Heng Long KV-1 Vs Tamyia Tiger 1

[FV4201]

Morning all

The choice I have before me is this I can either spend £433 on a Heng Long KV-1 with a ton of upgrade parts for it metal chassis drive sprockets wheels etc

http://www.tankzone.co.uk/images/hl/kv1/kv-1.jpg

http://www.tankzone.co.uk/cart/hl_kv-1.htm

or a

Tamyia Tiger 1 built to my specification by Tankzone for about £900 (would be great if anyone knows if this has the metal tracks etc)

http://www.tankzone.co.uk/cart/tamiya_fo16.htm

I would really like a larger scale but the price goes up a bit too much sadly, the KV-1 I could get in one go the Tiger 1 would have to be saved for over 2 months, my preference is for the KV-1 but I wanted to ask in case the money involved would be better saved and spent on the Tiger and have a better value product at the end of it.

[caddyshack]

Tbh..you can't compare the Kv to the tamyia is a yes or no thing.
But the kv 1st..Hl makes this with Hl electronics which are inferior to that of tamyia. The tank itself as in body are not too bad. Upgrades are available in most out lets.
So if it was me..I would get a box standard Hl Kv and upgrade the tank along the way.

Tamyia Tiger..Hl body has lost of inaccuracies on it that the tamyia has not. Level of kit out of the box is way better than that of Hl..
Electronics are of a much better quality to that of the Hl..in both the movment and sound.
I could go on more but will just bore you
In short its just a better out of the box tank kit.
Tracks are plastic as standard .Unless they say metal upgrade.
Oh last thing..bulit it yourself. 2 reason ...its cheaper..and if it breaks down, you built it so you will know how to fit it.
Hope this helps you a little.

[Tankbear]

Morning Chris,

I’ve not used Tankzone but I know a few people on the forum have and when things go wrong the customer service sucks. I generally use Welsh Dragon Models or Forgebear, both these are members on the site and offer excellent service. Welsh Dragon Models stock Asiatam upgrades and Forgebear is Mato parts supplier and both sell Heng Long and Tamiya.

I just say this as I think those prices you’ve mentioned are probably on the high side. For example a HL Pro Version S&S KV (metal tracks) will cost £100-£120, Asiatam metal hull & wheel upgrade £110 and low ratio gear box £40-£50 comes in at £250-£280 some what cheaper than the £433 fair enough might have a few other upgrades but still cheaper to buy separately and fit yourself. Also I think a full option Tamiya Tiger is under £600.

Hope that helps.

Ian.

[Tankbear]

Another option is there is going to be a meet of us tankies on 19th Feb in Hyde near Manchester where there be a dozen or so turning up with some of our collection. Could come along and have a chat see the different tanks, get feed back on how they are etc before deciding. I be taking my HL KV-1 which at moment only has low ratio gearbox. Sure there will be a few Tamiya tanks too.

[FV4201]

Ok I think I will go for the HL KV-1 and upgrade myself as you both suggested I will now head to Welsh Dragon and search for Forgebear and price up the KV-1 metal Tracks and the gear box at the least, to get it useable out doors.

I have experianced their helpfullness when the fully fitted HL Pershing I got from them decided after a days use to leave half a drive sprocket behind (eventually had to fix it myself) but I am not satisfied with the Pershing at all really, it hates grass, mud and snow, whereas my bog standard Tiger 1 was great in all three though of course after a while the pastic tracks broke but the rest of the tank was fine. (I brought new plastic tracks and sold it at a scout fund raising event kinda regret it but it was for a good cause and I thought I was getting a useable tank in the Pershing)

[Tankbear]

Just for your info Dave is on holiday at moment till end of next week I think so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t reply! At Welsh Dragon Models the metal hull is currently out of stock but no harm in running the HL plastic one until it comes available, also to confuse you the gearboxes are listed under the Tiger 1. Bur if you have any queries with parts just e-mail WDM and Steve knows his stuff and will tell you if parts will work together or not.

[caddyshack]

Regarding. Metal tracks and front drive wheels. These are a good upgrade to fit. But these are a mass produced items, Which tends to need a helping hand to get the to run smooth. To avoid the throwing their tracks. Or the unfree movement at low speed.
What i have done with all of mine, is to use a needle file and take off the moulding edges on the drive wheel spurs. Also look over the tracks where the sprockets engage, as some of these may need a little clean out as well.
Happy tanking when your new Kv finds it way to you.

[FV4201]

Fantastic stuff thanks for the help Tankbear and Caddyshack , WDM doesn't appear to have KV-1 in stock at the min but if I just drop an email expressing intereast and go from there?

and thanks for the tip Caddyshack regarding the metal wheels

[magmer]

Hi I have a Tamiya Tiger 1 (converted to mid production variant) and a standard Heng Long KV1 ( I would like to do the T34 85 Turret conversion on this). I really like both tanks but value for money I think Heng Long is excellent. I used to build 1/35 scale tamiya from the early 70s until I got into 1/16 3years ago, sadly I think Tamiya have lost there way over the years. Excellent engineering, great electrics but what has happened to the detail for such an astronomical price? Hatches not opening, you have to buy a transmitter and batteries etc and why do a Sherman with HVSS and a 105mm gun that doesn't even fire BBs?

[fv432]

if your going for the kv1 do yourself a favour buy the asiatam lower hull and get a lid off Dave @forgebear tanks then like a tamiya build it how you want it with some help from us guys

asiatam 3:1 gearboxes and The slu electronics (Dave gets those as well ) it would be as close as youd ever get to a henglong and you would of got down and dirty with it maybe even saved £400 off tamiya/tankzone prices

if you can make the meet in hyde id say it would be a damn good day and the lads there would give you all the help and advice there and then


Rob