksearc
/ blacksearc
If you like the content, then please consider supporting BlackSeaRC, your valuable contribution would be greatly appreciated:
www.buymeacoffee.com/BlackSeaRC

[@BlackSeaRC]

I have now had the opportunity to test the E-1 on ice and snow. See the E-1 in action here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33Sl2h7n9RqsM0 Also, check how in performs in mud and deep water: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWOUp5x7pql5fqM

[@chrishorst1318]

Gotta love the detail Wpl puts into all their models especially this E1. And the price point cannot get any lower granted they are pure plastic and slow. The kits and upgrades make it all very worthwhile. Id like to see the E1 get a waterproofing and made floatable/swimable, like many ppl did with the good old SG Ripsaw tanks. I cant help but think spaceghost ctc when i see the very successful SG__brand name.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@chrishorst1318 WPL included a nice level of detail in the E-1. If you see you price in China, especially considering that the electronics are fully proportional, you realise you are getting quite a reasonable deal. When you look at Rastar RC cars for example, they are scale realistic but have basic non-proportional controls and typically cost much more than the E-1. Of course, by the time the E-1 arrives in Europe of USA, the price is not quite as attractive. Sometimes, I wish they had spent just a little bit more money as I would be prepared to pay a higher price for more capability and robustness. The E-1 will definitely float although as WPL says on the instructions, it is designed for indoor use...but that isn't really what this vehicle is about is it? It works fine on dusty tracks but beware that little stones and twigs, etc can easily jam the drive sprocket and cause the tracks to come off.

[@carloshnunez]

Great review I like that you are the first that show the real scale of the vehicle 🔵🔵🔵👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🔵🔵🔵

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thanks for your comment. When you first see the E-1, there is no reason to doubt its scale. After all, there seems to be no reason for the manufacturer not to tell us the real scale. It is based on a real vehicle and the width, length and height dimensions are very easy to check. All details are accurately reproduced. On a custom buggy the scale is not so easy to determine because the design is the manufacturer's own. But when you start putting a driver figure next to the E-1 (or other scale accessories) you quickly realise that something is not quite right. I checked and everything ties up perfectly at around 1:18.6.

[@carloshnunez]

​@@BlackSeaRC Usually there is a variation on the length of the vehicles so I only use the width to determine the scale and is easier to see a difference, you did a very good job on that review

[@NorthSeaRC]

You present some very interesting details regarding the real vehicle on which this RC model is based. Hoping to see the E-1 in action again soon!

[@BlackSeaRC]

The E-1 is based on the Soviet GT-SM/GAZ-71 tracked transport vehicle that was specifically developed for use on snow. I wanted to see how the E-1 would perform in such conditions and since we finally got some snow this winter, you will be able to see the results in an upcoming video soon.

[@BlackSeaRC]

You can now watch the E-1 driving in snow at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33Sl2h7n9RqsM0

[@countrycrawlers4713]

So cool process of construction! Great work! I like the result! I subbed and wish you all the best! 😊💫👍👍👍

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated! This WPL E-1 is quite impressive for the budget price. Normally at this price level you would be getting a toy RC with cheap handset but with this you are getting proportional controls and a nicely detailed body. Yes, there are improvements that could be made but it is a great base for customisation projects and I expect there will be upgrades in the future. So far there is already a metal track upgrade kit available.

[@jonmandelbaum5395]

What an excellent video! You answered almost every question I had and explained everything so well

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and leave your comment. I also have a video showing this tracked transport vehicle operating on ice and snow if you are interested. Please find it at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33Sl2h7n9RqsM0

[@jonmandelbaum5395]

@@BlackSeaRC I think I saw that one first.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@jonmandelbaum5395 Cool! I want to get the metal tracks upgrade for mine but at the moment I am trying to find a replacement screw for my front drive sprocket as it fell out on my last run.

[@jonmandelbaum5395]

@@BlackSeaRC are they special screws

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@jonmandelbaum5395 Just very small so not easily obtainable...

