NF Model M4 Sherman, six variations

[Rubicon99]

Will order soon a NF tank
So in awe with the HVSS-T66 track version
My interrogation is;
Globally in comparison
With which other company can we compare their tank?
Closest to TORRO, MATO or even TAMIYA? in some regards
(Keep in mind that my fleet are Heng long, Tongde and Coolbank rc tanks.)
Cheers PZ Loco

Suspension wise the NF HVSS can only be compared to a Tamiya with HVSS, which is an outstanding suspension system on the Tamiya. All reports are that the NF HVSS is equally good.

Hooben did make an HVSS suspension Sherman but it was only medical at best.

[PanzerLoco]

Will order soon a NF tank
So in awe with the HVSS-T66 track version
My interrogation is;
Globally in comparison
With which other company can we compare their tank?
Closest to TORRO, MATO or even TAMIYA? in some regards
(Keep in mind that my fleet are Heng long, Tongde and Coolbank rc tanks.)
Cheers PZ Loco

[SoCalBobS]

Anything with a cast hull! That'd capture the Sherman market completely!

[PanzerLoco]

A 7th variant in development? Please let it be a cast hull.

the most ''boring'' 7th variant possibility (with a cast hull) ; the ''kangaroo''

[Wulfgar]

One member in our club did some search on the info of the company . His findings:

NF Model — Company Background & What's Behind It

The short version is that NF Model is a brand name, not a company. The actual manufacturer is Hercules Hobby, based in Chenghai, Shantou, Guangdong — the same manufacturing district as Heng Long. Founded in 2008, 50-100 employees, and their entire background before tanks is 1/14 scale RC tractor trucks. Scania R470, Scania R620 6x4, Mercedes Benz Actros, full trailer systems, deep accessories catalog. Working multi-speed gearboxes, functional fifth wheels, tilting cabs that separate from the fenders exactly like the real vehicles. Not toy trucks — precision scale RC for serious hobbyists. They described themselves for years as the only manufacturer of 1/14 truck trailers in China.

The NF Model brand was created specifically for the tank line, keeping it separate from their existing truck customer base. On Toucan Hobby's internal catalog they're still listed as HHRC (Hercules RC) and product URLs carry the HH prefix. Toucan Hobby out of Shenzhen, established 2009, is the Western distributor — they carry Heng Long, Mato, TongDe, CoolBank, Taigen, and now Hercules tanks. They have US warehouse presence in LA and New Jersey so these aren't long-wait shipments.
What stands out about the Sherman is how deliberately it was engineered around the existing ecosystem. IR compatibility with Heng Long and Tamiya battle systems is factory built-in. The E8 HVSS version runs Pershing-spec tracks. The MFU is nearly identical to HL and TD architecture. None of that is accidental — fifteen years of precision RC manufacturing experience doesn't stumble into those decisions. The tank ships with a metal lower hull, metal tracks, sprockets, idlers, machine guns, turret slip ring for true 360 rotation, 4000mAh LiPo, and smoke unit. Six variants on launch day across three HVSS and three VVSS configurations, a 7th already confirmed in development.

A 7th variant in development? Please let it be a cast hull.

[DavidN]

One member in our club did some search on the info of the company . His findings:

NF Model — Company Background & What's Behind It

The short version is that NF Model is a brand name, not a company. The actual manufacturer is Hercules Hobby, based in Chenghai, Shantou, Guangdong — the same manufacturing district as Heng Long. Founded in 2008, 50-100 employees, and their entire background before tanks is 1/14 scale RC tractor trucks. Scania R470, Scania R620 6x4, Mercedes Benz Actros, full trailer systems, deep accessories catalog. Working multi-speed gearboxes, functional fifth wheels, tilting cabs that separate from the fenders exactly like the real vehicles. Not toy trucks — precision scale RC for serious hobbyists. They described themselves for years as the only manufacturer of 1/14 truck trailers in China.

The NF Model brand was created specifically for the tank line, keeping it separate from their existing truck customer base. On Toucan Hobby's internal catalog they're still listed as HHRC (Hercules RC) and product URLs carry the HH prefix. Toucan Hobby out of Shenzhen, established 2009, is the Western distributor — they carry Heng Long, Mato, TongDe, CoolBank, Taigen, and now Hercules tanks. They have US warehouse presence in LA and New Jersey so these aren't long-wait shipments.
What stands out about the Sherman is how deliberately it was engineered around the existing ecosystem. IR compatibility with Heng Long and Tamiya battle systems is factory built-in. The E8 HVSS version runs Pershing-spec tracks. The MFU is nearly identical to HL and TD architecture. None of that is accidental — fifteen years of precision RC manufacturing experience doesn't stumble into those decisions. The tank ships with a metal lower hull, metal tracks, sprockets, idlers, machine guns, turret slip ring for true 360 rotation, 4000mAh LiPo, and smoke unit. Six variants on launch day across three HVSS and three VVSS configurations, a 7th already confirmed in development.

[RichJohnson]

Yeah, I put a.ot of time and effort to make my ez8 conversion kit for henglong Shermans and few bought them. It’s a great kit, durable and fun to build. I have bitter sweet feelings over this NF release as we now have a great RTR ez8 available, however I have several EZ8s that I have built with Tamiyas and my Hl conversion kit that at this point I just can’t justify another $500 tank when I am out of parking spots.

