First model - some questions

[ajf.350d]

Hi there.
New here and signed on as I want a bit of help/advice on buying a first tank model.
My main interest is static 1/72 models but as many sites sell rc models I am feeling the need to add one!

I will only be giving light use, either on tarmac or on grass etc.
I have seen thr Heng Longs which seem to be the obvious budget model but I am confused with the different options and versions.

I know there is some issue with them but looking on tankzone website it seems there are the standard all plastic models, then some with metal tracks and gearboxes then some with metal wheels and tracks ans extra reduction gearboxes.

How do these all compare? On eBay there is on dealer ( hobby-power) seling them at what seems really good prices but not sure which versions they are. My main interest is a Tiger or Jagdpanther.

Which mechanical upgrades are worth adding from those mentioned?

Many thanks!
Andrew

P.S Also jsut looked at some of the VSTanks models. What are these like? Detail seems very good but they are described as IR so presumably control is basic?

[Saxondog]

First on all Welcome Andrew, now to your questions. Heng-Long has come a long way forward in Quality,their latest the Panther-G is a fine tank as is the Jagdpanther. Some dealers offer upgraded metal gearboxes and larger batteries to entice sales.I would recommend looking in the preferred vendors section then each vendor web site prior to purchasing. Then when you have found the version you want come back and post your intention to buy. If their is a problem someone will tell you. Also in order to help you it would help us to know where you live(which country) and weather you want a tank that shoots pellets or the I/R version.

I/R version are able to battle other tanks of the same brand, the control units have a program to simulate damage and finally the kill effect.The airsoft version uses a spring powered gun to shot a 6mm pellets, 15m max. but usually less.The do not have the I/R components but both use the same cpu the RX18.

As far as VS, the are 1/24 scale and have the same basic functions and are available in both types.You should check out some of the post and if you need help just ask. cheers Saxondog

[xrad]

Agree with Sax. I had the Jagdpanther from HL. It was fine by itself with the standard HL metal tracks , bigger battery, rx18 IR system.

BUT...if you like building models, upgrade as you want and need.

I think the two best HL tanks are the JAgdpanther IR version and the Stug III IR version. I chose IR because I like to mod the recoil and I don;t need the BB unit. Also, many upgrades for both. The panzer III was also very good. (Stug II and Panzer III have same hull)

Check out the pics at :
http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/v ... =22&t=4062" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[raven]

as xrad says just buy standard heng long and if you like the jagdpanther these are very good metal gearboxes RX-18 board metal barrel then upgrade it as you go along theres plenty of help on here i would recommend forgebear to buy your tank he is very helpful and good prices but i must say tankzone are over exspensive and not great to deal with also welcome to the forum

chris

[BigPanzer]

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to the forum! Excellent advice from the above.

I would strongly recommend upgrading to the metal gearboxes in any HL tank. For the type of use you are thinking of you might not need the metal tracks. You can always buy them later if you find the plastic tracks are starting to give problems, but you will also find metal sprockets a good idea if you fit them.

The Tankzone site is quite a good one for reference, but for your purchase I would go to one of the dealers mentioned on this forum.

The trouble with mods is that it is like modifying a car - do one mod and you have to mod something else or something could break!

There is plenty of good advice available here.

Good luck, and have fun!

Peter

[ajf.350d]

Thank you for the replies and feedback. it has been very helpful.
I think the Jagdpanther model has the metal gearboxes included doesn't it? The tracks I think I would wait and see as they are more expensive. I don't want to spend too much until I know I will use it a lot.
Are the advertised 3:1 gearboxes different to the normal metal ones or just different descriptions of the same item?

[forgebear]

hiya. just to chip in here. it is worth asking any vendor what you are getting if you are looking at a tank. the heng long range come with plastic gears, although some vendors order them with white metal gears, so it's always worth asking. also check it is a smoke and sound tank as well, may sound obvious, but i know a few people who have been caught out. it's also best to ask if the tank has the latest rx18 board in it rather than the old style boards, which can be a bit more unreliable. lastly, some adverts dont make it clear if you are getting a bb firing or infra red version. i know it may sound as though you are being picky, but it's better than ending up with something you didnt want, if you see what i mean. lastly, if you are buying a panther, make sure you are getting the panther g and not the old pantiger (tiger base with panther turret). i dont want to put you off, but these are the kind of stories i have come across when speaking to buyers on ebay where they have been caught out. good hunting! hope this helps. dave

[ajf.350d]

Thanks forgebear.
I will probably drop you an email shortly anyway about what you can get
I had read about the rx18 units. The old ones are not propoetional are they if I have read right.
I am tempted with the bb versions if they work as on its own I guess the ir system is a bit boring? The recoil action seems overdone on those from the videos I have seen.

Andrew

[BigPanzer]

Hi Andrew,

Just re-read your original post, and I think it might be a good idea to consider metal tracks/sprockets to start with. If you run on grass this can put quite a strain on tracks in turns. Grass can be quite "sticky" and difficult to do tight turns. Watch out for long grass, this can wind itself round the sprockets & road wheels and can be a real b*ggar to extract!

Peter

[xrad]

" Stay out of the loooong grassss......."

movie quote