rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hello fellow Members,

I would so greatly value your expert assistance and comments,re-my desire to locate a really Top class Tank builder/Customizer

Anyone who may have read some of my earlier posts,both here and elsewhere will be aware of my great enthusiasm to own and run a First Class tank (RC) I was taken by 1/6 & 1/8 offerings I looked at every which way to make it work ,but my last effort to save money by having a 1/6 VANTEX Tiger modified,but as was pointed out, it was really a non starter on the basis of High Cost to carry out all the modifications e.t.c. this I was aware of but was getting quite desperate,knowing full well the chance of it working were remote to say the least! :'(

Since I first discovered RC tanks,I was politely told I really should look at 1/16 RC tanks,but I was blinkered and stuck my heals in,but now I have seen the light,and I really have to focus now,and for that I need feedback please.

OK! I have discovered one or two what to me at least appear to be super 1/16 tank customizers the tanks look realistic and have everything you could want,Almost! :thumbup: But before taking the plunge I wanted to ask for the widest possible feedback from folks on here and elsewhere.

I know I will never be able to afford more than the one Tank so it may as well be the best it can be ,containing all the possible upgrades that can be applied. IE SOUND/SMOKE/LIGHTS/EXTRA DETAIL/WEATHERING/CREW/ELECTRONICS/TRACKS/E.T.C.,E.T.C.

So if you guys can suggest either via reply or PM I would be really pleased and happy


all the best Steve : :

Crius

Hey Steve, with you being in Norway I'd recommend a couple of guys in the UK. Fynsdad (Frank) does a lot of tanks for sale and is very good, and if you can get Tomhugil (Tom, obviously) to build you a tank you'll have a truly first class machine. There are a lot of very talented modelers on this forum, and those are just two that are close to you. If you can handle the postage to Canada then Airbrushler (Greg) does truly phenomenal work at a decent price.

Wow, now that I think about it, there are so many awesome builders here you're gonna have a real hard time deciding which one to approach!

TheBennyB

As Gary pointed out there are lots of talented individuals on this forum. Not all do commission work so keep putting the word out and you may get some replies back.

ausf

Just keep in mind as you deal with a lot of aftermarket electronics, you will need to be able to tinker. They are almost never plug, play and leave it.

The asthetics are one thing, the electronics are a whole different matter and when you get into smokers, that's a constant struggle with vapor lock, etc unless you go with a Benedini type water based smoker.

I would take a serious look at what you find necessary and go from there. You can have a beautifully altered and detailed model that'll start and run with zero issues if you go with Tamiya electronics. If you want better sound, smoke, etc, you'll need different systems which each have issues.

I doubt you want to spend $2500 on a tank that will be dead because a travel adjust or jumper is off or a smoker burned out (most smokers are superheated resistors, an oil reservoir and a fan, a messy deal).

foodstick

Custom large tanks... How about one you get inside and drive? Some footage frome the Byron Aviation museum..

https://youtu.be/EzSxpUjgnsU?t=105

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hello Crius,TheBennyB,ausf
Really must thank you all for replying to my post,much obliged to you.
I really do appreciate the Custom builder suggestions,It means a lot to me to get this right,as I am sure you will understand.
I am a novice even though I have spent countless hours researching the RC Tank Hobby.

Crius,TheBennyB

Hope i receive more feedback on your recommendations and maybe some others to so I get the broadest picture possible before I make the decision.

ausf

I hope which ever builder is chosen to undertake the work will be able to take many of your warnings in to account ,and I will have to learn how to troubleshoot if & when it becomes necessary?

I will certainly keep the above in mind before I make my mind up, many thanks for that

I did discover the following Custom builder/Mod at :- http://customtankfigure.com/whats-new.html.

His models look amazing to say the least,and until I find better he will remain my current Yardstick.

I was reading a blog somewhere where the guy rebuilt a Tamiya Tiger 1
and went to the trouble of mixing the sounds offered by all three of the top sound board companies,But interestingly enough he stated that he will never stop using the TAMIYA sounds as they are more realistic than any of the three specialist companies? Think its something to do with tamiya going to the source for recording authentic sound.

ausf

That link you provide may be your best bet. He uses some of the best techniques of a static modeler, plus the variety of manufacturers means he also is experienced with the RC side too.

The fact that he has an inventory and established himself goes a long way in that you'll get good service and be happy with your purchase.

1/35 static models consistently look better than most RC, so when you have a chance to buy a piece that lives up to the standards of the static world, go for it. Stick with his Tamiya offerings and forget about smoke and you'll most likely be very happy for years.

Here's a 1/35 Zundapp (the last static kit I did) that is about 1.5" inches long and took a few days at the most. It's at best, average by the standards of models these days. It includes brass and wire details as well as photo etched spokes that you'd be hard pressed to find in the 1/16 realm.

TheBennyB

You could also post in other EU forums if you haven't already. Your then on the right side of the ocean for shipping atleast.

www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/index.php

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hello TheBennyB&ausf
Many thanks for your continued assistance,much appreciated.
The 1/35 Models look great and it is that standard that I crave in 1/16

I am also posting on Tank talk & RC tank warfare

so I will hopefully get the widest feedback

Best wishes Steve

Green Amphibian

I have offered a customized Pz IV you might like to look at in the for sale section. It is a full option Tamyia tank, battle ready, but comes with out a radio or battery.

Herman

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hello herman
Great to hear from you
I am sorry but am not able to locate your add? I have looked in Tanks and ran searches but no joy
please can you link me

best wishes Steve

ausf

I'm posting a photo of an old Stug to illustrate my point regarding your options.

