Large Scale R/C Military Vehicle Modeling
Frequently Asked Questions and their answers
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What Is it?The hobby is as it says; building and operating large ( over 1/16 ) scale military vehicles, tracked, semi tracked and softskins from all periods and countries. World War II vehicles, in particular German, are as popular in the large scales just as they are in 1/35 scale. German Tigers, Panthers, and PzKw III types are especially popular as the suspensions are exceptionally easy to model in 1/10 scale. Large scale military vehicle models have been growing in popularity here in the US for the last few years. There is a locally based club designed just for it. In Europe where there are several clubs for the hobby these models are much more common.
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How much do they cost?This is a tough one! The only answer is what do you want and how much of it are you / can you build or how much can you / are you willing to spend? Large scale 1/16 and 1/15 may be obtained at a cost of less than $100 used to over $1000 for rare models. 1/10 scale fully tracked models generally start at about $1500 and may be found as costly as $16,000. If you are lucky to be able to use machine tools, you can make first class models at minimal cost ( and sell them also!). Available to the non-machinist are parts, kits, and fully built and equipped models.
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What can I do with one?The most commonly asked question: does it shoot?
NO! Forget models, take up competitive shooting! What can they do? Run over obstacles, run up grades, down grades, through mud and water, and look good too! Combat simulation systems are possible using modified model aircraft infra-red systems. The new small on-board video cameras can give you a great feeling for what is like to be 'on the inside looking out!' How fast can it go? A good ( if not completely) Scale speed for a WW II tracked anything is about 6-7 real mph max. Although probably classified as a grown-up "toy" make no mistake these complicated machines are powerful and fall in between RC Helis and Live steam locomotives in complexity and design considerations. One will keep you busy!o
Why don't you make them shoot?The reasons for this are many: Dangerous in the extreme and foolish are the first 2 that come to mind! To control basically a firearm via radio control is just stupid and dangerous if not illegal!
NO! This site will never support operating main guns on any model. Infrared combat or simulation systems are fine as well as air driven 'talcum powder' cannons which generate a puff of 'smoke' are ok. No device for a model tank main gun or ancillary weapon which by gas, black/smokeless powder, magneto, compressed air or by any other means projects or propels a fixed shot or shots whether controlled via radio or maually will be supported or encouraged but rather vigorously discouraged.o
What type of Radio Control System do they use? Radio Control systems used are standard systems 'generally' although as radios become more specialized it is more difficult to get an advanced system with more than 4 channels which is not on an air frequency. Many larger tank models for example require 6 channels at a minimum. There are manufacturers such as ACE which will fill this need. I use my old Futaba systems at present. Please adhere to your Radio Frequency usage laws and regulations!
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How can I learn More About it?There are two books by the same author. These are both written in German but although I haven't seen it personally one has been translated into English. Unfortunately getting the books here in the U.S. can be a tad costly at around $35:
"Ketten- und Sonderkraftfahrzeuge -Modelle un deren Vorbilder"
Author: Gerhard O.W. Fischer
Publisher: Neckar-Verlag Villingen-Schwenningen
ISBN 3-7883-1117-7
"Ketten Farhzeug Modelle"
Author: Gerhard O.W. Fischer
Publisher: Pflaum Verlag München
ISBN 3-7905-0536-6
...AND of course these Web Pages... be patient though as my real job (programming IS a real job yes?) keeps me pretty busy..
Email me for specific interests or if you've got a project in mind!
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