This winter may be a good time to discuss the next step in our hobby. Form a national body, agree on some rules ( the primary one being to have fun ), decide on a location and time for a national event ( a different place each year would be fun ). I used to be in the RC combat warship hobby and when they made this leap they would have people from all over come to the event. I have seen some very well developed battlefields from some of our members, certainly worthy of a big event and a trip across country. Any thoughts ?

That's a good idea and it was certainly first started in Danville and the "body" or set of rules is called RCACN. A lot of tankers have left this because the original purpose of having fun had lost it's way when the rules (and there has to be SOME kind of rules) became the most important drive of the event.

It still has a big following but it has split into so many different directions/clubs, good and bad.


Jeff

Fine idea, wouldn't know where to start. Check out and join this site for a lead: http://rctankhq.com/THQ/index.php

It should also cater to Airsoft/Paintball battles. There are a lot of us who don't care for shooting lasers. I'm one of those who doesn't mind putting blue and red paint all over someone else's tank, or even taking a shot or two myself, it's tanking at its best IMO! And Perry can't bring his T-34, we'd all have to watch it from cctv from a mile away in case he misses and hits my windshield or someone's arse!

The problem with shootin' tanks is the liability. Those of us who battle with lasers aren't set up for live ammo flying around the battlefield. S.C.A.T.'s battlefield is located adjacent to a horse stable and riding ring. If some stray shots were to go over the fence there could be trouble. Any type of organization that sanctioned events involving Airsoft guns would probably need to carry the appropriate liability insurance.

Not to mention the damage real projectiles could do to the buildings. We beat our up enough just driving into them!

Jeff is correct out rules - fastest way to take the fun out of this hobby. We don't keep any official score of wins, loses, or kills, but we still need some rules. We were all Tamiya battle systems, but recently we are trying to incorporate other systems. Going to need some new rules

Well that isn't real interesting. Invite everyone and run all types (in various classes), even if the China tanks just park themselves like little noise making pillboxes.

Pcomm1, I came across pics of [link=http://rctankhq.com/Gallery/index.php]YOUR TANKS[/link] on that site;VERY NICE!!!
Tankmad

Unfortunately models firing projectiles require insurance, in the model warship combat we had to have NAMBA insurance. Its a whole different level of play over the infrared shooting , this is why I like the laser over the co2, the grief I got from firing projectiles from the warships was very limiting, we are talking towns enacting ordanances. IR tank battles have all the danger of pushing the buttons on your DVD remote
A good start would be to have the larger clubs ( correct me if I am wrong but they would be SCAT, DAK and Danville, others welcome ) to agree on some very basic rules so non-tamiya battle systems can compete fairly. It would be cool to have Nats next year, I am sure there are quite a few of us who would travel to events of this magnitude.

I never let the insurance or attorney concerns keep me from accomplishing goals. You could have tanks shoot in one direction at a range type setting using airsoft or whatever with a berm as the back drop, just like rifle shooting. For battle it would be paintballs only and limited to 250fps or some agreed upon velocity. Lasers just have zero appeal to me. Correct me if wrong, there are no glancing blows or near misses with lasers, everyone stands over the battlefield with the situational awareness only dreamed about back then? Maybe if there was organized battle of capture the flag as I proposed with paintball, there'd be a reason to get into it. I love to compete! Anyone else share these sentiments?

RCACN has a set of rules but there was another group that has run events in Danville. The other group was Rolling Thunder.Danville itself is a Tank musuem and Battlefiled.They hold several events a year for the lazer type of tanks(Tamiya). Now there are some airsoft tanks and others converted to the Tamiya system.I don't know how to do this but many do.There are even some other Tamiya compatable systems available out there.Now anyone can see our groups tanks on RCTVLIVE.com #706.We've done several things one group doesn't like but everyone here has done it. You'll notice all of the Tamiya apples(battle system) has been lowered to look more realistic.Can't tell you how as I had someone else do it. We've also stopped doing what they call a fan shot where you can take out several tanks with one shot. It's easier on the transmittion and again more realistic.
A National event should be held at Danville actually this is already being done for several years now.
Now the airsoft tanks would have more of a problem because of the pellets they shoot. Insurance would be the problem.Since I don't have an airsoft tank that actually works I can't say to much on thoses tanks and rules for them.

agreed laser tag sucks. but thats my opinion. 6mm paintballs are just fine. besides the joy of these tanks are the ballistics.
all these rules and regulations just alienate people. get a few freinds together and blast at each others tanks with airsoft, its much more fun!!! if your afraid to take hits then leave it on the shelf. sorry but thats just my humble opinion.

