1:9th Abrams... a hopeless cause?

Panzer DAT · Post by **Panzer DAT** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:46 pm

Guys I am new to the site but have been reading the posts on the 1/9 M1 Abrams. Mine too broke almost immediatly when first run and found the problem to be the front rollers could not take the pressure of a pulling track. So what I did was I went to LOWES and bought a steel rod which I used as an axle for the front rollers. My inside roller had gotten damaged when the the old axle broke so I replaced it with a cut piece of oak the same size which acually helped reinforce the outside roller wheel. I cut off the plasic axle guide on the other side and did not have to worry about the left side since that broke during initial operation and replaced it with a metal sleeve to support the axle on the plasic hull and nylon spacers to correctly position the roller in relation to the track. I know that this is very basic instructions on my fix but ya'll can see what I have done to make a cheap vehicle usable. The metal axle can take much more pressure as compared to the orginal design. Hope this helps for those who are considering buying one or not. The price is still right.

Bruzzer · Post by **Bruzzer** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:39 pm

Thanks for the info on the fix. I couldn't resist that thing and had to pick one up. Hopefully it won't break but if it does I know I can do something about it.

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 9:55 am

Just got home with my new tank. I ran it around the back for over 1/2 hour. I ran it over sticks, etc and put it through the moves. No problem. I examined the wheels prior to the start and noticed a bit more reinforcement than I saw in the web photos of the broken tank. On further examination post run there are no cracks or damage. I did notice a popping sound on occasion, this was determined to be the rear wheel hitting the drive sprocket on some of the bumps. Just a thought, I was in a store the other day and noticed a clerk throwing the box around (it is heavy) could rough handeling at the stores contribute to the breakage? One question, Where can I find the machine guns to mount on the turret. ? I'm a bit miffed they didn't include these.

digger · Post by **digger** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 6:21 am

Good news that it held up, maybe there has been a mid-production fix. A 1/9th Machine Gun may be a tall order - anyone?

75th Ranger · Post by **75th Ranger** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:52 am

I agree with the fact that the Wally employees throw the tanks around like they don't care....i talk to some of them yesterday and they said:"That stupid tank don't sell, it is a piece of ^&&%&....it is too heavy and to costly....so we tossed them all up there...pointing to the high high high ceiling shevles".......there were like 10 Abrams in my local store and they were all there yesterday at regular price....and now they are stocked in a place that can only be reached by the automatic stair cart...so go figure!
Hopefully they will lower the price of the tank enough that we can all aford it even f it is a dud...it looks cool!
take care and happy holidays!

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:58 am

I'd say $50 is a fair price. Wouldn't you agree?

75th Ranger · Post by **75th Ranger** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:06 pm

Yeah!
but $20 sounds even better!
if they sell them for $20 I will buy at least 5.....hahahahha!

have my own tank platoon!

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:08 pm

All right now, don't be greedy..

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:09 pm

I hope it doesn't go that low my wife will kill me

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:16 pm

On a more serious note, this probabily wasn't the best item to sell at WALMART. This, while it is a "toy" it is more for the hobbyest. I plan on detailing it etc. This tank is more suited for a hobby store etc.

tko211 · Post by **tko211** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:22 pm

I had a chance to talk to 21st Century Toys about the Abrams Tank. They discovered that the factory had used inferrior material for the parts that many people have indicated as having problems with. This was discovered quickly and the problems have been corrected with the other batches of tanks. It was only the first smaller batch that was affected.

21st took a second generation Abrams and beat on it for an hour without any problems. They ran it into and off of cement curbs, crashed it into the first generation abrams, climbed hills, and clawed its way through dirt and mud.

Fans should be able to buy the tank with confidence now. Just pick one in a newer looking box to be safe. Most stores are currently stocking the second generation version now.

Hope that helps.

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:29 pm

Thank You!!!!!!

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:35 pm

Sweet! Thanks for the heads up!

tko211 · Post by **tko211** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 3:40 pm

Also just to be safe, check out your Abrams carefully once you buy it! Determine that yours works and functions properly before throwing away any reciepts. Wal-Mart is aware of the situation and is doing a great job working with 21st and the Fans to ensure a positive experience.

kimtheredxd · Post by **kimtheredxd** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 6:49 pm

Glad to see the problems have been fixed.Now its tempting to buy one.Any one know of any video online of it running?I would want to see that first before deciding.

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:14 pm

Just saw 3 Abrams marked down to $75. Only $25 more to go..

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:01 pm

Where are you seeing these? Walmart here in Virginia is a steadfast 199.99. Could these be the problem ones on sale?

75th Ranger · Post by **75th Ranger** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:30 pm

thanks!

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:50 am

Broward County, Florida is where I'm seeing these. Of the 4 Walmarts in my immediate area, 2 already had them discounted to $100 a couple days before Christmas. One is still pricing theirs at $150, while the other 2 remain at $100. These tanks arrived in the 4 stores maybe 2 or 3 weeks ago, so I'm betting these are all second generation machines. The store with the $75 Abrams also has 2 Stuarts for $85.

75th Ranger · Post by **75th Ranger** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 12:38 pm

They have the Abrams for $75 ?

where at i'm in Osceola County....

keep me posted

take care

JohnLumley · Post by **JohnLumley** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 3:20 pm

Hey FlPickUpMan:

I live just up the road in Southern Palm Beach county. I have been wanting a 1/9 Abrams for my personal collection but not for $200. Could you direct me to the store that has them for $75? I do not want to take the last one if you are waiting for the price to drop more. They are still @ $200 up my way.

I just want one for myself.

John

CW4USARMY · Post by **CW4USARMY** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 6:04 pm

Found these for 150.00 today at one of our Walmarts. Eight of them in excellent boxes. Im going to try and wait till they hit 100.00 before I pick one up, (if I can time it right)

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:38 pm

I have a video of the tank in operation. I don't have the ability to post it. If you want to see it let me know and I will send it. If someone has the ability to post it, I will send it to you.

CW4USARMY · Post by **CW4USARMY** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:22 pm

navchap, PM sent!

navchap · Post by **navchap** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 10:29 pm

It is now posted on this link:http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid ... imageNum=0[/list]

Small Scale Military Headquarters

1:9th Abrams... a hopeless cause?

1/9 M1 Fix

IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cool

ABRAMS Video