Originally Posted by
pedzola
I think the ETO design is fantastic. Robert would a universal heng long style low profile gearbox be possible at a lower price point? Something you would consider looking into?
I wonder if the aluminum components can be replaced with bent sheet metal (if its good enough for an AK47 receiver...). But I assume the motor gearboxes are the expensive part.
Anyway, I wanted to spur the discussion here because most struggles for new tankers relate to the rediculous toy-like performance out of the box. I spent gobs of money and time trying electronics and gearboxes from all over the world for my first tank. And I know I'm not the only one.
I dont own a Tamiya, as I am sure I lack the glue and painting skills to assemble one, but with the myriad of gearboxes and modifications for those it doesnt seem like Tamiya owners are in a very different boat.
Tamiyas are much easier to build and use than what you have. Try one and you'll never go back. Sherman is the easiest and the two best bar none are the Tiger 1 and the IS 2 (pronounced 'IssDva'). The instructions are first rate and with a minimum of skill you can do it. You don't have to do a masterpiece with painting on them, a simple one colour will do fine but you will be surprised at how fast your skills will develop. Best prices in USA are AAF Museum in Danville. You can find kits on ebay but often buyer beware is the watch word. Your initial investment is higher than Heng Long and to an extent Taigan but even in the short run you are ahead of the game. First rate electronics out of the box, everything fits first time every time. Assemble, plug in the DMD/TO and have at it. If you buy a toy you get a toy. If you buy hobby grade, and Tamiya is the only one, you get a hobby grade tank.
The mounts for my units are made from 3 mm aluminium angle. Cheaper than steel, easier to work with for machining and lighter. My units weigh 50% more than stock but in a Tamiya that extra weight doesn't matter. If you knew what I make on these units you would question my sanity.
I had to LOL at your 'AK' reference. I am a bit familiar with that line of odes to world peace by Comrade Kalashnikov. Couple weeks ago we we were at Battery and some local unit had a couple tables set up and were inviting lads to field strip an automat. My lass and I wandered up, the young Sarjant didn't know who we are, and when he heard us speaking English he offered to me to strip the automat, saying that being foreign I would know nothing about that weapon. After clearing the weapon, and it was a parade model, I removed the muzzle brake and tossed it to him.