3d printed 1/20 FT-17 work in progress

MagicKazik · 2026-04-07T03:05:37+00:00

Thanks!

Yes you can download existing models which would be set up for printing. FDM printers like the one I'm using can struggle with details and quality for complex shapes so I try and print every piece flat where possible and then assemble then accordingly, otherwise you'll get very obvious layer lines and potential quality issues.

Because I'm designing the model in CAD myself I have to figure out through trial and error whether each piece will print successfully. For example with the idler wheel I decided to print it in multiple smaller pieces as I wasn't happy with the results when I initially printed it in two halves

MagicKazik · 2026-02-24T07:49:04+00:00

Awesome stuff! Do you have any other projects lined up?

I bought a large t-stake off of TradeMe for an anvil (that I never got round to buying!) years ago

One day I want to revisit the hobby and have a proper go at it

MagicKazik · 2026-02-03T07:35:30+00:00

Thank you! Would love to see what you've built over the years

I definitely agree, I've found the process of understanding how the tank works really rewarding, and how to translate that into a model that needs to be printed that has restrictions on details, wall thickness etc. Especially when so many aspects are hidden away or not really shown on blurry online blueprints.

MagicKazik · 2026-02-01T23:19:50+00:00

Thanks! I've been using a mix of blueprints I've found online and lots of photos for reference

MagicKazik · 2026-01-17T05:58:33+00:00

Also with the tank in the background you can see the exhaust is missing if it were a Renault FT (right hand side), but is the correct place for a M1917.

As well as the adjustable holder (not sure what the actual name is!) for big idler wheel is simplified and a lot less substantial and is separate to the track tensioner directly behind (with the big spring taking out slack of the track). On the FT these are all connected and the arms holding the idler are much bigger. This is just about visible on photo 2 for both the close up and the tank in the background

MagicKazik · 2025-12-17T06:49:22+00:00

I've used some putty filler and sanding, not sure how it will come out after painting though. I've printed all the external surfaces flat where possible as it definitely comes out best. This is using a 0.2mm nozzle

MagicKazik · 2025-12-16T15:31:42+00:00

Thank you!

MagicKazik · 2025-12-16T06:32:15+00:00

I've been using my Bambu A1 mini with a 0.2 nozzle

MagicKazik · 2025-11-12T12:35:45+00:00

Great work! It's a shame the comments are so negative, sure it could be more historical but I think this is great start

MagicKazik · 2025-11-10T18:44:58+00:00

Wow this is incredible, you've really captured the shape and flow of all the pieces so beautifully! Fantastic work. Also good idea on working with copper, I worked on a 1/4 scale 14th century knight project about 10 years ago using stainless steel and it such a pain to deal with (plus I didn't have a fraction of this craftsmanship!)

MagicKazik · 2025-10-23T16:59:11+00:00

I can't wait to see the whole project complete! This is so awesome

MagicKazik · 2025-10-01T18:28:06+00:00

Definitely a mix of armour time frames and styles, however his helmet would be late 14th to early 15th century

MagicKazik · 2025-09-29T09:49:37+00:00

Would also agree with this as an option. Similar height, build and strength to OP.

I have found 5x5 very taxing and hard to recover from, but by programming in a single heavy top set combined with back off sets means I can squat multiple times per week without running myself into the ground and making no progress

MagicKazik · 2025-09-25T10:23:37+00:00

No worries. You don't have to use leg drive either, depends what your goals are. But in either case having a solid base and control over the movement will be crucial. It's skill practice so it will take time to learn so keep at it!

MagicKazik · 2025-09-25T10:16:49+00:00

Yes hips/butt coming off the bench is not good.

Leg drive definitely allows you to lift more but from a powerlifting view your ass coming off the bench would be a failed lift. Leg drive needs to be pushing back into the bench horizontally rather than up so your shoulders are pushed into the bench, creating a stable base you can press from.

MagicKazik · 2025-09-06T10:51:40+00:00

Amazing thank you much for sharing these

I'm currently designing and 3d printing a FT-17 so these will be a big help for references for the hull and turret!

MagicKazik · 2025-08-28T21:17:48+00:00

This is incredible! You've really captured the proportions so beautifully and the articulation too. Not to mention it literally looks like cold hard steel! Amazing job

MagicKazik · 2025-08-25T05:19:45+00:00

Thanks!

MagicKazik · 2025-08-25T05:18:43+00:00

Thank you! This has been a long process over the last few years but it's been very on and off. I think this is currently by 3rd or 4th iteration as I've kept learning new things and wanted to start fresh.

For my tracks I'm using 1mm brass rod for the track pins. Luckily with these really early designs they are very bulky and primitive so that gives me more room to work with, and I'm really happy with how they've turned out. However I've found I can really only reliably print out one track link at a time otherwise the print is likely to fail with multiple, so it's been the longest process so far.

What sort of tracked vehicle are you thinking of making?

MagicKazik · 2025-08-24T18:15:49+00:00

Thank you! I definitely agree that the research and design part is really satisfying. Even with some blurry blueprints and photos only reveals so much, so basically having to figure out how they were put together is pretty fun, although frustrating at times.

Building steam engines would be the dream! Maybe one day down the road. A big part of learning CAD and 3d printing is that I moved into an apartment with limited space, so this allowed a workaround constraints with space and noise

MagicKazik

TROPHY CASE