Indeed. Good information presented here.

Since your situation can be treated as the proverbial dipping one's toe into the cool water before plunging in deep, why not go with a minimalist initiation phase: buy the less expensive alternative of the Heng Long tanks, say a pair of them, and see how it goes. Let's face it--the Tamiyas, although of high quality, are way overpriced, require meticulous assembly and painting, and fortunately they no longer dominate the R/C tank field so they're not your only recourse. After you get a taste of what it is like, then you can make an educated decision to go with Tamiya, et al.

Heng Long has a lot going for them but I think one of the real aces is a main gun that actually shoots. Granted, it's not a real explosive projectile and it's not overly astonishing but it makes a good pop and really flies out of the muzzle. I can only see the BB when it hits something and/or ricochets and yet it seems to be fairly and consistently accurate (I haven't even used the included target yet). I'm figuring a good way to register hits on another HL tank is to fasten on some of the sticky airsoft targets to the turret and hull (trimmed into appropriate sizes, of course). That way you'll hear and see when you get a direct hit.

HL tanks are ready to go complete with radio transmitter, battery, charger and a small quantity of cheap airsoft BB's (which should be discarded because they're really cheap). The motor, gun, machine gun sounds, and smoking action, albeit of sometimes dubious novelty, are pretty neat too. Adds to the realism and the gee-whiz factor. I got mine (a Pershing) for about $81 shipped.
Gotta love the super-bright LED headlights...

FWIW,

-Harq