Heng Long MERKAVA review, build out and field testing.

[keilau]

One, only a couple of HL tanks have the available of metal bearings support housings offered directly by HL and those are IMO a waist of money, unless you drive your tank extremely hard outdoors in grass, mud or soft dirt/sand often. Otherwise just adding the bearings to the stock mounting position is far more then adequate. The Merkava's stock drive shaft mountings are rather stout for HL tanks, so adding an all metal housing is simply not needed, but if you must have one it's your tank and money.

For us to understand the effectiveness of the HL metal axle bearing, we must know its design purpose. Since I have no connection with the Heng Long design team and unlikely to receive any confirmation from them, the opinion is a personal one based on my experience as an aeronautical engineer. (You can Google "Kei Yun Lau Boeing" if you are interested in my background.)

First, the bearing for the drive axle is NOT for friction reduction. An open air hole through the plastic chassis is the lowest friction design. Old time HL tanker will notice that the RC tank runs with lots of noise and vibration. The Heng Long Metal Driving Axle Bearings do three things to reduce the noise and vibration.

1. The metal housing makes the chassis more rigid around the gearbox.
2. The bearing offers a more precise and rigid mount, less play for the gearbox mount.
3. It provides a better alignment of the tank forward motion vs. the gearbox forward momentum.

I have only a test sample of one on the German Leopard 2A6. All the above 3 points are tangible improvements, I paid $12 for the HL metal axle bearing on e-bay. It is one of the most cost effective upgrade I did.

I do not recommend putting a bearing on the plastic chassis over the axle drive. The plastic chassis is too flexible to provide the rigid mounting the bearing needs. An open air hole through the plastic chassis is the lowest friction design. Yes, it is high vibration.

[Rubicon99]

Yes, the plastic cover and nylon bushing are there.


There is no parts number or picture of this bearing seat assembly of drive shaft. Based on experience with other HL MBT model, I expect that to be a metal transmission housing cover replacing the plastic one on the tank. The manual specifies the drive shaft bearing as 8x10x3.5mm, same as other HL metal axle bearing offers. Hope the Merkava upgrade bearing will come out soon.
HengLong Metal Driving Axle Bearings For 1/16 German Leopard2A6 RC Tank 3889 | eBay

It is the best $12 investment to improve the HL RC tank driving quality. HL specifically states that their RC tank are designed to run on smooth indoor surface only. Using it on carpet or other outdoor surface will invalidate the warranty service.

Two points:

One, only a couple of HL tanks have the available of metal bearings support housings offered directly by HL and those are IMO a waist of money, unless you drive your tank extremely hard outdoors in grass, mud or soft dirt/sand often. Otherwise just adding the bearings to the stock mounting position is far more then adequate. The Merkava's stock drive shaft mountings are rather stout for HL tanks, so adding an all metal housing is simply not needed, but if you must have one it's your tank and money.

Two, of course they say not to drive their tanks outdoors. That's because they base the warranty on the cheapest lowest optioned all plastic models and want a way to reject any warranty issues for the slightly signs of sand, grass or dirt. Absolutely normal for the RC tank world even Tamiya, Taigen/Torro, TongDe and Mato have the same disclaimer. Basically the buyer has no warranty on any brand of RC tank and needs to understand that going in. The exception is if it doesn't run right out of the box a retailer like Motion RC or Toucan will help you, hence why they charge a bit more, but many others will direct you to manufacture for help and warranty claims (cough cough "Alie" and "Amaz" sellers).

[keilau]

The drive shaft bearings is the standard size used on the major of HL tanks. It's nothing special. I will be interested to see if yours has the nylon axle support bushings or if HL has deleted it. Hopefully they have not.

Yes, the plastic cover and nylon bushing are there.

The bearing seat assembly of drive shaft is not included. Please buy it separately when you need.

There is no parts number or picture of this bearing seat assembly of drive shaft. Based on experience with other HL MBT model, I expect that to be a metal transmission housing cover replacing the plastic one on the tank. The manual specifies the drive shaft bearing as 8x10x3.5mm, same as other HL metal axle bearing offers. Hope the Merkava upgrade bearing will come out soon.
HengLong Metal Driving Axle Bearings For 1/16 German Leopard2A6 RC Tank 3889 | eBay

It is the best $12 investment to improve the HL RC tank driving quality. HL specifically states that their RC tank are designed to run on smooth indoor surface only. Using it on carpet or other outdoor surface will invalidate the warranty service.

[Rubicon99]

The Heng Long IDF Merkava IV and all the metal upgrade parts arrived on November 26 by Fedex. It took only 3 calendar days and delivered on a Sunday. It is super 5 stars service.

On the package, it identify only as 3958-1 and (TK-)7.0.

I ordered the basic version. On the packaging, Heng Long clearly states the definition of standard Edition, 2 tiers of upgrade edition and the professional version.