This was a Heng Long that went through every conceivable alteration, including a high volume smoker that was just as quickly ripped out. It had a Benedini sound system, metal tracks, traverse, recoil, working convoy light and Notek, IR system, removable brass schurzen, etc.

Every single time I started it up, it had to be adjusted in some way and with the weight, amps and sound system, it sucked batteries like mad.

By comparison, with my Tamiyas (Tiger I and JS-2 shown), I never have to do anything but put in a fresh battery.

Crius

Steve, the link you posted features some great work, but I'm not sure I'd pay almost $1,800.00 for a King Tiger. Now, maybe if it will wash the car or do the dishes ...

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

hello Again
Many thanks for your reply,and the super pics they are superb and near to what I am looking for.The Custom Guy who I gave the link to as it appears sold many similar modded tanks and from what I have read everyone is very happy with his work:i do not think anything is perfect,,

Anyway I have not chosen as yet so still time to find a better builder but he certainly comes well recommended.
http://customtankfigure.com/whats-new.html.

If anyone can suggest a better Custom builder then I am more than open to it.

Best wishes Steve

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hello Again Crius

Really good to hear from you again,Yes it is certainly a lot of money but wow! they look fantastic,am very taken with his work.
If you or anyone else can suggest (by PM if preferred) to a better Builder/Customizer then I am more than interested.

I am not sure who the guy is as I have not actually contacted him yet,but I think his first name is Michael?

Are any of you guys, familiar with his work and if so do you have links

I really do appreciate all the help and good advice
Keep the good stuff coming

Regards Steve

ausf

I think you're on the right track with him.

In terms of price, paying $1800 for a customized 1/16 Tamiya is a great price. When you take into consideration, the kit itself with taxes, etc must be at $800 on it's own. If you break the $1000 down to an hourly rate, it isn't that substantial for what you are getting.

There aren't a lot of people building RC tanks to that level of detail, they should be paid for their time. I know carpenters, etc that work in the trades and their labor estimates are usually 3 times the material cost. There are a lot more people putting molding around windows than are building tank models.

maillemaker

I agree the price is not out of line for the number of hours that go into it. I make medieval gauntlets that take about 40 hours to make and sell them for $700-$1000.

But, for $1800, you could buy a couple of tanks and a lot of paints and brushes and learn to do it yourself, too!

Steve

Panther F

What? $1800 for a customized 1/16 Tamiya is a FANTASTIC price. A few of my tanks alone have near or over the 1K mark in parts and equipment alone, so a customized Tamiya tank of any kind at that price is sweet. But if the only experience one has is of pulling them out of a box then I can see the disparity.

I think he's on the right track looking for a Custom Builder though and hope he finds what he's looking for.


Some good advice on here!




Jeff

TheBennyB

Where are you guys seeing "tamiya" anywhere on the "customtankfigure" site? Very nice paint and weathering but still stock HL/Mato electronics/motor sounds or at least that's all I heard on the vids posted on the site. If this is the case $1800-2000 for detailed and painted stock HL/Mato seems a bit steep. I'm all about paying for time spent but would expect top notch electronics as well, at least hobby grade. Hoping I missed something on the site.

ausf

You're dead right Bret.

I only looked at the Panther G and KT and I don't know where I got that it was Tamiya, but it doesn't look like a great deal in that light.

Looking at the video, even the paint doesn't look as good as it did in the still photos, but no matter how good the paint and customizing is, it's lipstick on a pig if it's going out the door stock HL, unless it's meant as a display only.
It's like painting the Mona Lisa on looseleaf.

Crius

So do I now stand vindicated that I thought $1,800 was a bit high for the King Tiger? I never said it was a Tamiya and the King Tiger I saw never said anything about Tamiya. If it had said Tamiya I would not have made the comment. I also took a very good look at the tank itself and while it is indeed very fine work, that man can't hold a candle to Tom (tomhugill). (Again, IMO)

If you go back to his site and click at the top where it says TANKS you'll see that it quite clearly says they're Heng Long and he wants $1,900 for the Panther and $2,100 for the KT. The KT he had for just under $1,800 was on ebay. It is good work, I just don't think it's a reasonable price for a Heng Long tank.

Edit: I'm sorry, I got that backwards - it's $1,900 for the KT and $2,100 for the Panther.

tomhugill

Crius, I did mention this, they're nice models but basically tarted up Heng longs (he's hasn't even removed the extra ridge on the wheels on the panther!) And the price seems very high. I did offer up a tiger.

Crius

Tom, I can't find the Tiger! I saw the M26 (great tank, and if not for international shipping I'd be sorely tempted) but I can't find the Tiger you mentioned. I doubt I'll buy it (I Got No Money!!), but I always like looking at your tanks so I wanted to see it. Can you post a link, please?

rctugman

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Guys
I have had a very busy day,and the upshot is,have now decided not to go down the 1/16th RC Tank route.Basically the compromise was just to great I only started looking at C Tanks after accidentally discovering the BIG BOYS! IE 1/6+1/8 e.t.c. these incredible models fired my imagination like never before! It is true time is preciuose to me, and was so frustrated,just wished to get something finally.

I was looking here there and everywhere to make this dream happen.
but having spent the last few days reading all the posts,pm`s,and emails
re- going down the 1/16th route,just new in my heart of hearts it was not what I really wanted.

so have decided to rewind adopt a more patient stance and await a long waited for UK Government payout,which should I be lucky,will be more than enough to buy a Tiger 1/8th with all the bells and whistles
that`s the theory anyway

I thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and super advice

all the very best Steve