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decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 2:28 pm
by second childhood
Hi all,

I am a total n00b to all this, and decided the other week that I need a RC tank. Not want or like to, but need. I have the bug and it is

getting worse. I need a fix, and that means purchasing a tank. But which one ???

At first I thought it would be easy. I'd go into a shop, choose between a collection of about 5 models, and purchase one within my budget range and the look of the tank. How wrong I was 8O

I looked online and was amazed by the amount to tanks to choose from, the makes, the sizes, the options, and costs.

So I started to look at some videos that were posted on sites, and some on youtube. Most of the videos had music playing over them, so you could only see how they moved and looked. I was impressed with some, and disappointed with others.

I did find some with the actual sounds of the tanks. Again, I was disappointed with some, but really impressed with others.

What disappointed me with some of the tanks were: they either looked to toy-like, moved way too quick, and my main gripe... poor sound.

Now, I have a small house, but a large garden. I wanted to get a RC tank to shoot at our cats and to chase them round the house with it, but that's cruel according to the wife. Then again, an ironing board and iron are not a proper present according to her, so what does she know. ;)

Because of the lack of room in the home, I thought i'd go for a 1/24 size model. But the 1/16 look much better and probably move better in the garden than a 1/24 would. But with the british weather, and I am not able-bodied, i'd probably spend more time playing with it indoors whichever size I choose.

I first came across the HL models, and being the first ones, I was initially impressed. But once you've seen other makes, the HL do not look all that.

Plus, i've read a lot of negative stories about HL, more so than positive ones. So I think I will rule out having a HL for now, unless it is dirt cheap or a present.

Taigen look a lot better, but not sure on sound or speed quality, and they seem to be 1/16.

The Forces Of Valor also look good, but again, not sure on sound or speed, and they are 1/24 - which will be good for indoors, but cannot shoot the cats as they are IR. :haha:

I've also been looking at the ones on raidentech, but they are in the USA, and I do not fancy paying the high postage costs as well as any tax from customs. It will make it way too expensive.

I've recently spotted Hobby Engine tanks, but i've not found a lot of info on them atm.

Another good-looking one was VSTanks. I was impressed with their looks, but not heard what they're like yet.

I hear some of you shout out Tamiya. Yes, I have looked at them and I was extremely impressed, but I cannot afford one. Not only that, I will have to build it myself. I have put a model together since the 70's and that was a basic airfix model. I've seen the instructions for a Tamiya, and I am not very good with Chinglish and looks so daunting. I don't want to spend out a ton on money that I don't have on something that could end up in a mess.

My hands are not what they were. Being left-handed, things have always been awkward. On top of that, I broke all my fingers on my left hand and they never set properly. And I now have clubbing of the fingers.

So, not only do I not have the confidence in building one, I know I will screw it up and end up wasting a lot of money.

My main problem is money. :( Whichever option I am going to choose, I will have to save up for it. So, I want to make the right decision the first time. I don't want a tank to arrive and then be let down by the experience.

I would like a tank that sounds like a tank - that is what I would like the most of all out of a tank. A lot of them sound like that are coming through a 50p speaker. If the tanks that come with great sound only appear on 1/16 upwards, then so be it, I won't get a 1/24.

I'd rather not have one that has 2 speeds - fast, and bloody fast. Some move like are on steriods or something. I am not one to be picky about detail, but I don't want one that doesn't feel like a tank, if you know what I mean.

I've looked at the IR ones, and although they maybe something I will go for, most of the tanks I like have been BB only.

The smoke in some of the tanks look good, but I hear you can have problems with them (overfilling, underfilling). Can you use it with it turned off ? I think you can, but best to ask.

I've probably got a lot more questions, but i'll leave at that for now. Thank you for any pointers.

Paul

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 2:55 pm
by Tankbear
Hi Paul,

Most people go for 1/16 scale as more availablity and number of after market upgrades. As you mentioned the Tamiya are expensive but these are probably the best for sound and realisticness, but think you'll have to look for a second hand already built one that way saving you money and on building it.