Those favoring paintball and capture the flag may be in the minority. I understand someone who spends $1200 and 50 or more hours on their tank not wanting it covered in red and blue splotches and $20 spare track links and tools knocked off. Of course there's the fear of tipping the tank over or getting too deep crossing a river since you cannot stand over it and drive, your view is limited to the wireless camera on board. I kind of suspected it may not be popular and that's why I plan to complete 8 tanks set up for wireless paintball capture the flag contests.

Have to agree all around. Too many rules & regs take the enjoyment out of it. Danville has a dream of a battlefield, much work has gone into it and very realistic, but the general feeling I get is that if you don't have a Tamiya set-up, then you're out in left field and can't be of any use or participate. I'm on the history end of this game and really can't afford Tamiya's exhorbitant prices, Some of the rules are also a bit off, such as requiring a certain number of hits to take out a particular tank based on its type and size, and a built in delay between firing for "loading". If had a loader that didn't have a 90mm in his arms ready to toss in as soon as the empty shell had cleared the breech, we'd be having a serious talk. I could consistantly reload a 90mm within 3 seconds, up to about 8 or 9 rounds. My Tamiya 105 Sherman has a delay built in that is far too long..a 105 is a shorter, easier to handle round and the delay someone dreamed up is stupid. If rules are to be set up then some bit of realism has to enter into the picture, based on real tank activity and possibilities. Just because I am taking on a Tiger with a 75mm Sherman, that does not mean I am required to get 7 hits to take it out. A couple in the rear into the engine or, one single WP round or jam the suspension or tracks will knock it out. That's the reason we see so many King tigers....better life expentancy on the lazer battle. Some of the bigger established combat groups should get together and draft up some better rules and allow for all types of RC tanks. A real test would be to run using mini cameras on the tanks and operate like a real one....where you can't see that enemy tank over the birm, like you can now because you are getting a bird's eye view that you don't get in a TC hatch. Wanna play tanker....play it like real and take the disadvantages with it.

Cameras? Monitors? Multiple postioning views?

If the stock Tamiyas are a bit expensive right now, imagine adding all that equipment! BTW, it is for the Tamiya battle system. Make your R/C tank compatable and it can play. There is going to be a compromise.

Like I said, there has to be some kind of rules and the tanks do have a limit. The IR is safe and you're not chasing BB's all over the place.

Too bad it's not a perfect world or we'd all be happy, huh?


Jeff

I was going to speak more about this subject but I'll leave it at this: think twice about trying to sanction or hold events with bb( or pellet, whatever ) shooting tanks. I'd never attend any event nor want to be associated with any group that promotes bb shooting models. Period. I've modified all three( or are on the way to doing so) bbguns of my PzKw III models to act as an ersatz recoil unit instead of shooting bbs. I for one don't ever want to have to wear googles or headgear to prevent getting zinged by some errant projectile at a model run.

Jerry

get some friends together make em put on some sunglasses and zap each others tanks trust me its much more fun than shooting IR. did you ever try to hit a tank on the move jumping in and out of ditches? or actually watch an airsoft round just sail past your buds turret as he was turning to fire on you? too much fun!!!!!

Pattoncommander,

This came up recently in another thread. At some point, if you want realism, you are better going with a computer simulation. Then you can take into account all the various factors - armor, weapons, vehicle quirks/failures, weather, lighting, terrain, air support, artillery, mines, infantry, supply lines, repair depots ......

The way we battle with our IR systems isn't perfect, but it IS a LOT OF FUN. We have people that that are still coming back after 3 or 4 years.

In my original proposal all the players would be sitting at a table looking at the battlefield through their monitors, one team per side so they can talk to each other. They are next to the field protected by 4x8 sheets of plywood and a low berm around the field. The only guy with a birds eye view of the battlefield wearing safety glasses is the referee who tells the players when they've been knocked out. It's paintballs guys, not steel bbs. There are paintball competitions all over the world and most of those are 40mm not 6mm.

