Monster Truck Madness – All About R/C Tanks
Hello everybody and Happy Thursday!
Another week, one other detour from monster vans. Hey- I hope if nothing else lots of you respect the large swath of stuff that I’m in to because it pertains to the passion. Monsters will all the time be my favourite factor, however selection is the spice of life! You by no means know what’ll you get on this area of the Internet!
I’ve talked about it in passing over the past 12 months, however I’ve gotten massive into 1/35 scale mannequin tank/armor building. It’s been enjoyable studying the way to paint and climate them (I’m nonetheless not nice, however every time I get a LITTLE bit better- and that leads me to a different undertaking I’d like to do- a totally weathered Clod Buster…however that’s a digression for an additional time).
As I’ve continued to work on my small scale tank modeling expertise, an elephant has began to present itself within the proverbial room. One that I had solely thought of in passing earlier than, however now could be a totally realized factor in my thoughts. It’s one thing I need to attempt. The world of 1/16 scale r/c tanking.
I’ve lengthy prevented it due to how terrifying (to my pockets) a rabbit gap I’ve figured it may very well be. I’ve all the time been a tank nut, and that was earlier than entering into modeling them. Heck- even earlier than I received into r/c! And like many different center aged dudes, I’m additionally a normal WW2 buff as well.
So yeah, slippery slope and all that. Well, it’s time to check the waters out.
So after I was on the lookout for info on r/c tanks, a fellow poster on a message board that I frequent (the Something Awful Forums, which was mainly like Reddit earlier than there was a Reddit- sure I’m an outdated millennial!) Lord Ludikrous, went out of his strategy to submit some info on what the trendy r/c tank scene is like in an effort to assist me select a mannequin to begin with. After studying a number of wonderful posts and personal messages from him, I requested if I may amalgamate and submit them to my weblog right here, as I figured it could assist different hobbyists out. I suppose I ought to add a disclaimer that these are his opinions. Here is what he instructed me –
Lord Ludikrous says-
Tamiya – The unique and plenty of would say the very best, however with the best price ticket and they are often arduous to pay money for. The electronics are additionally considerably dated however not less than could be swapped out with one thing newer. These are constructed from kits, and are comprised primarily of plastic with steel bolstered chassis. An enormous vary of WW2, chilly warfare and trendy tanks can be found.
Heng Long – Used to be kind of cheaper copies of Tamiya however have come a really great distance over the past couple of a long time and now boast the very best electronics of the “out of the box” choices. These are considerably cheaper than the opposite manufacturers and all come RTR out of the field, full with further components sprues, and waterless decals. Their newest variations have each airsoft and IR battle functionality. Hulls and turrets are totally plastic however various choices can be found at totally different value factors, similar to fully plastic, steel sprockets and tracks, and steel sprockets, tracks and highway wheels. By far and away the most well-liked and straightforward to work with, however some fashions undergo from accuracy points, and a few hulls don’t deal with steel operating gear very properly. They supply a very good number of WW2 and trendy autos, however chilly warfare choices are virtually non existent except for the T-72.
Taigen/Torro – These sit between Tamiya and Heng Long by way of pricing and are characterised by having all steel operating gear, steel decrease hulls, plastic higher hulls, and both plastic or steel turrets. Decent accuracy for essentially the most half and really excessive construct high quality in comparison with the opposite choices (besides Tamiya). They additionally promote tanks totally painted and able to run out of the field, or alternatively as unpainted kits for these prepared and capable of do it themselves and save a big chunk of change within the course of. They additionally supply the unpainted variations with none electronics for many who want to put the extra superior aftermarket choices in. They have a good number of WW2 autos however no chilly warfare choices and the Leopard 2A6 is their solely trendy choice. The solely actual draw back is their electronics have fallen far behind Heng Long, and their tanks can both have IR or airsoft – not each.
Mato – These are about as costly as Tamiya and are characterised by their all steel building. Some want these as they add a pleasant quantity of weight and inertia to the car, however bear in mind it’s a pot type steel. Predictably they’re additionally very tough to work on in comparison with plastic, and the numerous further weight is a pressure on the gearboxes and batteries. The electronics are far behind all the opposite choices.
Most standard is Heng Long, adopted by Taigen. Tamiya and Mato are a lot rarer because of the substantial value distinction.
Good beginning fashions
For essentially the most half the WW2 fashions are all protected selections if you wish to begin entering into R/C tanks, with only some fashions being problematic.
The first Heng Long (and Taigen) launch and nonetheless the most well-liked as we speak is the Tiger 1, and it is a actually good strategy to get into the passion, particularly in the event you decide to go along with Taigen. The giant boxy hull has a number of inside area to suit all of the gubbins you need, and theres an enormous vary of components and extras accessible. With each being copies of the Tamiya equipment, you may simply combine and match between Heng Long and Taigen. Its quite common for individuals to get the Heng Long model then substitute the decrease hull and operating gear with Taigen.
Other good beginning fashions:
Panther G – The second tank to get a launch and advantages in the identical manner because the Tiger does, however this mannequin and onward can require some modification to combine and match.
M4A3 Sherman – The Heng Long model is very advisable as a strong and dependable runner.
T-34 85 – Same as above, though the Heng Long model rides too excessive on the suspension for my liking.
Panzer III – Basically a dinky Tiger. Easy to work with and a very good choice if you would like one thing smaller.Ones to keep away from as a beginner:
King Tiger – Nothing really unsuitable with it, its simply costly, monumental, and within the case of the Taigen model, very heavy. Very spectacular when completed proper so finest to get this when you’re certain it’s a passion you actually like.
Panzer IV – Accuracy points and a few reported issues with the suspension.
M41 Walker Bulldog – Glaringly inaccurate as Heng Long selected to change the form of the tank to suit the gubbins slightly than alter the gubbins to suit the tank.
Panther (1st Heng Long launch) – Often known as the Pantiger, this was Heng Long’s first try at a Panther. While the turret was hardly correct however not less than recognizable as a Panther, the hull was rejigged to suit the Tiger 1 decrease hull. Awful.
T-72 – A standard problem with these when utilizing steel operating gear is the plastic hull the place the idlers connect to can not take the burden and over time will break. Fixable however requires intensive modification.
Now THAT is a few data for a beginner, and I thank Lord Ludikrous for going out of his manner to assist me get into this phase of the passion. I hope a few of you will see that data helpful as I’ve!
This submit is getting lengthy, so I’m going to try to wrap it up shortly. I’m going to order a Heng Long Pro RTR tank. Which mannequin precisely, you’ll have to attend til it is available in to search out out!
The motive I’m going with the Heng Long is that it feels like essentially the most economical strategy to get into this phase of the passion to see if I prefer it earlier than probably diving deeper with a extra optioned out providing.
I’ll submit my impressions when it arrives. Until subsequent time, hold it on all 4’s!