Scotch Plains! Nice, you are under and hour away brother! Welcome to the wonderful world of rc tanks! Dumb question here. Did you hit the key button on the controller and see if the tank starts up?
Upgrades are easy. www.rctankwars.com Tell Phil Yellowshaker sent ya!
Also, check out the NEAD site on yahoo groups. It is our tank club and you are right here in the area.