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Cool review and awesome RC, great run

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thank you my friend! It was quite impressive that it went straight up the 54 degree incline without a problem. The main thing I don't like is the lack of movement on the suspension. I might have to see if there is a more practical item of ballast that can be easily fitted and removed for the load bay.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I just tested the amphibious capabilities of the E-1. I wanted to see if I could replicate the real vehicle's swimming and mud crossing abilities. See the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWOUp5x7pql5fqM

[@rcjono]

Thanks for sharing! Very nice interesting vehicle 🫡👌 Subbed!

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thanks for watching and it is great to have you as a new subscriber. I have a varied collection of RC vehicles but in general I prefer scale realistic off-road vehicles. I knew the WPL was really very close to a toy grade product but for the price it was worth getting one to see what they were like. I think they have done a good job but of course there is always the wish that they had made it better and I would be prepared to pay the extra for that. If it was a larger scale with suspension that moved better it would be a great machine!

[@rcjono]

@@BlackSeaRC I really admire WPL for they have made it possible for more people to get into the hobby. Their strategy is working. Saying this, I’ll get a WPL one day and not complain but keep it better if needed.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@rcjono The good thing about WPL is that you can buy something entry level but then start upgrading it as and when your finances allow. They have an interesting range of products that appeal to a lot of people. I will be very interested to see what other models we get in the E-Series range in the future.

[@myrcfun9183]

Very detail video great work

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thank you for your kind comments. I have been looking for a tracked vehicle for quite a while and considered the Heng Long tanks, the Kyosho Blizzard and the various brands of Rip Saw/Buzz Saw type vehicles. When I saw this new WPL E-1, I instantly liked it and at the price it is being sold at, it is a great way to start off. Of course, now I have run it a few times, I would really love something similar at a larger scale with better suspension. Not really sure it exists at the moment though...

[@BlackSeaRC]

Check out the E-1's amphibious capabilities in my new video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWOUp5x7pql5fqM

[@WCPRCModelsCraft]

Good rc test. New sub.

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thank you very much and welcome to BlackSeaRC! I see that you like to customise your RC vehicles just as I do. The current production versions of the real vehicle come with different body modules depending upon the application. Since the simulated awning is removable on this model, it would probably be easy to 3D print other modules to attach instead of the standard one. I will present some ideas for customising the E-1 in the next video in this series.

[@chrishorst1318]

This video is Superb. I love the metal music and your overall production is very high and intricate. I really appreciate the history lesson. There is alot rc can teach us but a history bit is the coolest thing i think one may learn from an rc. Outstanding job overall. Im not sure any model of any kind has ever been licensed by a nations military. Plus Gorky auto co. & USSR are long since history themselves. Despite China having a good relationship with Ru, as an rc brand I'd def think twice about even attempting to enter into a licensing or any other agreement with whatever RU military producer creates the current equivalent of that transport vehicle given how notorious their military is for all forms of corruption. As we speak Ru military figures are probably inventing new forms of corruption never thought to exsist before. And the rot of their corruption seems only to grow in time...like a fierce disease or mold!

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thanks for the compliments! It takes a lot of effort to make these videos and it is good to get some positive feedback. As for the music, I use what I like and hopefully it suits the product. Let's just say that some people love it and some people hate it but finding music that everyone approves of is never going to happen! As I am a big fan of scale realistic RC vehicles, I always like to compare the model with the real thing. This one has nice detailing for the price although as you will have noticed, the scale is not entirely truthful and the dimensions put it closer to 1:18 or 1:19 scale. It seems that many Chinese companies are reluctant to officially license their products. This is even more true of military-based scale models. If you are interested, you can see the current derivatives of this vehicle here: zzgt.ru/catalog/gaz-34039-snegobolotohod/

[@johnsamu]

Replace them with METAL separately linked track links which are available now.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I had planned to do that but I also use this model in water and was worried it would struggle with the extra weight. See my E-1 swimming here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWOUp5x7pql5fqM

[@hwroadbeasts]

That is an interesting model , nice details and review , I don't have much to say about this cuz I have never owned one lol

[@BlackSeaRC]

Think about this...the WPL E-1 costs less than most Rastar RC cars but still comes with fully proportional throttle and steering controls. When you see inside, the electronic board is similar and this model has 2 motors. So swap a motor for a basic steering servo. I really hope that Rastar could consider upgrading their cars with such electronics and RC handset. It would improve the driving experience substantially.

