Heng Long M1A2 Abrams RC Tank Review - model kit rc pros and cons review

[@Kburn1985]

A few tips re. "upgrades" from someone who have a few of these, including the Tamiya ones. Easiest tip is store your tank's hull on a block of wood, so that the tracks don't make contact with the ground when not in use. Your suspension will spoil within months if you leave the full weight of the tank on it constantly. The best upgrade you can give your tank is a good paintjob and weathering. That'll beat out any "realism" mods you buy. The next tip is metal =/= better. Metal =more weight = strained drivetrain=need for better motors = need for stronger gearbox. The tank's suspension will get worse and less realistic the more weight you put on it. The only thing that really needs to be metal is probably the drive sprocket. If you're good enough, get a programmable radio (OpenTX) to program in things like gearing, inertia or additional lights. Good luck and have fun. I've come across from scale modelling to RC tanks, and can't go back anymore.

[@darkstardavros]

Thanks for the tip with the suspension. I have the earlier versions of the Heng Long tanks. A Pantiger which has been changed into a Panther A and a Panzer mk 3 L. Both are great fun.

[@whodey59]

Great advice. Would you suggest the upgraded version with plastic tracks and zinc alloy gearbox if the owner is not going to use it for aggressive outdoor operation? (just mostly driveway and short grass)?

[@hobbyzonemodelismo]

Does the openTX radios bind with Henglong board?

[@Golden_doodle_enthusiast]

If only I had money to re upgrade LOL

[@ozkrz4676]

I never really thought about the suspension wearing down thanks so much for the tips!

[@somethingmorerealistic9582]

As a old gunner for a tanker this RC makes me smile hearing the sounds

[@beesod6412]

the turtle was like "Mama! Mama! is that you!" fun stuff. What a fun rig, Thanks Francis!

[@JIPPERR_1]

These tanks are a lot of fun and the electronics included are getting more sophisticated with each new version. I've had a heng long leopard 2a6 for over a year now. Its definitly worth it to get metal tracks and wheels, make sure you get a recent version of the control board. I have a big nimh battery that lives in mine, it's always got enough charge in it for a garden patrol. Driving experience is like a crawler but with tracks the approach to obstacles is different. Tracks can jam up on sticks and rocks so mind the terrain you run it on. Lots of fun, the control board supports many optional functions for those willing to tinker with ot a bit. Cheers!

[@Suzukii-DIY]

Tanks a lot for your video. We learned the hard way with our 7 tanks. The changing of the battery exercise sucks sooooo bad since we must flip the tanks over to remove the battery from underneath. What a displeasure dealing with the power switch's location. I would've only purchased 1 or 2 instead just for the experience. Our Walker Bulldog right out of the box came with a burnt smoke unit which was Intermittently failing. Fortunately, the MotionRC tank support guy is great, pleasant, fun to deal with and very patient whilst having me as his hands to open up the tank and get to the bottom of the problems which ultimately resulted in us now waiting for a new smoke unit since we really wanted to keep the tank and not go for a refund/exchange experience. Anyhow, sorry for the rant, and keep up the good work with the videos and the content coverage 👍.

[@CertsUAsPilot]

The tracks tend to come off so I added two ball bearings to support each drive shaft. This upgrade takes out all the play from each drive shaft and keeps tracks at proper tension. While I had the gear box opened up, I replaced all the bushings with ball bearings. This upgrade should reduce drag and lower temperature for the motors. I also added a larger battery pack to the front to balance out as current configuration has an uneven weight distirbution which mostly comes from the gear boxes. The turret was upgraded with a 12 channel slip ring which allows it to rotate pass 360 degrees. My tank did not come with barrel recoil. I upgraded it and it's now a double action recoil. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@iriquiosgunship]

Where did you buy the upgrade parts, thank you

[@muskokamike127]

what? you didn't upgrade the main gun to fire .22 shorts? lol. That is why I would never buy an R/C tank haha. When you upgraded to the main gun recoil, does your tank jerk sideways when the main gun is fired sideways? I've seen many where the tank jerks backwards even when the gun is fired 90 deg to the hull. In addition, I'd try to add a smoke function to the main gun so there is smoke out the barrel after firing.

