This tank, despite the experience of others, will just about handle anything. I've run it in powdery snow about 2 inches deep (a scale depth I think) and it did fine. I think wet snow can and will clog up the running gear as it refreezes. It also does well on packed and loose dirt. I think you have to remember to operate in a scale environment because anything too big like gravel or larger twigs will invariably jam in the sprockets and running gear.

A fellow on the Yahoo group modified his to go in deep water, at least deep enough to submerge the tracks (top & bottom) with no ill effects (he just sealed the hull).

As for your unfortunate experiences with the broken parts, there are tons of spare and upgrade parts available for this beast. I've gotten spares from a member of the Yahoo group who uses the tank as a basis for an RC riot control device complete with video camera and tear gas projector.

This tank has a tremendous cult following.

Just a small example:
http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/k...art:::8_9.html

-Harq