Open Source 3D Printed RC Snowmobile V2

The OP3DRCSnowmobile is a fully working 3D printed RC snowmobile!

Watch it in action:

This is a project I've been working on for over a year and it turned out way better than I expected. A few years back I made the original OP3DRCSnowmobile using openRC F1 electronics. That was a fun project and it was fun to drive. It did however have some major drawbacks like lack of power and frequent repairs needed. I didn't have any experience with 3d printing tracks or how to make a snowmobile handle well at the time. It was a good first attempt and I did learn a lot. Because of that I decided to make a V2 where I implemented all that I learned. 

Update 2023-02-05: A higher kv brushless motor will make it a lot more fun to drive. Instead of a 1000kv motor like the one initially used a 2000-3000kv motor will work even better.

Some of the changes include:

More powerful motor and simpler drivetrain.

A wider ,longer and better designed track using 3d printer ptfe tube rails for low friction.

A way better system for tensioning the track

Positive suspension caster angle to handle better when turning.

All these changes make it faster and more durable. It handles a lot better and doesn't get stuck as often in deeper snow. It is also a lot more modular and easier to work on in case something breaks. 

All the parts are relatively easy to print but you need a relatively well tuned printer and there are some parts that do need a bit of support. I've really tried to make as much as possible print without support but for some parts it wasn't possible without other compromises. There are also some tall prints that might need a skirt to stay stuck to the bed. 

I printed everything in PLA and it has held up great. 

For the frame holding everything together there are two options. One that is fully 3d printed in two parts and one cut from 3.5mm plywood and glued together. I made the CNC cut version and it has worked great. Some people might not have access to a CNC so because of that there is a printed version as well. 

Included in the download are assembly instructions and a list of all the hardware needed. There are also two assembly videos linked below. 

Some of the parts needed:

3542 brushless motor 1000kv from Hobbyking (That's just what I used but you cold probably find a lot of other other alternatives with similar specs)(the .step is also available if you need to make any modifications to the design)(slightly higher kv probably makes it even more fun 1000-2000kv.

mg995 servo

60mm shocks (there is a rigid printed version)

m5 threaded rod

4mm OD ptfe tube

6x 625 (5x16x5) and 4x 105 (5x10x4) bearings

Look at the Hardware list in the downloads for more details on nuts/bolts and other smaller parts.

Ask questions/discuss: https://discord.gg/sNKUmDu8at

Watch the build guide:

Part1:

Part2: 

Happy printing!

Initially I used a 1000kv outrunner motor from hobbyking (3542). I have since then replaced it with a 2600kv motor to get a lot higher top speed. There are many similar motors that will work. This is the one I used:  https://www.banggood.com/Racerstar-3660-Brushless-Motor-60A-ESC-Waterproof-w-or-M0_6-Metal-Gears-for-Wltoys-104001-104002-RC-Car-Vehicles-Parts-p-1862898.html?cur_warehouse=USA&ID=511866

Any brushless 3660 motor 2000-3000kv will work. Lower kv will work fine but will result in a lower top speed. Higher kv might also work but the motor must have quite a lot of torque to drive the track through the snow.