WOW! now this is what I call response! Nice to see so many replies in such a short time. 
Ok so if I may ask.... why are the tamiya tanks costing around 1000.00 versus a HL for say 200?  I know and truly believe in the old saying: *you get what you pay for* but what is so significant in the tamiya line to take such a huge jump in price?

I've seen somewhere that one tamiya kit, I think it was a Tiger model, had some gear issues and the mechanic/owner had to make some major changes to the gearbox. I seen this a while back like a few months ago but can't find anything about it now. Just curious.

Also what the heck is a  TBU?  something only for tanks? I've never heard that before, sorry. But again, I've never owned a tank b4.

I thought I seen somewhere online that Tamiya tanks were selling for around 575 for a Tiger model and some were as high as 1,400.00 WOW!
I would take that money and put it towards a 1/8th i think if I were to pay that much for a 16th scale. A Tamiya at that price would have to have high expectations...  or are they that much better? I have also seen a lot of stuff for RC that has high prices just because of the name too.

I'm not putting down any manufacturer so please bare with me. I'm just trying to get the best value *with in reason* that's all.

I just might consider the Tamiya line if I can keep the price of around 550 or so. I really like the Tiger, I think it's one of the nicest looking tanks out there as far as appearance and especially being one of if not the most destructive tanks of WWII... so I heard anyway on Discovery Channel.

I really have fun driving my Tiger in  the sim called:   *T34 vs Tiger*  Nice tank to play around with. This is what I'm hoping to get into on an RC.

Although I do like others as well like the Bulldog or a Panzer. But I like nice wide tracks and a tough beefed up looking tank, hence the word *Tank* hehe.

Back in the Army I was a 63 Tango on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle during the Desert Storm days. Served  from 87 to 93. It was actually pretty cool and I enjoyed it all except for the war. You never knew what the heck would happen... glad we got out of there.

Anyway... I really appreciate all of your responses and others who may respond as well. I will continue on with more research and see what I come up with and I'll probably have more questions if that's ok with all of you.

I wish I could find some people near me in Tallahassee, Fl who have some tanks that I could go and look at. I posted in the Clubs thread as well asking so hopefully someone will respond in there too.

Thanks again everyone... and please keep an Eye on this thread for more questions if I have any. I'll need all the help I can get hehehe.

Have a great day.

Cheers!
~A~