HI, new here and practically new to the RC world. Waaaay back in the day I owned a Tamiya RC Grasshopper, back in '87 while still in high school. Tells you how old I am. Anyway, I am looking at buying a Tamiya RC 1/16 tank and am looking for input on experiences with the Tiger I, Sherman, Tiger II or Pershing. Not into doing any battles, just looking to keep my mind and hands busy for a few weeks (or longer) after work then making the "thing" move around the grass, dirt and snow when I am done. Just a simple time killer instead of the TV. It sounds as though the Pershing may be a pain due to confined spaces and difficulty in operation for a newbie? The Sherman seems the way to go dollar wise and simplicity of operation but the Tiger II seems like the most "off road" capable due to wider tracks and suspension but is the cost over the Sherman worth it??? The Tiger I looks intriguing but I ASSume that since it is the first of the series then it would be the least refined?? I am also looking for adivse on a basic 4 channel controller, nothing fancy, just something that works and is decent quality. Thanks for helping me out, any input is appreciated!!! Jeremy

Welcome Jeremy.
My expirence with the Tamiya tanks is only about 2 years old but I have the Pershing and the King Tiger. The King Tiger is more capable than the Pershing due to the much wider foot print. I had posted some pics of the king tiger in action about 2 weeks ago. It is very capable. I am not to sure of the Tiger I, although it has a large foot print too. The Sherman and the Pershing, in my opinion, are sharper looking but not as capable as the Tiger II. My Pershing, since it has rear driven sprockets, gets caught up in the grass a lot. The King Tiger has front driven sprockets and does not get caught up in the grass. I have taken both out in the snow and the King, due to the larger tracks, is able to due a bit more than the Pershing. I do, however, like the functions of the Pershing...the front lights, tail lights, sound and evern the safty feature of the tank not going into gear until you push the trim down and then move the stick down and back to nuetral. Prevents the tank from taking off into the wall when you turn it on. All in all, I love my King and I'm partial to it. The tank is very easy to maintain too. The Pershing is a pain to take apart. This is just my opinion. As for the radio and receiver. I have the Futabu Skyport. 80 bucks and it works just fine. Came with servos rechargable battery and charger. Best of luck with your decision.

digger,
pershing is a great model. but it does have 2 main problems. one is the front end closing, most people can not close it tight. second is the turret rotation.
I designed my own charging system, so you do not have to open it when you charge the battery. go to my web site you can see more about it. for lubing the gearbox, i make the engine deck working, so I can lube the gearbox there, so I do not have open the tank either.
for turret rotation problem, many people use a tie to fix, but i replace the clutch gear in the turret rotation unit because the clutch one does not have enough torque.
happy tanking

Tomzag, you are correct. There are some issues with it. I imaging it was hard for Tamiya to fit every thing in the tank seeing as it was really considered a med tank. I had to cut wires and make them shorter as to free up space. the turret rotation did initially give me problems but was overcome by shortening the wires and useing the zip tie method. As for charging, I had devised a way to easily get to the connector through the right hatch. The front of the upper hull, I believe I did away with the little tab underneath the upper hull piece and it fits snuggly now. In general, the turret rotation unit is weak in any tank. Although, I did get lucky with the King Tiger and that unit has not given me any problems. I have noticed though that some units and parts in one tank maybe better than the parts in the other and visa versa. For example, the gearboxes in the King, one is louder than the other. It is the same thing with the Pershing. I just bought two new ones for the King, due to wear and tear, and the new ones are quiet. Can't explain it. Maybe QA is a bit more flexible with parts that leave the plant at Tamiya.

Anyway, the tanks are awesome. I can sit here and be petty with just about any product, but the bottom line is that the tanks are superior quality compaired to its 'very limited competitors' and it satisfies my RC needs. Everyone is particular about their tanks. Just get one that best suits your needs and funds. Just have fun. This forum is very helpful with any question that you have. There are many very good pics of all of Tamiya's tanks on this site to help you decide Jeremy. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks to both of you guys for all your advice! I think I have narrowed my choice to the Sherman or the King Tiger, Sherman is more appealing simply due to price but if I can find a deal on the King I may bite it instead. The "patriotic" side of me is screaming against the King Tiger though! Thanks again!!

akmorpar,
I would go for tiger 1. it is new tooling, sherman and king tiger are old ones, so tiger 1 details are much better. and it is much easier than pershing.
good luck.

i have the pershing and the sherman.....the pershing is awesome but once again,a pain to open and charge.it is very tight.the sherman is awesome....i would get the sherman to start with and move my way to the pershing na dthen the tiger 1,king tiger.if you have lots of money,get the expensive leopard 2.....choco

Kurtmeyer,
I install charging system to all my tanks and customer's, I designed it and make them myself. go to my website and check the price and details. it not only kill the pain of charging also it prevent your finger touch the paint job. the oil on your hand will etch the paint job. it will isolate the battery form dmd and mf, so no curret will goto dmd while charging. it is also plug and charge, no switch involved. but you have to marke what battery inside the tank somewhere, it is dangerious if you use nicd charger charge nimh.
but be patient after you order it because this is garage made and not always ready for shipping. also I will charge higher postage because I have to send them trackable for protection of myself.

please ignore this post if this sound like trying to sell. not really, those small things wont make me rich. delete this post if moderator find this unsuitable for this forum.

I have a King Tiger and a Tiger I. both run really well but after having gotten my Tiger I, I am partial to it's handling both in and outdoors. I plan on getting another Tiger I soon.

Thay are all good. I like the old cluch steer my self .My KT & Sherman are.