Questions about Leo upgrades...

Questions about Leo upgrades...
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Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/14/2007 6:45:38 PM

StoneColdFreak

Posts: 253
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Enterprise, AL, USA
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I am in the market for a Tamiya Leopard and I want to add some of these upgrades at the beginning when I build, rather than replacing stock parts later. If you have any opinions about which ones are a good upgrade or which ones are unnecessary, please let me know:

Bearings; hobby shop guy told me the kit comes with bearings, but are there also brass bushings? No bushings for me, thanks.
Accurate metal barrelfrom Tamiya (53761); stock is metal, but not as detailed, right?
Barrel Stabilizer; a must for realism and easier to install during the build or easy enough to drop in later?
Metal tracks; it just doesn't feel like a tank to me without metal tracks. I read that there have been issues with the lower hull not staying square and that some sort of brace may be needed. True?
Suspension arms; the metal set are supposed to be a nice upgrade from the stock plastic.
Metal storage baskets; even though the etched screen is metal, the frame is plastic and seems like a weak point (if you drive it like I plan to drive).
Metal Upgrade Set (Mirrors, Tow Coupler, Track Holders & Handles, Track Adjusters, MG3 Turret Machine Gun, Gun Travel Lock Kit, Tow Shackles & Bolts, Tow Cables, Headlights & Blinkers, Side Steps, Turret Handles and 4 Piece Tool Set.) There are a lot of items in the set that I want to install before adding the camo paint job. Even though it is $400.00, I still want to get it right away, if possible.

As far as the battle system goes, there are no other tankers around, so that is why it was omitted from the list. I just want the tank to look and feel as realistic as I can make it-except for the speed. I would rather control the speed with my driving, rather than install gear reductions or inline diodes.

There you have it, my naive plans for a Leopard 2 A6. I could really use someone's experienced opinion. If you have a comment, it is welcome.

Chad

< Message edited by StoneColdFreak -- 7/15/2007 2:26:08 AM >

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Post #: 1

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/14/2007 11:09:18 PM

WhiteWolf McBride

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Joined: 12/6/2004
From: Ottawa, ON, CANADA
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SCF:

Add the idler upgrade kit as well if you're doing the metal tracks and suspension. Its a basic should-do mod, like the bearings, just like on the Pershing kit.

You might want to add one or perhaps two of the MG3 turret mounts as well. You canfind them under the Leo 1A4 area if it doesn't come up in the 2A6 section. It was a part that should have been there, and Tamiya missed it. Would have been nice to see it super-detailed like the Ma-Deuce was done for the new Sherman and Pershing.

If you're doing all that, most of it is available at AFV-Model. You'll get hit for a 34 Euro shipping bill, but with that bill for parts, even if its over-cost for that weight, its probably worth it for secure packaging.

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Post #: 2

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/14/2007 11:18:23 PM

pcomm1

Posts: 828
Joined: 3/27/2007
From: Orange County, CA, USA
Status: offline

This will be an impressive build.

Other good vendors to look at:
http://www.tankzone.co.uk/cart/tz_l2a6.htm
http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/katalog/

Chassis Stabilizing Set Leopard 2A6: http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/katalog/en/116-Military/Leopard-2A6-Tamiya:::1_6.html

(in reply to StoneColdFreak)

Post #: 3

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/14/2007 11:19:13 PM

Leo2A6 Owner

Posts: 750
Joined: 11/12/2006
From: APO, USA
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Be sure the bearings are NOT oil impregnated. the oil sed attacks the plastic and makes it brittle

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Post #: 4

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/15/2007 12:04:58 AM

StoneColdFreak

Posts: 253
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Enterprise, AL, USA
Status: offline

Thanks for the advice, guys. I was hoping that there were some knowledgeable Leo people on this forum.

WWM, your site was where I got some of the ideas about what this kit might need, so I will definitely add the idler upgrade kit to my list. I took for granted that the mount for the MG3 would be included with the gun, so I will also make sure that I order it separately.

pcomm1, thanks for that link to the stabilizing set. It will save me from trying to develop some kind of backyard fix of my own.

