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New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:57 pm
by Boobytrap
Hi I am looking for advice on the purchase of my first piece of armor. I’m interested in World War II German armor and I’m not interested in airsoft. I might be interested and IR in the future. I am interested in scale movement and operation for video and stills.
I am an experienced model or an in fabricator and not intimidated by the mechanics or electronics. I am looking at the Heng Long Jagdpanther 1/16 as its not so expensive even with metal tracks gearbox's and drive wheels. The scale features are ok for me as I can work that.

So the question is is this a good starting platform for a beginner like me did in my interest in this hobby.

Thank you, BT

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 9:58 am
by 43rdRecceReg
I'd recommend looking at Youtube videos of the Jagdpanther (1/16) in action, If I were you. That way, you're able to see whether the scale, and motion values, meet your needs.
phpBB [video]

This is just a review and you should be borne in mind that, for a few years, Heng Long only offered BB/Airsoft versions of their models. Recent releases, with the V 6.0 controller electronics on board, offer an either-or
option. (Or both, in fact :crazy: ).
Look further, and you'll find vids of the Jagdanther in action. :thumbup:
Tamiya Jagdpanthers are extremely expensive, but are exclusively IR based. You could buy the static model and fit non-Tamiya controllers, and drivetrain components and, while that would save lots of money, it would still be many times more expensive than the HL version. Edit...of course, as you are new to this branch of the RC hobby, modding a static Tamiya might require a skillset you've yet to acquire...but, if you're up for a long term challenge, why not? :D

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 11:29 am
by General Jumbo01
HengLong now offer the ability to IR battle using a Tamiya standard convention but only with their new Ver 6.0 electronics, older version are restricted to BB unless you do extensive mods.. The new electronics also offers the smoothest driving qualities l have witnessed but this is using plastic gearbox and tracks etc. The only snag, right now, is that they are in the process of upgrading their range with v6 and I've not yet seen a Jagdpanther with v6, though it will no doubt be available soon.

Otherwise, Taigen and Torro make this model and most already have the metal upgrades fitted. Again, for best performance look for the latest versions of electrics. Expect to pay from 50 - 100% more for the Taigen & Torro options.

Buy where you feel comfortable but to give you a good idea of what is out there and typical prices, l suggest you browse eBay searching 1/16 Jagdpanther in RC models. Then come back for recommended retailers!

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 11:58 am
by jarndice
www.heng-long-panzer.de/ have recently altered their website and its a bit of a faff working through it but they do have the latest V6.0 equipped Jagdpanther in stock,
If you have not dealt with them before they are straight dealers you can trust :thumbup:
They do have an English language translation service but trying to access it could take longer than it would going to night school to learn German :lolno:

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 5:21 pm
by Max-U52
It would help a lot if we knew where you were, or at least what continent you're on. If you're in the states, I just picked up a JP from eBay for $250 that came with metal tracks sprocket idlers and metal road wheels with rubber tires. It came with the almost newest version of the electronics, the 6.0. So if you're in the states, go to eBay and look for a seller called toucan Hobbies.

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 5:56 pm
by jarndice
Boobytrap is from "Sunny Arizona". :thumbup:

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 6:59 pm
by 43rdRecceReg
jarndice wrote:http://www.heng-long-panzer.de/ have recently altered their website and its a bit of a faff working through it but they do have the latest V6.0 equipped Jagdpanther in stock,
If you have not dealt with them before they are straight dealers you can trust :thumbup:
They do have an English language translation service but trying to access it could take longer than it would going to night school to learn German :lolno:
The Jagdpanther link doesn't work, Shaun. The upgrade link for the Jadgpanther does, however:
https://heng-long-panzer.de/de/1-16-upg ... gdpanther/
By the by, I like the revised look of the Licmas website. It has something of the style of the Taigentanks one.
The Taigen model Metal V3) is airsoft only.
https://www.taigentanks.com/taigen/jpmetal

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:26 pm
by Max-U52
Arizona, eh? Try this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Henglong-1-16- ... 34075daac2

Mine was cheaper, but that seller is out of stock. I advise you message them and ask for a better price. They'll usually come down about 5% if they think you'll pull the trigger. This is just one example, ebay is loaded with the things. Oh yeah. we had a discussion at my youtube channel about the name Cheetah. There never was a German tank called a Cheetah, but in the seller's native language cheetah and panther are the same word. Go figger, eh|?

Hope that helps.

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:28 pm
by Max-U52
And in case you missed it, here's the video of my latest Jagdpanther.

phpBB [video]

Re: New to hobby looking for advice

Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 12:27 am
by Boobytrap
Max good video thank you. Does that model of the JagdP have steel gears or cast zink? Does the barrel have recoil? I did not see it move. Can gun recoil be added//modified if not?