Two more rookie questions about potential options.

[Mithras]

Sadly there isn't much about this particular M3 tank out there. Either people aren't purchasing it, or they're too embarrassed to admit they purchased it. One eBay review I found had given it a positive feedback, but was complaining it was damaged, and was only offered a $70 refund.
Well, I'm not going to publicly imply that that person told us all we need to know about themselves and their shopping competence within that one review lol.

I found an old posting on this forum, but it doesn't help, (link at the bottom)

To me, the price feels like a con, they are implying, and trying to give the illusion that it's metal, or mostly metal, yet it it less than 2.5kg which is around the weight of a boxed plastic Heng Long Sherman.

Even though it's something I'd like, I think I'll pass.

old posting about it.
Exbonzai 1/16 M3 Lee
viewtopic.php?t=33003&f=182

That’s too bad, but in view of what you’ve said, probably should be avoided. Which is too bad, as I too would like to have an M3.

[Mithras]

Col’s models does a 76mm T34 turret. He’s Facebook based.

Good to know. Thanks!

[ColemanCollector]

The M3 Lee is in reality about a $350-450 tank although they actually went to the trouble of fitting the correct suspension instead of just slapping the top on a regular Sherman chassis. That's actually pretty impressive.
A T34/76 and a Lee/Grant--add a Matilda II and I'd be in tank Nirvana.

Mike.

[Rob1970]

That "Grant" is an abomination and not worth the money. It's a bodged Heng Long Sherman lower with a pot-metal "Grant-like" top. Vandra's resin conversion kit is marginally better, but the turret on that one is severely undersized. I am working on a 3D-printable conversion from a Heng Long Sherman to a Grant but it's slow going. I thought I was going to get on with it but life interfered again and I've been back from the hospital for 2 doays now...

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I am am the oddball here: I actually like the Grant/Lee tanks, despite their easy-to-hit high profile and cumbersome and antiquated look. I have a Grant and a Lee, both built by Andrew Haya's folks years ago from some kit and somewhat earlier HengLong electronics. Both suffer inaccuracies and wonky gun elevation that jams against the plastic hull. Nonetheless, I have repainted one and left one in funky, black outlined British (I think) camouflage.
The one you spotted on eBay strikes me as incredibly expensive, though apparently more detailed than the ones I have. I would be wary of the the quality of the castings, electronics, gearboxes, the whole bit. I would be especially cautious because the seller is not a tank or RC specialist, but apparently sells all kinds of stuff.

[Raminator]

A. Heng Long T/34-85

Is there a 76mm turret available for this? I had thoughts of turning this into one of the handful captured by the Italian Army in Russia. You know by now I'm a novice. Is this something you reckon a newbie could figure out installing, assuming such a thing exists?

As Derek mentioned, I'm one of the guys working on that! I'm planning on making all of the different T-34/76 turrets available, I've got a thread up covering the development. They're not quite ready for sale yet, but hopefully will be before too long. They'll be plug-and-play setups for electronics that support servo elevation and recoil (the newer H/L sets and basically all aftermarket boards).

[Mithras]

A. Heng Long T/34-85

Is there a 76mm turret available for this? I had thoughts of turning this into one of the handful captured by the Italian Army in Russia. You know by now I'm a novice. Is this something you reckon a newbie could figure out installing, assuming such a thing exists?

As Derek mentioned, I'm one of the guys working on that! I'm planning on making all of the different T-34/76 turrets available, I've got a thread up covering the development. They're not quite ready for sale yet, but hopefully will be before too long. They'll be plug-and-play setups for electronics that support servo elevation and recoil (the newer H/L sets and basically all aftermarket boards).

Quite interested. I’ve got a hankering to build one of the T-34 obr1940 tanks in Italian service.

Looks great so far!

[Mithras]

I am am the oddball here: I actually like the Grant/Lee tanks, despite their easy-to-hit high profile and cumbersome and antiquated look. I have a Grant and a Lee, both built by Andrew Haya's folks years ago from some kit and somewhat earlier HengLong electronics. Both suffer inaccuracies and wonky gun elevation that jams against the plastic hull. Nonetheless, I have repainted one and left one in funky, black outlined British (I think) camouflage.
The one you spotted on eBay strikes me as incredibly expensive, though apparently more detailed than the ones I have. I would be wary of the the quality of the castings, electronics, gearboxes, the whole bit. I would be especially cautious because the seller is not a tank or RC specialist, but apparently sells all kinds of stuff.

Your input is very much appreciated, Doc. I’m also a fan of the Grant and similar allegedly ugly vehicles. M11/39s, the Flying Elephant, etc.