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Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:06 am
by jtracks
Hello all. I'm new to the rc tank world and am looking for a little direction in buying my first tank. I know there will be different opinions, but here is a list of what I THINK I want to start with and why, correct me if I'm wrong. 1/16 scale,(i've seen some 1/24 and 1/72 scale and I want to get into a larger scale) WWII era, metal running gear and tracks, (seems they would hold up better than plastic) and some decent reliability due to the fact that I want to be able to run it for a few battery packs as I learn the tanks in's and out's. Thank you for your help.
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:28 am
by ALPHA
First ...decide whether you want axis or allies...There are more to choose from right now on the axis .... The allied is basically Russian variants The Pershing and the Sherman
Another thing to consider is modern WWII or in between...then go shopping...lots of different brands... decide what fits your budget...and go from there
Good Luck
ALPHA
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 1:11 am
by jackalope
What Alpha said, however I'll throw in that I would recommend getting the upgraded version of whatever tank you choose as these usually come metal tracks, sprockets and gearboxes. TRUST me nothing sucks worse then finally getting your new tank only to blow out the gearboxes your first time out! The metal ones that come with the upgraded versions may not be steel gears but they're better then plastic.
OH, and whatever you do STAY AWAY FROM ANY SAND!!!!!!
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 4:00 am
by jtracks
Thank you all for the replies and the advice. I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery tomorrow so I will have plenty of time to make a decision in the next few weeks.
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 4:50 am
by ALPHA
jtracks wrote:Thank you all for the replies and the advice. I'm scheduled for shoulder surgery tomorrow so I will have plenty of time to make a decision in the next few weeks.
Yup take your time... review your options according to your budget ... there's no rush...the tanks will always be available... and...there are still several new models still to be released...in the modern ...From Heng Long the M1 ABRAMS...the Challenger.... in WWII... Taigen's T34 and Sherman... and last but not least...four new Sherman variants in metal from Mato
So it really doesn't hurt to wait a little...
ALPHA
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:33 am
by Jake79
Hi there
I'm quite new to the tank world aswell, I own a few Taigens and Heng Longs, by far the best tank out of the box I have bought is Heng Longs Shermen with metal tracks and gears etc, I've had it nearly four months and not one problem,great little tank. I bought it from Howes models £139.99 delivered.

Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:41 am
by tiger tiger
Hi there, all that Alpha said is good advice also look at what you want to do to it and how far you want to take modding it and availability of parts to do so. If do want to upgrade parts etc on the axis side the tiger 1 probably has the most plethora of aftermarket add ons and on the allied side i would say the sherman has the most extras to buy. Good luck with the shoulder surgery.
Regards
stuart
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:46 am
by tiger tiger
Another good thing about this forum is to check out the list of vendors recommended or blacklisted and members experiences buying from them to avoid a nightmare buying process. In uk i always go to forgebear or blueslatesman @ welsh dragon models but many overseas members use them as well and always recommend them for great service and helpfulness.
regards
stuart
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 9:23 pm
by jtracks
I have another question about the tanks pertaining to the air soft or IR versions. I will assume that some of you compete in tank battles, when it comes to scoring hits with the air soft tanks how do you do it. You really don't fire the bb's at one another do you, don't they damage the tanks. Sorry for the newb questions, just trying to learn before I make my first purchase.
Thanks, Joe
Re: Help me buy my first tank
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 9:39 pm
by MichaelC
Jake79 wrote:Hi there
I'm quite new to the tank world aswell, I own a few Taigens and Heng Longs, by far the best tank out of the box I have bought is Heng Longs Shermen with metal tracks and gears etc, I've had it nearly four months and not one problem,great little tank. I bought it from Howes models £139.99 delivered.

The Sherman is probably the best tank I owned from HL. I don't have the latest (T34) but they have improved quite a bit and it really shows on the Sherman.
MichaelC.