I follow WWII history fairly well and consider myself well versed on German Tanks and tactics. I am not an expert, mind you and I enjoy learning more about them. Anyway, I have three 1/16 scaled RC German WWII tanks. I have an early production model of the Tiger 1. My favorite, needless to say. I also have a King Tiger and a Panzer III. Early production model. All are fully functional and all shoot BB’s. I follow tank
tactics allot and enjoy watching 1/16 tank battles in small replicated villages and towns. If none of you has never seen this before, you need to go. It is so realistic and the level of detail put into these model RC tanks is absolutely mind blowing. I also have several 1/6 scaled vehicles. A Panzer II and a Kettengrad. These are not RC, but can be modified to become RC. One fellow RC’d his 1/6 scaled PanzerII. Done in dark gray with two 1/6 scaled panzer men. I mean this looked incredibly realistic.
Anyway, I like WWII history and in particular, the German Panzers and tactics. RC Tanks are a great way for anyone not familiar with tanks or tank tactics to get a rudimentary understanding of how things worked in the German Army as far as Panzers were concerned. The Tiger 1 I have is 1/16 scale and again, it is done as an early prototype. Basically, the first Tigers had a unique cupola and a smoke system as well as other minor features that distinguished them from later production models. My favorite by far and still, in my opinion, the greatest tank ever created as far as fear factor. To give you an idea. A friend of mine in England went to see the annual tank show. I forget the name of the place, but they put on a grand show. Everyone shows up, but everyone comes to see one tank, the mighty Tiger1. Well, here my friend was taking some pictures when he heard what sounded like a freight train. We all know what that sounds like. Well, around the corner comes this Tiger1. She was absolutely the perfect example of terror. My friend actually ran! He really was scared. This thing was huge and loud and very menacing looking. Even at a distance, she is capable of sending people backwards! LOL Anyway, after getting over his phobia LOL, he took some really cool shots of this particular Tiger1. Only a few remain and only one original exist in perfect running condition.
The RC tank battles replicate small villages and towns as well as battle fields where the tanks can battle each other. A hit does not mean the tank is out, but it depends on where it was hit. Just as in real life, the RC Tiger1’s fair better against the allied tanks when in open ground where they can pick off targets at greater ranges. I saw one RC Tiger1 pick off three Sherman’s in a few minutes. This guy was good. Real good. Anyway, the Sherman tank guys all laughed because they knew they had their butts handed to them. On the other hand, a Sherman tank took out a Tiger1 with a direct hit on its track in the rear. It never saw the faster Sherman coming around the corner of a battle damaged building. Tigers never fair well in towns, but open ground…
Oh well, fun hobby and I like the realism. Plus, unlike RC aircraft, you can go home with a generally intact RC tank. I have seen a few wrecks of RC aircraft. Enough to send me into another direction. LOL
Stacy K
PS: Bovington Tank Show in England was the name of the show. It came to me as I posted.