Cromwell from Hooben

[jhamm]

@jhamm - what was the price? Did you order from Hooben site?

Yes, directly at Hooben online-shop:
https://www.hooben-shop.com/de/products ... er-mk-viii

[Kaczor]

And how about VAT and custom duty?

[jhamm]

Actual nothing.

[Exhibitedbrute]

Well I have looked at it and looked at the feed back here and I think I will stick with the printed one when that’s ready it look more sturdy and my Ludwig one

[tankme]

I do like that they put the switch under the front hatch instead of on the bottom. What frustrates me most about Hooben is the fact they say they will release "upgrades" like metal tracks, etc and then don't. Also the lack of spare parts is always concerning.

[Xiaoshan_Sailor]

What frustrates me most about Hooben is the fact they say they will release "upgrades" like metal tracks, etc and then don't. Also the lack of spare parts is always concerning.

Classic bait & switch to convince folks to buy. They'll never release upgrades for this or any other model aside from possibly, a set of track, if they see potential for additional aftermarket sales from Tiger or Sherman owners.

You're on your own with Hooben.

[jhamm]

What frustrates me most about Hooben is the fact they say they will release "upgrades" like metal tracks, etc and then don't. Also the lack of spare parts is always concerning.

Classic bait & switch to convince folks to buy. They'll never release upgrades for this or any other model aside from possibly, a set of track, if they see potential for additional aftermarket sales from Tiger or Sherman owners.

You're on your own with Hooben.

That's not exactly correct!
Basically, however, you are right.
The have option parts - not to the extent that they advertise.

I would advise against metal tracks at Cromwell.
The suspension parts cannot withstand that...

[tankme]

I would advise against metal tracks at Cromwell.
The suspension parts cannot withstand that...

It's the same with the Hooben ZTZ-99A. I was going to put metal sprockets on it and idlers, but it seems that Hooben made their tracks narrower than any modern tracks that Heng Long makes so nothing fits. I realize now I'm stuck with the plastic sprockets and tracks as wider ones won't fit under the track skirts.

[jhamm]

This is the modern way of business...
interchangeability of parts is not possible
so you are bound to the manufacturer.

[Xiaoshan_Sailor]

That's not exactly correct!
Basically, however, you are right.
The have option parts - not to the extent that they advertise.

I would advise against metal tracks at Cromwell.
The suspension parts cannot withstand that...

Option parts? Please do show me what they offer since I live less than one hour from Hooben, have visited their workshop a few times & still have not come across that hidden storeroom containing the needed upgrade parts for my M4A5 & Hetzer.

I've known Feng, Ark-Hooben's owner, for more than 15 years. He'll never change.

Regarding metal track, I do agree with you & would never consider that for Hooben's release but have no qualms whatsoever buying a set of track & sprockets from Attracks once they come out later this year for Warprints' Cromwell. Am certain Tomas' suspension will be somewhat more robust given his material specs.

I do have to question that Hooben's suspension is made of resin since even Feng is smarter than that. The Hetzer's is PLA & the idler arm broke within a few minutes of use. They did send me replacements arms in nylon but that took a month.