My Tiger Tank Project

[Jimster]

My first rc tank is the latest Heng Long Tiger with the metal tracks, gears and such. I’m in the process of modifying it with details and weathering. I’m not replicating a specific prototype tank but just trying to represent a generic battle tested warrior. I realize I tend to be too heavy on the weathering. So far I have started on the rear end and I’m having a lot of fun with this project.

[HERMAN BIX]

Go ya hardest mate, thanks for pictures along the way.

[square4]

good start, will follow this.

[Son of a gun-ner]

Wow, that rear end looks amazing, just the right level of wear and tear

[Jimster]

Thanks gentlemen! I’ve been a long time model railroader and most of the skills carry over quite nicely. I promise to see this project through so that we don’t have an unfinished build thread. I just ordered some decal sets last night.
A couple of quick questions: what’s a good choice for reduction gearing to slow her down and I’m going to relocate the antenna to the proper spot but there’s no wiring going to it. Is the antenna not needed?

[Son of a gun-ner]

Depends if you have a 2.4 gig or crystal, yes with Crystal, no with 2.4 gig.

[Jimster]

Thank you. I’ve got the 2.4.

[Son of a gun-ner]

You'll have an internal antenna in that case, doesn't need connecting to an external one.

As for gearboxes, anything with a bigger gear ratio is better than standard. It would reduce the revs and raise the torque at the sprocket, providing the motors have enough oomph for the bigger difference.

[jarndice]

Removing the aerial base is a job that if it is not done with care can split the ABS around it,
I just SNIP the aerial base off flush and file flat anything left proud.

[Jimster]

Thanks for the info, guys. I’ve already removed the old antenna mount and got lucky with no damage to the surrounding plastic. I’ll fill in the hole. I’m debating on reusing the old antenna and base or making a more realistic version.
I’ll have to do some internet searches for replacement gears. I never realized how big this rc tank hobby is! More fun than model railroading so far.

[Son of a gun-ner]

More fun than model railroading so far.

Hell yeah

[jarndice]

If you goto------------
www.forgebeartanks.com
I would have put www.rctank.de
But they don't appear to have them in stock and Dave at Forgebear is at least as reliable and trustworthy as Dom at RC Tank.
So click on Tiger 1 you will see a fully fitted out Aerial for £8.05 plus post,
Just Pin Vise a hole slightly smaller than the aerial base in the proper place, (Just in front of the Engine Bay beside the Turret on the right hand side looking from the back to the front) then smear the rubber base of the Aerial with washing up liquid and as you push the aerial into place give it a twist at the same time and the jobs done.

[Jimster]

Thanks for the link. I just ordered the antenna, a metal bucket to hang from the back and two Jerry cans.
This is a great forum.

[Jimster]

Made some progress on the painting. Thanks for checking in.

[c.rainford73]

Looking good. Not overdone just right

[jarndice]

Jimster I noticed that you still have the Redundant Spare aerial holder on the "Left side" of the engine bay, (Looking from the rear)
The actual Tiger 1 apart from the Command Tiger 1 only had one Aerial holder and that is on the "Right Side",
It is an easy fix if you take CARE!!! Get a blade under the end and it should with a little assistance from the blade peel off in one piece.

[HERMAN BIX]

There are a lot of should-do's and must do's when it comes to Tigers Mr Jimster.
You could research for ages & still not get a definitive version !!
Mr Jarndice is correct for the ill placed now infamous left side mounted aerial tube, and there are many other points of contention that need attention should the mood take you !
Key is to build your tank to make you happy based on what you can research and what you can produce........
You're off to a great start mate

[Jimster]

Thank you fellows very much. I’ll have to address this aerial tube business for sure. I really appreciate any and all advice and observations.

[essexbill]

Your build is coming along really well.

Is it going to be re-engined and have Cat power?

[Jimster]

Ha ha! My nosy cat. He thinks he’s a tiger as well. More like Tigger.