[@hwroadbeasts]

@@BlackSeaRC yeah ! I agree Expecially for the SUVs u bought

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@hwroadbeasts I want to try to get this machine fully amphibious like the real version. Also they have a metal track upgrade so I'm going to get that.

[@MegaTraxxas]

Are you going to do any upgrades for this model?

[@BlackSeaRC]

I plan to fit the metal tracks upgrade plus rear LED lights. Then I want to make the electronics more resistant to water and maybe fill the hull space with expanding foam (depending upon how it performs on water).

[@MegaTraxxas]

@@BlackSeaRC I also ordered that model for the New Year and already thinking about upgrades )

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@MegaTraxxas The metal tracks are supposed to make a big improvement and the tracks shouldn't come off any more. You can buy them as a kit or assembled. It is quite a lengthy job to assemble them yourself.

[@hwroadbeasts]

Wow no shopping box , that's crazy

[@BlackSeaRC]

Yes, I wasn't happy about it at all. I complained to the seller and they said it was no problem, just "slightly compressed". Consider that I actually spent a bit of time trying to straighten out that box so it was half presentable for the video. Even the plastic tray inside the box was split at both ends. There is no way you would be able to sell that product in a shop like that so in my opinion it was not satisfactorily packed for international shipping. I asked for a discount and in the end I got a partial refund from AliExpress.

[@hwroadbeasts]

@@BlackSeaRC what a story men ! At least the model was not damaged

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@hwroadbeasts That's why it is always a worry to order things in the post. I was lucky this time that the model survived.

[@MegaTraxxas]

Hi, nice review! Music is too dynamic for this kind of video, on my opinion)

[@BlackSeaRC]

Thanks for your comment. I have to say that choosing background music has proved to be slightly problematic. I definitely need to try something different but I didn't find any interesting alternatives yet. What do you think, just to use a simple ambient background track?

[@MegaTraxxas]

@@BlackSeaRC yes, why not

[@robertwong2412]

Can you fit a small gi-joe figure in the driver seat ?

[@BlackSeaRC]

As the manufacturer claims the E-1 is 1:16 scale, I had hoped to fit one of my JoyToy or Global Bros 4 inch (10cm) 1:18 scale figures in the cabin. However, in reality this vehicle is 1:18.6 scale and this means that space is very restricted. The leg area from the real vehicle is not replicated on this model. Consequently, the only way you are going to be able to fit a driver or passenger is by using the top section (waist upwards) of the figure only. If your figure is any larger than the dimensions above, it won't be realistic.

[@robertwong2412]

@@BlackSeaRC Whoah! Thanks for the detailed info. You just saved me from wasting money on this for my gi joe figures. Looks like the SG 1203 is still the better option.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@robertwong2412 How high are your figures? The SG1203 is described as 1:12 scale but I'm not sure how much space there is in the cabin area.

[@robertwong2412]

@@BlackSeaRC My gi joe figures are from rise of cobra series and some retro cardback figures. I think they're either 3.75 or 4 inches. Not the classified 6 inch ones.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@robertwong2412 Vehicle scales can be very variable so a smaller figure often works best as access can sometimes be difficult. I use my 3.75 and 4 inch figures in all sorts of vehicles ranging from 1:14 to 1:16 and 1:18 scale.

[@MegaTraxxas]

Сделал такую же, но в масштабе 1/10 kzbin.infopwjPW2whK88?si=ZiGzRlHmSsfursAH

[@BlackSeaRC]

Interesting project. Tell me more about it, what did you base the chassis on? The suspension works nicely I see.