Tamiya Russian Heavy Tank JS-2 1944 ChKZ - Full Option Kit - # 56035
(Radio Controlled Model Review)

  Released by Tamiya on January 1, 2013, the Russian Heavy Tank JS-2 1944 ChKZ (#56035) is the Full Option Kit version, requiring 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 Russian Heavy Tank JS-2 was developed to overthrow the German Tiger I. The JS-2 was put into production in the latter half of WWII in December 1943 and had a long, powerful 122mm gun as well as superior mobility. From August 1944, modifications, including the removal of the hatch from the frontal armor, were carried out to achieve greater defensive ability. The JS-2 produced in the Chelyabinsk Kirov factory (ChKZ) had a distinctive one-piece cast rounded front section. The JS-2 showed great strength in the frontlines but also in anti-tank battles and it greatly contributed to the victory at the end of the Great 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

Getting into RC

   When I first got into racing RC, all I had was a three year old clapped out Tamiya Boomerang, a silver can stock motor, three step mechanical speed controller, two 1400Mah stick batteries and basic Acoms stick transmitter.

   I was the newbie and most of the guys I was racing against had all the latest models, modified motors, matched batteries and top spec radio equipment, but I was still beating them easily. Why? The answer is simple:

Shock Mount Settings

   The combinations of Shock settings available on the majority of on and off road cars are far too many for this article to cover, so I will endeavour to explain some of the basics, that should give you some idea what these changes might achieve. Some of the settings suggested may not be available on all RC model cars.

   If you look at the lower wishbones of you model, you may see a number of holes alongside where the ball studs for the dampers are positioned. If you were to remove those studs on the rear wishbone and reposition them in the hole further out from the center of the car, the first thing you will notice is the ride height has dropped, this can be corrected by adding C spacers above the springs. The second thing you will notice is the shocks are more sluggish, this can be compensated by using thinner oil.