Modern HL tanks?

[DavidN]

I would like to start a modern tank battle event for my club by summer. At this time, I would like some inputs from the experts in this forum about HL modern tanks, since I only play mostly WWII tanks. I need to build up to 10 HL tanks for each side of the battle. I don’t want to be political about this. So I will just call my event “Red against Blue”, according to the IR receivers from LegoDEI ( I might have 1 event in the early evening time). I might also call it “East vs. West.”

Well, for the East side, should I go with 5 T-72 tanks and 5 T-90 tanks?
For the West side: 4 Abrams, 3 Leopards and 3 Challengers?
Are my picks adequate? Will the battle be lopsided? Which ones of these will last the longest? Which type should I avoid? Any other that I should include in?
Any input is much appreciated! Thank you!

[cmdrcody]

You got USA, UK and Germany for the West. So, what about having the HL China T-99A and Russian T72 or 90 for the East side?

[Rubicon99]

I would like to start a modern tank battle event for my club by summer. At this time, I would like some inputs from the experts in this forum about HL modern tanks, since I only play mostly WWII tanks. I need to build up to 10 HL tanks for each side of the battle. I don’t want to be political about this. So I will just call my event “Red against Blue”, according to the IR receivers from LegoDEI ( I might have 1 event in the early evening time). I might also call it “East vs. West.”

Well, for the East side, should I go with 5 T-72 tanks and 5 T-90 tanks?
For the West side: 4 Abrams, 3 Leopards and 3 Challengers?
Are my picks adequate? Will the battle be lopsided? Which ones of these will last the longest? Which type should I avoid? Any other that I should include in?
Any input is much appreciated! Thank you!

Assuming these are going to be loaned out tanks. If so stick with all Abrams for the western side. Simply paint them differently. Why all Abrams? Simple logistics in running hardware and tuning needs. The T72/90 uses the exact same run hardware so no logistically issues with those.

Now the T72/90 do have some issues (structural forward hull weaknesses and track alignment problems) all easily addressable. You will want to address them in order to make them good reliable hard use loaners.

As for the equally of battle the T72s will most likely be favored in overall capabilities especially if being used by new or first time players. Just a much simpler tank to dive do to its size and there is no turret bustle overhang when the turret is turned to the side. Best to leave the bustle rack off loaner Abrams because it will probably get ripping off. Ask me how I know....LoL

For the issues with the T72/90 PM and I can walk you through the problems and simple fixes.

[RichJohnson]

T72s and t90s all break at the idler quickly. I’ve only seen Rubicon’s run and not break. Mine broke right away as have others I’ve seen. I have not done the mod to mine yet to strengthen the idler at its break because it’s just a loaner and I’m busy.

[DavidN]

Many thanks for your response!. Yes! These are tanks that my sponsors will provide for those first time players. The tanks will be those RTR right our of the boxes. I won't put much accessories on them. The decals will be applied but I will leave the paint schemes alone. I just put the IR battle units on them. Then for battles, I will put color flags with numbers on them for the players to recognize their tanks. I need those durable tanks to last as long as possible and I will gradually pull out my own tanks.

The Abrams and T72/90s are all at the $200 price ranges. The IR battle unit is around $30. The Challenger somehow is only at $135. Is there an issue with the Challenger since I could get 3 Challengers for the price of 2 Abrams. Thank you!

[tank_me]

Even the Heng Long ZTZ tanks will have the weak idler problems as the ZTZ is an elongated T-72 hull design. There are ways to replace the idlers with a Henntec or an RC Tank Legion adjustable idler assembly. The RC Tank Legion version has been sold out for like a year so the Henntec is pretty much the only option.

Derek

[Rubicon99]

Even the Heng Long ZTZ tanks will have the weak idler problems as the ZTZ is an elongated T-72 hull design. There are ways to replace the idlers with a Henntec or an RC Tank Legion adjustable idler assembly. The RC Tank Legion version has been sold out for like a year so the Henntec is pretty much the only option.

Derek

Actually the problem is not with the idler at all. Its with the frontal lower hull glacé where it meets the side of the forward hull. This section is weak and tears/splits in the plastic form.My T72/90 solution is simple, stupidly cheap and hugely effective at combating this issue.

With all respect,Henntec in my experience are simply garbage on anything modern that is fast, with metal tracks and that is driven hard (as these would be as loners) Henntec are great on slow moving underpowered WW2 tanks that are driven with care by an experienced person.

[DavidN]

About the challenger, any issue with it?

[Rubicon99]

About the challenger, any issue with it?

Yes.

Challengers tend to loose tracks easily even with drive shaft bearings and the new adjustable idler. An expert driver would be able to drive them without losing the tracks often, but an inexperienced one and on the terrain you are using it will be a continuous problem.

Yes there is a solution but it gets expensive given the use intended for the tank.

Side note: When a Challenger is all dialed in and running well it is by far IMO the best of the modern tanks when driving over rough terrain at any speed. Super smooth suspension with a huge amount of flex equals a mechanical ballet.

