New to R/C

[Trailbiker]

Hi, I have just joined this forum as a complete newbie in all respects. Have never had any models, except as a kid, and have never had anything RC. Have recently purchase a HL Leopard 2 with metal gearboxes, tracks/drivewheels/idlers, and it's already in bits ready for some mods. Have made some metal cables to put on and have added Perspex to all the periscope apertures. Have been following the various forums regarding smokers and am trying to construct one myself. One thing I don't do is electronics. I can wire things up and solder, but electronics are beyond me !
Several mods I'd like some help and advice with are:- whether I can fit a recoil barrel and do away with the BB firing mechanism, plus stop the gun recoil of the tracks. I'm sure it can't do the gears much good, and isn't very realistic, especially if you have the turret turned through 90 degrees ! Have spent hours already, reading the various forums and seeing what other people do to their tanks. Don't think I can compete with some of the detailing I've seen though.
Thanks for any help you can give, Richard.

[jarndice]

Oh Richard, I try to warn new members of the dangers of instant poverty and divorce by taking up this hobby, but in your case I think it is too late, you would seem to be already on the road to ruin, First off where are you? It helps every one to know where we all are when it comes to recommending particular dealers, talking of which I hope you have scrolled down to the BLACKLIST and then on to the RECOMMENDED dealers list, by doing that you will not only save money but also your temper. Ask lots of questions please so we can show how much we all know!!! But if you know stuff don't keep it to yourself TELL US! shaun

[brizo58]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum Shaun's right your well and truly hooked by the sound of it . Don't forget lots of photos of your build. Brian...

[Bogeyman]

Hi,

There right once this hobby gets its claws into you, you've had it!!

Enjoy

John

[MichaelC]

Welcome to the forum Richard. If barrel recoil and eliminating the standard HL hull recoil is your goal, you will need to look at replacing the electronics unfortunately. I think most forum members here uses either the IBU or the Clark after market solution to get the barrel recoil and rid of the hull shake. The good news is that it is mostly plug and play, but you will have to do some work on the recoil piece. The HL Leo is pretty easy to convert to servo recoil using the existing BB mount.

Here is picture of mine (ignore the arrow as it was for something else) with Clark board and also a quick video:

http://youtu.be/b0zatMuPQW4

You will notice that I still have a little hull recoil as I like a small amount of hull reocil but with Clark and IBU you can adjust the amount so that it is not so earth shattering.

MichaelC.

[Glassback]

Welcome to the forum, looking at some of the build posts are going seriously deprive you of both time and money. But its alot cheaper than therapy, everybody needs a hobby.

[Horses45]

welcome along to the forum im sure you will enjoy it

[Trailbiker]

Thanks for all the comments from everyone. I'm based in Wickford, Essex, for those asking. What I've found in reading lots of the forums on here, is that quite a few of the links don't seem to work anymore, despite only being a few years out of date. Whether the dealers have gone bust or something, I don't know. I was going to use Tankzone until I read it's on the blacklist. That's a shame, because they seem to be the only people I can find that do loads of metal extras for the Leopard. I asked Welshdragon if they do the recoil barrel kit, and was told they didn't, so not sure where to get one from now. I've seen some small pieces of electronic boards which eliminate the track recoil, just by plugging in, plus also some that involve soldering wires and the like onto the RX 18 board.
At the moment, knowing where to get addons, or upgrades from, seems to be my biggest problem. A local model shop I visited and asked for advice concerning RC tanks, weren't very helpful, as they mainly specialise in cars and planes, and really knew very little about tanks.
If someone can recommend a good supplier, or where to get specific parts from, I'd be very grateful.

[edpanzer]

Hi and welcome trailbiker I'm a noobie like you so new I haven't got a tank yet there's a wealth of knowledge to tap on this site and all I've spoken with so far have been helpful and welcoming.