Tamiya Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.J - Full Option Kit - 56026 (Radio Controlled Model Review)

  Released by Tamiya on July 1, 2008, the German Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.J (German PzKw IV) (#56026) is the Full Option Kit version. Requires a battery, charger, 4-channel radio system, paint and glue to complete.

  A front-mounted double gearbox, with two electric motors, operate together or individually to produce forward/reverse running and pivot turning. Metal torsion bars and suspension arms combine with the wide tracks to smoothly absorb bumps and dips in the terrain and provide high manoeuvrability. In addition, realistic engine sounds accompany the tank as it starts up, drives and stops to idle. The main gun can be elevated, depressed and swung to the left and right.

  The German "War Horse" type IV tank was used for the whole period of World War II and gathered the confidence of German army troops. Its final production version type J, was mass produced in 1944 and was aimed at strengthening the character of its defensive warfare and simplifying its equipment. The main gun mounted a long barrel 48 gauge 7.5 cm cannon, was inherited from H type. A new grenade launcher was attached to the top of the turret in order to prevent enemy infantry approaching during battle. The auxiliary engine for turret swing was removed and was modified with 2-speed transmission and fuel tank, to increase the cruising distance. The increased armour board Schultzen, which had been introduced from the type G continued to be installed. The IV type J was a new type of tank, such as Panther and King Tiger and fought as a major part of the German tank core until the end of the war.

  This model comes with metal bushings, that after a short while, when dust and grit get into them, can actually wear into the metal drive shafts that spin in them - we recommend these should be replaced by a full set of steel shielded ball bearings ASAP.

Rating: 4 RCScrapyard

Choosing a Transmitter

   When you first started in RC, you may have purchased a package that came with the car kit, motor, battery, charger, ESC and radio system complete. The transmitter was probably just a basic steer wheel, or stick type, with nothing more than forward, reverse, left, right and simple trim settings to centralise the servo and ESC.

   After a while, as your enthusiasm grows and your experience increases, you will want to move on to a better radio system, with more setting options, but where do you begin?

   Choosing the right transmitter is a personal thing. It has to feel right, have the balance you like, not be too bulky for your hand size and have all the features you might need to set up your car to your driving style.

Choosing the best Wheels

   When it comes to wheels, the majority of people tend to go for what looks good, something that will make their car stand out from the crowd, but are they the best wheels for you when it comes to winning races on the track?

   Quite a number of years ago I read an article in an RC magazine about RC model wheels and how important it is to have the right ones on your car. I was so impressed by that article that I immediately sold off all my old wheels and bought a batch of new ones - why? Read on.