RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

I have my eyes on Hooben's T-55 kit for some time next year, and would like to edumacate myself on the kit in general.

What is the general opinion of this kit? Is there someone here who has built it, possibly with photo journal of the build? What all comes with the kit and what all is needed to make it a runner? Is it a decent runner, hows the quality in general?

Ad Lav wrote:viewtopic.php?f=41&t=22738&hilit=T55

Thanks! Good link. So the instructions are a bit ... suspect, to be polite, but the kit in general seems like it's decent quality and goes well together - once you figure out how.

Still doesn't answer though, what's all included in the kit itself, and what's needed to make it run?

You need a board and speaker

Ad Lav wrote:You need a board and speaker

Sounds manageable.

I built one of the earlier versions of the kit and despite some excessive flashing on some of the parts it went together fairly well. I had a lot of issues with the Tamiya copy recoil unit so I eventually removed the motor and modified it to take a servo. Elevation is also a bit flakey and that will be the replaced by a servo as well when I get around to overhauling it. The main barrel had some alignment issues that was resolved by adding a rubber O ring to the thread at the base to slightly increase the diameter but I think this has all been redesigned on the new kits anyway. The road wheels had a bit of play in them but that should be resolved now with the included bearings (I have a since picked up a set for mine but haven't installed yet). I get some excessive high pitched feedback from the motors that needs looking at as well.
I would also recommend looking at brackets to remove the hull flex and maybe a Henntec tensioner as the stock system isn't great. The hull space is pretty tight being such a low tank so take that into consideration when you are deciding on electronics. I have a Clark board in mine which fits easily but speaker and battery are a tight squeeze.

Despite all the shortcomings it's a great kit for the price and I really enjoyed building it. I would definitely recommend.

B_Man wrote:Despite all the shortcomings it's a great kit for the price and I really enjoyed building it. I would definitely recommend.

Thanks for the good info. Still sounds like a very interesting kit to build.