I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and size?

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scottd1975
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I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and size?

Post by scottd1975 »

Hello from San Diego Ca. I am new to the tank hobby but def not new to the RC hobby. I have modded several traxxas vehicles and would like to get into a tank. I was looking at the Tamiya Sherman or M1 tanks and thought I would ask if that was a good brand to start with.
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Max-U52
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by Max-U52 »

Hi, and welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of RC Tanks (sometimes known as the Darkside). Take a look at this and see if it helps



Tamiya is the gold standard so it's always a good place to start, but there are many other options. You have to ask yourself what you're going to do with it and what you want it to do. Do you want IR or Airsoft? Tamiya doesn't make airsoft tanks. The video should give you something to think about and you'll get lots of advice, and just ask if you have questions.
When FDR coined the phrase "The Arsenal of Democracy", he was talking about Detroit. Proud to live in the 2nd most violent city in America!!
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jarndice
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by jarndice »

For anyone testing the water of our hobby I would suggest you start with a HENG LONG Tank, They will do everything a more expensive Tank will do and if you discover this is not a hobby for you then your financial outlay is bearable,
Certainly you ought to be able to buy one for $100,
Whereas you can easily spend $900 on a TAMIYA Tank and unlike the Heng Long you have to glue and paint the thing before you can use it.
Don't mistake me TAMIYA TANKS are the Holy Grail for the serious (and rich) modeller but the quality of Heng Long/Taigen/Torro products have improved beyond my expectations in recent years, and with all the available upgrades out there you can build the same Tank complete with every detail for less than half the price of a full option TAMIYA,
Just don't expect it to be as robust. :haha:
shaun
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scottd1975
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by scottd1975 »

thank you for all the advice.. wondering if i should do a abrams tank or sherman
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jarndice
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by jarndice »

If you are new to r/c modelling then I would suggest going for the Abram's, you will have more space inside the hull for any work you want to do whereas the Sherman is mighty cramped.
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Max-U52
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by Max-U52 »

On the other hand, if you're planning to keep it mostly stock the Taigen Sherman is full metal and very robust. The Abrams is only available from HL and it's not as sturdy as a tank with a metal lower hull. And if you do decide to go hobby grade you can have a TK22 in her in about an hour. Less for most guys, but I like to dawdle along. The big drawback there is price. As a first time tanker I'm sure Erik will give you a good deal, and shipping to the west coast is just under $25 so you'll probably be laying out more than twice the dough. Of course, if you want ALL metal, hobby grade and painted, RTR, and you have the loot, I've heard very good things about the Mato Sherman. If I recall correctly, that will knock you back about seven C-Notes. Nothing to sneeze at.

But in the end I stand by the Tauchpanzer, for all the reasons laid out in the video.
When FDR coined the phrase "The Arsenal of Democracy", he was talking about Detroit. Proud to live in the 2nd most violent city in America!!
scottd1975
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by scottd1975 »

Thank you for all the advice and the video. Decisions to make for sure.. My issue im having is no one in San Diego is into these and there are no get togethers or meets for military gear, surprised being in such a large military city. So how much time will I get using this before I and the kids get bored of it?
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jarndice
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by jarndice »

Hi Scott, There are different answers to that question,
You need to ask why are you interested in this hobby? Is it because you want the challenge of Driving and Commanding the Tank around the furniture of the front room and letting the children get a feel for the Tank?
OR perhaps learning some of the advantages of tracked armour across a field/lawn whilst trying not to shoot the cat with an airsoft pellet ?:thumbdown:
OR are you more interested in the build and upgrades and detailing such as weathering? :thumbup:
If the interest is directed more toward the first two then boredom for both you and your children does seem to set in with a fair proportion of hobbyists,
But if you are a BUILDER then this is about to become an important part of your spare time. B|
And that is why I suggested you start with a HENG LONG Tank because if you find you have little interest or time to concentrate on upgrading your Tank then you can park the Tank without feeling obliged to be more interested because it cost more than you could afford to write off. :lolno:
BUT if you are interested in advancing your hobby then the HENG LONG Tank is the one to hone your skills on, and almost inevitably make the mistakes on that will make you a better builder before venturing onto something more challenging.
Of all the E-BAY listings I would favour the last one (the Abram's) Up to date including an updated 2.4 Digital Transmitter of HENG LONGs latest design, indeed it is enough of an attractive offer I am tempted myself. :haha: :haha:
shaun.
Last edited by jarndice on Tue Nov 17, 2015 3:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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scottd1975
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Re: I would like to get into the hobby but what brand and si

Post by scottd1975 »


or any other seller suggestions... I would rather support local sellers or ones that support the forum
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