Buying 1/16 scale tanks: Heng Long, WSN, Tamiya

I wrote my first guide on buying 1/16 scale tanks over a year ago and so much has changed I've decided to write a second guide summarising what is currently on the market as of August 2007:

Tamiya's: These are available in two forms on E-bay: as unassembled kits normally from Hong Kong or the US or as 'customised' and assembled models sold by private individuals. Tamiya make the finest RC models available but you have to pay for them. They have incredibly accurate detailing, move in a realistic manner, the sound is usually a recording of the real tank and increases in pitch as the tank moves forward. The gun flashes and recoils realistically... basically they're real tanks in minature. Price apart they have two drawbacks though: assembling the kits requires a reasonable amount of modelling skill and a lot of time. Unless specified you also need to buy two 7.2V batteries, a charger, a 4 channel RC transmitter and a reciever. Most retailers will help you buy thecorrect items but it adds at least 100 pounds onto the bill.

Currently Tamiya offer a range of full option tanks: the Tiger 1, King Tiger, M26 Pershing, Panther, Sherman and the more modern Leopard II. A Jagdpanther is due out anytime soon. I've read that the Sherman may be on the point of being withdrawn- if so I'll update when confirmed.

I recently built my first Tamiya (a King Tiger) and was blown away by the quality of it. Yes, it was expensive but it was also worth it. When I have time I'll write an account of the build and exactly what you need for other buyers tempted to buy their first full option tank.

WSN: WSN (the RC arm of trumpeter) make only 1 RC tank: the T34-85. Sadly this is out of production so if you see one don't miss out, especially as they only cost ~40.These are beautifully made models although as RC tanks go they are 'beginner level' with basic electronics, single speed and no smoke andsound capability. Another downside is that most versions available will only run on alkaline AA's (rechargeable AA's don't work with them) so they can be pricey to run. Don't confuse these with the non-RC static models made by Trumpeter. Both companies use the same mouldings for their tanks but only the WSN is RC capable.

A US halftrack and a King Tiger are in production: these are static models but can apparently be converted to RC. If so they'll be worth looking out for.

I've just found out that WSN have reworked their T34