Heng Long Challenger 2.Metal Tracks and Sprokets etc.

[Meter rat]

We all build our models differently. And there will be many solutions from many different perspectives. I found my Challenges tracks would come off on the terrain I ran on. I had dressed the tracks and sprockets, a straight edge was placed along the wheels, track retaining rings were also fitted to the sprockets. All failed to retain the tracks, until I installed a hull brace. My hull flexed over the length of it by 6-8mm, which was eliminated by the use of a brace. Maybe the plastic has altered between the models? Maybe I run mine harder on different terrain? I believe it will be down to Zooma, ultimately what route he takes whether he feels a brace is necessary. But for the sake of an hours work, I will be installing a brace (as I have done in my T72) in my Leopard 2 and Abram, when the time comes. As I feel it benefits large modern tanks.

[zooma]

Problems retaining the tracks on any of the Heng Long modern tanks is a problem that has been reported by many owners - in particular when running with metal tracks - and not so much when running with plastic tracks.

The use that the tank will be given is also a contributing factor regarding the amount that the plastic chassis may or may not flex - along with the way it is built and set-up etc.including whether the top deck of the tank is secured to the hull with screws or magnets etc.

When the top deck of the tank is screwed firmly to the hull it works as a brace (to some degree or other) but when the screws are replaced with magnets this bracing is reduced as the magnets allow a little movement where the screws would not move as much.

A well built and set up tank with all the "right kit" may well run perfectly well when it is driven with care on relatively smooth surfaces, but if the same model should be driven over the comparatively brutal terrain that can be seen in some of the online videos (including those showing Meter rat running his Challenger 2 on his regular garden routes) then things can change rapidly and may need to be reassessed.

I have just swapped my Tonge Centurion for a well used Challenger 2 that has a lot of optional equipment on it - but it has been running without a chassis brace. When this arrives later this week I will enjoy running it on a variety of different terrain and see for myself how it performs and this experience will help me to decide what sort of chassis bracing I will fit to the Challenger that is the subject of this "diary of events".

[Pavel]

On magnets and it doesn't drive on the floor....
https://vkvideo.ru/video258782455_456239990
Our YouTube is down, you can watch it there....
While there was time between flights with world champion Robertus, I decided to take the tank for a spin...

[zooma]

On magnets and it doesn't drive on the floor....
https://vkvideo.ru/video258782455_456239990
Our YouTube is down, you can watch it there....
While there was time between flights with world champion Robertus, I decided to take the tank for a spin...

Sorry your video link regarding magnets is not working at the moment Pavel, but I will check back from time to time as it could be interesting.

Glad you had a nice day out with your friend watching him fly his model aircraft and finding time in-between to drive a Heng Long T90.

[Pavel]

This is ONE of my planes......

[zooma]

Nice to see the Hawk Pavel.

We used to live close to an RAF base that had 63 squadron and 151 squadron Hawks based there and enjoyed seeing them every day.

Lovely looking aircraft.

[Pavel]

From "ambulance" repainted into anniversary...
They said it would be more beautiful, in the background is my friend's plane, 12th place in the world championship!
Robertus' first, with his MiG-29....

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Pavel, there's more skill with modeling and experience with RC in your little finger than I will ever have. I do enjoy the photos.

[Pavel]

I'm a modeler.....
It's a pity that YouTube is down, but you can search by my first and last name... there's something to see there...

[zooma]

I recently swapped my Tonge Centurion for a used Challenger 2 that has all of the option parts that I would like fit to the subject of this build diary .

This tank has had 7 years of use and some videos show it running very well over rough ground - not as demanding as Meter rats regular garden course - but non the less performing well.

This tank has no chassis reinforcement and it has the top deck held on to the chassis tub by magnets alone - no screws !

When I strip this tank to give it a good clean (it came with an ample supply of mud and grass etc) and to check for wear and tear as I reassemble it, I can also look for any rub marks that indicate chassis tub flex.

Although this tank will be the subject of a separate build diary, it does neatly return us to the subject (after admiring Pavel's beautiful aircraft) of chassis reinforcement and its relationship to how the top deck of the tank is secured, and how much the magnet fixings contributes to the flex of the chassis tub on a long chassis like the Challenger 2 when it is subjected to some serous off-road use.......and in turn, how well it contributes to keeping the metal tracks on when running in demanding conditions.