Getting started in RC tanks... A quick question

[dai phan]

It provides more power to the heating elements of the smoke unit. Most of the newer production tanks coming into the US are the 6.0S version now.

It will usually be indicated on one of the bottom stickers or inside the battery box as to which 6.0 you have, I forget which because I don’t pay attention to it. I rip the smoke units out first thing(too toy like to my eye). It is not listed as an option on the box or in the product description. Yes it’s kind of a gamble. Most of the time you get an S now but sometimes you don’t.

The Sherman I returned did not work well with the smoke system. Off and on and then none. I made sure I did not flood the intake. What do you think about the HL Leopard? Dai

[Rubicon99]

The Sherman I returned did not work well with the smoke system. Off and on and then none. I made sure I did not flood the intake. What do you think about the HL Leopard? Dai

Generally the HL Leopard is a good tank and work really well at first. It has some weaknesses in the way the molded in lower hull suspension stops interact with the suspension arms. Rather quickly the arms can wear or completely brake off the stops because they are to small and weak. This causes an over travel situation and the arms move to far downward. This then cause all sorts of other problems.

[dai phan]

Generally the HL Leopard is a good tank and work really well at first. It has some weaknesses in the way the molded in lower hull suspension stops interact with the suspension arms. Rather quickly the arms can wear or completely brake off the stops because they are to small and weak. This causes an over travel situation and the arms move to far downward. This then cause all sorts of other problems.

Then looks like I will return it back unopened. What do you suggest a good HL for first timers? Dai

[Rubicon99]

Then looks like I will return it back unopened. What do you suggest a good HL for first timers? Dai

If you want a “modern” tank then the Abrams or T72/T90. The Challenger 2 is also pretty good but some can be finicky.

WW2 tanks I would go straight for the T34-85 with metal upgrades: track, road wheels, sprockets and Idler. Solid running tank with almost no vices.

[dai phan]

If you want a “modern” tank then the Abrams or T72/T90. The Challenger 2 is also pretty good but some can be finicky.

WW2 tanks I would go straight for the T34-85 with metal upgrades: track, road wheels, sprockets and Idler. Solid running tank with almost no vices.

If I would like to keep the Leopard what can I do so I don't muck it up? I really like it.

[Rubicon99]

If I would like to keep the Leopard what can I do so I don't muck it up? I really like it.

Kind of hard to mess it up. The issues with the hull stops can be addressed and strengthen but you have to be willing to drill some small wholes in the hull and add metal stops. It is a little work but once done it usually solves the issues.

[dai phan]

Kind of hard to mess it up. The issues with the hull stops can be addressed and strengthen but you have to be willing to drill some small wholes in the hull and add metal stops. It is a little work but once done it usually solves the issues.

How can I prevent "hull stop" issues? And what is it anyway? Remember I am scale A/C guy and award winning plastic modeler but squatt about tanks. DP

[Rubicon99]

How can I prevent "hull stop" issues? And what is it anyway? Remember I am scale A/C guy and award winning plastic modeler but squatt about tanks. DP

The hull stops are small pieces of the nylon/plastic hull protrusions that stick out just fat enough to stop the metal suspension arms at a given point of downward travel. Sorry I don’t have my Leopard easily accessible to photo one.

[dai phan]

The hull stops are small pieces of the nylon/plastic hull protrusions that stick out just fat enough to stop the metal suspension arms at a given point of downward travel. Sorry I don’t have my Leopard easily accessible to photo one.

How do I know I have hull stop issues ? What are the warning signs? DP

[dai phan]

Hi all,

I got the Leopard tank tonight and so far I am pleased. I see a small plastic bag saying I am a lucky buyer and this is a free gift. However the bag is EMPTY !!! Can anyone tell me what this free stuff is supposed to be? DP

[Sureshot]

When I bought my Abrams from them I got a screwdriver and hex driver with it.
Steve

[dai phan]

When I bought my Abrams from them I got a screwdriver and hex driver with it.
Steve

In my HL Sherman, these came as standard tools. So the screw drivers are supposed to be a " Free gift for a lucky buyer "? Dai

[dai phan]

Hi all,

This morning I took my Leopard for a drive and it is much slower than the Sherman (also metal tracks) and very sluggish in turns. The battery is full charge (3800 mAh). Does this seem right? Dai

[windmill]

Hi all,

This morning I took my Leopard for a drive and it is much slower than the Sherman (also metal tracks) and very sluggish in turns. The battery is full charge (3800 mAh). Does this seem right? Dai

Have you confirmed its in high speed mode (G button & right stick forward)? The bigger a tracked vehicle is, the longer it will take to make a turn at a given speed.

[dai phan]

Have you confirmed its in high speed mode (G button & right stick forward)? The bigger a tracked vehicle is, the longer it will take to make a turn at a given speed.

No, I have not done the high speed mode set up ( didn't read the manual yet). I just ran out of the box like I did with the Sherman. Since it is much bigger and heavier I am sure it has to be slower than the S. Dai

[dai phan]

Hi all,

The sound on the Leopard is the same on the Sherman. Is that normal? Dai

[windmill]

Hi all,

The sound on the Leopard is the same on the Sherman. Is that normal? Dai

All HL tanks use the same sound set with 4 options, Tiger, Leopard, M-1, T-90. It's in the manual.

[dai phan]

All HL tanks use the same sound set with 4 options, Tiger, Leopard, M-1, T-90. It's in the manual.

Ideally each tank should have its unique sound right? I am sure HL does it for cost saving measures since there are so many tanks. Dai

[windmill]

Ideally each tank should have its unique sound right? I am sure HL does it for cost saving measures since there are so many tanks. Dai

When stationed in Germany as a M-1 tank crewman, I got to train with our "sister" German armor unit, and had the opportunity to drive, load, and gun a Leopard. I could identify the M-1 sound set because the turbine sound is unique, but I couldn't say which of the other 3 was the Leopard to save my life. None of the sound sets sound like anything more than a vague suggestion of the real thing.
At the HL price point, I'm happy with what they are, and won't worry about what they're not.

[dai phan]

When stationed in Germany as a M-1 tank crewman, I got to train with our "sister" German armor unit, and had the opportunity to drive, load, and gun a Leopard. I could identify the M-1 sound set because the turbine sound is unique, but I couldn't say which of the other 3 was the Leopard to save my life. None of the sound sets sound like anything more than a vague suggestion of the real thing.
At the HL price point, I'm happy with what they are, and won't worry about what they're not.

Thank you for your reply. Unless I am wrong I think Tamiya tanks each has its own unique sound but then 4 times the price. Dai