Tamiya 1/16 Full Option Kits

[DavidN]

The Tamiya stock transmitter came with 4 channels. It was able to perform the cannon firing, machine gun firing, and light. I use my DX9 to run my other Tamiya tanks. I don't have any other 4 channel transmitter. So I am not sure.

[Rubicon99]

Just to clarify, how many channels would I need to be able to use all the features including stuff like turret firing, machine gun firing, lights, etc.

Four channels is all that is needed. The Tamiya MFU does all the rest.

[oldwolf]

While folks are on this general topic, I would like to raise a question.
I recently purchased and built Tamiya’s new 1/16 scale Centurion. It comes with the new DMD T-11C control unit and I purchased the Tamiya finespec 2.4G radio to go with it. Not having built a Tamiya tank model in over 30 years I wanted the whole experience with their newest product. I have not been disappointed. Everything works together flawlessly.
My question is this: has anyone heard if Tamiya plans to release a configuration package for using the DMD T-11C control unit with some of their earlier models? I am particularly interested in their M1A1 abrams.

[Rubicon99]

While folks are on this general topic, I would like to raise a question.
I recently purchased and built Tamiya’s new 1/16 scale Centurion. It comes with the new DMD T-11C control unit and I purchased the Tamiya finespec 2.4G radio to go with it. Not having built a Tamiya tank model in over 30 years I wanted the whole experience with their newest product. I have not been disappointed. Everything works together flawlessly.
My question is this: has anyone heard if Tamiya plans to release a configuration package for using the DMD T-11C control unit with some of their earlier models? I am particularly interested in their M1A1 abrams.

Tamiya Abrams has a very different drive system than the DMD 11 is not designed for so probably not. You can buy the DMD 11 separately for use in older Tamiya tanks or for use in other tanks. The total cost for everything needed is around $250.

With the Abrams using a Finespec makes a world of difference for operating all the features without all the funky stick movements needed on other radios, a feat made nearly impossible to remember the sequences if one sets their stick configuration up anything different then Tamiya. Mine is/was set up similar to HL so using the added features was troublesome. With the Finespec I can have HL stick configuration for driving and fighting and push buttons for using the features (mostly).

[oldwolf]

Tamiya Abrams has a very different drive system than the DMD 11 is not designed for so probably not. You can buy the DMD 11 separately for use in older Tamiya tanks or for use in other tanks. The total cost for everything needed is around $250.

With the Abrams using a Finespec makes a world of difference for operating all the features without all the funky stick movements needed on other radios, a feat made nearly impossible to remember the sequences if one sets their stick configuration up anything different then Tamiya. Mine is/was set up similar to HL so using the added features was troublesome. With the Finespec I can have HL stick configuration for driving and fighting and push buttons for using the features (mostly).

This is good to know. The M1A1 has gun stabilization and tracking doesnt it? The Finespec 2.4 G lets that be set up along with HL stick configuration when interfaced with the electronics the M1A1 comes with?

[sclui56]

Wolf, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the Finespec from? I was thinking of getting one for my yet to be built Centurion. Most of the ones I see are from Japan and come with Rx.

[Rubicon99]

This is good to know. The M1A1 has gun stabilization and tracking doesnt it? The Finespec 2.4 G lets that be set up along with HL stick configuration when interfaced with the electronics the M1A1 comes with?

I was able to do that with mine.

[Rubicon99]

Wolf, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the Finespec from? I was thinking of getting one for my yet to be built Centurion. Most of the ones I see are from Japan and come with Rx.

You can only buy them from Japan. If it came with the tank then the tank was a Japanese spec model. By all means get one because they are well worth it when used with Tamiya systems especially the newer ones like the DMD 11 that comes with the Centurion and Sheridan.

[oldwolf]

Wolf, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get the Finespec from? I was thinking of getting one for my yet to be built Centurion. Most of the ones I see are from Japan and come with Rx.

I ordered it on amazon. Specifically : TAMIYA FINESPEC 2.4GHz 4-Channel Radio Control System (Transmitter & Receiver Set) 45068【Japan Domestic Genuine Products】 【Ships from Japan】

But, now amazon says:
Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.

Which is rather disappointing.

[sclui56]

Thank you both. Should have gotten the tank set from Japan, probably would end up a bit less. I still want to get the Tx, and if it doesn't show up when I am done building, then I will use one of the OTx units to start.

[xargsgrep]

Probably a dumb question, but I've never painted any models before. if I wanted to paint the Abrams in a NATO 3 tone camo, what should the base coat color be? Is the correct way to start with the darkest color and then paint the lighter colors over it? Or would it be better to start with green since that seems to be the dominant color as in the picture?

[SoCalBobS]

Many ways of doing it, but in this case, yeah, start with green. You could also (not mandatory) spray the tank overall with a really dark color like black before you paint the actual green, etc. This evens out differences in the base plastic or metal, and deepens the cover colors. My $.02.

[xargsgrep]

Many ways of doing it, but in this case, yeah, start with green. You could also (not mandatory) spray the tank overall with a really dark color like black before you paint the actual green, etc. This evens out differences in the base plastic or metal, and deepens the cover colors. My $.02.

I see, that makes sense. I was gonna spray the whole thing with the Tamiya light gray surface primer, would that be good enough?

[SoCalBobS]

Light grey overall will at least give you a consistent surface. However, the airbrushed colors over it will be lighter.

if you have the time and patience, pick a piece of flat material, spray half light grey and half black, then spray some of your camo color over both. You’ll see a difference. See which one you like.

[xargsgrep]

Ok I'll try that. Any suggestion for a black primer I can use which works on both plastic and metal? It doesn't look like Tamiya offers their surface primer in black.

[SoCalBobS]

There's always Ace Hardware or Home Depot.

[xargsgrep]

Ok found this one on HD which I think should work: https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-PRE...2144/310275636.

[xargsgrep]

Mostly done with the lower hull. I primed everything with the flat black spray paint from HD and then did a base coat of TS-61 nato green spray paint across the board. Now my question is what's the easiest way to paint the 3 tone camo? Do people just do it free hand or is it better to make a template that I can tape onto it?

[SoCalBobS]

I freehand airbrush. I know others use a masking putty. Depends where your expertise lies. Your real example was spray painted.

[Rubicon99]

Mostly done with the lower hull. I primed everything with the flat black spray paint from HD and then did a base coat of TS-61 nato green spray paint across the board. Now my question is what's the easiest way to paint the 3 tone camo? Do people just do it free hand or is it better to make a template that I can tape onto it?

Like Bob mentioned it all has to do with your skill level. I like to freehand camouflage with an airbrush. Others like to mask and get great results.

My freehand NATO camouflage on Tamiya Abrams.