Help !!! ZTZ 99
11-11-2014, 02:17 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Help !!! ZTZ 99
I'm trying to talk myself into getting a ZTZ 99 Chinese MBT. Does anyone have one? I'd like to hear your comments about it. Mato, and some other sources has them on sale, but I ain't nuts about it because I can't tell the difference between an Abrams, Leopard, ZTZ99 or pretty much anything else any more. They all look alike to me. However, can any of you high tech, cutting edge, young (or old) AFV experts tell me if it would be reasonable to use it to convert it into a Chieftan, or Challenger or anything Nato has in the barn without too much trouble? A Chieftan looks like a simpler scratch build, but a Challenger has really got my attention. I am going to check this out, but I just thought there might be a quick yes or no opinion available. 
rex
rex
11-11-2014, 02:48 PM
#2
Rex, I don't have the Type 99 but I do have the older Chinese Type 96 MBT in 1/35. I believe both are very similar in size and their chassis are very similar with the same wheels. I'm not sure if the Chieftain and the Challenger all have the same wheel diameter as the Centurion but the Type 96/ ZTZ-99 wheels are much smaller than the ones on the Centurion. I think it might be easier to use the upcoming HL Challenger 2 as a base, just have to wait until it's released! 
11-12-2014, 02:27 PM
#5
Thread Starter
I have been trying to talk myself into the purchase of a Chinese ZTZ 99 tank. I am really having a terrible problem about whether to do it or not. I decided to make a list of reasons for and against buying it. The reasons are as follows;
List #1 --- for buying it.
1. It's R/C
2. It's 1/16 scale.
3. I don't have one.
4. I discovered I have shelf space for it.
5. I don't have a cat that would knock it off of the shelf.
6. It may become rare and valuable someday.
7. It would take months to scratch build, and would cost more than buying it.
8. It only costs what I used to earn in a half of a day before I retired.
9. It's only money.
10. You only live once.
11. I enjoy opening boxes that Fedex delivers.
12..There's no one in my house to tell me not to do it.
13. I would ignore that person if there was.
14. I can justify everything I do by claiming senility, dementia and brain damage.
15. Christmas is coming up. I need a present to put under the tree, from me to Rex..
16. At my age I gotta do something for fun because Viagra doesn't work for me.
17. Uhhh ...... I forget why 16 was important.
18. Dang it --- I also can't remember what the heck I was going to put on List #2.
rex
List #1 --- for buying it.
1. It's R/C
2. It's 1/16 scale.
3. I don't have one.
4. I discovered I have shelf space for it.
5. I don't have a cat that would knock it off of the shelf.
6. It may become rare and valuable someday.
7. It would take months to scratch build, and would cost more than buying it.
8. It only costs what I used to earn in a half of a day before I retired.
9. It's only money.
10. You only live once.
11. I enjoy opening boxes that Fedex delivers.
12..There's no one in my house to tell me not to do it.
13. I would ignore that person if there was.
14. I can justify everything I do by claiming senility, dementia and brain damage.
15. Christmas is coming up. I need a present to put under the tree, from me to Rex..
16. At my age I gotta do something for fun because Viagra doesn't work for me.
17. Uhhh ...... I forget why 16 was important.
18. Dang it --- I also can't remember what the heck I was going to put on List #2.
rex
Last edited by Rex Ross; 11-15-2014 at 02:09 PM.
11-12-2014, 02:57 PM
#6
Rex,
That's some mighty fine list making right there. I see nothing wrong and it seems well balanced. I wished you lived closer, I would bring some beer along and try to learn something from you.
Mark
That's some mighty fine list making right there. I see nothing wrong and it seems well balanced. I wished you lived closer, I would bring some beer along and try to learn something from you.
Mark
11-12-2014, 03:02 PM
#7
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Hi Rex
Not sure why you'd bother going beyond 1, 2 & 3?
6 is a forlorn hope, unless you're thinking 'World Domination & destroying all others'?
And you missed " Because I can"
Mal
Not sure why you'd bother going beyond 1, 2 & 3?
6 is a forlorn hope, unless you're thinking 'World Domination & destroying all others'?
