Who makes the best large scale all metal abrams? 1/6 would be ideal... but 1/8 would be good too.

Before you even consider it, you better check your bank account and make sure you got about $5000+.....better think more like $7500....... (that's not including shipping lol) or else your just wasting your time.....I have owned some 1/6 and I can't recall ever seeing an M1 on the market, but if there is one you are going to have to fork up some SERIOUS cash. Your best bet would be to get your hands on one of those 21st Century 1/9 plastic rc rtanks and starttricking it out...OR...... use it to make patterns out of metal...hhmmmm

Haha I know they cost a lot.

Any idea how this one is?

http://www.chunwai-model.com/Shop/Sh...?ProductID=182

I saw an old thread on chunwai models which talked about a lot of flaws. But maybe they have gotten better?

Also,

http://www.rctank.jp/machine/abrams-e.htm

Thoughts on either?

From what I remember Mark 1 Tanks supplies a 1/8 Abrams, I know 2 chaps who had them both upgraded to 1/6 Challenger II I think they ran reasonably well this was 6 years ago also around this time 2004-2006 I think it was Kenny Kong who first released 1/8 Challenger II, Leopard 2A5, Chieftain, and Abram’s, Mark 1 Tanks had 1Abram’s to evaluate the model, the gearing was very bad and didn’t allow the tank to turn well on anything other than a flat smooth surface very quickly the gearbox failed so Mark installed one from his own range of tanks, conversations with the manufacture were as usual one sided and wouldn’t resolve any of the issues with the tanks the only conversation they would have was unit numbers that Mark had to buy, this was the only one he had’ I have never seen any others on any forums since then so would guess that only a few exist.

Unfortunately over the years there have been a number of companies Veiro, Metal Box to name just a few who have had great ideas about building large sale tanks 1/8 – ¼ scales all have had major problems with reliability and parts failing or with huge detail faults all have had the same things in common they haven’t listened, wouldn’t improve the shortcoming’s, they have wanted far more than current models built in Europe as in vastly overpriced and worst still have demanded unrealistically large orders with all the defects, hence why none have ever been seen on the net.

Best bet would be to go with Mark 1 Tanks
http://www.mark-1-tank.co.uk/abrams.html

Thanks rivetcounter. I sent an email over to Mark-1 and they replied really quickly. So that's good. He said zero radius turns are not problem on any surface condition. So did Mark upgrade the kits? I'm a little confused as it seems like a number of sites have that same line of tanks. rctanks.jp for example.

Mark 1 Tanks only ever had the 1 metal Abram’s and found it unreliable so rejected selling them, the Abrams that he does sell has indeed been upgraded since the 2 that I knew of now they have much more powerful chain drive motors these also use less power, these tanks are made from GRP with metal running gear and metal tracks, they are manufactured in Russia and are sold through various retailers Mark 1 Tanks, Bigtanks.de, rctanks .jp and I think there is or was a retailer in America though can’t remember who, if you find the Russian website it’s possible to deal direct at your own discretion though I have never heard of anyone being ripped off, all these retailers have their own way of dealing with customers Bigtanks.de in Germany, you place an order with him pay him and receive your tank direct from Russia if there is any damage or faults with the tank then you are rather on your own same applies if you need advice or help, warranty is very short lived and is very limited, Mark 1 Tanks you order from him pay him he receives the tank from Russia, if there are any defects he corrects them then he tests the tank to make sure all is working as it should he then ships the tank to you in full working order or you can ask for the tank in a semi kit form either way he will always test the tank this is the only way he works, I have had 2 tanks delivered this way and neither have had any faults, Mark offers a warranty on his models though as I have never had a problem you best ask him about it, I have no idea how the other companies work so can’t comment, but Mark has a very good reputation.

That's great to hear. I'll def go with Mark if/when I get a tank. GRP is a bit of a downer but it seems like the model still has some nice weight to it.