I'm with swathdiver. How about a dedicated, long-term review thread with notes made from daily/weekly/monthly usage and how the tank performs based on facts and not just what you think? [:'(]

That "plastic" gearbox looks like it is plastic all around with a plastic housing as well. Does it appear that a Heng Long standard type (metal housing) gearbox will retrofit directly into the tank body? If so, and with the other HL shortcomings already addressed (in terms of the tank's exterior) I might be tempted to get one.

It looks like this tank is not a step up from the Heng Long quality-wise, but a lateral side step. Maybe it is just different, not better as you say.