Well, I think I'm ready to take the plunge into the r/c tank world. I'm about 90% certain I'll be buying Tamiya's 1/16 Tiger I full-option kit. It's a pretty big chunk of change, but I've built three of their 1/14 tractor-trailers with full lighting and sound options, so the Tiger should be cheap in comparison to the trucks.

A few questions from those in the know:

1. I assume the respective 1/16 tanks have 'generally' the same performance capabilities/reliability/features, etc. If there are significant differences in the models, how does the Tiger I rate in comparison?

2. What are common failure points?

3. What kind of upgrades would you deem as mandatory to increase reliability?

4. What kind of maintenance is required, and how often?

5. What kind of terrain should you NOT run the tank over?

Thanks to those who take the time to respond.

As for tank kits, all the Tamiya tank kits are roughly the same quality and construction except the Leopard 2A6, which is much better and stands in a classification by itself.

General problems the Tamiya tanks have (except the Leo) is turret rotation, there are other points mostly due to normal wear and tear, but not any more significant against a particular model. Many people choose to upgrade the tracks to metal, gearboxes for higher gear ratio, and motors for better performance. It like taking your 69 Camaro and making it 'wicked' with the upgrades.

As for maintenance, survey the gearboxes for dirt, debris and proper lubrication and wiring for twisted or pinched places.

The Tamiya tanks can be run on just about anything. If you do not mind an extensive cleaning even mud is acceptable. Watch for terrains such as snow, sand, and rocks that may cause tracks to bind with the sprocket or idler throwing a track. With careful driving (treat it like a real tank not a racecar) then you should have little problems with any type terrain.

Fording water is a tricky feat. Water proofing the chassis and electronics will allow for safe water fording.

The Tiger is a good first kit to start, the Leopard 2A6 is hands down the best performer for all types of rough riding.

Cheers
Eric Scott

I know that tanks in general are not thought of as speed machines, but do the Tamiya tanks move out at a decent speed? I am kind of afraid that when I drive one I will feel like I am moving at a snail's pace and be a bit disapointed. []

I don't plan to rip up sod or get air over hills, but I'd like to know that the power is there when I need it in a battle. I suppose I can always upgrade the motors, right?

Icy:

More often than not, all the tanks are too fast as they come out of the box. All the Tamiyas are, and need varying 'tweaks' to be brought down to scale speed. Even the Hen Longs are fast... though reports are the new M26 S&S Pershing is pretty good.

Build it out of the box, and see... but if you want to battle, odds are you'll want to be ~slower~, not faster.

Even RRR and I are slowing our old clutch-drive Tamiya's down with the Integy 5501 lathe motor that the rock-crawlers are all raving about. Lots of torque, and much lower RPMs than the Tamiya stock 540's. Not to mention ball-bearings, adjustable timing and replacable brushes, all for $20.

WhiteWolf

WW, Icy

Not all the Tamiya tanks are too fast. Only the WWII tanks are a bit out of scale speed wise.

In fact, the Leo2A6 is a bit too slow compared to the real tank. If you want a fast Tamiya tank, get the Leopard 2A6. It does roughly 40mph scale speed.

Eric Scott

Heavy:

I'd not be so fast to jump on the Leopard 2A6. Why, because of reported problems like the new composite used for the suspension cracking in places. The idler-adjuster is also reported to be poor (like most of the Tamiya's) and there are already replacement parts for a lot of the stock items.

Icy:

Its all a matter of how much dinero you want to dump into it.

Drive it like a hot-rod and the parts will not last all that long. You want a hot-rod thats dirt-cheap, get the new Hen-Long Tiger 1 or Pershing with the Smoke & Sound. The MTG guys say the new S&S units can take more abuse (hot-rodding) than the Tamiya without breaking, and their speed controllers are better (about 8 steps vs the older ones having 3)

Do your research before you buy, and you'll be much happier with the results.

WhiteWolf

Thanks for the wisdom, guys.