[DavidN]

Thank you! Maybe I should drop the idea. For these new players, I should just get 10 Sherman tanks and 10 KV-1 tanks. Less work for me :-) Small, easy storage, and easy for players to pick up after playing.

[Rubicon99]

Thank you! Maybe I should drop the idea. For these new players, I should just get 10 Sherman tanks and 10 KV-1 tanks. Less work for me :-) Small, easy storage, and easy for players to pick up after playing.

Honestly IMO that is something to consider. Its already a lot of work for you. I know I have the been there T-Shirt.

The idea of modern tanks I applaud you for its very ambitious. But simple, proven reliable and rugged Sherman's, KVs and even T34s are less headaches for you. Less headaches means you can focus more on ensuring there is fun being had by all. More fun = more return players.

If people as you grow are interested in buying their own modern tanks and start bringing them to events, then revisit the idea.

[DavidN]

Got it! The Sherman and the KV-1 have short barrels. New players tend to collide them accidentally and we won't see much damages in those. Thank you all again for the advice. I will put the blue LegoDEI receivers on the Sherman's and the red LegoDEI receivers on the KVs. It will be a Red vs. Blue RC tank battle event.

[MrChef]

Hey guys SocalBob got me interested in the Leopard after posting up pics and video of it.

Since I didn't see it specifically addressed. What issues if any does the Leopard have out of the box?

Thanks,

Chef

[Rubicon99]

Hey guys SocalBob got me interested in the Leopard after posting up pics and video of it.

Since I didn't see it specifically addressed. What issues if any does the Leopard have out of the box?

Thanks,

Chef

No driveshaft support bearings are its only real issue.

It could use better tracks the HL ones plastic or metal aren't very good. It runs best on Tamiya Leopard 2 tracks.

[SoCalBobS]

AliExpress sells specific drive shaft bearing supports with housings for the Leopard. A have some generic bearings there now, but the specific ones are enroute. I think there are different levels of tracks - plastic, all metal and metal with rubber pads. I got the last and they seem to be working ok. They don't have the best traction in dirt though. I'm also using some 'red' motors, to offset the increased weight.

I had a little trouble with the left side sprocket loosening. I'm using a longer bolt now, we'll see if that works. If not, I can use a little loc-tite, and the specific bearings will help. Is that an issue you were referring to, Rubicon?

[SoCalBobS]

Ok, damit, since I posted the Leopard pics and clips, I keep getting "Challenges" to add one to the stable. So Rubicon, what's its main flaw? Now, if you still have one, here's something for JVMConcepts to work on for you.

[Rubicon99]

Ok, damit, since I posted the Leopard pics and clips, I keep getting "Challenges" to add one to the stable. So Rubicon, what's its main flaw? Now, if you still have one, here's something for JVMConcepts to work on for you.

Bob yes JVM3Dconcepts has all those a parts plus more designed just not printed. They are holding off until I acquire a new test bed one for finishing fitment checks. My current Challengers I don't want to change the looks of right now. They are more less shelf queens these days.

The Challenger 2 is overall a good tank and by far the best cross country tank of the modern designs. It has a few issues though.

The sprockets are to narrow for either Abrams or Leopard 2 aftermarket tracks and need spacers to run the track(currently there are no Challenger specific aftermarket tracks made they are either Abrams or Leopard with spacer mod needed). The simple more effective solution is to swap over to Abram sprockets. The best and most reliable tracks to run on the Challenger are the Tamiya Leopard 2 tracks.

Next it needs drive shaft support bearings badly. Without them it easily looses tracks off the sprockets even with the new adjustable idlers keeping the track tight.

Regardless with bearings, Abrams sprockets and Tamiya tracks the Challenger needs to be driven with thought and planning. When done so it is a excellent tank. It is not a tank that is good for a beginner which of course you are not.

Oh lastly it's a HUGE tank. The largest 1/16 HL makes.

[MrChef]

Oh lastly it's a HUGE tank. The largest 1/16 HL makes.

M'mmm that sounds tasty! Do you accept the Challenge Bob?

[MrChef]

No driveshaft support bearings are its only real issue.

It could use better tracks the HL ones plastic or metal aren't very good. It runs best on Tamiya Leopard 2 tracks.

Well that sounds like a pretty good deal then.

So Driveshaft support bearings and Tamiya tracks. So start with a Upgrade tank then? and add the bearings and Tamiya Nylon tracks? Are the aliexpress bearings the only specific ones? Toucan or Forgebear doesn't have them?

Oh and is the Leopard turret ring small or large tor the 360 degree ring mod?

[Rubicon99]

The upgrade version if you want to start there but it's not necessary. Bearings are available through Toucan as well but if you can't find them aliexpress is still a good choice.

Leopards use the larger turret ring. I am not a fan of the 360 "wiring collar". They cause more reliability issues then they worth. Better to just lengthen the wires and remember to rotate the turret back. From experience in battling tanks I don't see 360 being used as often as people think it will be.