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:
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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:
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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.
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