Two hits on the front plate, glacis or mantlet and you're out. One hit on any part of the sides or rear and you're out. Glancing blows don't count, gotta break the paintball for a definite hit. And that's not all, you gotta get across the field, capture the flag with your barrel and make it back to your own lines before the other guy does the same!

I've got a wireless camera on my Pershing and it's really fun to drive around with! Have to select a brand of camera though that offers at least 8 known frequencies so there are no conflicts.

Here you go Swathdiver

http://www.pinecomputer.com/2112chavtr.html


This is a great site they have quality stuff, I was heading down that roud when I got into the search for the HL IR Battle system. I would be willing to battle the paint ball way, but the electronic IR systems that are being developed have much promise! For example, El Mod has a great sytem coming out, and with the change of software after there basic system comes out you will be able to have the flexiblity to take a hit to the side of your tank, and only that side goes dead, or take a hit to the turret and it can't rotate any longer ect...I am getting one within the next two weeks I will have a review for you! I have the Darkith IR sytem installed in 3 tanks right now, and I am going to hopfully get to compare it to Tamiya this weekend! But back to the paint ball fighting I can dig that also, maybe more than one shot on the side before you die, becuase I would put you out too fast swathy!

The Blitz

James,

You have obviously never taken a close look at my avatar.

While we can move around the battlefield, you are not always right on top of your tank. If you think driving and shooting is tough, try walking, driving, and shooting. Sometime you have to battle where you are.

8 frequencies is nice for the camera(s), but we ofter run 8 or more tanks PER SIDE. That California midday sun also plays havoc with video screens, not to mention the RF interference from all those motors and RC gear. A few guys tried them out a few year ago. Don't know about the latest and greatest.

If you REALLY want realism, you should have two operators per tank - one the driver, the other the tank commander/gunner. Each would have their own radio and TV screen.

Easiest way to get that (two people per tank) is have 2 transmitters with the same crystals - one with left stick disabled (this will be the driver) and one with right stick disabled (gunner/turret)

I didn't know this was going to be a tamiya bashing question . Otherwise I would just read the trash and gone to the next thread.There are two groups Tamiya types with Tamiya IR systems and the bb style.This thread is the BB style and I have no comment except you get what you pay for. I've got one of each and the bb tank has been sitting on the shelve broken for over a year.Why because I tried to put a better motor(same one I've upgraded in my Tamiya) in the HL. The circuit board blew and you can never seen to find one available from Mato on the site.Besides the bb gun hardly ever worked properly. It fired when it felt like it. Quality wise angain you get what you paid for. With both Pershings side by side-I'll spend my money on a Tamiya any day.
You can bash me all you want to. But having race R/C cars along time I know tankers would do the same thing to the bb cannons- higher power (they aready have them -just reading the boards)- thus making them more dangerous.Now go out and get some insurance for that.What easier to insurance a laser tag unit or a bb shooting tank.Wouldn't those nice TV advertising lawyers love to get one of those cases with the bb style tanks!Good luck................

Hmmm, I'm not seeing any Tamiya bashing going on?? If anything, you've just started an anti-HL rant...

So you tried to put too powerful of a motor in a HL tank, and it blew up? And you expected more out of cheap electronics which were designed to use the motors they came with (white cap Suntech 380/385's). You said yourself "you get what you pay for" (I don't believe that), so you shouldnt of expected the stock HL circuit to just "take it".

I put the same motors that my Tamiya has. Why shouldn't it take the same motors. Yes I got what I paid for a cheap Tamiya tank copy. That's what I expected.The others on this thread don't like the lazer version. We've got club members that have taken the the other versions and invested the money to put the tamiya gear in them.If you watched the video you'll see a Russian tank.
As for the HL tank I got "I got exactly what I paid for- it's sitting on the shelf".

What about the rest of us happily running HLs, that havent tried to put too-big of a motor in them, that run them everyday just fine -- did we "get what we paid for?". I think we got a whole lot of tank, for not much coin.

Oh, and "Why shouldn't it take the same motors" -- have you compared the cost of a HL S&S board (made for 380/385) to a Tamiya DMD unit (can do up to 540) ?

If you didn't attempt the failed motor swap, you'd still have your HL running around right now.... you cant blame Heng Long because you put an "out of spec" motor in one of their tanks