thecommander

I bought my first Tamiya tank used in Danville about five years ago for $500. The Tiger I is a great starter tank and although it was "well used" came with the radio, manual, battle system and chargers. Oh, and all the help I could ever want or need. It was battle hardened, fought well and wearing a Russian flag (That was the first thing to go!). It was my main IR Battle tank for quite a while until I handed it down to Kim (12 at the time) and then to Krista (9 when her turn came since Kim got a M26 that I bought from James). Krista cut her teeth on the Tiger as Kim and I had. Now it is time for a rebuild. Top to bottom. The gearboxes, tracks and strobe were recently replaced. But now it needs a load of PM. I told her to tear it down to the bare bones. With a little help from her big sister, that is. I accumulated the new parts it needed and we should have it ready in the next two weeks.

Bob

pcomm1

I think it is outstanding you have your daughters involved in this hobby and besides having family fun time your teaching both various good behaviors & skills like patience, focus, craft and following directions. You just may end up with a couple of engineers in the family and or Abrams commanders. Better start saving for college(s) now!

Over the last couple of years as nieces and nephews hit 7, 8 and 9, Ihave started sharing my rc tanks with them, all, in the backyard. And one now has a M-16 Half Track. The girls got RTRdune buggies and they have all learned how to do simple maintenance.

We have great fun running the tanks though; over their transformers and various other super hero figures. And their moms are generally supportive of the non-girlie toys, they to see the value, at least at a simple family play day level. LOL.

John

yellowshaker

My Feedback: (1)

bob, I think it's great that you have the girls hard at work on tank repairs! That is another example of this hobby bringing everyone together. Good job, sir! I know I will have an allie on the field now!

Stern

That is really very good family work! The technical competence and complex thinking on a tank with different processes will teach them how to think and work with a plan, step by step, never forgetting the main topic goal! Greetings to your daughters - looks like good work.

HondoBob

Very cool.

Perry S.

I thought I was the only one that has to wear my Hannah Montana shirt while working on tanks.

Perry

Panther G

That is just fantastic getting everyone involved. your lucky bob to have too kids that share your interests.

shenlonco

My Feedback: (2)

[] O BOY!! Looks like us guy's are going to be doomed even more at the battle grounds!!

thecommander

Thanks John,

The first few RCs they had were very simple with big wheels. That enabled them to run upside down, so they have been at it for a while. I want them to be independant and to learn how to fix problems for themselves. If I'm busy fixing... I'm not fighting. I came to play afterall. When they are involved in know what's going on inside the tank they enjoy it more and can talk with the big boys too. The guys from NEAD and Danville treat them very well and are eager to help them out when I'm tied up elsewhere.

Bob

thecommander

Vielen Dank mein Herr,

Ich bin sehr glucklich, Nicht War? Ich musse freizeit machen dann wir konnen mit diesen Panzer spielen. Wo liegt Rosenberg im Duetschland? Meine Familie kommt aus Saarbrucken und Bremmen. Das tut Mir leid. Meine Deutsch is nicht so gut.

Tschuss, Bob derkommandantNJ

thecommander

Thanks for all the kind words guys. My girls and I do a lot together. We fish, camp, ATV, ski & snowmolibe as often as we can. Anything outdoors. My wife doesn't do much tanking but is very supportive. They all learned early on to check the tire pressure, gas and oil on their machines before they start them so I don't have to fix too much and they don't get stuck. My wife got a big kick out of Krista scrubbing all that crud out of the aluminum Tiger hull in the kitchen sink with hot, soapy water. It did come out like new though.... When the were much smaller I kept telling them to use more "elbow grease" on things. I used to get a laugh when they would ask me where in the garage I kept the elbow grease. They have learned to pay attention to details and take care of machines much better than most of the boys they know. I am very lucky. Now it is time to decide on a camo pattern and unit while everything dries. The gearboxes were dirtier that I thought so I'll have to tear them down too. I did not have a dust cover over these and now am paying the price.
Bob

Stern

Hallo Bob,

yes, you are a lucky man!
If you are in Germany let me know - of course a "must-visit" is the "Panzermuseum Munster" - on the Autobahn not really far away from Bremen.

The area on the pictures looks really great! Seems to be a good place for tanking.

Greetings

thecommander

Guten Abend Stern,

I have a very nice motorhome/RV and my dream is to trade use of my RV in the USA with someone with a caravan/coach Germany. It may be during the summer of 2011 so I'll start researching it in a few weeks. I was in England, Normandy and Frankfurt am Main in June of last year for the 65th Aniversary of D-Day. I had a great time and can't wait to bring the whole family there. I look forward to touring Europe in a traded RV for the summer. I would be the cheapest way for both families to tour each others country. We love to travel in the RV and I allows us to take many toys along. If you know anyone with a caravan/coach thats want to trade for a few weeks or the whole summer let me know...

Tschuss, Bob Frohliche Wandersman

Stern

Hallo Bob,

o.k. - I understand. Ja, thats a real nice motorhome! I also like camping really very much - did it with my parants a long time ago often (france, greece, sweden a.s.o.) - but we did always rent a motorhome for holidays and in the past years I did rent a holiday home. But if I can help you in your search let me know.
A point where you should put attention on is the driving licence in Germany - normally you need a truck driving licence for the use of motorhomes with a weight over 7,5 t - and if you want to get a similar motorhome to your own one I suggest it will be over 7,5 t !?. On the page of the ADAC - http://www1.adac.de/Recht_und_Rat/Fu...cePageID=10246 - you will find more information.
Do you want a motorhome that is similar to your one or could it be smaller?

thecommander

Thanks Stern,

I would like a smaller, more road friendly RV since parking room is much smaller in Europe. I would rather trade use of the RV than rent one out-right since the airfare and such will be costly enough. I know that touring the USA is very popular with German tourists and I'm sure they would take good care of it. I sleeps 8 and has two expandable walls (slide-outs we call them here) whiach make it very roomy inside. Thanks for the ADAK link. I'm a motorcycle policeman here in the US and already have my International Drivers Permit. I'll research what other lic. \ permits I'll need.
Bob

Ex_Pat_Tanker

Hey Bob,

The UK club has plans to expand our show participation in the coming years, give us a hollar if you are ever 'in country' again

Ex (soon to be RE) Pat Tanker

thecommander

I plan on crossing over the pond again the summer that I retire. Which may be in summer of 2011. I hope to swap RV use with someone in Europe for the summer. I loved London and had a fine time there. I enjoyed Bovington and I hope to share the real touristy site with my family as when I was there last year I was solo. Thanks for the invite and I'll keep you posted.

Bob

Chow_Hound

How is the rebuild going? I noticed you have a new lower hull. Will she be ready in time for Danville?

yellowshaker

My Feedback: (1)

Hopefully it'll be ready for this weekend! My Tiger needs a companion on the field!

thecommander

Hi Guys,

It will be ready for Danville in Nov but I don't know about this weekend in NJ.

Bob

timmay2010

That's rally gud


Used Motorhomes For Sale

Chow_Hound

Good Deal. Bring it, Krista!

YHR

Bob

Just looked into this thread. The sight of your daughters working on the tanks was priceless. My girls, just never took an interest in tanks. I think you should be applauded for mentoring them into it. Maybe they were naturals, but my guess is you took the neccesary time to get them involved. Good job.

thecommander

Krista says... "You're going down, big guy!!" She has been practicing with Doug.

girltankette

Krista,

I know this would make you a target, but it would be cool to see a tank done in pink camo!
Go girl!
Karen