WPL B Series Guide and Upgrades
Blog post written by Small Scale Adventures
The B Series are the original WPLs, scale models of historic military vehicles from both sides of the Iron Curtain.
Variant - RTR
As with other WPL ranges, they are available in three types. RTRs are supplied with the main assembly completed and ready to run, just charge the vehicle battery, install two AA batteries in the controller and you are ready to go on patrol.
*This is great for beginners!
The range is built from a solid foundation of four RTR Models.
The B14 RTR is modeled after the classic American M35 Truck.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/b14-rtr?ref=ssa
Seen here in the form of a 4x4 light utility truck in the way that the original 6x6 versions are often modified once they entered civilian service after their military career.
The B14 is available in both blue/grey and desert yellow.
Following that is the B16 RTR, these are a much more faithful model of the M35 ‘Deuce and a Half’ 2.5 Ton 6x6 Army truck.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/b16-rtr?ref=ssa
Following that is the B16 RTR, these are a much more faithful model of the M35 ‘Deuce and a Half’ 2.5 Ton 6x6 Army truck.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/b16-rtr?ref=ssa
The B16 Trucks are available in military green and desert yellow.
The next in the range is the B24. Closely inspired by the GAZ-66 light truck the B24 is the first of the Soviet era B series models.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/b24-rtr?ref=ssa
This model is available in a military green as well as a civilian version reflecting the many tasks this rugged truck has undertaken.
Fourth in the range is the B36, taking inspiration from Soviet era vehicles again this 6x6 is modelled on the Ural 4320.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/b36-rtr?ref=ssa
Supplied with a military ‘Kung’ box body that would have housed equipment such as a radio communications rig or mobile workshop in service. The 4320 has almost eclipsed its military background now many are in civil service as fire fighting equipment, logging and anywhere unsurpassed off road heavy transportation is required.
Variant - KIT
The B Series range are also available as K, Kit versions. These are the same vehicle as the RTR, but these come in component form ready for you to assemble. You will get the enjoyment of learning about the design and function of your RC model by building it yourself. With the Kit you also get the soft version of the WPL tyres, one of the first upgrades many people make to the RTR B Series.
👇 Get it here 👇
Variant - KM
To complete the K and KM assembly you will need basic tools, a good quality No.1 Phillips screwdriver will make the build more enjoyable. For KM kits you will also benefit from a 1.5mm hex driver and will need a soldering iron to complete the electronics connection to the motor.
The KM (Kit Metal) versions are the top of the WPL range. Supplied in separate part form like the standard Kit the KM’s have the major WPL upgrades included. KM versions are supplied with rebuildable metal case axles with brass gears and powerful 370 motor two speed transmission giving a low speed high torque crawling gear and faster high gear for trailing. They also include the soft grippy tyres of the kit version and WPL wheels weights for all four or six wheels. These add masses of grip and help lower the centre of gravity for even better off road performance.
👇 Get it here 👇
Electronics
When buying either KIT or KM version you will need to purchase battery and electronics alongside. The KIT version can be built with the separately available RTR style electronics. This is a fully proportional control system the same as in the RTR models that comes with the battery and charger required for your vehicle.
However if you want more options and upgrade possibilities the Res-V3 electronics kit is a much better option. You get the full control offered with the basic set but with higher current handling and a third channel to operate the two speed gearbox upgrade for the Kit, that comes standard with the KM. There is also a fourth channel that is designed to operate the WPL winch accessory and will be required for remote operation of the eagerly awaited E1 fifth wheel trailer conversion for the B36.
As well as the added control functions the Res-V3 also includes a switchable drag brake operating on low range and inactive on the high gear. There are light outputs for reverse and direction indicators plus remotely operable main lights and a sound output, with included speaker. You can purchase the Res-V3 in both Petrol and Deisel sound versions.
Upgrades
If you are looking to own a WPL military truck that is the best it can be, the best value for money is offered by purchasing the KM version with the Res-V3 Electronics from the start however, you might prefer to purchase the RTR or standard Kit and upgrade in stages. To bring your RTR up to the specification of the Kit version you will need the soft tyres. Don’t forget to check that you have selected Soft before adding the tyres to your basket.
Both wheel and tyre styles will fit all the trucks, so if you prefer the style of the slightly smaller V2 tyres with authentic military V tread they are perfect for use on all B series models.
The next step would be to upgrade to the metal drive train kit these are available for either the 4x4 or 6x6 trucks. The 6x6 set comes with a middle axle that includes a layshaft design to reverse input direction and negate the torque twist that can sometimes be seen with the direct input/output of the plastic axles of the RTR and Kit. The drive train kits also come with adjustable ball joint pivot steering links, to more precisely set up and control the truck.
Once you have a strong and durable drivetrain you can move on to upgrading the power with the 370 motor and two speed gear box.
To make full use of the 370 two speed gearbox you will need to upgrade your control electronics to the Res-V3. You will also need a soldering iron to connect the wires for the motor. The WPL Wheel weights are also available separately to bring your RTR or Kit up to full KM specification.
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/wheel-weight?ref=ssa
Accessories
Other WPL upgrades and accessories you might consider as an addition to your B series Truck are…
Canvas Bed Cover for B16 and B24
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/canvas-bed-cover?ref=ssa
Canvas Bed Cover for B16 and B24
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/canvas-bed-cover?ref=ssa
WPL Winch – Although not designed specifically to suit the B series range there are fitment guides in the media section of the WPL Store main page. With a little creativity and control from a Res-V3 you can add a working winch to your B series model. How about a custom built crane or recovery truck. How would you use one on yours?
Get it here 👉 https://www.wpl-rc.com/products/winch?ref=ssa
Upcoming product
- Low Loader trailer and Fifth wheel kit for B36 with remote operated ramps to carry your E1
We are STILL eagerly waiting for the release of this massive addition to the B series range! Watch video below There are many other upgrade parts and accessories available from other global sales platforms. The quality and compatibility of these can be variable. The best quality accessories and service come direct for the WPL Official Store.
Enjoy whichever you chose and however you build your WPL B series Military Truck.
Please share your pictures and review with the store. Get in touch with questions or for after sales service at sales@wpl-rc.com or join the global community built around the WPL RC Official Group on Facebook.