Looking for opinions for First Tank

[mini_bolo]

I'm looking to get a 1/16 scale tank and I've narrowed my choices down to either a HL Panther G, a HL Panzer III, or a Mato Sherman. I don't have a lot of money to throw around for modifications and upgrades, so I was wondering which of these is the most reliable and is the best overall buy. Does anyone have any opinions on any of these tanks?

[Saxondog]

First let me say welcome to the forum,asking for opinions will generally start a small war. Followed by confusion of who fired first. Just kidding,I'm sure you will have plenty of information in a short amount of time,here's my 2-cents.

Panther G or Jagdpanther, works straight from the box but has good detail as no moulded tools and a very detailed hull. Some paint and weathering and a fine tank you will have. As for running mine has been a good runner as well, no problems so far and a little over a year old now.

Saxondog

[big ned]

Got to agree with that! The Jagd was my first tank and it's a beast!! It's a fine intro into the hobby as it's fairly easy to paint compared to others and as Saxondog says, a good runner. I have another 5 now, but the Jagd's still my favourite!

Regards, Ned.

[Tankbear]

Welcome Mini_bolo.

Don't know how you much intend to spend but I say go for one with metal tracks and gearbox. As I got the cheaper plastic Tiger version as I wasn't certian if I get into it or just a passing phase. Well after a month and using nearly everyday I say i'm defo into it .

I'm thinking about my next tank (probably HL Panther G) and will upgrade the Tiger over time. That way got two tanks and can use one if the other is been upgraded, painted, or out of action.

Regarding the reliability, I've had issues with mine but to be honest enjoyed the fixing of them. Depends if you enjoy the messing about or just want to use it fault free.

[Johnf]

I had some issues with my panzer III. Will get it sorted though. I like the big tanks so would go with the Panther.

[magmer]

The Panther G is the winner every time, not only was it arguably the best medium tank of WWII and the French used captured ones for some time after. The Heng Long model is excellent value for money as is the Jagdpanther but with the advantage of a rotating turret. Panzer III is good but the Mato Sherman needs a lot of work.

[mini_bolo]

How much work are we talking about with the Sherman? Are we talking about Tiger levels of work to make it usable, or are just talking about a few inaccuracies in the design? I'm looking for something that doesn't require me to tear it apart to make it usable.

[magmer]

Mantlet and Barrel need replacing for greater accuracy as does the curved part of the front hull. VSS suspension is fairly basic, a friend of mine has modified his but he is an engineer with access to a lathe. It all depends on how far you want to get involved with it and how much use/abuse the tank is going to get. Hope this helps.

[mini_bolo]

Well, I ended up picking up a Panther G. It should get here in a week or two. Hopefully it'll run well.

[afv]

Good choice, i've got one i cobbled together out of spare parts i bought and imho i think it's one of the best tanks they make
regards Jack.