Quality of HL plastic?

[alamein]

Has it improved over time, as that HL resurrected Bulldog I bought from NT has a number of fractured fixing columns which I have to sort out?

The Taigen Tiger1 seems rather more of a durable nature, and I especially like being able to remove the top half in a couple of ticks?

[jarndice]

The Plastic in Heng Long Tanks indeed the whole Tank is unrecognisable from one just a few years old,
The structure is now ABS and the Electrics whilst still not up to aftermarket quality are getting ever closer,
The external fixtures on Heng Long Tanks unlike their competition is easily removed if needed, whereas everyone else persists in having such equipment moulded onto the Tank body which makes getting it off a pain,
If Heng Long made a metal hull and turret then their Tanks would be as good as you might reasonably expect from any maker.
I keep coming back to this but it is a point worth repeating, Unlike all the others Tanks on the Market Heng Long sell their product as "TOYS".
Shaun.

[alamein]

Thanks for that information jarndice, I really should consider getting a Tamiya of some description for build quality and longevity I guess?

[jarndice]

The Heng Long Tiger 1 Plastic body will fit a Taigen Tiger 1 metal hull and the quick release parts that come with the metal hull are a straight fix on the Plastic body,
As to the failing struts on your "Bulldog" While I have never had a Bulldog, over the years I have found that strategically fitted "Neo-Dymium magnets are a good replacement fitting system, I get mine from,
http://www.first4magnets.com
If you go to their site you will see there is a very wide range and they are brilliant for hobbyists, I also use them to hold the doors closed on a 1/9 r/c DHC 2 Beaver that I fly !
Shaun.

[alamein]

Thanks again for the extra information jarndice.

The magnetic idea is a brilliant suggestion, I'll order some up from the web address you included.

[Tiggr]

Thanks for that information jarndice, I really should consider getting a Tamiya of some description for build quality and longevity I guess?

Or a Taigen or a Torro...

[jarndice]

Alamein Hi, If you are interested in a Heng Long Body and Turret over a Taigen Metal Hull, (A combination that many of us use as the basis of our builds) The Heng Long site I use and would recommend is
http://www.heng-long-panzer.de/
When you get to the site CLICK on the German flag (Top Centre) and you get everything in English, Then have a great time searching through their menu on the left, it really is a worthwhile place to visit,
And for the Taigen Metal Hull and a lot of other quality products I recommend the famous Dave at Forgebear, Go to
http://www.forgebeartanks.com
Shaun,

[BarryC]

In all the carving and sanding I have done on my HL M1 Abrams build I have one word for the quality of the HL plastic...TERRIBLE!!!!!!

There are more voids in it than is some poor quality resin castings and what are the "chunks" of black rubber like material?

Barry

[alamein]

Well guys I finally managed to fix the tubular columns which were fractured and broken where the st screws go, initially by super glueing extension pieces on, followed by some heat fusion, and finally hot melt glue.

I have since been able to fit the upper structure to the lower hull using the 6 main screw columns.

Regarding the seventh column which sits on its own at the rear this is now redundant, as I have opened up that rear hatch and fixed hinges to it to make it easier to top up the smoker pump.

In spite of my earlier not so favourable comments about the Bulldog I now find I am liking this smart in appearance toy tank more each day.