TONGDE TANKS

[dai phan]

The antenna is placed back. I will see where the long one will go. Likely will be on the other side where the vertical protrusion is. Dai

[dai phan]

Hello all,

I ran the tank with the plastic track this morning. I simply cannot tell the difference in speed or turn rate. Of course it will last longer due to lighter weight but performance wise on the carpet I see no difference. And yes the battery is fully charged. I ran the A3 with plastic track and ERA with metal , and both have the same speed. Dai

[dai phan]

The scheme will be Egyptian in desert sand color. The color is Mr Color MC 313 (FS33531). I will buy the plastic kit to scan the decals. Then enlarge to appropriate size then print out on paper decal. The kit is M60 A3/TTS so that is close enough for M60A3? Dai

[Rubicon99]

Hello all,

I ran the tank with the plastic track this morning. I simply cannot tell the difference in speed or turn rate. Of course it will last longer due to lighter weight but performance wise on the carpet I see no difference. And yes the battery is fully charged. I ran the A3 with plastic track and ERA with metal , and both have the same speed. Dai

The weight of the tracks has no real bearing on top speed when driven indoors or on hard flat surfaces if that is what you are looking for in your tank.

Where the plastic tracks add to the M60 is in outdoor overall run time on varied terrain and overall outdoor ease of handling. The tank will also have quicker stopping and less "wallowing" front to back side to side as it stops and turns, less realistic sure, but more like how a HL and Tamiya tank run.

If top end indoor speed is what you want then you will need to upgrade to quality aftermarket 380 motors and / or use a higher voltage battery. Or you can upgrade to larger 390 motors but these are a tight fit and if you are shy about tackling the recoil installation then not something you should attempt.

[dai phan]

The weight of the tracks has no real bearing on top speed when driven indoors or on hard flat surfaces if that is what you are looking for in your tank.

Where the plastic tracks add to the M60 is in outdoor overall run time on varied terrain and overall outdoor ease of handling. The tank will also have quicker stopping and less "wallowing" front to back side to side as it stops and turns, less realistic sure, but more like how a HL and Tamiya tank run.

If top end indoor speed is what you want then you will need to upgrade to quality aftermarket 380 motors and / or use a higher voltage battery. Or you can upgrade to larger 390 motors but these are a tight fit and if you are shy about tackling the recoil installation then not something you should attempt.

Actually I find the slow speed to be realistic. Some guys on YT run their tanks like F1 and it looks very un-scale. I thought lower weight would equal faster speed. What do you think of the proposed scheme? Dai

[RichJohnson]

Change the battery to an 8.4 or 9.6 volt battery and it will run alot better. The stock battery is equivalent to a 7volt battery. Its really slow and lacks power.
The higher voltage also allows current to flow easier as well. You dont need to run at full speed, but it gives you a better range of speed and feel to the tank, especially if you choose to run it in low power mode and go slower.

[dai phan]

Change the battery to an 8.4 or 9.6 volt battery and it will run alot better. The stock battery is equivalent to a 7volt battery. Its really slow and lacks power.
The higher voltage also allows current to flow easier as well. You dont need to run at full speed, but it gives you a better range of speed and feel to the tank, especially if you choose to run it in low power mode and go slower.

With new battery can I charge through the white lead or do I have to open the tank up each time I want to charge? Dai

[dai phan]

Greetings,

Here are some accessories in 1/35 static M60A1/3 to give me decoration ideas. With stuff I bought from Value Gears I should have enough to create something like in the photos. Dai

[dai phan]

The kit I will buy to get the paint schemes as well as the decal sheet is the 1/35 Italeri M60A3. I will scan the sheet then enlarge to 1/16 scale. Dai

[Rubicon99]

Actually I find the slow speed to be realistic. Some guys on YT run their tanks like F1 and it looks very un-scale. I thought lower weight would equal faster speed. What do you think of the proposed scheme? Dai

You have to pick a paint scheme that you find interesting. Don't worry about what other think of it. Just do a good job and people will appreciate the work.

