Depressing Information
 

I can't help but notice that there is a lot of negative comments being made about the HL tanks. I have a Tiger 1 on the way, and I realize that there is the possibility that it may not perform well... if at all. I'm wondering just what is the problem most people have. Is it the structural strength of the hull and related items? Or is it the electronic circuitry being of such poor quality?

I guess what I'm really asking is would it be worthwhile to replace most or all of the "guts"? I cannot afford a Tamiya right now, but I plan on selling off some un-used paintball equipment soon and hope to get one (Tamiya) for next winters' project. But until then, should I look into upgrading my HL Tiger1 right from the start?

RE: Depressing Information
 

[X(] Agreed! It's such a downer to read all the negatives about the Hen Longs. But I want one too and am feeling better since I am reading better reports about the newer generation models, namely the Smoke & Sound models. I hear that the Pershing itself is a little better than the Tiger since the hull is built stronger and that just happens to be the one I'm interested in.

I'm waiting on a further consensus on what I'm hearing though.

-Harq

RE: Depressing Information
 

The problems seem mostly to do with the electronics I'm afraid. [:o] Unfortunately, that is the hardest part to repair (unless you are really good with circuit boards etc.) and there are not any easy ways to go about upgrading, unless you want to put out a good bit of money. :eek: The thing about the Tamiya Tanks that makes them so appealing is the electronic system. Sure the detail is great, but it is the 'guts' that make them stand out above the cheaper tanks. The sounds and performance......they are just really high quality RC kits that make you later regret spending money on anything less.

I think that is the reason the Tamiya electronics are so much more expensive if bought individually, than they are if you buy the whole kit. Tamiya would probably sell fewer tank kits because people would just buy the parts to put into cheaper tanks (the conversion is not that hard). That's just my opinion.

As far as the durability of the tanks themselves, the Hen Long Tiger 1 and Pershing (Snow Leopard) are pretty decent and you can bash them around without too much worry. If your tank runs well for the first week, it will probably be a lot of fun. If it does not act right, send it back, immediately. [sm=thumbdown.gif]

Good Luck!
Jason

RE: Depressing Information
 

I have botha new Tiger I and a Pershing. No problems at all with the Tiger I and the only problem with the Pershing is that twice now I've had to take it apart to fix the turret travers gears. It sticks in the rearward position. There's a spring loaded interference or friction type gear in the traverse gearbox that seems to be slipping. I'll try stretching the spring a bit to apply more pressure.

Anyway, stop worrying. If it malfunctions send it back right away. Don't take it apart.

Mike

RE: Depressing Information
 

Yes it is depressing reading all the negative comments about Hen[g] long tanks. I bough a Pershing in December [to compensate for the 'daddy' gifts of underwear and sox] and have had few problems with it. I could not get it to smoke and then READ THE MANUAL and switched the switch and now it SMOKES!! It shoots very well and runs great except I am still learning how to control it 'open field' with accuracy.

The Pershing is tough, I have run it into tires, wooden fences, tin cans and it has run over rake handles and rocks without getting a scratch. I have goosed the cats with it and no damage [some dirty looks from the cats].

I bought Heng Long as it was inexpensive. I ordered 1/18th figures for it as there was little USA figures in 1/16th.
I Ordered idler wheels and some accessories like Baggage and Cases and mine detector and then I began reading about the negative comments regarding Hen[g] Long.

I purchased my tank from RaidenTech and enjoy it. Perhaps some tanks do not perform well because of component problems within a given 'run' of models. I believe if I had the $650.00 to get a Tamiya Pershing I would have spent it on something else. But foir under #75.00 US, I got a tank that looks like what is supposed to be and runs well for me to laugh and the cats to quake in fear.

However, what i feel is needed is a complete list of parts one can purchase to upgrade/improve/ make better the Hen[g] Long tank performances including higher powered batteries, controllers, gearboxes, tracks, idler wheels, accessories etc. and in US prices, including S&H.

RE: Depressing Information
 

Well, suppose the unit arrives and does NOT work properly. Rather than send it back, why not just strip out the guts and do a wee bit of Frankenstienian surgery to replace the non working stuff? Yeah, it would cost some money and time but hey, it's a hobby right? It's what I feel would be preferable to paying for shipping (again) and possibly getting another bad unit. Besides, it would still be cheaper than a Tamiya, and I'd be able to learn more about systems before I shell out mucho duckets for the Tamiya.

I think I'll just accept what I get and go from there. But thanks for your info, it's been very helpful!

RE: Depressing Information
 

I did break a track once. I bought a set for $10 from Mato Toys. I run mine with a 3300 mah nimh battery.

Mike

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I just picked up a 3300 battery from Radio shack for my Pershing, but haven't installed it yet. I would like a new controller and am avidly reading the forum letters.

I am thinking of removing the recoil simulator as it seems ludicrous to shake the chassis [unless you are Monica Belucci or Sofia Vergara] , but if the shaking loosens the bb's in the firing magazine, maybe there is a purpose after all.

Secondly how do you slow the speed of the AFV down. I want trickle control. where the tank inches along at a scale 4 - 6 MPH.

Although it is only January, I am thinking seriously about creating a tank battle field in my back yard. Should this become a reality, I will flood this site with photographs.

RE: Depressing Information
 

Everyone is right - there is alot of neg feedback about these tanks but that has not stopped me from owning 4 !! I sold the fisrt generation Tiger 1 and Panther for the new smoking/ sound units. I now have Tiger 1 in german grey and a Pershing. I agree that the pershing is built really well . My tiger 1 works but switching on seems to glitch from time to time and my Pershing 's turret wouldnt fire and the smoking unit died. Luckily I took it apart and fixed the turret and ordered a replacement smoke unit. All working fine now Whilst it was apart I took the time to spray the Pershing and detail it. I supply some pics and also a pic for what lies beneath!!!. These tanks are like old VW's - you always have your tool box by your side. Besides These tanks are easily accessible and you might learn a thing or two. Even if the electronics fail - the replacement circuit boards should be readily available and a relatively easy to replace - you just need to know where to resolder. I am now a very happy chappy cause these tanks even though a chinese copy of the tamiyas are alot cheaper (as we know why) but do look the part and if you weather and respray to bring out the already good amount of detail - you really cant go wrong!!!

Anyone else have pics of their tanks???

Margandy

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Nice tank and cat photo. I had one VSTank, but I picked up another for my other cat. ;)

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Brimauster - don't worry about having to replace anything just yet. Worry about that when it breaks. All of the parts tht break are available for replacement if you decide to. If you decide to upgrade your HL before you can afford a Tamiya then surf the forums...here and the German one that we cannot mention in threads anylonger. There are plenty of people that have upgraded thier HL's with wonderful success.

For now though just enjoy playing with your tank until the upgrade bug hits you...or something breaks.

RE: Depressing Information
 

Hi just got my smoke and sound desert Tiger and had a couple of minor problems which were easily fixable. The main problem being that i couldn't get the controller to switch on, but it turned out that i only had to remove the bar that supposed to hold the batteries in! The packaging left a little to be desired and i had to glue my machine gun back on, but overall its well worth looking at one of these if your starting out.

RE: Depressing Information
 

i have one and dont have problems with it. i'm glad for what i have.