Hooben T55....well.....its sort of ready

[wibblywobbly]

The full story is on this link

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8081908/mpage_4/key_/tm.htm

In short, in theory you can order one. Though details of delivery are sketchy...August?

You cannot buy one with electronics, only the kit. You have to supply your own Tamiya, Elmod, HL gubbins.
The electronics will be available later and will be Tamiya compatible.
An ARTR version will be available later.

Cost? $221 US for the kit and $221 US for the electronics, though when you read the thread you may decide to err on the side of caution and let someone else dip their toe in water first!  ::)

Rob G

[Ex_Pat_Tanker]

When I see a post from Hermill saying that its ready I'll start getting excited, until then its just another model on the list...

[bowlman]

yes there has been so many its coming out this date notices and then delayed now posts that im not even thinking of it tell next year .

Jimmy

[rccommand]

Just to share what I learned from a conversation I had with them a few days ago...
The prices posted earlier are the same as I received - $221 for the tank and $221 for gearbox/motors, ESC and the basic tank sounds.  You will need to purchase radio and battery separately. 

My initial inquiry was to purchase a small qty, obviously not knowing anything about the product, other than from the pictures we've all seen and Chuck's informative insight.  Anyway, for 12-20 tanks, production time was 25-50 days from payment.  I didn't get the shipping quote but you can figure $50-$60 per tank.  I did ask when they'd have them on the shelf for immediate shipping and didn't get a convincing response other than they made 5 pre-production units, which have been sold.  Since they're new to the armor side of things, it appears they're slowly getting their feet wet and understanding the demand before they do a large production run to where they'd have inventory on the shelf.  Also, and I think this was mentioned by someone, they only have this ARTR version available - no kits and no RTR.

Personally and realistically, I had hoped for a lesser cost, even more so that customers would have to wait 60 days to receive their orders.  The wait is much easier to swallow when not as much money has been handed over.

To date, we have not placed an order.  Guess I'm with you guys, riding it out for a bit to see how things pan out.  Like Marty said, until Chuck shares more detailed information with us when he gets it, we'll have to wait, as well.

If I learn more, I'll share with you immediately.

Regards,

Bill

[bowlman]

Thanks
bill

Jimmy