The manual hinds that there will be a Metal Driving Axle Bearing to be sold separately.

The drive shaft bearings is the standard size used on the major of HL tanks. It's nothing special. I will be interested to see if yours has the nylon axle support bushings or if HL has deleted it. Hopefully they have not.

[keilau]

I am waiting for delivery of the Heng Long IDF Merkava IV from Toucan Hobby US Store, which should be in about 10 days. I also ordered metal sprocket, idler wheels and a Heng Xin gearbox. I already have the 24 pieces of 4x7x2.5mm ball bearings for the plastic road wheels on my bench.

The Heng Long IDF Merkava IV and all the metal upgrade parts arrived on November 26 by Fedex. It took only 3 calendar days and delivered on a Sunday. It is super 5 stars service.

On the package, it identify only as 3958-1 and (TK-)7.0.

I ordered the basic version. On the packaging, Heng Long clearly states the definition of standard Edition, 2 tiers of upgrade edition and the professional version.


The manual hinds that there will be a Metal Driving Axle Bearing to be sold separately.

[keilau]

I test fit the henglong track on my hooben sprocket. It fit onto the sprocket in hand tightly. I suspect the hooben would fit the henglong sprocket but I make no guarantee if if will we’ll enough to be used.

Now, I suggest that you just buy henglong metal track, blacken it and be dine with it. Us scale models have had to live with non scale looking track since this hobby started. Like taigen Sherman’s that are supposed to have rubber chevron track pads. Tiagen makes them metal and no amount of painting will keep them black. It’s just something you have to live with.

@RichJohnson, thank you for the very helpful information. Based on what you said, I will get a Hooben nylon track for the Merkava. If the Hooben track runs well with the HL Merkava, it will be a big bonus for me. If not, I will revert back to the HL plastic track for running the tank.

The Hooben nylon track looks very good in picture. It may just need a little dust to look realistic.

[RichJohnson]

I test fit the henglong track on my hooben sprocket. It fit onto the sprocket in hand tightly. I suspect the hooben would fit the henglong sprocket but I make no guarantee if if will we’ll enough to be used.

Now, I suggest that you just buy henglong metal track, blacken it and be dine with it. Us scale models have had to live with non scale looking track since this hobby started. Like taigen Sherman’s that are supposed to have rubber chevron track pads. Tiagen makes them metal and no amount of painting will keep them black. It’s just something you have to live with.

[keilau]

I am waiting for delivery of the Heng Long IDF Merkava IV from Toucan Hobby US Store, which should be in about 10 days. I also ordered metal sprocket, idler wheels and a Heng Xin gearbox. I already have the 24 pieces of 4x7x2.5mm ball bearings for the plastic road wheels on my bench.

I continue to search for a better track. I fully understand that the Heng Long open pin design runs fine with the tank. But I don't like the open pin look on my display bench. It comes from the bias of a plastic modeler.

I found the Hooben nylon track for the Merkava. Everything looks good on paper. It is only $85, less than the Tamiya track for the Leopard. The big question is whether it is compatible with the Heng Long sprocket and wheels? While the look is important, I want the track to run well on the HL Merkava too.

[Rubicon99]

Ok guys let's get this thread back on reviewing the Merkava and off piss poor retailers. There are other thread on that subject active now.

Back to the Merkava.

[cravo]

Hi sorry for late reply.
FIt's and foremost Eva is a chatbot from AliExpress.
second, they can delay the order it can happen.
It's up to you if you want to keep it or not.
If yes ask for expected delivery date to the seller.
If you want you can cancel the order or ask a refund on the order page where it says
"Open dispute"
Then take a print screen of the seller information of delivery date and inform you want a full refund because they did not keep the date of delivery.
After you open a dispute AliExpress will step in and reply to you.
They have up to 4 days to reply to you and it's AliExpress and not the seller.
After this they will say if you are right or not and provide you a solution.
After the solution provided you Don't do anything until you search for the email of AliExpress on your mailbox
Because on the mailbox will be the deal they are proposing to you and on the dispute message on AliExpress website will only show part if the deal they propose you so please check the email.
If you accept they proceed to close the dispute and to refund you on up 4 days after you accept or you can propose another solution to AliExpress and wait another 4 days for their final decision.
Remember here you are dealing with AliExpress not the seller.
And remember you paid AliExpress and seller will only receive the money if you receive the order and after all process is finished.
Also if you decide to keep the order, remember this, you have up to 15 days to open a dispute by any issue you may have and provide clear proof of what happened and an unboxing video of the package and a print screen od the item u bought with detailed information is key for you to win the dispute.
Anything else feel free to contact me.
Usually AliExpress refunds between 4 and 20 days, in my particular case o was refunded in 4 days, not business days but 4 days in a row.

