Mato vs Taigen

[Choobox]

Hi guys, I have a basic question on Mato tanks. I am looking to build a Sherman or a Tiger 1 from parts purchased separately. Looking at a Mato metal Tiger hull to start. In my reading here, Mato and Taigen are basically interchangeable- correct?
Parts are readily available for both, and the Mato metal hull seems like the place to start. Thanks.

[jarndice]

Absolutely NO Mato have managed to build a Tiger 1 in 1/16 that is almost totally incompatible with Tamiya,Taigen or Heng Long also the metal is of a most dubious quality,
For instance the rear panel of the Mato Tiger 1 has a completely different mounting point to the Hull when compared to the others makers and the front of the tank body mounting point is quite different to the others.
I went through a spate of broken rear panel plastic mounting tabs so I bought a pair of metal Mato rear panels from Dave at www.forgebeartanks.co.uk he advised against trying to fit it to a Taigen Tiger 1 and it was very difficult but I do now have 2 Taigen Tiger 1s with Mato metal rear panels,
A job not for the faint hearted.

[Choobox]

Thanks! Good thing I asked. I have a metal Taigen Tiger 1. Love it. It needs a companion. I will stick with the Taigen then.

[Choobox]

I just realized I confused Mato with Torro. Thanks.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

You are learning, so a bit of confusion is quite understandable. (Then, too, at my age, a bit of confusion is understandable.) I really like the Taigen/Torro Ready-to-Run tanks. (I tended to buy the more expensive ones so upgrading was unnecessary and so as to avoid having to spend on underwear, socks, dishes--that sort of useless stuff.) I still think the V3 Taigen/Torro with sound modules beat HengLong for WWII tanks, but now HengLong has OK sound for contemporary tanks, and the version 7 HengLong tanks offer much better and flexible control. In the former qualities, HengLong needs to catch up with Taigen/Torro; in the latter, Taigen/Torro needs to catch up with HengLong. Of course, "aftermarket" electronics can be best of all, but at additional expense and with some challenges at installation. If/when you decide to go that step, there are plenty here on RCTW who will help.

[jarndice]

As you have seen Choobox Taigen and Torro are the same company mostly selling in different markets and many of their products are interchangeable with Heng Long.

[Choobox]

Ahhhhhhh. Recruits need superiors to survive. I have been studying the Taigen website. My Tiger has the V3 board and I’m satisfied with it. Probably do the same with the Taigen Sherman kit. Thanks again.

[Jimster]

You’re in good company. I think the majority of RC tankers are certainly satisfied with the factory supplied electronics. I hear they’re getting better.
Having fun is what it’s all about.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"...Taigen Sherman kit." Ah, so you have the kit to do your own building and painting? If so, I am envious! Do keep us informed!