[cleong]

We have been stuck a long time with Tamiya's Sherman 105mm with HVSS. It is about time that a manufacturer properly leveraged on the basic platform to create six variants right off the bat. We can only hope that down the line there could be a cast hull or lengthened hull versions

[DavidN]

Good curiosity Bob! I am working on another tank right now. It occupies my work station. The moment I finish it, I will move over to the EZ8 and let you know.

[SoCalBobS]

If anyone has more than one NF tank (I'm looking at you, David!) have you tried to bind a second tank to a controller? Just curious. (I experimented trying to bind a NF tank to a HL controller. Didn't work.)

[Rubicon99]

Visually they look the same in width and link spacing when placed side to side, but the only way to be sure would be to substitute them. That would have to wait on mine. Others might give it a try.

Well the answer to my question has been answered both by you and another. The new E8 HVSS Sherman will run Pershing spec tracks. So this means a wider variety of aftermarket options for improved running operations.

[RichJohnson]

You have two platoons there as they were 5 tanks in WWII. A company was 17 tanks. 3 platoons and one tank each company commander and 1st Sergeant.
A tank company attached to an infantry unit or independent could have one m101 Howitzer or later, one Sherman 105mm howitzer attached. Armored companies in armored brigades and battalions often relinquished all their HHV Artillery pieces s above, into one stood up Brigade artillery company.

[DavidN]

Next project.....trying to form about 2 to 3 platoons of M4A3E8 tanks for the next "FURY 2" movie; hahah! These arrived this afternoon :-)

[SoCalBobS]

Visually they look the same in width and link spacing when placed side to side, but the only way to be sure would be to substitute them. That would have to wait on mine. Others might give it a try.

[Rubicon99]

Two more updates:

1: I tested the IR emitter range. It is equivalent to the HL and TD stock bulbs; reliable hits at about 40 feet, definitely less than the high power ones we replace with. Under normal circumstances, like in a front yard or even inside, this would be satisfactory.
2: In an accessory bag I found clear inserts for the crew periscopes, and a clear lens for the top spotlight. The light housing is slightly oversized, so it is suitable for the installation of an LED bulb. (DavidN already took advantage of this.)

Someone on FB replaced the turret rotation motor with HL's high speed version. This tells us that the ring gear has the same dimensions as HL's. (I wouldn't do this modification myself. I found it hard to aim precisely, needed for long range shooting.)

I took this from DavidN's thread. Hope he doesn't mind!

The big question is does the track end links spacing on your version and width of the track match that of the HL Pershing tracks. If so it would "open doors" so people could use higher quality dual pin after market tracks and Tamiya Sherman/Pershing tracks.

[SoCalBobS]

Two more updates:

1: I tested the IR emitter range. It is equivalent to the HL and TD stock bulbs; reliable hits at about 40 feet, definitely less than the high power ones we replace with. Under normal circumstances, like in a front yard or even inside, this would be satisfactory.
2: In an accessory bag I found clear inserts for the crew periscopes, and a clear lens for the top spotlight. The light housing is slightly oversized, so it is suitable for the installation of an LED bulb. (DavidN already took advantage of this.)

Someone on FB replaced the turret rotation motor with HL's high speed version. This tells us that the ring gear has the same dimensions as HL's. (I wouldn't do this modification myself. I found it hard to aim precisely, needed for long range shooting.)

I took this from DavidN's thread. Hope he doesn't mind!

[DavidN]

I bought the version 2. I took it to our battle event last week. It went over many obstacles at ease. 2 members in my club bought the version 1 and 5. I feel that NF Model learned the mistakes from TD and HL, then produced this nice tank.

[SoCalBobS]

OK, 5 more things:

The road wheels appear to have bearings. At any rate, they spin forever.
The Commander's viewports are clear plastic.
The turret rotates 360 degrees.
The turret wiring goes through a slip ring.
The controller comes with a 1 cell 2000mah rechargeable battery.

[SoCalBobS]

I just received mine today and wanted to share my first observations. Everyone is welcome to chime in with questions, opinions and experiences. There is an existing thread by DavidN here called "Large Hatch (Hercules) M4 Tanks". NF Model is the company and this is their tank. I won't repeat the posts there, but I will refer to it. There are already some good detail photos posted. NF makes 6 M4 versions; 3 with HVSS and 3 with VVSS suspension, different turrets and gun barrels.

I got the HVSS long barrel w/muzzle brake version. So, to what I've gathered in the first 20 minutes since I unpacked it.
Yes, the lower hull (tub) is metal, but not magnetic.
It interacts correctly with the Heng Long/Tamiya system. both taking and giving hits. Big Bonus! When hit, the shake is similar to HL's, not as extreme as TongDe's.
The road wheels have rubber tires.
The treads are metal.
Hallelujah, the steering control is as fine as HL's. Backing up is in control, smoother than Coolbank's, which seems to go to full throttle in reverse.
The on/off switch is under the left driver's hatch, like HL.
The top snaps onto the chassis, and the wiring is very well organized.
The battery is a full size 4000mah lipo. (Mine came discharged, because the switch was left on. rehabilitating right now.)
The 50cal and 30cal machine guns are metal.
Smoke works great.
There is comprehensive decal sheet, listed as covering the 3 HVSS versions, with what look like some other options too. It's the dry adhesive rub on type.
The MFU is 90% the same as HL & TD's. No CN6, but the "Precoil" and airsoft can be switched on & off at the controller.

I paid $422 including shipping for mine. I'm sure that price may come down in time, but this product is a step up in some details from HL & TD.