[keilau]

I just visited the "DisneyFigure STORE" at AliExpress and purchased a plastic basic version Heng Long Merkava. At $184 shipped to US and taxed, it is the best price I can find anywhere, about 20% cheaper than Toucan or MotionRC. It is a 2 weeks shipment so I assume by air. I also hope to receive the tank package in good condition.

This is the first time I purchased a whole tank package on AliExpress. In previous experience, AliExpress wanted buyer to pay the return postage if the package is damaged, making buying large items from them not practical. @carvo recent experience gives me hope to give AliExpress another chance.

It is my understanding that the basic version Merkava comes with metal suspension arms. I will get wheel ball bearing, metal sprocket and idler wheel. I am fine with plastic road wheels. 390 motor or better is for sure. Still contemplating whether to stick with Heng Xin gearbox (ML 59) or try something different. It is also my impression the plastic track is better than the metal track in driving, if not durability. Looking forward to get suggestions and pointers from our more experienced members and current Merkava tankers.

DisneyFigure STORE informed me that they will not ship the 3958 HL Merkava, claiming it out of stock. I chatted with an AliExpress agent, Eva. She said very nice things about not to worry about the order and I will receive an email to get the tank. The email sent me some generic link to deals and coupon and ignored my complaint.

Thank you for the confirmation, please be informed that you will received
an email today, when you can order again. I assure you that you will
receive an email today and you can order again and your order will be
ship.
Please, send a chat transcript to my email.
Yes, I will send you all the details you need.
Rest assured this will be taken care of.
You deserve this kind of special treatment from me. I hope you appreciate
my efforts.
My apologies for this inconvenience and thank you for your
understanding.
Thank you again. Signing off.
Is there anything else I can help you?
Eva
Send a picture End customer service
Please type your question here :)

AliExpress has not changed. cravo experience is an exception.

[keilau]

Correct about shipping. However I can blame the supplier for missing parts on arrival. And parts failing cannot be blamed on the supplier. The customer service and how it was dealt with, following these is the problem is an issue with this supplier. It took the threat to Trading Standards before they even started to communicate. Phone calls and emails went unanswered. However emails were answered from my wife regarding a possible purchase. It is a warning to others, and why I recommend @carvo not to purchase from this supplier.

Usually, I will not buy from the retailer, whether it is Model King Store or MotionRC, when the price is too good to be true. I have had experience that the seller sent me a cheap plastic toy instead of the highend RC car.

@carvo experience is very unique. He found and purchased an advertised Professional version HL Walker Bulldog at lower than Upgrade version price despite the high shipping cost from China to Poland. AliExpress refunded @carvo to buy the missing parts to upgrade the tank to the Professional version. @carvo never said how much, but he implied that it was enough to buy the missing parts.

I purchased a Heng Long plastic version Merkava at much lower than prevailing market price from DisneyFigure Store at AliExpress as a fun experiment. They did not ship yet after 4 days. I figure that I will either get a HL Merkava at very good price or have them cancel the order. It is a delivery date guaranteed order. I should know no later than December 3rd.

[keilau]

When you buy direct from China those are the risks you take. Practically no Chinese company has CS that meets western expectations. That's way it is worth to pay a little more and buy from retailers in your country. For those in the US that means primarily Toucan on EBay or MotionRC for HL and Taigen/Torro tanks.

You can access the Toucan Hobby Store at their own website bypassing e-bay or AliExpress. You can filter "US stock" only if you are in the US to get the low cost fast shipping. They have the best search engine and accurate RC tank description. I see no reason for me to shop RC tank anywhere else.

RC Tanks – TOUCAN RC HOBBY (toucanhobby.com)

I do use AliExpress, e-bay, taigen.com, motionrc.com for RC tank parts or tools and supply.

[Meter Rat]

When you buy direct from China those are the risks you take. Practically no Chinese company has CS that meets western expectations. That's way it is worth to pay a little more and buy from retailers in your country. For those in the US that means primarily Toucan on EBay or MotionRC for HL and Taigen/Torro tanks.

Like you I have had issues with Chinese suppliers, but have always paid with CC. Here in the US we have pretty good consumer protection on CC purchases (depending on ones banking institution) so getting things resolved (money back) is usually not a problem.

Aliexpress is NOT "Amazon" when it come to returns or issues with a product, but they do offer access to all the parts for HL and Taigen/Torro and Mato tanks that can be harder to come by through more local suppliers. I would never recommend someone buy an RTR tank off Aliexpress, but parts, sure. For parts Aliexpress vendors have been decent filling orders, but horrible with communication.

You have me thinking now. Is there two Tank Zones’? This was my first purchase of a tank, so 2020, and sourced from what I thought was a reputable UK supplier “i.e” Tank Zone. Based in Surrey from memory. So definitely not Chinese based. It was only after I joined a UK based tank forum, which many on here are also on, that I found out about them. I am also now aware Tank Zone has numerous other selling outlets on line.

