I recently got a 1/16 scale RC model of the Panzerkampgwagen (non-metal) but cannot take the top half off. The instructions show to poke with a screwdriver into two holes near the back but there seem to be no holes there? any advice on how to separate the two halves?

Hi, shangovi! Welcome to the site!
You may get more responses by posting your question in the tank forum: RC Tanks - RCU Forums
I hope you get it figured out!

another thing when charging the battery both charger and battery get quite hot - is this normal?