Some thoughts on cost effective build approaches:

All my tanks are built as TBU runners with good time devoted to tweaking the ops performance and then the finish. They are all careful builds that work great using the best parts available to meet that stated specific goal for each tank build. I use Impact metal tracks when required or if there is a performance gain to be found, if not, I am quite happy and prefer to run the Tamiya & HL plastic kit tracks (but with metal sprockets/idlers). I use just 2 transmitters; a 2.4 and a the Futaba AM 4 channel unit, with appropriate individual receivers for each tank. Each tank uses the standard Daryl Turner reliability parts and only a couple of builds use PE parts, as my backyard is never friendly to them!

I use either stock Tamiya gearboxes, Impact gear boxes or the 3 to 1 gear reduction setups with Speed 400 Motors or stock Tamiya motors.

Both brands are very re-buildable, but I believe, just the Tamiya kit is actually durable and for me, offers true build satisfaction upon completion. And that observation is based on building & running both my HL and Tamiya tanks. I would recommend building any Tamiya f/o kit kit NOW as a great runner. Then, the next year rebuild that runner into a good looker. Use that one model to evolve and advance your rc skills. Then go nuts on a new 2nd kit build with all the detail parts. That way you will actually finish at least the first build and be better prepared for completing your second Tamiya build! Use the same tactics for the HL or Mato tanks. When I estimated the cost for the new RTR El Mod converted VVS Sherman, I found it is a little bit more than if you just built a stock, good running, out of the box Tamiya Sherman f/o Kit. Little bit means about $200. The Tamiya kit still gives you a better overall base for future upgrades; years down the road. Irregardless of any bagging on my tanks here, I know they are advanced to expert level builds and have been told so by many of the best master builders in the hobby.

From 2003 to present, my overall complete build costs ranged from $675.00 for the Sherman with Nick's T-23 turret set to $1200.00 for the Jagd, an unfortunate upgrade parts intensive build, but my favorite panzer. The Panther G was just under $900.00 because I needed to get the damn Impact tracks & other Impact parts. All the other builds below hovered around $750.00 to $850.00. That also includes the HL Pz3 to Tamiya semi f/o conversion and the static Porsche KT to Tamiya semi f/o conversion.

Whatever you do, evolve the build as skill, money and build time permit. I have been having fun building these tank things for 6 years now and brawling with all you morons for at least 2 years now. Great fun.

John