Rumors of Future Releases

[Rubicon99]

Tamiya has made an interesting release, which while isn't full option or even four channel such that the turret and gun can be operated, does represent a significant rethink (some may say regression) to a single motor setup as with their 1980s/90s tanks:

https://tamiyablog.com/2025/03/full-details-and-photos-of-tamiya-56048-1-16-r-c-m4-sherman-105mm-howitzer-mechanical-steering-system/

But to be fair, it is prototypical that most tanks have only one power source and require a gearbox and brakes to divert power between the two tracks. Let's see where this goes.

It is designed as a reduced cost entry level tank closer in price to a mid level HL tank. This Sherman is downgraded from their recently re-released Sherman. The drive system on this version is designed to mimic the real Sherman's "skid steering". I suspect being Tamiya it will be a rather robust and smooth handling drive system.

I for one am interested is seeing the final street price. If they kept it well under $400 for kit and or RTR (which they have started doing for a few tanks) it will be interesting to see how well it does.

[alcors110]

I like this release and will have to pick one up

[SoCalBobS]

Very interesting. Metal hull, VVSS suspension, differential steering looks like fun. One thing puzzles me. The last photo on the info page depicts a 2 channel RC car type controller. I hope that’s only a low cost option, not the only type. How would the turret turn and gun elevate? Let’s keep a close eye on this one.

[Rubicon99]

Very interesting. Metal hull, VVSS suspension, differential steering looks like fun. One thing puzzles me. The last photo on the info page depicts a 2 channel RC car type controller. I hope that’s only a low cost option, not the only type. How would the turret turn and gun elevate? Let’s keep a close eye on this one.

Two channels are all that is needed. It has no turret rotation, elevation, recoil, flash or sound. It is basically a running no frills hull. The pistol type controller is a clear indication at the market segment it is aimed at.

It is basically a modernized version of their original 1970s Sherman.

[RichJohnson]

I see no point in offering this tank, anyone that does battling or fun operation with a turret won’t have a use for this.
i am interested to see what it will sell for considering the full option with battle electronics is $600

[SoCalBobS]

I see no point in offering this tank, anyone that does battling or fun operation with a turret won’t have a use for this.
i am interested to see what it will sell for considering the full option with battle electronics is $600

Yep. Pointless.

[cleong]

It is designed as a reduced cost entry level tank closer in price to a mid level HL tank. This Sherman is downgraded from their recently re-released Sherman. The drive system on this version is designed to mimic the real Sherman's "skid steering". I suspect being Tamiya it will be a rather robust and smooth handling drive system.

I for one am interested is seeing the final street price. If they kept it well under $400 for kit and or RTR (which they have started doing for a few tanks) it will be interesting to see how well it does.

It looks like it actually has brake discs and pads, which when combined with the stated differential system, is quite interesting and realistic. I wonder if one could adapt a standard DMD/MFU setup to use this gearbox, and what performance and functional differences there are, like for example could it still do a neutral-steer pivot? It also opens up possibilities for the tank to be powered by a (small) nitro motor, though I would imagine it would require a big reduction ratio.

[keilau]

Two channels are all that is needed. It has no turret rotation, elevation, recoil, flash or sound. It is basically a running no frills hull. The pistol type controller is a clear indication at the market segment it is aimed at.

It is basically a modernized version of their original 1970s Sherman.

Tamiya re-issued their older full option kit Sherman recently. It is still widely available for about $600plus.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/tamiya-m4-sherman-105mm-howitzer-full-option-1-16-scale-medium-tank-kit-tam56014?variant=44644609491129&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn5iTv96OjAMVnUt_AB0UUyLYEAQYBCABEgLq2vD_BwE

[Rubicon99]

RichJohnson Models N Stuff just got in some M60 "fording" exhausts for the TongDe M60.

I got my hands on a preproduction sample shown here on one of my M60s. Note the rear grill is a spare I had to test the fit of the exhaust on and is not painted to match the tank.

[quitcherbitchen]

The internals of the T55 (T59).

any updates on this? Just wondering.

[Rubicon99]

any updates on this? Just wondering.

It had some issues and needed to be worked out. So delayed for a few more months. I suspect summer for full release.

[SoCalBobS]

A couple of items from Coolbank Wang's FB site. These are screenshots taken from FB videos. First, there is a running model of the Crusader Mlk III.

Second, there is a video of the CAD drawing of a Matilda II:


The Crusader was mentioned close to a year ago, and it's to be released in April or early May if that's to be believed. Given that development time, I'm guessing it'll be that long for the Matilda. Well, whenever it shows up, it'll be fun.

[oldwolf]

Oops, didnt get this linked to the post I was replying to. Lets try again.

[oldwolf]

Tamiya has made an interesting release, which while isn't full option or even four channel such that the turret and gun can be operated, does represent a significant rethink (some may say regression) to a single motor setup as with their 1980s/90s tanks:

https://tamiyablog.com/2025/03/full-details-and-photos-of-tamiya-56048-1-16-r-c-m4-sherman-105mm-howitzer-mechanical-steering-system/

But to be fair, it is prototypical that most tanks have only one power source and require a gearbox and brakes to divert power between the two tracks. Let's see where this goes.

I am quite fascinated by this, since I have one of the old originals with the servo controlled, clutch steering. I am forever in the process of restoring it to running order. And not actually getting it done, lol. I think I will dust mine off and see where I was with it. Seems to me that I was in the middle of adding turret rotation

[RichJohnson]

I have converted a few older clutch units to ball bearing wheels and Henglong tranys. Those old clutches are all just terrible

[oldwolf]

I have converted a few older clutch units to ball bearing wheels and Henglong tranys. Those old clutches are all just terrible

Ah but the nostalgia!

[SoCalBobS]

Well, it exists, but...


Looks like a nice kit. AliExpress advertises it at $109 plus $96 shipping. There's a video on the site that shows the turret rotation and barrel recoil as being similar to Coolbank's Stuart. Separate side skirts are a nice touch. It was driven slowly, but I think that was just careful operator control. As much as I'd like to have one, I just can't chance another $150 in customs duty on top of that. Not worth a total of $355.

[Tang - RC.Senshado]

Just got my crusader in yesterday from overseas. It held up a few days at the airport or whatever but that's probably normal given our current trade climate. It can drive in fast or "sim" mode and its longer "wheelbase" makes it handle better than the Stuart which was way too twitchy out of the box. But I'm undecided what to do with this project, I like the matching color remote so much. And it has a working spotlight too!

[RichJohnson]

Tang, what tranny does the crusader have in it? Dual tranys or a cross drive dynamic like the M5?

[Tang - RC.Senshado]

Here you go Rich. Same style as the Stuart from Coolbank, a clutch type gearbox (I think is what you call it?). But different form factor. Note the axle shaft going into a bearing and then turning an additional set of chassis mounted gears that turns the sprockets. Everything else looks similar to the Stuart. Ignore the dime bag of spare tracks in the lower hull.