The Taigen tanks are basically Heng Long with upgrade parts so the sound will be poor on both. You could get one of these makes and upgrade to reduce speed and better sound as your budget suits. Again may struggle with installation but people aren't a million miles away so could always ask for somebody to help with the install. Or go to the Hyde tank meet and somebody could do there as most if not all will of done the upgrade a dozen times themselves.

Outside playing is best, my mrs won't let me play indoors and I don't find the weather stops me playing too much out side.

Ian.

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:14 pm
by second childhood
Hi Ian,

Thank you for replying, and about the info on Taigen. I didn't know that. I guess i'll have to cross them off my list too. Shame :(

I'd love a Tamiya, but that will mean getting life insurance on the wife and a new garden patio. ;)

I'm not a fan of ebay, so reluctant to purchase from there. I'll swap the wife for a Tamiya - new or used - but no refunds.

What about "The Forces Of Valor" or "VS Tanks" are they any good?

If I want a good sound system, what should I be looking for ?
and what make of tanks will it work with ?

Thank you
Paul

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:35 pm
by Tankbear
Hi Paul,

You can check out the for sale section of the forum or put something in the wanted section. I can understand ebay can be off putting if you're not use to it or been conned before, but i've bought the last four of my five tanks from there so is a good place to find a bargain.

I've no experience with the forces of valour or VS tanks, I would imagine if not popular on this forum good chance not that good.

For good sound Tamiya or Hooben tanks come with good sound. After that your into changing the internal tank electronics to aftermarker electronics from ElMod from Germany but don't pay import tax as EU, SLU (sound and light unit) from Canada, DBC&Bedenini combi from Canada, Beier sound card from Germany again.

All those system are aimed at upgrading say a Heng Long tank plus the first three will cost over £100-£200 plus also need to change all the radio gear so even further cost. The Beier card only works with the Heng Long it is designed to simply plug in and the rest of the electronics stay it cost 130 euros + shipping.

Personely I think buying a Heng Long and upgrading is a better route, because it runs straight out of the box and you can upgrade as you go along, you can get along with poor sound for a while.

Hope that helps.

Ian.

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:39 pm
by Tankbear
Here's a link to a Taigen with the Beier sound card added from another forum member.

http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/v ... =33&t=8958

Ian.

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:46 pm
by The Tank Man
Hi there Phill! I have a heng long tiger well it's not realy anymore as the only thing left that's henglong is the top hull everything else I've changed at great expense !! And its still not finished yet!! Last week I bought a second hand tamiya full option Sherman for £260.00! and I can tell you now it's the best buy I've ever made!!! The sound of the engine is bob on and the speaker system in it is loud!!!!!! The gunfire alone makes you jump!! Lol my advice to you would be to save up £250.00 that will get you a good second hand tamiya tank! Make sure it's a full option 4 channel and not the old 2 channel with no sound!! Ive watch loads go on eBay and they all seem to sell for £250 sometimes less! In tge long run this will save you hundreds of pounds!!!!! Take it from me I know!!! That's my say lol hope that helps you a bit cheers Gary. :thumbup:

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:45 pm
by Tankbear
Something like this sir?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamiya-1-16th ... 1363658492

Still 4 days left so probably go up in price.

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:24 pm
by The Tank Man
Tankbear wrote:Something like this sir?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamiya-1-16th ... 1363658492

Still 4 days left so probably go up in price.
Yes that's the one lol I'm the winning bidder so far lol I can gova lot higher than that buddy I've sold my B44 Rc car this week!! :thumbup:

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:35 pm
by Tankbear
Good luck then mate. I won't be bidding I've spent enough this weekend on a £5 tank :haha:

Re: decisions, decisions, decisions

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:06 pm
by The Tank Man
Tankbear wrote:Good luck then mate. I won't be bidding I've spent enough this weekend on a £5 tank :haha:
Can't beleve you got it for a fiver!! Lucky bugger lol