Well after buying a Heng Long Pro Edition Sherman from HobbyPower on eBay, to find that it was faulty I today rang and spoke to a guy called Gavin about what could be done.
He arranged for a same day courier to collect my tank and offered me either a brand new one or he would just try and fix my version seen as I have already fitted the ancillaries.
He is hoping to fix tomorrow and again put this on an overnight courier so it will be back with me on Thursday.
I must say im impressed with the after sales service thus far.
Howes Models / HobbyPower
Howes Models / HobbyPower
Razor 1, Intercept Bogies Angels 2 5, Cleared Hot Engage, Fox 2 Fox 2
Semper In Faecibus Sumus Sole Profundum Variat
HL/Tamiya Sherman - Bulldog Turreted
Taigen Tiki Tiger 1
Torro KingTiger
E-25 Tank Destroyer
Semper In Faecibus Sumus Sole Profundum Variat
HL/Tamiya Sherman - Bulldog Turreted
Taigen Tiki Tiger 1
Torro KingTiger
E-25 Tank Destroyer
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jackalope
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 3882
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:42 pm
- Location: Communist State of Maryland, United States.
Re: Howes Models / HobbyPower
Glad they stood behind the sale I just hope they're able to fix it since you already started to work on it, but thankfully its not like you got too far should it need to be replaced.
When you get your back all fixed or a new one I look forward to a proper review as this is the tank I'm looking at and am waiting to see how yours turns out if its worth it or not.
When you get your back all fixed or a new one I look forward to a proper review as this is the tank I'm looking at and am waiting to see how yours turns out if its worth it or not.
Re: Howes Models / HobbyPower
Hi Jackalope,
With regards to this Sherman apart from it been faulty was a steel at £129.
This included the upgraded metal gears, sprocket and idler and tracks.
With regards to the construction I was extremely happy and the tank itself is surprisingly rigid and solidly built.
With regards to parts that I would definitely change, the first one would be the VVSS suspension as they have a very flimsy single spring coil to hold both arms. I could instantly see this been an issue with rough terrain.
For this I would highly recommend the Mato metal VVSS and I believe Forgebear stock these as I'm currently watching a set ready for when my Sherman comes back.
The second thing would be the ancilliaries as they are all plastic and really ruin the look of the tank, I'm sure some of the more seasoned modellers could give us hints and tips about where to purchase or how to make. I'm going to use actual metal track links instead of the plastic ones provided.
The drivers and drivers assistant hatches do not open on this model either, only the commanders cupola and loaders hatch do.
I would change the speaker as I found this to be grainy and not overly effective especially when using the cannon or machine gun as the engine sound seemed to stop.
Hope these few things give you an initial idea about the tank.
With regards to this Sherman apart from it been faulty was a steel at £129.
This included the upgraded metal gears, sprocket and idler and tracks.
With regards to the construction I was extremely happy and the tank itself is surprisingly rigid and solidly built.
With regards to parts that I would definitely change, the first one would be the VVSS suspension as they have a very flimsy single spring coil to hold both arms. I could instantly see this been an issue with rough terrain.
For this I would highly recommend the Mato metal VVSS and I believe Forgebear stock these as I'm currently watching a set ready for when my Sherman comes back.
The second thing would be the ancilliaries as they are all plastic and really ruin the look of the tank, I'm sure some of the more seasoned modellers could give us hints and tips about where to purchase or how to make. I'm going to use actual metal track links instead of the plastic ones provided.
The drivers and drivers assistant hatches do not open on this model either, only the commanders cupola and loaders hatch do.
I would change the speaker as I found this to be grainy and not overly effective especially when using the cannon or machine gun as the engine sound seemed to stop.
Hope these few things give you an initial idea about the tank.
Razor 1, Intercept Bogies Angels 2 5, Cleared Hot Engage, Fox 2 Fox 2
Semper In Faecibus Sumus Sole Profundum Variat
HL/Tamiya Sherman - Bulldog Turreted
Taigen Tiki Tiger 1
Torro KingTiger
E-25 Tank Destroyer
Semper In Faecibus Sumus Sole Profundum Variat
HL/Tamiya Sherman - Bulldog Turreted
Taigen Tiki Tiger 1
Torro KingTiger
E-25 Tank Destroyer
-
jackalope
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 3882
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:42 pm
- Location: Communist State of Maryland, United States.
Re: Howes Models / HobbyPower
Yeah I've learned the hard way that I get to pay more for them over here in the U.S. 
The least I've found that same Sherman for is like $220 but thats still not horrible. But I know me and I know how I am and it'll turn into another $800 tank before I'm done. 
The least I've found that same Sherman for is like $220 but thats still not horrible. But I know me and I know how I am and it'll turn into another $800 tank before I'm done. -
Cruiser133
- Private
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:17 pm
- Location: USA
Re: Howes Models / HobbyPower
Jack, check out Amazon. I found a new HL M4 with metal options there of $169 shipped.
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jackalope
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 3882
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:42 pm
- Location: Communist State of Maryland, United States.
Re: Howes Models / HobbyPower
Cruiser133 wrote:Jack, check out Amazon. I found a new HL M4 with metal options there of $169 shipped.
Hmmm may have to go check Amazon then! I had planned to get the all plastic base model for $109 and then upgrade it the way I wanted but if the metal one can be had for only $68 more I'm thinking thats the way to go! So long as it has the correct tracks for what I want to do with it that is. Shhhhhhhhhh I can't tell its a secret but I', not building FURY too many post WWII parts on it from what I've read.
