Originally Posted by
RichJohnson
You could always buy a cheap henglong and build it yourself how you want.
But you have already done that John.
You should see mine in ludicris mode, its fast but not fast enough to jump. Need bigger motors!
A build brief opinion.
Yes “nothing but trouble” Tamiya Abrams rc tank building fun ate up eight months of on and off hobby fun. Plus your right, not much difference, in my opinion, between a well rebuilt RTR HL RC Abrams and a well assembled stock Tamiya RC Abrams Kit.
Thoughts on RC Abrams tanks after doing a couple of upgrade HL and Tamiya Abrams: Buying an Abrams M1A2 INFRARED RC Model Tank; which one should I GET? Should I buy the Heng Long RTR Abrams and modify it to be Tamiya IR RC battle compatible or buy the Tamiya Abrams RC Kit?
1. The IR RC Project Build Cost Estimate.
A. From Taigen USA.
Heng Long RTR BASE Model Abrams. $200.00
ELMOD (electronics package upgrade). $280.00
Tamiya pair of 380 motors. $20.00
2.4 Four Channel RC System. $100.00
TBU. $98.00
Paint & Supplies. $35.00
Total Build Cost EST. $713.00
B. From the AAF Museum.
Tamiya Abrams Kit. $970.00
2.4 Four Channel per Tamiya USA Spec. $200.00
TBU. $98.00
Paint & Supplies. $35.00
Total Build Cost EST. $1303.00
C. The COST difference between the Heng Long RTR Abrams with really good basic infrared RC upgrades and a BUILT Tamiya Abrams Kit is estimated to be $590.00.
D. There is a clear qualitative and performance difference between the two builds. The Heng Long build path is a "good enough direction" for an outdoor, to be abused RC IR fighter.
E. If budget is not an issue, take the Tamiya Abram's Kit path, as the qualitative and performance differences favor Tamiya. Though, the HL is close enough for good outdoor battle play, when both models are performing side by side.
F. A TIP: The Tamiya Abram's durability is unmatched and will be running good long after the Heng Long Abrams fails and falls apart.
Though, there is nothing inferior with using an expendable, inexpensive, replaceable HL base tank philosophy. Just replace with a NEW HL Abrams tank, swap out your metal parts, and paint it; when the hull and suspension fails on your worn out HL Abrams; reinstall your upgraded electronics in the new HL Abrams and your back in RC IR business, I have!
Enjoy, John
PS Still haven’t launched my Tamiya Abrams off a ramp to get it airborne and try and score an IR hit. But I will and that drill should be part of the San Diego Modern Tank Battle Day.