A little advice on buying a second hand Tamiya/ Got IT!!

[Markocaster]

I have been offered the following tank, a Tamiya tiger 1 for $550 or £320
Never having had a Tamiya before is this a fair price?
It comes with
1. the battle gear installed.
2. A non-DSM radio ( so you have to share the frequency)

It needs
1. a battery
2. a good cleaning
3. some assembly
Here are a couple of photos


I am a little torn should I get this or put that money towards making my HL/Toro tiger full battle ready? Clark board , radio, all the extras etc
I appreciate input from you guys as I don't wanna throw money away if the price etc don't look reasonable. Cheers Mark

[tomhugill]

Damn good price considering its has a battle unit! The tbu has been selling on use eBay for $150-200 alone! 40mhz radios are still ok and as most people are 2.4 you usually don't have to worry about interference. A tamiya tiger is a far better machine than an upgraded taigen/ HL IMO.

[billpe]

That's a really good deal. It looks unpainted as well which IMO adds more to the value unless its a great paint job. I assume the speaker is in the bag next to the tank? At that price its a much better option than upgrading a cheaper tank to that standard - you'll end up spending that sort of money to make a HL, Taigan or Torro the equal of a Tamiya. I know, I have a HL, Taigan and Tamiya Tiger.

[sassgrunt]

Like the others said, Mark, that looks like a really good deal for an entry into a Tamiya tank. The Tiger I is probably the most reliable and trouble-free tank in their lineup, and only a couple of tweaks needed (turret rotation and elevation arm) that are easy to fix. If you really want a 2.4 radio, there is one sold by thecommander that also has a fire button installed for the main gun, (much easier than trying to toggle the stick/trim tab) for around $130. He doesn't have any for sale at the moment, but if you're interested, I'll PM you his email. And as far as any of the smaller parts that might have gotten damaged, you can always buy a new parts tree, or replace with metal ones. For the price, I'm sure there are others here who would jump on it if you decide not to get it. -Mike

[Markocaster]

Thanks fellas, I thought it sounded like a good price, I just wanted to make sure I think I am going to get it he also offered the following, but I think I will be able to take care of most of that myself.
If you would like me to
1. shorten motor wires and install Deans plugs
2. Install a DSM 2 radio with battle buttons installed on transmitter
3. Add a volume control to the radio and tank
4. combine the two electronic power wires to a single Dean's plug
5. Include a 5000mh battery with Dean's plug
6. include a battery charger
7. include a caring case that is modified to hold the radio and charger in the lid
8. add plugs between the electronics and top deck and turret for easy separation and maintenance

an additional $425.00

Cheers
Mark

[ALPHA]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............
It does sound good... are there any guarantees?
I would make sure he puts everything down in writing ...something binding you know... if it is a "as is" offer... it's a little sketchy...do you know the guy?
Reason I ask is ... a kit on Ebay is running on Ebay for about 399 ...without the battle unit...Like Tom says...that unit is running about 200+...so about the same deal... maybe a little more...but everything is brand new
Metal Tracks would be an additional 150+ both ways
I Dunno.... If you could negotiate a slightly better price with a guarantee that the battle system is good... then I would vote with the others and say go for it
If not... and you are willing to put in the time... I might think about going with a new one

Just remember one thing..."If all else fails...FLIP A COIN"

Good Luck Marc

ALPHA

[sassgrunt]

Mark, here's a link to the radio I was talking about. I have bought four of them from him so far; it is the best one I've found for what we do.

http://www.rctankcommand.com/tank-radios.html

[Markocaster]

Mark, here's a link to the radio I was talking about. I have bought four of them from him so far; it is the best one I've found for what we do.

http://www.rctankcommand.com/tank-radios.html

Thanks I had seen that before it looks good, would that radio work on multiple tanks?
Will pick one up once I start battling.

[Markocaster]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............
It does sound good... are there any guarantees?
I would make sure he puts everything down in writing ...something binding you know... if it is a "as is" offer... it's a little sketchy...do you know the guy?
Reason I ask is ... a kit on Ebay is running on Ebay for about 399 ...without the battle unit...Like Tom says...that unit is running about 200+...so about the same deal... maybe a little more...but everything is brand new
Metal Tracks would be an additional 150+ both ways
I Dunno.... If you could negotiate a slightly better price with a guarantee that the battle system is good... then I would vote with the others and say go for it
If not... and you are willing to put in the time... I might think about going with a new one

Just remember one thing..."If all else fails...FLIP A COIN"

Good Luck Marc

ALPHA

Alpha. Thanks for the reply. He is basically the main guy of the local tank club.. A new one starting here in Bay Area as others folded. He is the goto guy so I feel confident he knows what he has and is doing
I am meeting him on Sunday and will ask lots of questions before I actually get it.
I was tempted to just get a kit. But they are arranging a battle day in July and I would like to participate. I think I will probably get a radio like was recommended.
Plus the fact it hasn't been painted is cool as that is one of my favorite parts
Cheers
Mark

[ALPHA]

Alpha. Thanks for the reply. He is basically the main guy of the local tank club.. A new one starting here in Bay Area as others folded. He is the goto guy so I feel confident he knows what he has and is doing
I am meeting him on Sunday and will ask lots of questions before I actually get it.
I was tempted to just get a kit. But they are arranging a battle day in July and I would like to participate. I think I will probably get a radio like was recommended.
Plus the fact it hasn't been painted is cool as that is one of my favorite parts
Cheers
Mark

OKEE DOKEE Mark ...Sounds better now ... meeting the guy and being able to handle the Tiger is a good thing
The transmitter Sass is recommending is nice... he showed it to me...the guy who mods those does good work

Feel the guy out... Maybe you might be able to swing some kind of Newly Wed Deal

Good Luck...Have an Outstanding 4th!...

ALPHA