Leo2A6 Owner, I figured on sealed bearings, but I didn't consider bearing oil being a problem with plastic. I might have taken a short cut, there, an bought cheap bearings. Thanks!

I really want a set of the metal road wheels, but I cannot justify $600.00 for them, no mater how pretty they are before they get painted.

Plastic wheels will be fine, I'm sure.

Chad

It is funny, but after all of my planning and reading about the Leo, now I'm second guessing myself. I know that I could get a WWII tank for less money and have extra cash for all of the upgrades that I want to add. Plus, I might be able to hook up with an armor club and do some battling with a Tiger or Panther that I would not be able to do with a Leopard.

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

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Post #: 5

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/15/2007 12:13:52 AM

WhiteWolf McBride

Posts: 829
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From: Ottawa, ON, CANADA
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Have to agree here...

We've seen a number of people post horror stories about the bearings, the first appearing in Armorhut years ago. When in doubt, ask the seller if its styrene safe. If he does not know, go elsewhere. or be prepared to flush and re-lubricate them yourself.

RPM makes something for cleaning/flushing bearings, called a "Bearing Blaster", and I've used mine to keep some 1150 bearings (Tamiya's standard-use size) alive for years:

Advert Here

I've flushed bearings, and its not an easy thing to do, but do NOT try to flush teflon-shielded bearings. The seal coatings dissolve using the normal oil-flush compounds (like motor cleaner) and that dissolved coating clogs the bearings, which forces you to pull the seals completely and clean them. I usually go with metal-shields... easier to flush and clean, if needs be.

JMHO

< Message edited by WhiteWolf McBride -- 7/15/2007 12:38:41 AM >

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RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/15/2007 2:19:09 AM

StoneColdFreak

Posts: 253
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Enterprise, AL, USA
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Man! The wife said that I had to limit it to a grand for now.

There are so many things that I want to buy and install on the Leopard, during the build process, that it is going to be considerably over my budget.

I am either going to have to buy the Leo (stock) and add on the parts that I want little by little (constant repainting and disassembly, which I enjoy anyway) or I am going to go with a Tamiya Panther, a HL Panzer III and a Mato Sturmtiger instead of the Leo.

Tamiya Leopard 2A6 vs. Tamiya Panther, Panzer III and Sturmtiger

Which is going to need fewer upgrades straight out of the box, Leopard or Panther?

I know that is it ultimately up to me and how I would prefer to spend $1000.00, but if you had this choice what would you do?

Chad

< Message edited by StoneColdFreak -- 7/15/2007 2:28:15 AM >

_____________________________

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

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Post #: 7

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/15/2007 8:02:32 AM

EugeniRUS

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Joined: 6/16/2006
From: Pushkino, RUSSIA
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Chad,
Tam Panther is overpriced at the moment. And not all upgrades are available now. I would wait for some time and get all of them + Panther.

(in reply to StoneColdFreak)

Post #: 8

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/15/2007 8:21:35 AM

Amuro

Posts: 299
Joined: 7/10/2003
From: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: StoneColdFreak

Man! The wife said that I had to limit it to a grand for now.

There are so many things that I want to buy and install on the Leopard, during the build process, that it is going to be considerably over my budget. I am either going to have to buy the Leo (stock) and add on the parts that I want little by little (constant repainting and disassembly, which I enjoy anyway) or I am going to go with a Tamiya Panther, a HL Panzer III and a Mato Sturmtiger instead of the Leo.

Tamiya Leopard 2A6 vs. Tamiya Panther, Panzer III and Sturmtiger

Which is going to need fewer upgrades straight out of the box, Leopard or Panther?

I know that is it ultimately up to me and how I would prefer to spend $1000.00, but if you had this choice what would you do?

