Rumors of Future Releases

[RichJohnson]

I just saw this on the Facebook.

[SoCalBobS]

I received a message from DKLM. The metal versions of the Churchill will be delayed a bit. The metal parts are subcontracted by TD, and that factory is delayed resuming after CNY. Hopefully to be released in mid=march.

[SoCalBobS]

Coolbank Wang posted a clip of the Churchill running.

[SoCalBobS]

Carson posted a print of the trailer, says it'll be on his website soon.

[SoCalBobS]

A couple of other tidbits from Carson:

He made a Churchill Crocodile trailer for his OKMO version. If there is a demand, he may print up some more.



He also said TD actually made the metal T-90 product mentioned earlier in this thread, but they did not market it. I got the impression that he could get one on special order if asked.

[SoCalBobS]

DKLM RC has posted the Tongde Churchill as a pre-order on his website; $169 for plastic, $305 for metal....plus the dreaded shipping cost. To California it is $199. Carson(DKLM) says he is trying to find a US dealer, but for now it's shipping from HK or CN. He says to expect shipment in late February or early March because of the month-long Chinese New Year factory shutdowns.

I'll start a new thread when one arrives at my door!

Specs from his website:


I've chosen the metal version. Those tiny roadwheels and suspension arms could be fragile if they were plastic. My main concern however, is the TD main board. It's listed as the 2.0 version which is in the M2 Bradley, which is probably necessary to facilitate selection of the two machine guns and the articulation of the hull MG. There was a discrepancy in the M2's IR battling compatibility, as mentioned elsewhere. Unless TD has remedied this, which is possible given their desire to enter the tank market, a compromise between a TD board with all bells & whistles or an HL board for IR fights. It remains to be seen...

A photo from FB:



One thing I will give TD credit for; eliminating airsoft from their tanks allows a greater degree of freedom in choice of subjects and adherence to scale. No more 6mm bore gun barrels!

[Delta_19]

im gonna say its gonna be $50 more expensive then the respective m60 model with all the extra stuff they show

[SoCalBobS]

I've been told by DKLM that the Churchill will be released in "late February". He plans to post them on his website sometime this week. Both versions, plastic vs metal running gear, will be available at the same time. No price yet.

[SoCalBobS]

Tongde posted a FB video of their Churchill. I saw the following:

Accurate gun recoil.
Muzzle flash LED.
Hull MG flashing and moving.
Coax MG flashing.
Metal road wheels, idlers, sprockets & tracks.
Individual road wheel suspension.
Track tension adjusters.

No update on release. Definitely no airsoft capability. Not sure if I see an IR bulb in the mantlet recess.

If/when it's released, I recommend getting the version with metal road wheels. Those wheels are small and the flanges would be fragile in plastic.

[RichJohnson]

The standard HL type lion battery will fit fine as I use one in my own m5 Stuart build

[SoCalBobS]

CW posted a render on FB of the M5 Stuart. Not much to say about it, since a render is not a guarantee of an actual object. However it shows a gearbox which can't be a standard TD or HL type. If it exists, it could be valuable for 1/16 DIY projects! The battery won't be the same as the small packs used in HL's Panzer III, StuG III or T-90.

[SoCalBobS]

If a box with a Stuart, Crusader or Hetzer shows up on my doorstep, I'm not one to ask questions!

[MrChef]

Ohh yes I'm following the drama too... Hard not too when it's blowing up on FB rc tank groups left and right.

[RichJohnson]

Just keep in mind Coolbank and Tongde are different entities and supposedly TD has parted ways with coolbank.
Stanley should be careful publicly voicing displeasure with either since he is a big vendor. He could accidentally slander them.
TD is making some great tanks and filling holes in the armor in the field we have needed for a long time and they have more to come. They also are listening to feedback that is provided to them and are improving their models and designs. I know for a fact their M60 series has had 3 versions as the parts have been updated for improvement. That’s at least two revisions which require new molds being cut and that ain’t cheap.
Coolbank, while I have had issues with his publicity process, is trying hard to produce stuff that our hobby wants and needs. Rumors aside I hope he gets his m5 out there. I have seen it was planned to be a 3d printed tank model since he has parted ways with TD. I hope it is scale. It looks a bit big and the mantlet is wrong and obtuse looking but we have had to put up with worse…. I already have my m5 I built from the classy hobby kit so probably won’t buy one but I would love to see a bunch on the field.

[Delta_19]

CW posted a long apology regarding the Hetzer. To mass produce it, it would have to be retooled for injection molding. It was just a demo.

Just saw that on his profile, I get it, using an existing model as a reference well making your own version. Still feels like it should have been better noted.

But, from the looks of it damage is done. Coolbanks and all related profiles have been banned from the groups and, stanlley tai of rc tank legion is already voicing his displeasure with coolbanks and tongde.

[SoCalBobS]

So incase you aren't in the facebook groups, warprints is claiming that coolbanks hetzer is a mass production of their STL's without license.

and the arguments are looking pretty strong that that's the case.

CW posted a long apology regarding the Hetzer. To mass produce it, it would have to be retooled for injection molding. It was just a demo.

[Delta_19]

So incase you aren't in the facebook groups, warprints is claiming that coolbanks hetzer is a mass production of their STL's without license.

and the arguments are looking pretty strong that that's the case.

[tank_me]

Crusader comes out its a day one for me. But, at this rate I'm just gonna model and print the 76 turret myself.

I'm really surprised that HL or Torro didn't take advantage of printing more "conversions" for their own tanks. To me that is a missed opportunity and not much investment.

[Delta_19]

Crusader comes out its a day one for me. But, at this rate I'm just gonna model and print the 76 turret myself.

[SoCalBobS]

That’s consistent with statements he’s made in the past. He said he wanted to make more tanks on a smaller platform, like the M5 and M8. I also see the T-34/76 turret he’d talked about. Now if we just were to see the actual products released! Tanks for sharing.