Hi Guys

Looking to get into the hobby. I have been an avid model builder, but RC kits have not been at the top of my list. I have been liquidating my model kit stash over the last few months, and its time for something new.
If I wanted to cut my teeth on these 1/16 kits, do I go built, or kit form?
Are the HL kits any good? Do they need to be modified heavily to run around the yard or park?
Where do you pick up these guys, Ebay, Estores, brick & mortar? What's best?
Any recommendations for someone looking to get into the hobby?

Thanks,

Larry

Hey Larry, welcome to the hobby.

As far as being a model builder, that can only help in this hobby. You can take these as far as you want, even RCing static kits like Trumpeter's T-34 series.

In terms of HL, they are a good start, but consider them toy grade. You'll be a bit shocked by the lack of detail when compared to 1/35 or even 1/48 static armor kits. They certainly can be wrestled into a nice model with a whole host of AM products.

The other end of the spectrum would be Tamiya, a true hobby grade entrance, but much more expensive. The beauty of them is non-hassle quality right out of the gate, I have 10 year old builds that are still going strong after much abuse.

Here's a HL stug, a Tamiya Pz IV and aTrump T-34 with Tamiya electronics:

There is only ONE CHOICE.


If you ar a avid model builder and a RC guy then the only thing that will scratch both itches is ........a Tamiya Full Option RC tank kit build.

I suggest you peruse this forum and look at the pix and such. As a RC guy (I don't know what RC venue you we into) you will not be impressed with the Heng Long and Mato/Mattoro tanks which are more of the toy level than RC hobby quality. I seems that you have a decent budget to work with from selling your other items so for detail, quality, value for you dollar and to learn the ins and outs of RC tanking.... a Tamiya kit build is the best and fastest way to learn without wasting time and money. The quality components and very detailed instructions about how the RC tank needs to be built is a invaluable learning experience that makes for a perfect start. It will also show you why buying quality parts and having a good base to start from is so important. The Tamiya kit just don't disappoint you. You need a good reliable tank to get you started and thru the learning curves. I have seen way too many guys waste time and money on trying to upgrade a low quality tank and getting very disappointed in the process. I started with HL tanks ( I have no regrets) they are great RC toys and a good primer. Based on what you have stated you are not the average rookie.

Welcome to a great hobby that is filled with super guys. Bob Held, NEAD, CO

Welcome Larry to the forum and to the hobby. The HL tanks are a good way to start.They have had some quality issues in the past, but have
gotten much better. Most model builders enjoy fixing, detailing and painting them up anyway. There are many retailers now including
Matomart in Canada, there's always ebay, and others you'll find on this forum. Decide what country, US, German or Russian you want
to model and plunge in! I started with a Tiger 1 and after detailing it's still running stock after 8 years. I'm sure others will chime in
and we're all here to help.

HL's are not Kits. As has been said go with a real Tamiya if you would rather have a kit that you have control over the build quality. All the Tamiya kits are very good. Some are favored over others but you still can never go wrong with a Tamiya. If you like German armor the Panther G is the best kit they have and in Allied armor the Pershing is the best and is also one of the best and most fun kits to build. i have one of each and they are by best fighters as well as my best builds.

Thanks for the tips guys,

If I was not able to do the 700-800 for the Tamiya kit what would you recommend, as a medium level starter?

Unfortunately there's nothing easy between the two.

You either have to go toy grade and modify or get a kit like Tamiya. There are different versions of HL that offer metal chassis, etc, but you still need to piece things together to get past the toy factor.

You should be able to find a Tamiya M4 for under $500, but you would still need a Tx/Rx and battery (if you don't already).

Buy a used Tamiya with a radio. You can even get on with a battle unit too sometimes. Good ones pop up regularly. Check out the classified section here and Ebay too. Just make sure of the sellers SALE feedback. Ask questions and is the pix are sketchy, ask for better pix.

The upper end of the non-Tamiya spectrum isn't a bad idea either, being as mentioned above the Taigen / Asiatam based metal hulls with torsion bars that you can order in pieces and assemble, but again as stated above these aren't true kits and are rather large separate components that just need basic assembly and painting.

Imex / Taigen is a domestic retailer, as is MatoMart and immortal hobbies.

Across the pond I'm VERY impressed with the offerings from Dom @ rctank.de, as well as welshdragon models. These tanks can easily get over $500-600 all in, aren't quite as high end as Tamiya but are definitely not toy grade. The last 2 years has seen a major increase in quality in what you can call HengLong BASED models. I have a Tiger I and KV-2, both done up with all metal drive parts, torsion bars, metal wheels with full ball bearing support, ball bearing gearboxes, recoil & excellent sound with the new TK-22 Clark boards. Tough as nails, excellent fighters. I enjoy them a lot!

Next on the list is the full metal hull Panther G with similar components.. so much armor!

Larry Hi, You have asked the question that most of us asked when we started and of course the answer is never that simple, Do you want a first class Tank that after assembly is about as perfect as you can get or are you someone who wants their own Tank? Tamiya is the recognised leader but it comes in parts that you have to assemble, it is not difficult and is very satisfying when finished. If you want a working Tank right out of the box then Heng Long is the way to go BUT they are cheaper for a reason, the quality of today's Heng Long is streets ahead of what they used to make, why even the tools on the hull are simply pinned in place whereas they used to be moulded on, the electrics are moving on to 2.4 GHz and general build is far better, the downside is that to get them truly accurate takes work and money although there are plenty of companies making up grade parts, your choice, good luck. shaun

Another important point I'm not sure was mentioned... do you intend to battle or just drive around impressing people?

That would influence your choice in some hardware.

Guys Thanks again - I guess there is no easy answer. Pay now or pay later. So, I'm going to try and find some middle ground.

I really appreciate all of your feedback

Taigen will also be coming out with a Tiger 1 kit soon (in about a week actually) so there will be some middle ground there. The kit will be our metal version of our Tiger 1 and will be quite nice. It will also not come with a RX/TX so you can choose to put whatever you wish in it. It will however come with both airsoft and infrared firing units so you can switch as you wish. Gene over at Artistic Hobbies was one of our beta testers and did a great job here: http://www.artistichobbies.com/resou...tigerbuild.php

Within 5 minutes of getting here, I'll make sure you guys have all the pictures and info you need. I worked hard on this one, maybe I will get to do another if there is enough interest

Hi Erik,

Thanks for the info, Can you tell me if there is a mod or replacement for the IR unit?

Used Tamiya Sherman on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Tamiya-1...p2056016.l4276

If you REALLY want to get into the hobby , then you will be spending Hundreds of dollars not a couple but Hundreds so you may as well gather enough funds one way or another and by the kit you really prefer. No point in buying a toy or low hobby grade tank and dump tons of money into. i have been that route. Don't do it any more unless it is a custom build of a vehicle that is just not offered. Then, you take what you can get and go from there.
If you just want to play around in the yard then by all means get in on the low end and see where it takes you.

Thanks Guys,

I hope to be combat ready within a week or two.. Thanks to Brent I hope to be getting a:
Heng Long M4A3 Sherman
Waltersons 3:1 gearboxes, metal tracks/sprockets & idlers.
Clark TK-22 Sherman board
Hobby King 6 channel 2.4Ghz radio
Servo recoil and Tamiya battle Apple compatible

Starting low, working my way up -

At least I can scare the dog!