Tamiya / Heng-Long PzIV Hybrid

[Glory71]

Chris,

Another brilliant build from the Master!!!

I saw your video just a few minutes ago and immediately checked out how much this would cost me (using your build part options) if I were to purchase from RCCommand.Com, TamiyaUSA, Welshdragon, and ebay all the parts necessary for this build, it would cost me at most US$650.00. And this already includes the goodies like the metal tracks, reduction gearboxes, and others. Now compare that to just the Tamiya Version - stock of about US$700 to 800.00 (shipping excluded).

Such a great idea Chris. I love it.

[grompix]

Another brilliant build from the Master!!!

Steady Jon. You make me sound like Dr Who's arch enemy (at least for those who remember episodes from the '70's LOL)

Seriously though, I'm pleased you like it and with how it's all worked out. The sums do add up to a very cost-effective way of obtaining a Tamiya-like model. Heng long stuff doesn't have the build quality of Tamiya but they're pretty robust and work very well (after a bit of tweaking). I suppose the main difference between my Panzer IV and a 'pukka' Tamiya one is the wheels. Mine don't have bearings or real rubber tyres. But I'm pretty sure someone will bring out an upgrade with metal wheels and rubber tyres at some stage (as they have for the HL Panzer III). In any case I don't think it would be too difficult to add bearings at some later date.

Also, strangely enough, the Tamiya turret proved to have far less detail than the Heng Long one. Tamiya doesn't show any recessed screw details on the turret top like the HL one. The guys at the Washington club remarked on that and the fact that the Tamiya turret hatches are non-functional. With hindsight I probably wouldn't have bothered buying the Tamiya turret sprue.

Cheers
Chris    
 

[Glory71]

Another brilliant build from the Master!!!

Steady Jon. You make me sound like Dr Who's arch enemy (at least for those who remember episodes from the '70's LOL)

Also, strangely enough, the Tamiya turret proved to have far less detail than the Heng Long one. Tamiya doesn't show any recessed screw details on the turret top like the HL one. The guys at the Washington club remarked on that and the fact that the Tamiya turret hatches are non-functional. With hindsight I probably wouldn't have bothered buying the Tamiya turret sprue.

Cheers
Chris    
 

Not to hi-jack your thread but 'common Chris. You are just being humble. And I am not trying to shine your shoes here. That is how is see it...and that's how I am going to call it. And I ain't ashamed of saying it. Just look at what you've done man.

Yeah! I noticed that too re: Tamiya Turret. At the price range of Tamiya kits...I expected more from them. Choices...that is what we need. The good thing about Tamiya though...well at least on my end I guess...is that I have learned from Tamiya America that their electronics (DMD and Multi-Function Unit) have warranty for like forever. As long as you don't do any mod to it, even replacing the Tamiya Plugs...your good for replacement anytime its broken.

[grompix]

The good thing about Tamiya though...well at least on my end I guess...is that I have learned from Tamiya America that their electronics (DMD and Multi-Function Unit) have warranty for like forever. As long as you don't do any mod to it, even replacing the Tamiya Plugs...your good for replacement anytime its broken.

Yep, you are right there Jon. Tamiya DMD/MFU units appear to be bombproof. This is why I chose to use them in this build. I would normally have gone with Elmod because of their versatility (particularly with the sounds) but the problems some guys were having with the new units put me off.

Cheers
Chris