TAMIYA TANK OWNERS FEEDBACK ON TAMIYA TANKS:

NOTE: Updated to reflect reader comments (*)

The purpose of this thread is to give some factual advice to those considering purchasing Tamiya Tanks. I hope to dispel the myth that all Tamiya tanks require hundreds of dollars in upgraded parts just to work. The three tanks listed below that I built were built STOCK, and meant to battle, complete with IR battle systems.
* Except for Gear Reduction and Idler Adjuster in my Tiger I, all the tanks run stock.

We will be listing the following regarding STOCK Tamiya Tanks - no major drive train / track mods.

1) Know Issue(s) - 2) Their Severity - 3) Recommended Fix(es)

If you have built or operate a Tamiya tank, please feel free to add to the list.

ALL TANKS:
1) Turret Rotation Unit is weak - 2) The more you hand turn the turret the worse it gets - 3) Either super glue the clutch or replace with a solid gear (Tamiya Gearbox Kit #72005). Proper cable management can help
* Some like to upgrade from the stock Brass Bearings to Sealed Bearings. Grease MUST be plastic safe. (Jeff)

SHERMAN: (built plus feedback)
No Major Issues
* 1) Real Idler Wheel has no metal bearings, and can wear out - 2) Mine's been fine for three years, other have problems (Metal Tracks??) - 3) Replace with new stock Idler, Upgrade yourself, purchase after market upgrade (Jeff)

TIGER I: (built plus feedback)
No Major Issues -
1) The Track Tensioner could be better - 2) Keep an eye on you track through out the day. The tracks can jump on the idler wheel - 3) Fabricate your own Tension system, or purchase an aftermarket tensioner (Daryl Tuners upgrade).
1) Main Gun Barrel Seam - 2) May cause recoil issues - 3) Careful sanding, filling, and painting of the seam,or replace with metal barrel.
* 1) Gear Box Brace - 2) Helps reduce gearbox and chassis flex. Metal Tracks cause more stress - 3) Fabricate your own or purchase after market (pcomm1)

KING TIGER: (have not built, based upon club member feedback)
1) Track Tensioner - 2) This is a major issue. If not adjusted properly, it can lead to track link breakage. - 3) Very careful adjustment of the stock unit, fabricate your own or purchase an aftermarket tensioner (Daryl Tuners upgrade).
1) Track Links are weak - 2) & 3) See Above - Tamiya has sent some tankers replacement tracks.
* 1) Gear Box Brace - 2) Helps reduce gearbox and chassis flex. Metal Tracks cause more stress - 3) Fabricate your own or purchase after market (pcomm1)

PERSHING: (built plus feedback)
No Major Issues.
This is the tightest tank interior I've built to date, and cable management is important. Switching to Deans connectors for the batteries can help you win back some needed space.
* 1) 1) Idler has limited adjustment - 2) My tank is fine, but others insist more range is needed - 3) Purchase after market Idler with a wider range of adjustment (Geoff)

PANTHER: (have not built, based upon club member feedback)
UPDATE - reports are in that Tamiya has come up with a revised Drive Sprocket that may fix the sprocket/track issue
1) Drive Sprocket Teeth & Tracks do not mesh/Tracks are "Rubbery" - 2) Long term, this can cause trouble to your drive line - 3) Some have claimed they have fixed the issues by a) filing the Sprocket Teeth or b) shimming the Drive Sprocket. Others say the only way to get the stock parts to work is to over tighten the tracks, which can lead to long term gearbox damage. They claim the only real fix is c) Aftermarket Sprockets and Tracks (Impact).
1) The Main Gun is loose in the Mantel - 2) Can cause problems with the recoil function - 3) Fabricate your own Main Gun Sleeve, Purchase DT's Sleeve, or Impacts Panther Mantle.
* 1) Gear Box Brace - 2) Helps reduce gearbox and chassis flex. Metal Tracks cause more stress - 3) Fabricate your own or purchase after market (pcomm1)

This tank is relatively new and we need to see how Tamiya responds to the complaints. The Tiger I drives were updated after numerous complaints about speed and reliability.

For a good step by step build thread, check out - http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_57...mpage_1/tm.htm

* JAGDPANTHER: (Posted comments)

Detailed comments to follow, so far looks good.
For a step by step build thread, check out - http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6828715/tm.htm

* LEOPARD 2: (Posted comments)
1) Sagging lower rear turret resulting in turret dragging rear deck during rotation - 2) Minor issue - 3) Remove battery when not in use [note: weight and location at rear of turret] and place a removable support, when not in use between rear of deck and back of turret for support during storage. (Greg)

(No, Daryl isn't paying me for this post , he just happens to make a lot of good parts for those who don't have the time or tools to do so. You DO need to bring your wallet!)

< Message edited by ksoc -- 11/11/2007 9:13:27 PM >

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Kevin O'C - <S.C.A.T>
Tamiya 1/16 - Kubelwagen -F/O Sherman, Tiger, Pershing, and HL Panzer III