And you missed " Because I can"
Mal
11-12-2014, 03:18 PM
#8
11-12-2014, 07:51 PM
#11
Thread Starter
I am totally unfamiliar with modern Chinese tanks. What's the difference between a 99 and a 99A? All of the modern stuff really does look alike to me. I change my mind about this every 15 minutes. Mato shows both on their site, but all I get is a blank page when I click on the 99A photo for details.
11-12-2014, 08:13 PM
#12
Rex, all I know is that the 99A has a different front on the turret like this:
And the 99 has a flatter appearance like this:
Amongst other changes I cannot name. I bought one to update and have had it almost 2 years with no attempt. I need to find who has the upgrade parts for the A version, but it's not a high priority for me right now. It's a HUGE tank so hope that shelf space is big. I didn't have ANY modern tanks so the price made me do it.
Jeff
And the 99 has a flatter appearance like this:
Amongst other changes I cannot name. I bought one to update and have had it almost 2 years with no attempt. I need to find who has the upgrade parts for the A version, but it's not a high priority for me right now. It's a HUGE tank so hope that shelf space is big. I didn't have ANY modern tanks so the price made me do it.
Jeff
11-12-2014, 10:49 PM
#13
The 99 is a Chinese hybrid of ideas. It essentially blends the T-72/T-80 lower hull with the Leopard turrets. The Type 99 (common name) uses a turret similar to a Leopard I. The Type 99A (and later variants) are based more on the Leopard II turret. Interestingly enough, both use an autoloader and a 125-mm gun (Soviet/Russian-style) rather than the NATO 120-mm gun.
Scratching at the surface for some research of the 99s and photos...digi-cam looks interesting. Wonder of Pah could make a pattern and sell it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_99
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/...eviewcs_1.html
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/...eviewcs_1.html
http://www.ecomodelismo.com/pla-ztz-...MO-E35010.html
http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index...ic=6988&page=9
http://china-defense.blogspot.jp/200...9_archive.html
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/mo...ype_99_MBT.php
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/type_99.htm
http://tanknutdave.com/the-chinese-type-99-mbt/
Me...I'd get the 99A. If you're getting modern, get the latest version available.
Scratching at the surface for some research of the 99s and photos...digi-cam looks interesting. Wonder of Pah could make a pattern and sell it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_99
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/...eviewcs_1.html
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/...eviewcs_1.html
http://www.ecomodelismo.com/pla-ztz-...MO-E35010.html
http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index...ic=6988&page=9
http://china-defense.blogspot.jp/200...9_archive.html
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/mo...ype_99_MBT.php
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/type_99.htm
http://tanknutdave.com/the-chinese-type-99-mbt/
Me...I'd get the 99A. If you're getting modern, get the latest version available.
Last edited by philipat; 11-12-2014 at 11:55 PM.
11-13-2014, 08:51 AM
#14
Thread Starter
I would like to thank all of you for your encouragement, moral support, advice and technical information.
I didn't notice the differences between the 99 and 99A turrets. I like the 99A turret better, but I have a Leopard 2, so I kinda want something more different looking. To me, the 99 looks to be about halfway between a Leopard 2 and an Abrams.
Suddenly, I had an overwhelming mental manifestation of rational, objective and logical thinking about this. So I asked myself, what's really more important? What do I need more, another toy tank ----- or some critical dental work.? I was faced with a difficult choice. Then I realized that ....... I don't need teeth to eat ice cream and drink beer. Problem solved.
Apparently getting my priorities straight is a gift ------- with age comes wisdom !
I got the 99 coming soon. But I can't stop thinking about the 99A........and a CHALLENGER !!!!!!
rex
I didn't notice the differences between the 99 and 99A turrets. I like the 99A turret better, but I have a Leopard 2, so I kinda want something more different looking. To me, the 99 looks to be about halfway between a Leopard 2 and an Abrams.
Suddenly, I had an overwhelming mental manifestation of rational, objective and logical thinking about this. So I asked myself, what's really more important? What do I need more, another toy tank ----- or some critical dental work.? I was faced with a difficult choice. Then I realized that ....... I don't need teeth to eat ice cream and drink beer. Problem solved.
Apparently getting my priorities straight is a gift ------- with age comes wisdom !