Chad

As a fellow Leo2 owner what I found is that most of the upgrades are not necessary and are marketed as being "better" than the kit's regular components. I briefly fell for it until I saw the strength and quality of the Tamiya parts and the shipping charges for the upgrades. There is nothing wrong with dropping an extra grand on your leo2. Heck, if you have the money to burn go for it! But, you have to ask yourself some questions: like how hard will you be running your Leo? And, with the money saved could you buy another Tank? If you intend to bash the Leo2 then there may be a purpose for a lot of the upgrades. From my examination, the only upgrade that I think is necessary is the idler and possibly the bearing bolts. I also have questions regarding the alloy used for these upgrades. From my understanding they are molded with Nickel Silver. I wonder how, or if such an alloy is brittle. Also, their quality is in question. The small upgrade parts that I’ve handled had excessive flashing, something not easily excusable for already overpriced parts. That’s my $.02.

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RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/16/2007 1:49:54 PM

heavyaslead

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Joined: 11/18/2002
From: Loganville, GA, USA
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The Leo has the least need for upgrade of any other RC tank.

None of the Upgrades are essential in my opinion, but as your driving dictates, you may need upgrades if you plan to drive rough.

The idler is good but a pain to adjust, the upgrade is still a pain to adjust.

The kit uses brass bushings, redoing the wheels with ball-raced bearing would be a nice upgrade, though I have not found the need myself.

Metal tracks will slow the tank down and cause undue stress to the vehicle (unless put on a shelf). The stock tracks are very robust, much better design than the WWII tanks.

The Leo is fast and the large turret and gun can get bumped around some. I would not invest in the metal detail pieces unless you drive carefully or do not mind losing pieces here and there while driving rough.

No need to adjust speed, the real Leo has a governor for 45mph and the Leo kit does about the same (mine clocked at 44mph).

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Post #: 10

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/16/2007 2:58:18 PM

StoneColdFreak

Posts: 253
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Enterprise, AL, USA
Status: offline

Thanks!

Before this last post I had been researching the Panther, checking for the best prices and figuring shipping costs. Now, I have a lot of re-thinking to do.

Hmmm

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

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Post #: 11

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/16/2007 3:26:58 PM

Amuro

Posts: 299
Joined: 7/10/2003
From: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: heavyaslead

The Leo has the least need for upgrade of any other RC tank.

None of the Upgrades are essential in my opinion, but as your driving dictates, you may need upgrades if you plan to drive rough.

The idler is good but a pain to adjust, the upgrade is still a pain to adjust.

The kit uses brass bushings, redoing the wheels with ball-raced bearing would be a nice upgrade, though I have not found the need myself.

Metal tracks will slow the tank down and cause undue stress to the vehicle (unless put on a shelf). The stock tracks are very robust, much better design than the WWII tanks.

The Leo is fast and the large turret and gun can get bumped around some. I would not invest in the metal detail pieces unless you drive carefully or do not mind losing pieces here and there while driving rough.

No need to adjust speed, the real Leo has a governor for 45mph and the Leo kit does about the same (mine clocked at 44mph).

heavy is right. For my Leo2 I got the full bearing set which I still need to degrease and rebuild. I think this is a great and economical way to improve the performance and life of the leo2. The improvements may be imperceptible but they are there. As an R/C guy in general, I've always invested in bearings rather than use bushings.

(in reply to heavyaslead)

Post #: 12

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/16/2007 5:02:06 PM

StoneColdFreak

Posts: 253
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Enterprise, AL, USA
Status: offline

My closest (not-so-local) hobby shop has a used Leopard for sale on consignment; $800.00 with out the transmitter/receiver, which I already have. It is already built and has a very nice camo paint job, so even though I don't get to assemble it, I do get to drive it as soon as I get home. Kit building is fun and relaxing under the right conditions, but there is something to be said for a tank that is ready to go!

Besides, with three children running around my house, if I don't tear my hair out from exasperation there is always the likelihood that some of the parts will go "missing".

I hope to go get it, today...can't help but to be a little excited.

Chad

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

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Post #: 13

RE: Questions about Leo upgrades... - 7/16/2007 6:49:05 PM

heavyaslead

Posts: 835
Joined: 11/18/2002
From: Loganville, GA, USA
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That's a very fair price, especially if you can get the tax knocked off!

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Cheers
Eric Scott

(in reply to StoneColdFreak)