As far as speed, I guess I want it to travel at about a normal walking pace (I would surely break parts if I went much faster). I just don't want to take three steps and have to wait for the tank to catch up............take five steps and sit down for a minute or two while it slowly trundles along. The other tanks might make fun of me and call me a little girl. [&o]

I guess that most of the time when you battle, you stand at a higher place (driver's stand, maybe?) and maneuver through the terrain with an overview of the whole area, so speed maybe unnecessary, except for escape.

One question on gearing the speed down to scale speed; The controls should be proportional, so can't you just lay off of the forward throttle a bit to achieve the desired speed, or does that not work well? Do you lose torque with lowered speed since the motors are not drawing as much power?

I actually bought one of of those tanks that you describe (Ebay), WhiteWolf McBride. Well, not exactly, mine does not smoke. I think it is of similar price and quality, though:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6013470370

The Tiger 1 was less than $80.00 shipped. It is hard to believe that there is anything about this tank that is better quality than the $500.00+ Tamiya tanks! [X(] Maybe I need to reconsider the Tamiya purchase, or at least put it off for a while to see how interested I am in a month. [sm=tired.gif]

WW

Not to be argumentative but to clarify some of your points:

There are no problems with the composite parts, period.

There are issues if you attempt to use ball-bearings with corrosive lubricants not compatible with the plastic, but no issue with the Tamiya stock kit items or assembly. Being plastic parts, common sense would say care should be observed in tightning the screws. As many people come from the metal kits, they tend to have a heavy hand on the plastic.

The idler is not poor.

It is a sturdy reliable design but does lack a full range of adjustment like the Pershing ibler adjustment.

I have the Leo and have tested it extensively and to date is the most reliable and rugged of all the WWII models (I can not speak specifically of the Sherman as this is the only 16th Tamiya tank I do not own).

The Leo can be driven like a hot-rod! It is that rugged. Don't be fooled, the price is high for a Leo but you do get your monies worth. I watch people breakdown instead of me with my Leo.

Eric Scott

I was thinking of getting the Leo and trying to find every piece of info. After reading Eric's post, I will most likely be buying the Leo. I'm from Jersey and have yet to even see an RC tank anywhere. I dont even think theres a hobbyshop that sells them or any parts. Can anyone point me to a good web site to purchase one.

You most likely will have to get one online, a retailer or Ebay. You should be able to get the Leo just under 800USD shipped.

Check the SEAD site links page for retailers selling Tamiya tanks and for a full review of the Leo2A6 to help make your decision.

Review:
http://www.sead.us/kitreviews.html

Retailers:
http://www.sead.us/links.html

Man...You guys are something else.....If you just want an r/c tank to drive around get whatever is in your budget..If you want one that has the most realistic appearance, performance, sound, and suspension right out of the box...get a Tamiya..Not an opinion just the facts... Bottom line is you get what you WANT to pay for,One can buy many cheaper and less realistic and basic tanks for the price of one quality Tamiya Tank...however to truly appreciate the Potential...and If you want to get into R.C Battles you do it with a Tamiya Tank..it is great..it is fun and the hunt is incredible...the speeds are not lacking..as the combo of terrain, combat and evasive manuvers keep you on your toes.. I have had all 4 Tamiya WWII tanks and run them for at least a year..Yes the KT needs a rear idler upgrade after a while to properly keep the tracks on...the PERSHING is a tight fit and is not an easy tank to assemble for a first rc tank but not impossible..just tougher than the others to assemble and change out battery packs.. THe Sherman has to be the easiest to assemble and maintain..Tank is awesome..great suspension runs at a brisk pace and is loads of fun..so many versions to convert it to as well....I like the KT for its massive footprint and size...THe Tiger 1 is a formidable tank as well..a bit more limber than a KT due to its size...and the Pershing is really great at pounding the Axis...I currently own/operate the KingTIger, Pershing and SHerman...I miss my Tiger1 and may need another one for X-Mas[>:]!!!! I love them all and do admit I am addicted to the Tamiya quality and performance....Once you battle with a Tamiya Equipped Battle Unit Tank you are really hooked..e'nuff said..[>:]