Purchase advice: Heng Long Abrams

[canklebreaker]

Hi everyone, new to the hobby and have been trying to do a lot of research to determine what kit to buy. I've received a lot of valuable feedback from members here and elsewhere but unfortunately still undecided as to what approach I should have when purchasing my first tank. The consensus is to spend more upfront on a "upgraded" version but my concern is that I'm unsure what quality components would be used when purchasing a pre-upgraded kit because I've read about generic/knock off motors and aftermarket parts not being of the same craftsmanship/quality. I plan to purchase from Toucan Hobby FWIW. I'd like to have a metal gearbox, idler wheel, sprockets and tracks (still debating on metal road wheels). I'd also like to have barrel recoil and 360° turret rotation (but these features aren't as important). I'm currently eyeing a kit with a metal gearbox, 340° turret rotation, barrel recoil, metal idler/sprocket, tracks, and barrel (I think upgrading to 360° rotation should be an easy to do on my own) for $300ish.

I also plan to add the following upgrades, let me know if I'm missing something. Is the hull brace/support worthwhile? I've also seen YT vids of people magnetizing the upper and lower hull for quick access, is that advised?

390 red motors
main shaft bearing collar: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3288...4d482e0eRuNFIo (anyone know if this comes as a set?)
drive shaft: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3227...4d482e0eRuNFIo (how many would be required?)
idler wheel steel brace: https://www.rctanklegion.com/product...th-steel-brace (unsure about this one)
hull brace kit: https://www.rctanklegion.com/product...-brace-kit-1-1

Thanks again for any input, much appreciated.

[SoCalBobS]

My two cents:

360 degree is a novelty, not necessity. You'll do it occasionally to show off. Same thing for smoke; you'll only use it to show off, and they're temperamental.

Metal tracks, sprockets and idlers are worthwhile, adds to weight, which is a good thing for tanks.

Stock, you won't need red motors, but the more weight you add, the more power you'll need. Then you'll need cooling for the heat that is generated.

Expect to upgrade the IR receiver if you are planning on tank battles. LegoDEI's is excellent, but you'll have to do some wiring.

Famous last words: "I only want the one!" Have fun.

[Vaseline]

Yeah, consensus is the 360* rotation is more trouble than its worth, the slip rings cause lots of intermittent connection problems. IF you feel like you absolutely need it, just cut gear teeth in the restrictor block on the rotation ring and lengthen all the wires going up into the turret. but its like a steering wheel in a car make sure to count your revolutions, and counter rotate after your done to unwind the wires. Again, you could just turn the hull instead of going through all that trouble.

[Broffermoon]

Cleaqrly, you have done your research. Heng Long tanks are durable. Unless you go to a magnetic connection between upper and lower hull, I haven't heard many reinforcing the lower hull. How are you going to use the tank? Are you going outside? Are you going to engage in organized combat? Are you looking for a functional semi hobby grade you got it. I have the metal driver and idler with metal tracks. I left the others plastic. Motorwise, try out the steel tranny motors that come with it first then determine what you need. SoCal is a very wise and competent tanker. His advice is golden. There are many very experienced contributors on this forum Listen carefully to SoCal, there is NEVER just one. I enjoy the research and modification constantly seeking the right tank for my needs. So far, I started with a HL Abrams, then 5 more from there. Good luck on your tanker journey.

[canklebreaker]

Appreciate the feedback everyone, suggestions have been taken into consideration. I plan to run it outside but I tend to baby my stuff so it'll be for casual driving but combat would be something I may look into eventually. I'm gonna have to force myself to stick with just the 1 for now...or it'll be the last you hear from me lol. This probably doesn't help but I'm also looking into the HG Humvee and 8x8 truck and trailer down the line sooo we'll see where this takes me.

[canklebreaker]

edit.

[RCP5]

Hi All. I am new to RC tanks (though I did do RC trucks > decade ago). I received my first tank, HL Abrams modified (steel tracks, idler, wheels, gearbox, 360-degree turret, barrel recoil) from Toucan. I found them very easy to work with and quite willing to negotiate on price. Anyway, I'm looking at painting the unpainted parts of the tank (tracks, wheels, idler) and am open to any words of wisdom or paint recommendations. The tank is currently the standard two-tone brown (desert camo) color. Other than spray painting my lexsan RC trucks one color, I haven't done much painting at all. Is getting an airbrush kit worth it? Any recommendations on brush types? I saw several youtube videos where they were doing weathering with what looked like a 10/0 or 5/0 paint brush.

[canklebreaker]

Hey welcome, that was one of my concerns when purchasing as well so I opted for the plastic base model and ordered pre-painted metal components (road wheels, sprocket, idler, road wheels) separately that Toucan carries. Cost-wise it wasn't much more if I were to buy the pre-built upgraded version like yours but I don't think mine comes with 360 rotation or barrel recoil and decided I didn't need those gimmicks. I also have double rubber padded metal tracks coming in. My tank should arrive this Thursday!

I am interested as to what others have to say on how to properly paint metal parts however. I assume with your description that the kit you purchased has metal sprockets and a metal gearbox as well? If not, those would need to be upgraded also since the rest of your components are metal.

[RCP5]

Yes, it did come with the steel gearbox and sprocket. I'm such a noob when it comes to painting. I'm still reading up on the different types of paints and ways to apply them.

"Only" three more days until you receive your tank. These things are a lot of fun.

[DimMak]

This is what I purchased from the Heng Long factory.