New guy here

[svenga]

Evening all,

Well i gave in and decided to join after noticing the forum a few times, a little about me then.

My first tank was a heng long Tiger I which i got in 2007, to be honest i only got it because i couldnt think of anything else to get for a present and had always had an interest in third reich militaria and weaponry, and i had always been am avid modelmakler.

I did nothing with the model, aged it, added some slight detail and ran it around the garden intil a twig sheared the pathetic plastic tracks, ordered replacements but by then the tank seems to be having constant interferance and worn sprockets, it now rests as a show piece.

I have mainly collect third riech rings, 'Totenkopf rings' a very deep and expensive hobbie with so many fakes on the market, but i come across gems here and there.

However lately i have been searching youtube and alike and drawn myself back into RC tanks, this time i want to make a real go of one! i have decided to choose the heng long Panzer III Stug as my first project.

Below is what i intend to carry out (please criticise and correct me)

Steel tracks
Asiatam brass gearboxes
Asiatam alluminium hull, sprockets, shockers, tensioner (as you buy online) unsure wether to go for the full blown kit with the idler wheels and running wheels? suggestions.
Pig mantlet
Framework and side skirts
detailing including camo scheme, age and wear, milliput welds, possibly explosives paste around the body but unsure yet.
Reverse the recoil

Even heng long projects are pricey ive realised (no where near tamiya mind) but hey ill fork out and get the parts.

Over the duration i will be uploading and showing my progress in the correct topic for you all to see and advise.

Any advice and tips will be highly appreciated!

Sven.

[Dietrich]

Hi Sven,
Welcome to the Forum
That is a VERY interesting hobby collecting the 'Totenkopf rings'....I have heard that even dealers have stopped trading as the 'Modern reproductions', are just too good,not only in rings but in medals as well. I would be interested in your thoughts on that ......
As to your choice of R/C Tank I think that the STuG III is an excellent choice with all the Asiatam extras, Probably worth looking at 'Welsh Dragon Models' steve is a member here and has the Asiatam parts on offer at the moment I think.
make sure that the Asiatam gear-boxes are the reduction kind.....(I am not sure if they make any that aren't , especially in brass) The standard Heng Long ratio gearboxes are way too fast for scale and are underpoered for climbing due to the high ratio. It would be worth adding a cooling fan to the RX-18 Receiver that will be used in the STuG there are a couple of threads I believe on how to fit it. If you cannot find any then I will happily send you some photos of how to do it. With the amount of weight that you will be moving around a fan is a absolute must.
I would certainly look at getting a bigger capacity battery say at least 3000 Mah, and also a quick charger as the standard little black plastic one that you plug in the wall is useless !
You could also concider larger motors to fit onto your nice new gearboxes......The maximum size that will fit without any alterations are 400's. Cornwall model boats are a good supplier and here is a link to the motor
http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/aca ... _1794.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
.
There is a search box located in the top right hand corner of the main forum banner which may help you but if you have any questions then just post them and someone is bound to come along soon who can answer them for you. :~
Alb

[sparks]

Hi Sven,
Welcome to the forum

[mt 1]

hi there welcome to the forum Sven

[JayBrd]

Welcome to the forum

[svenga]

Dietrich,

Many thanks for the tips and information, i think it will be next payday before i make a start on gathering the tank itself and components.. it is all very pricey! But i will make sure i add the cooling fan and larger batterie.

Totenkopf rings, i have collected 'private purchase' (jeweller made, non issued or presented, canteen rings, charm rings etc) for about a year now. I have around seven authentic rings (the one i wear daily was owned by a member of the 33rd panzerjager div, i have full photographs and soldbuch etc, chances are he was familiar with jagdpanthers and possibly stugs?) and have picked up the tell tale signs very well!

The main market problems for beginners are 'fantasy rings' rings which have been made up completely or mixes and mashes of various rings in one or cast from a period one off personell ring, they usually look out of place, stereotype and over the top, often have no markings, poor detail, and cast! once you know the genuine patterns and which styles existed (they were mass produced as you can imagine) the fun really begins! spotting a fake from a real period ring!

As said most dealers and collectors stay well clear now! the fakes get more authentic and realistic as the months go by! the ones to stay real clear of are the 'himmler rings' or 'honor rings', these were the ones presented by himmler to the top boys of the SS. These are faked the most, and although the fakes generally have the same names engraved on the inside band each time, some new names which have not been claimed arise occasionally. The only sure way to date some of these rings is with strong evidence, paperwork etc, from a main dealer of the rings (there are only two worldwide) or have the ring x-rayed for dating.

Many thanks for the welcome guys!

[Dietrich]

Hi svenga,
I am glad to be of help. the hobby does seem a bit pricey at first..............I started with a bog standard plastic geared Tiger 1.....it looks a bit different now and has been joined by a second Tiger 1 and a Panzer III...unfortunately it was a STuG III that I actually wanted....but its too late now ......I must try and get an Asiatam hull and make a proper StuG...but its a question of money oh and time...
Alb