HL Tiger I Reported Problem?

[Glen B]

I am interested in issues that come up with the HL Tiger I, given these parameters;

- S&S, metal gearbox version, (not the 3:1)
- "Stock" plastic tracks
- No structural or mechanical modifications, beyond motor break in and gearbox cleaning/greasing
- Operated in good conditions (short grass, no mud, sand, water etc.)
- Operated to approximate scale manouvers

My impression from non-scientific research on the forum is that the HL Tiger I appears to come up more frequently with threads containing descriptions of it's problems than it's "stable mates" in the HL line up. I would like to check into this in more detail.

Indicators seem to me to be that HL's like the Panther G and Stug III get more favourable reports; however, there are a lot of HL Tiger I's in use so even if the failure percentage is the same as the others, the numbers will result in more reports of breakage.

I understand that the Tiger is the oldest HL offering.

I read of the hull flexing, things breaking and tracks being thrown, etc.

I am interested to try to get some good info to make a comparison.

[[ICE]monkey]

i think you have to take into account that the hl tiger has the widest tracks , so when turning they are easier to throw

[Saxondog]

Also their are more Tigers so the percentage of failure may actually be lower, then the problem's are better documented allowing for preventive repairs/adjustments to be made preventing the failures.

And then their are die hard Tiger lovers like me that can find not fault in the Tiger even when it catches fire and melts down.

Sax

[oldfeller]

Hi

I think its great when you have problems with them.

Like me I joined this forum to learn about taken them apart,
and I'm doing that,

Its a great hobby.

Gerwyn

[Miggers]

Also their are more Tigers so the percentage of failure may actually be lower, then the problem's are better documented allowing for preventive repairs/adjustments to be made preventing the failures.

And then their are die hard Tiger lovers like me that can find not fault in the Tiger even when it catches fire and melts down.

Sax

I'm one of them

[squat n dropit]

I think if you look at the first tigers and panthers, and even kingtigers as well as other prototypes, all had meny problems. we just have a model of,and i hate saying it a flawed tank. it's something the germans never were able to fix

[DerStiervonScapaFlow]

With reference to above given the Germans resources/time constraints being better, they would have had any faults sorted out no problem (think of all they had going on , building the V2, ME262 not to mention other project like the Horton delta wing aircraft) , lets face it, today you wont get a much sweeter handling family car than any BMW, or surefootedness than a Quattro.

Anyway sorry to get off topic, but regarding the Heng Long Tiger, I'd say yes you will hear more bad reports, but just check the poll and you will see they are by far the most popular. I wouldnt be surprised if a lot of the other tanks are peoples 2nd or 3rd tanks which get far less use.

Problems I've had so far was a faulty Transmitter which was replaced very quickly by the supplier. Smoke machine element burnt out before it ever started smoking (resoldered it and what a pig of a job getting the solder to stick to it, if anybody knows what type of resistor that can be used instead please post). And the one that really startled me was how weak the metal gearboxes are, I wrecked mine on short grass doing less than 30M and a few turns, so I'd defnately say "Keep Off The Grass"! It may be worth allowing an extra £45 to upgrade to Asiatam lower ratio stronger gearboxes. The stock ones would sell on eBay I'm sure.

Cost? Well the hobby will likely start to take over, so you will be buying books, looking at youtube, thinking of a really good paintjob after being inspired by some of the artistic genius' here, building dioramas, buying more stuff, quoting statistics to the wife or friends, humming the "Panzerlied" song to yourself as you work and talking German in your sleep! Go for it man, its a great hobby, and a bargain unlike that "build a tiger" magazine Tiger that doesnt even move.

[Tankie]

I agree with all the above. The wider tracks is the only reason a tiger may suffer more. Also the later tanks (including Tigers)tended to have better control boards (RX 14 and 18) and I guess most Tiger reports are for earlier builds. I think the build quality at HL was worse in the earlier days too. Finally, like me most people cut their upgrade teeth on a tiger hence killing it off with metal tracks, hotted up motors, metal suspension... (all things that cause more stress on the plastic and electronics.

Bottom line, I have a HL Tiger, Pz3, Pz4, Stug, Tamiya Tiger & Tamiya KT and they all give me pleasure to upgrade and 'play with'. HL Tiger is usually the cheapest to buy, either new or secondhand via ebay and has the most upgrade parts available

[Nic.H]

On the other hand, my non smoke/sound pz3 has not given me any trouble with plastic gears and tracks....yes, its the lightest of the lot with narrow tracks. The tiger has stripped its plastic gears as soon as i put the metal tracks on.....even on carpet it is difficult to turn with 3:1 gears espcially turning on the spot...i avoid doing that at all costs, only on tiled floors.

Nic

[wibblywobbly]

It's the track width that causes the problems. I have 3:1 gearboxes and trying to do a turn on grass puts strain on everything. This is on a Tiger that has had the best of everything thrown at it, in fact all that is left of the original is the bare upper hull, and the turret casing. It has cost me a small fortune, but that has been spread over many years. It also weighs close to 14lbs which is never going to help.

By comparison, the Stug only has metal sprockets, 3:1 boxes and rarely gives a hint of trouble, though that too will suffer if used on grass for too long.