Most laser-cut vehicle builds end up as static shelf models, and that has always bugged me about the craft. This project takes a different route: a radio-controlled half-track based on the Sd.Kfz. 251/22, built at 1:18 scale and controlled from a phone. Over 1,500 parts go into it, all cut from layered plywood or craft wood, and the finished vehicle was tested driving over grass and dirt terrain.
The workflow began with reference image searches, after which the wheels and bodywork were modeled in SolidWorks 2019. The 2D cut files were prepared in Adobe Illustrator CS6, and thin wood or MDF sheets were cut on an enclosed laser cutter before the vehicle was assembled from the cut sheets.
The working details are what make this build special in my eyes. The chassis has a pair of steerable-style wooden wheels up front and articulated steering, while the rear runs on a multi-wheel track system of interconnected link treads, with tension-adjustable continuous tracks. There is independent suspension that actually functions, a main anti-tank gun that lifts out and has its own elevation and traverse mechanisms, mounted inside the open crew compartment. A small machine gun mount sits at the rear, and there are rear doors that open along with engine access flaps.
The one wrinkle: the maker spent time finding incorrect parts, and has mentioned it might take another week or two to sort those out. Even with that, getting a build of this size made in around two weeks strikes me as very impressive.
Project by Jacques Cartier. Watch it on their YouTube channel: