I only wish I had a Trumpeter version of the Pz
IV to augment the comparisons. Modeller's often speak very highly of their authentic-looking details. But I'd also like to see how they tackle the suspension and return roller systems. Trumpeter 4s come in, well..
four flavours (ausfs: F2; H; J; and J observer tank), and in 2,000 parts. It is not an RC RTR model, but could serve as the highly detailed basis for one, for an enterprising builder.
the 'J' version is around £215-230 from European sources, but it can be had from China for around £190 (inc. postage). I may well buy one.
Any model you you buy, or build is only going to be as good, or strong, as (the saying goes)..'it's weakest link'. Given more consistency in wiring and electronics of late, the weakest link is then likely to be in the drive train.
Taigen/HL/Asiatam seem to have copied much of
Tamiya's drive train set up, but with a few significant differences.
Here's the Asiatam setup for the return rollers. This is from the manual that comes with their Pz
IV metal chassis kit. (Still available from:
https://www.asiatam.de/product_info.php ... rn0nqihg82 and Tankzone. Tankzone's reputation has improved a lot of late, according to some members. Having never used them, I can't say. Once, however, they had a bad name here.
)
- Asiatam return roller arrangement
Here's the
Tamiya setup:
- Tamiya return roller arrangement.
Tamiya rollers have a flat on the pivot shaft, that engages with a flat in the Return Roller Housing (there's also a matching dished washed designed to to fit the 'D" profile of the shaft.
)
- Tamiya Return roller shaft with 'D' profile
This, together with a nyloc, nut helps to keep the shaft locked in place whilst allowing the roller to turn freely. It's a pretty precise fitting.
- Tamiya Return Roller housing 'D' shape
The Asiatam/ Taigen setup..though outwardly similar, is a nightmare to fit and works very badly.
The shaft is round, and the only concession to locking in place is a barely noticeable shoulder at the end of the locking thread. In the kit suppled to me by Asiatam, ordinary hex nuts were supplied to lock the unit in to the chassis side.
The shaft is a sloppy fit in the poorly cast white metal wheels, and when you tighten the nut up to reduce the sideways play, the whole assembly is inclined to spin.
having taken the trouble to copy
Tamiya's hull and drive train, they should
have gone all the way and copied their 'D' shaft locking system too. It works. The Asaitam/HL/Taigen knockoffs are poor imitations....for now.
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please"- Mark Twain.
).,,but do you get four times the detail? Have a look at these:
That's what modelling's about, after all. Others just want a fine, and accurate, looking model that can also handle itself in a tank on tank set to 
This is where the Tamiya holds the high ground and- for now- the market.
It's going to be a case of... biff, bash, Boff... 