[Rubicon99]

Correct about shipping. However I can blame the supplier for missing parts on arrival. And parts failing cannot be blamed on the supplier. The customer service and how it was dealt with, following these is the problem is an issue with this supplier. It took the threat to Trading Standards before they even started to communicate. Phone calls and emails went unanswered. However emails were answered from my wife regarding a possible purchase. It is a warning to others, and why I recommend @carvo not to purchase from this supplier.

When you buy direct from China those are the risks you take. Practically no Chinese company has CS that meets western expectations. That's way it is worth to pay a little more and buy from retailers in your country. For those in the US that means primarily Toucan on EBay or MotionRC for HL and Taigen/Torro tanks.

Like you I have had issues with Chinese suppliers, but have always paid with CC. Here in the US we have pretty good consumer protection on CC purchases (depending on ones banking institution) so getting things resolved (money back) is usually not a problem.

Aliexpress is NOT "Amazon" when it come to returns or issues with a product, but they do offer access to all the parts for HL and Taigen/Torro and Mato tanks that can be harder to come by through more local suppliers. I would never recommend someone buy an RTR tank off Aliexpress, but parts, sure. For parts Aliexpress vendors have been decent filling orders, but horrible with communication.

[Meter Rat]

I did not say they were good, just that they appear to be the factory run store. I base this on my direct one on one dealings with HL.

Shipping is rough on tanks and things get lost in shipping and do break with mishandling by the shipping companies/personnel. Can't really blame the seller if everything comes sealed in a factory brown shipping box and they provided tracking. Even still we all are guilty of blaming the seller first.

Correct about shipping. However I can blame the supplier for missing parts on arrival. And parts failing cannot be blamed on the supplier. The customer service and how it was dealt with, following these is the problem is an issue with this supplier. It took the threat to Trading Standards before they even started to communicate. Phone calls and emails went unanswered. However emails were answered from my wife regarding a possible purchase. It is a warning to others, and why I recommend @carvo not to purchase from this supplier.

[Meter Rat]

Quoted the wrong person.

[keilau]

Two different "drop shippers" using slight variations of the Aliexpress template. I highly suspect that "tank zone" is the only one that is actually direct from HL. All the rest just advertise the product at slightly different margins and take a "cut" when one sells, much like people and companies do on Amazon.

They are "DisneyFigure Store" and "Model King Store". Their prices for the HL Merkava basic version is about $90 different. The DisneyFigure Store price falls into the too good to be true category, but I ordered anyway as a fun experiment. DisneyFigure Store included a disclaimer in the invoice saying that they can cancel the order without giving me any reason. But it is a "Free returns·On-time guarantee" listing. If DisneyFigure Store cancels my Merkava order and refunds me, I get to keep the Merkava when it arrives days or weeks later. It is fun to see how it plays out.

The "MODEL KING STORE" falsely advertised the second level upgrade version of the Walker Bulldog as "Professional Version" and get caught by @carvo. Now, AliExpress is paying @carvo the full amount to buy the metal shock absorbers and metal road wheels set. That gets me interested in finding out what AliExpress will do if DisneyFigure Store cancels my order, or if I receive a delayed and damaged item.

If DisneyFigure Store cancels my Merkava order and refunds me, I will order US Stock HL Merkava from Toucan Hobby Store for $230, shipping and tax included. I will not fight with DisneyFigure Store for a few dollars. They just make an incompetent mistake.

[Rubicon99]

Just looked at the two vendors shown. I cannot see who the vendors are in the adverts. Tank Zone has a poor reputation for customer service here in the UK. Most of us avoid them, along with Nitrotec. I have had personal experience with Tank Zone with my first tank, as have others, and it was not enjoyable. Tank arrived damaged, parts were missing, and the smoker and speaker failed. I had to threaten with trading standard to resolve the issues.

I did not say they were good, just that they appear to be the factory run store. I base this on my direct one on one dealings with HL.

Shipping is rough on tanks and things get lost in shipping and do break with mishandling by the shipping companies/personnel. Can't really blame the seller if everything comes sealed in a factory brown shipping box and they provided tracking. Even still we all are guilty of blaming the seller first.

[Meter Rat]

Two different "drop shippers" using slight variations of the Aliexpress template. I highly suspect that "tank zone" is the only one that is actually direct from HL. All the rest just advertise the product at slightly different margins and take a "cut" when one sells, much like people and companies do on Amazon.

Just looked at the two vendors shown. I cannot see who the vendors are in the adverts. Tank Zone has a poor reputation for customer service here in the UK. Most of us avoid them, along with Nitrotec. I have had personal experience with Tank Zone with my first tank, as have others, and it was not enjoyable. Tank arrived damaged, parts were missing, and the smoker and speaker failed. I had to threaten with trading standard to resolve the issues.