1/18 R/C Panzer Question

DocTodd · Post by **DocTodd** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:30 pm

I was wondering if there is anyway to modify the tracks so they do not come off when you turn the tank?
Todd

krieglok · Post by **krieglok** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:45 pm

I figure the problem is more in the speed at which the tracks turn rather than the design of the tracks themselves. The treads are pretty agressive, so carpet really seems to make the problem worse. I have an old Tyco 1:18 tank that spins and runs on carpet with out losing the tracks. It has very smooth tracks though, so there isnt excessive friction. Smoothing out the tread pattern would help. You just have to come up with a way to do it. I may explore a gear reduction modification to slow this beast down. If not, it will probably be gutted and be a display tank.

TJ

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:53 pm

Please forgive me for hijacking this thread, but the tyco tank you're referring to.. is it the M60-ish looking one? Desert tan? I've been looking for one of those forever. If this is indeed the same tank, do you have any idea where I may be able to locate one? Again, I apologize for going off subject. Thanks.

Scott

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:59 pm

I was going to suggest somehow slowing down the tank (a gear reduction) as well. I have noticed that the track skipping is less of a problem with my RC M113, which moves more slowly than my Panzer. Further, my Panzer also seemed to run a little better when the battery power was a little lower causing the tank to move more slowly. However, what really bothers me is the gear skipping when the tank tries to turn on soft terrain or carpet (causing a popping noise and preventing the track from moving). I've lubricated the gears on mine and am not quite sure where to go from there...

Overall, its still a fun tank!

krieglok · Post by **krieglok** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:54 am

The fact that the tank runs better when the battery is low is a good point. I have noticed that too. I wonder if less voltage can be run to the motors to slow them down. Hmmm...

Scott, I bought that tank at a catalog store up near Buffalo, NY in the early eighties. It was kind of a Abrams/Patton/Leopard mixed breed. It has the search light that comes on when you fire the main gun, has machine gun sound when you fire that and decent engine sound when idling. It had a volume control, trim drive adjustment and a opening hatch for a 1:18 or 3 1/2 inch GI Joe guy to stand in. I have had to make some repairs to the track recently, not bad for being 20 years old though. I recall paying around $60 back then. Some of the new RC makers should take a look at this tank to see how to do it right...

TJ

nfafan · Post by **nfafan** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:04 pm

krieglok wrote:<SNIP>

Scott, I bought that tank at a catalog store up near Buffalo, NY in the early eighties. It was kind of a Abrams/Patton/Leopard mixed breed. It has the search light that comes on when you fire the main gun, has machine gun sound when you fire that and decent engine sound when idling. It had a volume control, trim drive adjustment and a opening hatch for a 1:18 or 3 1/2 inch GI Joe guy to stand in. I have had to make some repairs to the track recently, not bad for being 20 years old though. I recall paying around $60 back then. Some of the new RC makers should take a look at this tank to see how to do it right...

TJ

Actually, we are looking at a JGSDF MBT Type-74. Smallish competitors to the M60, Leo I, Centurian 105. We will never know how well the MBT74 might have done in actual combat, but it saved Japan from Godzilla on a few occasions.

lsc1002 · Post by **lsc1002** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:24 pm

That Godzilla, he is a dangerous guy! I had on of those tanks I loved it it was a champ. My BB gun Artillery made by Daisy Air rifles knocked mine out of commission. I sniped some many GI Joes like that, what a waste. I will keep that Panzer RC for as long as my puppy is to scared to eat it.:) That is a nice tank too.

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:46 am

krieglok wrote:

Fantastic! Just as I remembered! My dad bought mine from Lionel Playworld for Christmas one year. I forget which year. After I thrashed the drive train, I pulled the guts and turned it into a push-around toy. I also remember it being about $60. I've been looking for one online for quite some time, and yours is the only reference I've seen yet. Wow. I can't even begin to think of a price I wouldn't pay for one. Man! What a great RC tank!

Actually, I recall turning it into an armored fast attack boat after I broke too many of the road wheels off for it to roll anymore. Filled the hull up with styrofoam, and it floated great in the pool!

krieglok · Post by **krieglok** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:03 pm

Wow, you certainly got your moneys worth out of your stuff. I never had a clue this was a Japanese tank. I recall it came out when the Abrams tank was being phased in, so I figured it was some knock off of that. This particular tank has had repairs to the tracks, the machine gun barrels and the search light does not light up anymore due the contact pin not touching inside. It is an easy fix, just never got around to it. It has some Tamiya decals applied as well as some details that I painted. Like you say, it was a pretty decent tank for its day.

TJ

Birddog · Post by **Birddog** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:19 pm

So cool!!! I have that same tank myself.....but sadly mine dosen't run anymore...

I've stripped the gears out of it and turned it into a push around tank as well. It's missing the machine gun. Oh the memories of playing with that tank. I had hours upon hours of fun, but I think I drove my parents crazy buying new batteries.....

I've been wanting to convert/customize mine into a Russian model tank for my modern forces to take out. I thought maybe a T-55, but I haven't had the time to check the deminisions and the first two road wheels do not have the distinctive gap. Plus the turret would need some reconstructing. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:18 am

Sure! Save yourself the time and aggravation and sell the tank to me!

Birddog · Post by **Birddog** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:40 pm

flpickupman wrote:Sure! Save yourself the time and aggravation and sell the tank to me!

flpickupman · Post by **flpickupman** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:43 am

No! Really!