Yes it is depressing reading all the negative comments about Hen[g] long tanks. I bough a Pershing in December [to compensate for the 'daddy' gifts of underwear and sox] and have had few problems with it. I could not get it to smoke and then READ THE MANUAL and switched the switch and now it SMOKES!! It shoots very well and runs great except I am still learning how to control it 'open field' with accuracy.

The Pershing is tough, I have run it into tires, wooden fences, tin cans and it has run over rake handles and rocks without getting a scratch. I have goosed the cats with it and no damage [some dirty looks from the cats].

I bought Heng Long as it was inexpensive. I ordered 1/18th figures for it as there was little USA figures in 1/16th.
I Ordered idler wheels and some accessories like Baggage and Cases and mine detector and then I began reading about the negative comments regarding Hen[g] Long.

I purchased my tank from RaidenTech and enjoy it. Perhaps some tanks do not perform well because of component problems within a given 'run' of models. I believe if I had the $650.00 to get a Tamiya Pershing I would have spent it on something else. But foir under #75.00 US, I got a tank that looks like what is supposed to be and runs well for me to laugh and the cats to quake in fear.

However, what i feel is needed is a complete list of parts one can purchase to upgrade/improve/ make better the Hen[g] Long tank performances including higher powered batteries, controllers, gearboxes, tracks, idler wheels, accessories etc. and in US prices, including S&H.