[@CertsUAsPilot]

@@muskokamike127 Own one RC tank, then you'll understand .22! You better be good at aiming because that projectile will not stop until it hits someone/pets after whizzing pass the intended target. As for recoiling (so picky), I have to think about that. Oh yeah, just shoot while the main gun is in parallel with the hull when making a youtube video, average Joe won't note it.

[@CertsUAsPilot]

@@iriquiosgunship Just now looking at this and don't see my reply send the other day. Let me know if you didn't see my reply.

[@muskokamike127]

@@CertsUAsPilot The .22...yeah that's why I don't think it's a good idea me having a tank hahaha. Actually a .22 short isn't really that powerful. I saw a video where it didn't penetrate 3 rolls of toilet paper. Just thinking outloud, what WOULD be appropriate though is using the .22 blanks they use in starter pistols. You'd get the bang and the smoke. There's a company out there that makes full metal versions (for thousands of $$$) and that'd be more appropriate for this upgrade.

[@focuszx]

Good stuff! Thank you for bringing different segments of the hobby to the channel.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right? Amazing how many views this is getting.

[@darrylcarpenter903]

I love this. I also have a Heng Long tank, a Tiger 1. Its got 360 degree turret rotation, all metal except hull. I added a shorty 4000mA battery and it works great. Definitely a very cool rc tank.

[@fuse557]

I just got the Panther last week. What battery exactly? been looking for a higher Ma that will fit.

[@darrylcarpenter903]

@@fuse557Its a Goldbat from amazon. Hard shell with plugin terminals. I ended up soldering into the terminal ports since terminals would make it not fit. Hope this helps.

[@fuse557]

@@darrylcarpenter903 Thanks dude! Was thinking they would fit best but the plugs wouldn't work. Thanks for the solution!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Nice mods man!!

[@ScoutTheProto]

​@@RCReviewChannel would you recommend bringing this to a airsoft field?

[@twain772]

I have 2 of these from when they first came out and I had to buy the metal parts. There are a number of upgrades to do with these including actual gun recoil and 360 turret rotation. I also have the Tamiya version and it is loaded with features this is why it is so expensive.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Really good share. Thank you for the knowledge on these tanks.

[@twain772]

@@RCReviewChannel The Tamiya Tank main gun has 0 elevation (on a real tank its call EL Unclp), 0 elevation is when you have the main gun below 0 degrees and rotate the turret, the gun will automatically raise to 0 to clear the back deck and then retuturn back to neg 0 when the back deck is cleared. This tank uses Gyro`s just like the real tank does which means if your gun is out of stow position and over the front of the tank, you go over terrain that will make the hull and the turret break from parallel of each other the gun will stay stable at 0 degrees . It has blackout drive , the gear box is sealed so you dont have grease flinging all over the inside of your tank and it has 2X 540 motors in it for the power. The turret also rotates at 360 degrees out of the box and the hull has a track tensioner which is just like the real tank. This is just a few of the things that make the Tamiya tank more realistic than the Heng Long.

[@twain772]

@@RCReviewChannel You are quite welcome, love your channel.

[@paulluongo2756]

What is the difference between the$300.00 and $200.00 versions??

[@whodey59]

@@paulluongo2756 The $300 version has metal tracks, drive sprocket, and back idler wheel. With the $200 version, these are all plastic/resin. If you are going to mostly run it indoors, on sidewalks, or short grass, probably the $200 version is good enough. Also metal tracks will mark up your wood floors inside I have heard.

[@ruftime]

Interesting! Love MotionRC! Great people and products. Been buying planes from them for a decade now😎

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks for sharing your experience about them.

[@disciplinerc]

Yeah it definitely needs adjusting after the first run. I treated it like a crawler and with the metal treads it just didn't hack it. None the less, after a while you just get it and it's a load of fun!!

[@wardkline935]

Its great we can always rely on an honest review from Francis(Frank?), and the running videos are always fun!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you! Nickname is fc.

[@wardkline935]

@@RCReviewChannel FC it is!

