Howdy

[Sergeimosin]

So I recently found out that RC tank battles are a thing (and apparently have been for some time... how did I not know this?!) and have decided to get in on the fun.

That said, I have no idea how any of this works (and I have 0 model building experience) apart from the fact that the tanks apparently use infrared detectors to register hits... and most of the battles seem to be carried out in 1:16 scale (which might mean there's a slim hope of someone making a Maus/Ratte/P-1500 that can actually move one of these days). So, I'd really like to find either a KV (I'd love to do a KV-1B 755(r) with the KwK 40 L/43 mounted in the turret, because German conversions of captured equipment has always been an interest of mine) or IS series vehicle to start off with. So, what's a good place to get started?

[MichaelC]

Welcome to the forum Serge....... yes, the usual scale for IR battle is 1/16, but they are also 1/24 Vs tanks that will do IR battle out of the box as well so you don't need any modelling experience at all as long as the tanks are working the way it suppose to work which by and large they do. KV-1 would be a good start as it is a very popular tank and is available in 1/16 and 1/24 scale. IS series is a little tougher but Tamiya just came out with the IS-2 and there is also an IS-3 option available.

Of course there is the Maus as well.

http://www.store-juckenburg.de/index.ph ... er=product

Not RC or IR but it won't be difficult to convert it. IS-3 kit is also available from Juckenburg as well.

MIchaelC

[PainlessWolf]

Good Afternoon,
Welcome to the Forum, Serge. This is a great repository of know-how and friendly sorts who like to assist. Once you get your tank, pictures of it, please. We love to chat and kick the virtual road wheels around here.
regards,
Painless

[ALPHA]

Greetings Searge .... Kv1 is a nice model to seek... several companies make them Tamiya...Taigen ... and Heng Long... if you are on a tight budget (like me) I recommend the Heng Long or Taigen...as both already come equipped with IR.... the difference Taigen is a 2.4 gig rigged tank...the Heng Long isn't ... it probably has the most metal parts on it as well...advertised weight at about 20 lbs so you get a lot of tank for the money... If you like to model (build detail modify)... I would go for the Heng Long...The IR version is available from US friendly MatoMart http://www.matomart.com/product.php?c=1000085... it already has metal gears tracks and recoil..(deluxe model) the lower has the same less the metal running gear...Those two brands are the most diverse IMO... as most of the upgrade and detail parts are made for them
The price range about 150 to 250 for the Heng Long... about 550 for the Taigen you can also find them on EBAY... you being on the continent get the benefits of free shipping

I never considered Tamiya... as the model is just too high ..about 900 unbuilt less transmitter...It's a beautiful model once finished...but IMO not a practical purchase... as the tracks and most of the running gear is prioritized to Tamiya...so though it is a quality oriented model.. it leaves little in the way of flexibility
Though Tamiya is one of the only brands to make the KV2..the other being Mattorro

Anyway...Enjoy the Adventure

ALPHA

[Sergeimosin]

So how is the Mattorro KV-2? I've been debating going for that as a first vehicle, because I absolutely love the KV-2 (mounting an ML-20 in a turreted vehicle was absolute lunacy... lunacy that actually WORKED for a year or two), but if it's not that good then I probably won't mess with it.

Also, do these vehicles hold up well with LiPo batteries? And is it worth doing a metal body upgrade? Or does the ABS plastic last pretty well in the field? (I used to run an airsoft team and had bad experiences with the plastic AEGs, so I figure I'll ask before dumping a few hundred bucks into converting this thing)

[ALPHA]

So how is the Mattorro KV-2? I've been debating going for that as a first vehicle, because I absolutely love the KV-2 (mounting an ML-20 in a turreted vehicle was absolute lunacy... lunacy that actually WORKED for a year or two), but if it's not that good then I probably won't mess with it.

Also, do these vehicles hold up well with LiPo batteries? And is it worth doing a metal body upgrade? Or does the ABS plastic last pretty well in the field? (I used to run an airsoft team and had bad experiences with the plastic AEGs, so I figure I'll ask before dumping a few hundred bucks into converting this thing)

I've read and heard nothing but good things about the Mattoro...problem is no American distributors that I know of...Welsh Dragon in the UK carries it...the tank itself is reasonable...it's the trip over the pond that will cost you .... Painless wolf is planning to build one...suggesting a Taigen Hull and Matorro Turret

I based my KV2 build off of the Heng Long KV1... and was lucky enough to acquire a resin KV2 turret for it ...It's the high end model...so it came with the metal gearboxes and drive gear (ie; sprockets tracks and idler) the tracks as you can see are very healthy... and actually had the appropriate "droop"..this photo is from about 3/4 way of the build


Build thread http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/v ... ter+gigant

All the brands run well with Lipos... once I finish a build they get switched ...meaning I use the stock NiCds for testing and general running throughout the build process...then when the tank is finished switch to Lipo to play...so far I have not had to add any optional mosphets or fuses to control the amp flow... they all run solid...and reliably ...knock on wood lol

I couldn't really say how good the plastic is on the Mattorro never having the chance to hold one... but the plastic on the Heng Longs and Taigens are of excellent grade IMO... both a little thicker than Tamiya..... I've had my PanzerIII and TiPanther fall from over 6 feet on to my hardwood floor...The Panther suffered the most with a quarter panel replacement... the Panzer III only the exhaust deflector...other than those two points... both tanks are still running....

Metal gearboxes are always a plus as an upgrade ....The Taigen KV already has a really nice Metal Hull...and includes a nice lot of metal bits ...reason it weighs so much.. so not much to worry about there

You will also find the Kvs don't need a lot of stowage... the Soviets just didn't bog down their tanks with stuff

Anyway.. I think you've decided on a good tank to model...Mine is a beast

ALPHA

[Markocaster]

Howdy serge, welcome aboard , I went to high school in Texas many moons ago, this place is great and you have a good source of parts near you, artistic hobbies in San Marcos