1/16th Tiger Motors

[tankme]

Welcome.

I own a 3D printer and print a lot of tanks, but I didn't start out printing tanks. I learned about tank gearboxes and electronics by building/modifying a pre-fab tanks. Once I knew the ins and outs of how they operated, I started printing custom parts, then tanks and then tanks with custom mods made by me. Without knowing the basics of tank building, there are way too many variables for us to help you figure it out frankly.

Model Factory has a great manual on their 1/10th Jagdtiger which I have built, but there is a big difference from that to 1/16 scale. What does the manual suggest as motors? There are literally like 10 different Tiger I tanks on the market in 1/16th scale alone which is going to be a reason most of us have never printed that Tiger from Model Factory in 1/16th scale. If I can get a tank for a reasonable price already made, I won't 3D print it. It just takes too much time and effort for something that is already available in the marketplace. I would say most of us are in that boat. 3D printing is great for tanks in the fact you can print stuff the major manufacturers won't sell due to them being a niche tank. The Tiger I is not a niche tank and I think everyone has one except me.

3D tank designers in 1/16th scale either use Heng Long parts or they don't. Not owning the plans for that tank, I have no idea what the internal layout looks like. Some of the designers like Warprints favor 370 motor based planetary gearboxes and some designers like Inkor favor integrating the HL gearboxes. It all depends on how the tank interior is designed. Because I have no idea what the interior would support, I wouldn't be able to recommend any parts for it.

I wish I took your advise, and bought one, but I was looking at a challenge. I thought they would be quite expensive. I know Frontline Hobbies had Tamiya for $1300 https://www.frontlinehobbies.com.au/tam ... function-o One thing about living in Australia, is our lousy currency exchange, and the price of shipping (especially if local). I 3d printed the gearboxes, and last steps were putting them inside. That's when I discovered the motor not fitting.

Tigers are also made by Hooben, Heng Long, Taigen, Torro, Asiatam, and probably others. Tamiya is the most expensive one, but I always recommend a Heng Long (HL) tank for someone starting in the hobby. It's cheap enough that if you never go any further in the hobby that you aren't out that much money.

[Darug]

The Sherman arrived yesterday. Just the standard with basic gearbox, plastic tracks.

Anything I should upgrade?
Metal Gearbox
Metal tracks/wheels?

I found this on Aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33057822484.html

[Darug]

Post by Herr Dr. Professor » Sat Aug 17, 2024 5:37 am

Tamiya 1/16 tanks are quite steep, and I have noticed that RCTW folks who have them fairly often switch out the Tamiya electronics for good aftermarket ones. I find the 1300 Aus. a bit steep, and here in the U.S. they are not less expensive if available. (The only 1/16 Tamiya tank I have is a static Königstiger kit I bought over ten years ago). You are in the middle of the project now, so having accomplished so much so far, I say "go on!"

We pay a lot more for products here than most places in the world, mainly due to
* High wages compared to other nations
* Having a lower population (26,639,000 v' s 334,915,000 - USA)
+ The cost of logistics
* The Colesworth 'Duopoly'/lack of competition

Regrettably, a great deal of manufacturing has disappearred, which was one of our strengths. So many companies gobbled up by foreign ownership, then branches get closed down as they are no longer profitable.

We used to make cars once upon a time, now we don't.
So, that's why Tamiya costs more (not too mention our lousy AU Dollar)

[Ecam]

I would say run it as is and see if you need to upgrade. Most of my Shermans are like yours (only two have metal tracks and running gear. I enjoy them all equally.

[ColemanCollector]

Post by Herr Dr. Professor » Sat Aug 17, 2024 5:37 am

Tamiya 1/16 tanks are quite steep, and I have noticed that RCTW folks who have them fairly often switch out the Tamiya electronics for good aftermarket ones. I find the 1300 Aus. a bit steep, and here in the U.S. they are not less expensive if available. (The only 1/16 Tamiya tank I have is a static Königstiger kit I bought over ten years ago). You are in the middle of the project now, so having accomplished so much so far, I say "go on!"

We pay a lot more for products here than most places in the world, mainly due to
* High wages compared to other nations
* Having a lower population (26,639,000 v' s 334,915,000 - USA)
+ The cost of logistics
* The Colesworth 'Duopoly'/lack of competition

Regrettably, a great deal of manufacturing has disappearred, which was one of our strengths. So many companies gobbled up by foreign ownership, then branches get closed down as they are no longer profitable.

We used to make cars once upon a time, now we don't.
So, that's why Tamiya costs more (not too mention our lousy AU Dollar)

That's pretty much a description of Canada. I'd be looking at $1100CAD ($1200AUD) for a Tiger via ebay. But, in my books,
low population density=priceless!

As usual, Ecam hits the Sherman nail on the head. Tank it around in all its awesome plasticaucity and you may find that metal hangons aren't needed. More money for the next tank!

Mike.