A Sabertooth Speed Controller and the TANKHOBBY Battle Circiut (TBU 'apple' optional) would give a system that would be SIMILAR to at Tamiya set up. The biggest feature you'd lack would be the slowing down of the tank base upon the number of hits, and the sound(s) tied to the damage. A tank that is almost dead makes a hell of a racket, and can barelly move. You also don't get a Stobe Unit for the main gun, but an LED instead.

We have one member, known here as BULLYHYS, that uses this set up in a few tanks. He would know a lot more about the subject.