I got the 99 coming soon. But I can't stop thinking about the 99A........and a CHALLENGER !!!!!!
rex
11-13-2014, 02:53 PM
#16
Thread Starter
Hey! You got that right!!! That's where I got my 99. I was looking at the 99A, but I think I want to try this first .....
I was having a slight case of buyer remorse about getting the ZTZ 99.That tells me I really wanted the ZTZ 99A. I started to think about getting the 99A also ----...... Why not? So I started to investigate all of the photos I could find and compared the 99 with the 99A and see how different they were from each other. I got very happy. It looks like I could convert my 99 with just a few scratch built detail items that could be removable, and have both. Here's my plan. I hope it works out.
1. The glacis could get an overlay of the composite armor blocks (or reactive armor).
2. The turret mantle could get a Leopard type nose job add on.
3. A pair of quick release gas cans could added on the back
4. The bar armor at the back of the turret could be changed to plate armor easily.
Ebay is amazing. The HL ZTZ 99 tanks that are advertised for $399.00 ------ are those the gold plated ones?
rex
11-13-2014, 03:24 PM
#17
11-13-2014, 04:37 PM
#18
~~~~~~~~~
Hey! You got that right!!! That's where I got my 99. I was looking at the 99A, but I think I want to try this first .....
I was having a slight case of buyer remorse about getting the ZTZ 99.That tells me I really wanted the ZTZ 99A. I started to think about getting the 99A also ----...... Why not? So I started to investigate all of the photos I could find and compared the 99 with the 99A and see how different they were from each other. I got very happy. It looks like I could convert my 99 with just a few scratch built detail items that could be removable, and have both. Here's my plan. I hope it works out.
1. The glacis could get an overlay of the composite armor blocks (or reactive armor).
2. The turret mantle could get a Leopard type nose job add on.
3. A pair of quick release gas cans could added on the back
4. The bar armor at the back of the turret could be changed to plate armor easily.
Ebay is amazing. The HL ZTZ 99 tanks that are advertised for $399.00 ------ are those the gold plated ones?
rex
Hey! You got that right!!! That's where I got my 99. I was looking at the 99A, but I think I want to try this first .....
I was having a slight case of buyer remorse about getting the ZTZ 99.That tells me I really wanted the ZTZ 99A. I started to think about getting the 99A also ----...... Why not? So I started to investigate all of the photos I could find and compared the 99 with the 99A and see how different they were from each other. I got very happy. It looks like I could convert my 99 with just a few scratch built detail items that could be removable, and have both. Here's my plan. I hope it works out.
1. The glacis could get an overlay of the composite armor blocks (or reactive armor).
2. The turret mantle could get a Leopard type nose job add on.
3. A pair of quick release gas cans could added on the back
4. The bar armor at the back of the turret could be changed to plate armor easily.
Ebay is amazing. The HL ZTZ 99 tanks that are advertised for $399.00 ------ are those the gold plated ones?
rex
Your Leopard would need a challenge and a one-on-one with a Type 99(A) wouldn't be a challenge. 
11-13-2014, 05:20 PM
#19
They are the plastic gearbox version. I am going to keep them until they wear out and then replace them with the black steel gears. When you buy the super version it comes with the white pot metal gears so I think it your better off with the cheaper plastic gears. I believe a set of black steel gears is about 65 dollars. That would still be less expensive than the super metal gear version.
11-15-2014, 06:40 PM
#20
Thread Starter
I have been trying to talk myself into the purchase of a Chinese ZTZ 99 tank. I am really having a terrible problem about whether to do it or not. I decided to make a list of reasons for and against buying it. The reasons are as follows;
List #1 --- for buying it.
1. It's R/C
2. It's 1/16 scale.
3. I don't have one.
4. I discovered I have shelf space for it.
5. I don't have a cat that would knock it off of the shelf.
6. It may become rare and valuable someday.
7. It would take months to scratch build, and would cost more than buying it.
8. It only costs what I used to earn in a half of a day before I retired.
9. It's only money.
10. You only live once.
11. I enjoy opening boxes that Fedex delivers.
12..There's no one in my house to tell me not to do it.
13. I would ignore that person if there was.
14. I can justify everything I do by claiming senility, dementia and brain damage.
15. Christmas is coming up. I need a present to put under the tree, from me to Rex..
16. At my age I gotta do something for fun because Viagra doesn't work for me.
17. Uhhh ...... I forget why 16 was important.
18. Dang it --- I also can't remember what the heck I was going to put on List #2.
rex
List #1 --- for buying it.
