Heng Long model numbers

[ConcreteTurtle]

Hi All,

I used the search function to try and answer this question, but had no luck.

I'm looking to buy a Heng Long Panther G, I've come across 2 model numbers, 3879 and 3819. Am I right in thinking that the 3879 is the metal upgrade version, or are these models physically different apart from that? Also, what is the best place to get one, given I'm in Australia?

I just bought my first Heng Long 3888 King tiger, and I'm really impressed with the model for the price. This panther will be my first attempt at a custom build.

Thanks all, appreciate the help!

[PainlessWolf]

Good afternoon,
http://henglong.en.toysgu.com/index.html
This will help you determine what each model of tank does and is.
regards,
Painless

P.S. Welcome to the Forum. A little background on your interest in RC tanks and a Hello! thread would be greatly appreciated.

[ConcreteTurtle]

Thanks painless, I didn't know they actually had a website!

Will have a look.

[Raminator]

You definitely want the 3879 model, that's the "real" Panther G. The 3819 is the (in)famous Pantiger, which is a Pantherish upper hull on a Tiger lower hull.

TankArmy have the H/L Panther G for $128 at the moment, you can get it here. I've always had great service from them in the past, and they're the main distributor for H/L spares and upgrades here in Australia.

[B_Man]

Welcome to the forum ConcreteTurtle.
I can also recommend Tank Army as a good local vendor, they have always looked after me in the past. http://www.ozarmour.com.au/store/ is another good local option although they don't seem to have tanks in stock very often so are generally more useful for upgrades. As far as I know that's about it for local options these days but don't be afraid to order from overseas. There are some great vendors in the U.K and Germany and in my experience shipping only takes about a week. eBay is generally a bit hit and miss but some good bargains can be found on there from time to time as well.

[ConcreteTurtle]

Thanks for the leads there, I'll look into them.
Am I right in assuming that the "IR" in the TankArmy description is the battle system, and not the remote controller? That would be 2.4GHz correct?

I was in touch with Kevin from TankArmy about some other parts, and was very pleasantly surprised my his quick reply and very helpful advice. I'd love to put some business his way.

Might go for a steel gearbox, and some additional detail parts and photoetch with it.

Again, thanks for the info all.

[ConcreteTurtle]

Excellent.
Ordering tonight, will let you know how I get on.

Thanks!

CT

[ConcreteTurtle]

Hello again all,

My Panther G arrived today and I've started a build log here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=23539

I have a couple of questions about it.

The tank came with the older style control system (27MHz). Does this have a similar proportional control as the newer 2.4GHz boards (the HL king tiger for example) ?
Is it possible to upgrade the electronics to the new RX-18? Is it worth doing so?

In a similar vein, I assume that using a 2S LiPo in place of the NiCd pack shouldn't cause any issues?

And finally, is there a good set of disassembly instructions somewhere to break the tank down for paint stripping?

Thanks again for all the help,
CT

[Raminator]

My apologies about giving you the bum steer there then mate, I'd assumed that if it was an IR tank it'd be using some flavour of the 2.4 GHz sets. It'd never crossed my mind that there'd still be 27 MHz sets out there, but I guess that'd explain the low price!

You can certainly upgrade the electronics to one of the newer versions. You can get the 2.4 GHz version of your RX18 for $27 at OzArmour, or get the newest dual-sound Heng Long system from rctank.de. The RX18 will drop right in to your tank with no issues, while the newest Heng Long setup has some minor wiring differences for the turret.

To be honest though, I would rather go for aftermarket electronics. Upgrading the 27 MHz set to 2.4 GHz isn't really going to net you any more controllability or functionality, and the sound will still be crappy. The price of the dual-sound setup is right up there with the cheaper Clark boards, but doesn't have as many features or sound as good (in my opinion). Whichever route you choose though, the electronics can be upgraded or swapped at any point. Since the tank's at least driveable now, you can focus on the build for now and then decide how much money (if any!) you want to put into the control board later.

[ConcreteTurtle]

No worries, I should have checked the details before I bought the tank and gear.

I think you have the right idea though, I'll take it for a spin and check out how it handles, then do the rebuild. Lots of time to decide if it warrants replacement electronics down the track.

If I'm honest, I have my eye on a Tamiya Panther G, and this is a good dry run to get practice airbrushing and weathering before dropping all that coin.