I have one of the first Tamiya Pershing tanks from its original release........and, she has have a lot of use and she has seen better days......I am now considering her retirement and replacement.

My question is how much/what differences between the Tamyia and the IMEX offerings?
Would it be best to get another Tamiya or can I utilize some of the parts from the Tamiya for the IMEX?

Any opinions?

Springman

In my humble opinion, the Tamiya is always going to be the better tank, especially if you're into club battles. Don't get me wrong, the Imex/Taigen M-26 is a great RC Tank, and was maybe the third tank I bought when I first got into this madness we call a hobby, and it's still running like a champ. I replaced the pot metal gears with steel, but only because I wanted to. The pot metal gears gave great service for at least a year before I got bitten by the steel gear bug.

So if you want the best and you're willing to spend the cash, get the Tamiya, but if a lower cost option is better suited, then the Imex/Taigen Pershing is really a strong runner, and a tank I think is much overlooked.

I don't want to question why you feel it needs retirement or replacement (that's up to you) but most tanks (especially Tamiya) only need parts replaced or upgraded to bring them back to life and since you're wanting to stay with a Pershing and not another tank.

You could always sell it with a list of things it needs to help finance another project?

Or, change that M26 into another version/model if you're bored of that one.

My much loved M26 had an encounter with a young child while I was away.......
I returned to find a "collection" of parts where my Pershing use to be.......
And a child that can't sit down for about a week........

Springman

Been there sadly. Well ebay the box of parts and be honest, then buy a new one. Those are very nice tanks. So sorry to hear that happened to you. You will likely be better at building it second time around and have some ideas. Also there are some nice upgrades you can do while you build it.

I have two Pershings, both Tamiya and honestly would never consider wasting the money on a Taigen to replace either of them. I upgraded the one with ETO's or Daryl's transmission brace and 480 motors. The tank is a beast. The other one will get the brace soon as well. But for the money, there is no comparing these things to the less than desirable engineering of the Taigen offering. I'm sorry you had the thing damaged. I believe AAF has them in stock for a very fair price.
Not to be a jerk, but can you post some pictures of the tank's condition? Perhaps it is possible to repair it.

I will not be parting or selling...she was commissioned to her own special parts box.
I will user whatever I can in the next one........
I also thought about John Grimma's M4(90) - possibly she could regenerate into one of those (although, I may just make that a M4A1(90).....(GRIN!) - the turret with a bit of help could be workable again......

Springman

Ooh, M4 jumbo 90? Now theres an idea. Then it can battle in the heavy class and kick some butt!
good decision to keep it for project parts.
Good luck on the replacment. Making the best of it is all we can hope for , Though i know it still hurts when you loose a model like this.

Both Tower Hobbies and The AAF Tank Museum have the Tamiya Pershing in stock and the Museum may have the better price, $595 and I think it's about $50 shipping in the US. Tower is about $640 with the $50 off coupon and I think shipping is free on orders over $100. I just hope you do a build log with lots of photos.

I have both the Tamiya and Taigen. IMO, the Taigen doesn't compare to the Tamiya in the scale or looks department. It is a fine running tank however as is the Tamiya. I had an IBU2 and a TBS in it for a while and it battled with my Tamiya tanks just fine. I'd buy the Tamiya.

Hi I was in the same boat about 2 years ago, so this is what I did with mine.

I have a Super Pershing built on a HL lower that I have been looking for a Tamiya Pershing basket case to re-purpose the complete lower assembly. I need the complete lower hull, suspension, tracks, gearboxes, ect.. I don't need anything from the upper hull or turret, so if you change your mind and need some money to finance a new one, let me know. I agree with the general consensus, stick with the Tamiya. Awesome kit, hence why I want to change the running gear on my SP.

Guys,

I am keeping my original M26. I will use it to aide in its replacement and to stand as a reminder as to why "Kids" are not suppose to touch "My Tanks".......

Springman