1. It's R/C
2. It's 1/16 scale.
3. I don't have one.
4. I discovered I have shelf space for it.
5. I don't have a cat that would knock it off of the shelf.
6. It may become rare and valuable someday.
7. It would take months to scratch build, and would cost more than buying it.
8. It only costs what I used to earn in a half of a day before I retired.
9. It's only money.
10. You only live once.
11. I enjoy opening boxes that Fedex delivers.
12..There's no one in my house to tell me not to do it.
13. I would ignore that person if there was.
14. I can justify everything I do by claiming senility, dementia and brain damage.
15. Christmas is coming up. I need a present to put under the tree, from me to Rex..
16. At my age I gotta do something for fun because Viagra doesn't work for me.
17. Uhhh ...... I forget why 16 was important.
18. Dang it --- I also can't remember what the heck I was going to put on List #2.
rex
I enjoyed doing #11 a few hours ago. I got my ZTZ 99 this morning and I was happy to see that two gas drums are included along with the box of detail parts as I didn't know those were included. The tank is a long bugger --- with rear gas tanks it's 28 inches long to the end of the barrel.
I installed the batteries and the transmitter has a problem. It's dead as a door nail. I was able to check out the tank with one of my old transmitters by switching the crystal and everything worked OK, except that one of the front lights doesn't illuminate. That's no big deal. I emailed the supplier about this and should hear from them next week.
This is the second HL tank I have had a problem with. The Leopard problem I had with the turret was resolved in good order by Murphy at Mato,and I am happy with him and their customer service. I got the ZTZ 99 from an Ebay source and hope that this works out as well.
rex
11-15-2014, 08:54 PM
#21
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Here is the clip of my friend's ZTZ 99 with some modification,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL-ufvlHdWc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL-ufvlHdWc
11-15-2014, 08:54 PM
#22
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL-ufvlHdWc
and another person's ZTZ 99
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EnZXzqO7Mg
and another person's ZTZ 99
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EnZXzqO7Mg
Last edited by siam; 11-15-2014 at 09:01 PM.
11-17-2014, 09:22 AM
#23
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Standard procedure Rex. See it, buy it, put away until inspiration crops up, then modify the s--t out of it to your heart's content, test run it, show it off, put on shelf and move to next project.
11-17-2014, 10:11 AM
#24
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I guess modern tanks is the new push in rc tanks? I like that new poland tank. Have you guys seen it?
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/feZtinCALRU/maxresdefault.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/feZtinCALRU/maxresdefault.jpg
11-17-2014, 06:48 PM
#25
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed doing #11 a few hours ago. I got my ZTZ 99 this morning and I was happy to see that two gas drums are included along with the box of detail parts as I didn't know those were included. The tank is a long bugger --- with rear gas tanks it's 28 inches long to the end of the barrel.
I installed the batteries and the transmitter has a problem. It's dead as a door nail. I was able to check out the tank with one of my old transmitters by switching the crystal and everything worked OK, except that one of the front lights doesn't illuminate. That's no big deal. I emailed the supplier about this and should hear from them next week.
This is the second HL tank I have had a problem with. The Leopard problem I had with the turret was resolved in good order by Murphy at Mato,and I am happy with him and their customer service. I got the ZTZ 99 from an Ebay source and hope that this works out as well.
rex
I enjoyed doing #11 a few hours ago. I got my ZTZ 99 this morning and I was happy to see that two gas drums are included along with the box of detail parts as I didn't know those were included. The tank is a long bugger --- with rear gas tanks it's 28 inches long to the end of the barrel.
I installed the batteries and the transmitter has a problem. It's dead as a door nail. I was able to check out the tank with one of my old transmitters by switching the crystal and everything worked OK, except that one of the front lights doesn't illuminate. That's no big deal. I emailed the supplier about this and should hear from them next week.
This is the second HL tank I have had a problem with. The Leopard problem I had with the turret was resolved in good order by Murphy at Mato,and I am happy with him and their customer service. I got the ZTZ 99 from an Ebay source and hope that this works out as well.
rex