[dai phan]

You have to pick a paint scheme that you find interesting. Don't worry about what other think of it. Just do a good job and people will appreciate the work.

I am going for the Egyptian desert sand scheme. The light color will take in the wash and highlight well. Dai

[dai phan]

Hi all,

Is this where the long antenna go? Dai

[RichJohnson]

Yes. And if you have a second antenna it would go on the raised spot next to the loader hatch. Though i have not seen one with that raised spacer under the second antenna.
This is the picture I emailed you for the antennas placement hole. Just drill out the square tab molded there. Just so everyone else can see it while we are talking about it incase they wonder where it goes.

[dai phan]

Yes. And if you have a second antenna it would go on the raised spot next to the loader hatch. Though i have not seen one with that raised spacer under the second antenna.
This is the picture I emailed you for the antennas placement hole. Just drill out the square tab molded there. Just so everyone else can see it while we are talking about it incase they wonder where it goes.

Thanks. I look at various photos of the A3 and I cannot make head or tail where this long one goes. I am waiting to get the A3 missing parts resolved with MRC so I can start painting the tank this weekend. I need the missing parts so I can mount the search light. Dai

[dai phan]

Hello all,

MRC does not have any plastic detail parts to send to me as it is out of stock. I have looked everywhere to buy even the cheapest plastic version to get these parts but no luck. Any ideas you can help me out with? Dai

[dai phan]

Ok gang,

I need your input here. DLKMRC has the turret kits for the A2 as well as the A3. They look so cool and this will allow me to solve the issue of missing parts as well as upgrading the tank. I emailed DLKMRC and was advised the A2 turret is designed for the Tongde M60A3 chassis. I like the A2 turret kit. I want to confirm with you all before I place the order. I know TD puts out 3 types of M60 chassis (A1, A3 and A3 ERA) so I need to make sure. This order is not cheap. Thanks all. Dai

[dai phan]

The shipping cost is well over 100 USD but I went ahead and order. I do not think I can get this any cheaper elsewhere. Here are the details of my order:

1/16 M60A2 starship turret Kit featuring:
- Complete high res 3D print M60A2 Starship turret.
- All hatches are openable.
- Included cannon recoil unit and servo pre-assembled.
- Included cannon elevation unit and servo pre-assembled.
- Included mantle raincoat
- Included IR/Spotlight unit, synchronize with cannon elevation
- RC machine gun turret rotation unit. (Require ESC to operate, can be purchased in our store)
- Removable machine elevation with servo pre-assembled.
- Rear rack with metal grill.
- Come with 2 pcs spring-loaded antenna.
- Come with accessories mounted on the turret.
- Preserved weld-bit on the turret for more realistic.

Featured M60A2 chassis Highres upgrade, selectable from pull-down manual.
- Set of high-res parts to detail up the chassis.
- included a lot of parts in gray color (primed parts).

[dai phan]

I also order the rotating light for the Challenger. Dai

[Max-U52]

You know, you ask us for our input, but then you don't give us any opportunity to respond before you place the order. I hope that works out for you. Remember, one of the most important things about this hobby that you need to have is... patience.

And it's mantlet, not mantle. For those of you who don't believe me, look it up. I did, and I found that a mantlet is an armored shield on an AFV.

[dai phan]

You know, you ask us for our input, but then you don't give us any opportunity to respond before you place the order. I hope that works out for you. Remember, one of the most important things about this hobby that you need to have is... patience.

And it's mantlet, not mantle. For those of you who don't believe me, look it up. I did, and I found that a mantlet is an armored shield on an AFV.

I did chat with DLKMRC. I was advised the A2 turret kit is specially designed for the Tongde M60A3 chassis. And that is why I went ahead and order without any disrespect to any member here. I welcome any input regarding this turret kit. Dai