Well I came to the conclusion that I need both a HL and a Tamiya to see subtle and not so subtle differences. I ordered the HL Tauch PIII H from rctankwars with the metal upgrades and now I have to choose a Tamiya. This is where I would like some advice about which one to get. I will be buying from the AAF Tank Museum to support the cause.Building will be no problemfor me but I want a good kit. Some requirements for me:

1. Has to be WWII. Russian or German....or maybe the sherman.

2. I would like a metal lower but I am not sure which models come with this? Not very clear.

3. I guess the Tiger is the most popular but isthis kit, being relativly older, up to the modern stadards? Is the sound the best? Metal tracks?? ect...

Basically I wanted to get some opinions on which Tamiya to go with for building enjoyment ect....

Thanks guys. This forum has been very valuable!!!

PS....I know a HL P3 and a Tamiya are not the same thing to compare but I didnt want to end up with 2 of the same tank if I get hooked on Tamiyas. I just want to try both to see where I stand.

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That is a bit of a loaded question. What do you intend to do with the tanks? Will it be a shelf queen model, back yard blitz toy or IR battle tank? It makes a difference on which tank and mods you will need.

Current Tamiya models all have metal tubs, or "lowers" as you mention. 

They all come with plastic tracks. 

As to which one to get, start with the one you like best..  If you want a shelf queen or to run about in the back yard, you'll find they're all good.  If you plan on battling, stay away from the KT until you've built a few others, as this tank takes considerable experience to keep running under harsh conditions (due to the wide tracks).

Sounds are pretty good on all of them.  The new KV and PZ4 have (imho) the best sounds. 

The Tiger doesn't have a metal lower hull, although it does have a metal "tub", so it's as durable as a tank with a metal lower hull. The Tiger is an older model, but it's just as good as the newer Tamiya tanks, like the Panzer IV and the KV-1. It's even much better OOB than the newer Panther.

The model with the best sound is the Leopard 2A6. But it's a modern tank, so I guess the best sounds has to go to the KV-1. I like the startup sound of the Panzer IV, but the rest of its sound way too much like the King Tiger, Tiger, Jagdpanther, and Panther.

All of them comes with plastic tracks. The only Tamiya tanks that have metal tracks are the older Sherman models, and the Leopard 1 and the Flakpanzer (forgot its name). The only models that NEEDS track upgrades are the King Tiger and Panther. The rest does not need metal tracks, but they will run better and look better with one.

Man, just follow your instincts on what you want. ALL of the Tamiya's are great builds, some simpler than others ... just depends, all are enjoyable too. The Sherman and Tiger I are pretty easy without too many aftermarket 'needs' with the Pershing being a little more complex with tight quarters inside so space saving efforts are needed there. The KT might develop track issues, the Panther needs Daryl Turners sleeve in the mantlet to make the barrel to mantlet fit better.

You can upgrade ALL of these Tamiya tanks with metal or resin parts, doesn't necessitate it needs it to function, just function better.


- Jeff

This will be a backyard blitz tank. I am aware of the problems of the KT in IR fights but I really dont plan to do this.
Hmmm....KV or Tiger or Mark 4????

The KV and TI are pretty big tanks with the PIV being smaller of the 3.

I've got a Sherman and am building a King Tiger. They are the two extremes - the smallest and the largest tank Tamiya makes. I love them both....both are well designed, both have metal lower hull, but neither one is stock either! But then, neither are my Heng Longs....

I'd advise to get whatever you like best, but get one that is not available as a Heng Long. This way when (not if, when) you want to get more you don't get doubles. The Tiger I is a bad one to start with in my opinion just due to it being everywhere. Both Tamiya and Heng Long have had it for a long time and you will see a "too good to pass up" deal soon and get one anyway. Of course, there is an allure to the Tiger I, and some members on this forum have nothing but (it seems) modified Tigers. I will tell you that the Heng Long Tiger is a basic and buggy model, and needs a lot of tlc to bring up to snuff for serious tanking. That being said, it is also fairly accurate. The Tamiya Tiger I I can not comment- I have not seen one so do not know how good it is.

Ultimately, I would venture that whatever you like best is the best choice. I really don't think there is a bad one in the bunch. Personally, I drool over AAF Tank Museum's Panther, but I like big tanks!

I've been eyeballing the Tamiya King Tiger at the Tank museum myself.

Always thought it was an awe-inspiring vehicle based on size, capability, and looks in real life (paint schemes in particular), and if you have other 1/16 tanks that are smaller, it will really stand out.

I don't plan on running mine hard, so it will MOSTLY be on the shelf, but I expect that with the Tamiya, I'll be getting something more than likely more accurate in representation of detail than a HL, meaning less time correcting things to make it "right". It also makes it easier to paint, since you can paint before putting on any accessories, unlike many of the HL offerings that come with stuff glued into place forever.

Not bashing the HL, as I'm still spending a lot of time on it, and having a lot of fun doing so, but with the Tamiya, I won't be spending AS much time correcting things, and more time building and painting, which is equally enjoyable.

Besides, at $575, the KT is a fair bit cheaper than many of the other offerings there.

You cant go wrong out of the last three your considering.

Agree with everything that has been said, all 3 are fine selections.

Consider the fact that any KV or Tiger tanks are very large tanks sitting next to the HL Pz3 (which is also superior and fun).

The Tamiya Pz4 has a very small foot print like the HL Pz3 but is one of my most enjoyable builds and fun driving tanks to date.

But if size matters...well...

John

I have a HL P3 (converted to Tamiya electronics) and from Tamiya: 2 Tigers, KV, and currently building the Panzer IV.
The 3 Tamiya tanks I have built i believe; you can't really go wrong with either one of them for straight out of the box builds.
The Tiger is a great Tank, and will perform great, plenty of room on the inside to run 2 batteries in it.
The KV-1 is a little tight on the inside, but has great sound and even comes with lights.
The Panzer IV is about the same size as the HL P3 and not much difference there, excpet for the detailing that comes with the Tamiya Kit.
Would be interesting to have the HL P3 and a KV-1 as these tanks would have fought each other in 1941 and 42. So might be a good contrast in size for ya. And if ya wanted to eventually battle the tanks against each other.
Just my humble opinion.

New question....

NOT why are the Tamiyas so $$$...

but why is the Mark 4 (smaller Tamiya) more expensive then the Tiger (larger Tamiya)????

Because it's a new model. With slightly different sounds.

I like my sherman!! Tuff little bugger!! Also have a King Tiger what's so bad about it for IR battle?

It is so great to see a fellow tanker defending his tanks on the forum. I think this is the best hobby ever- it allows from all thumbs to micro-machinists to do their own thing and have fun with it.

Oh, and I agree with Shenloco - I to love my first gen Sherman and would not trade her for a brand new in the box Tamiya Leopard! It's small but very scrappy! I think the Sherman tank is still the #1 most purchased and loved Tamiya tank....closely followed by the Tiger I and King Tiger.