[@RicktheCrofter]

I had the Heng Long M-4 Sherman. One of my grandsons took it out onto grass and got it stuck. Broke something inside. I thought it had stripped the drive gears, but when I took it apart, the gearboxes looked fine. I can’t figure out why it won’t drive anymore. It’s a static model now. So I just replaced it with the $200.00 version of the M-1A2 Abrams. Fun to play with so far. I agree the manual is a bit confusing. I always leave the turret a bit off center to expose the hatch to the on/off switch when I turn it off. I added some custom painting and “nose art” decals. Painted the tank commander. Add backpacks and pouches to the railings. Extra ammo cans, crates, and Jerry cans in the external storage racks. I am planning to add some Velcro to the base of the tank commander, so he doesn’t fall out, as seen in this video; but will also allow me to remove him when I want to button up the hatches.

[@jasontorre3267]

I have pair of Henglong tanks, Tiger 1 and a Sherman. Both of mine are version 6 systems. Version 6 has much more flexibility. 4 engine sounds, different gun noises . My tanks came with 1800 mimi amp batteries. They only last about 5 minutes. With a 5000 milap nim battery I have run times over 30 minutes. Great value for the money and lots of fun!

[@thomasconnolly7452]

That looks like a great tank. It seems to have the most fun you need 2 to square off.

[@vbspeed7571]

Hello from V&b speed a new rc community channel stop in say hi thank u ✌️

[@Some_Cat_]

I've recently got a Challenger 2 in dark green with the metal tracks and hardened steel gears. It's awesome but I'll definitely be getting a 4000 mAH battery. 20 minutes playtime from the 1800 it comes with just isn't enough. I was wondering where the off switch is so I'm glad you mentioned it. Also, I absolutely love your adorable tortoise. Nature's tank! 😍🐢✨

[@gamingstokr7299]

I was happily surprised to see you looking at a tank. I have three. 1 Taigen and 2 Torros. It's a different kind of fun, but fun none the less.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Oh man, please recommend more to us and our viewers

[@garretdykstra9015]

Turtle was looking for a friend !

[@RCReviewChannel]

Caught turtle on Tinder.

[@OswaldBeef]

Tiananmen square turtle

[@sabba_dabba8649]

@@RCReviewChannel lmao

[@whya2ndaccount]

10:24 The recoil modelling is faulty. Yes, if the gun is pointing to the direct front you would get some "rock back" with the hull (mainly with the suspension, not the drive sprockets turning). But here the gun is at 10 O'clock but somehow the recoil somehow turns a corner (Newton wants to know why its not conforming with his 3rd law of motion) and still pushes the tank directly back.

[@ThePckupelan]

thanks for bringing this up, definitely tank is gonna be my next crawler.

[@chaosfruitbat5970]

I'd love to take a convoy of these through my local woods!

[@RCReviewChannel]

A convoy with all that sound would be legit!!!

[@manfirebirdF350]

rc turtle is so realistic!

[@randyfilippi7919]

Motion RC is terrific! Great prices and support if fantastic.

[@steveblackbird]

I love the Heng Long tanks. I have a V1 or V2 Leopard from the 90's and it's still going after a few small repairs here and there. Very different controller. It's all plastic with no smoke or sounds. still fires the cannon though lol. Great fun!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

I see, Isee. Looks like V7 now.

[@evacousticmusic]

Your smile says it all! I just ordered one from that website you mentioned.

[@fuse557]

I just got the German Panther last week, love it!

[@RCReviewChannel]

I might have to get that!

[@mikerussell911]

Looks cool. I have the german model. Wish we could buy these in build it yourself kits. That would Eliminate the missing lock tight. Cheers.

[@DestroyersRC]

That turtle / tank scene was art

[@efeezhee4088]

Awesome review! Exciting to see products from MotionRC!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right? So cool to see other good players in online retail.

[@gaffle-411]

12:27 Honestly, THIS real projectile firing is one of the BiGGeST selling points. Too many channels do not highlight this aspect enough!

[@lonewulv13]

Increase the battery life and address the minor issues you mentioned and this is a must buy for me!

[@kriskozub2419]

Im new to this coming from a Tamiya King Tiger of 30+ years ago. I bought two of these a Leopard 2 and M1A2

[@RDEnduro]

These scale tanks are awesome, taigen makes a bunch of metal upgrades motor sizes and gearboxes for different models or they are available anyway. I use a 2s lipo on mine without issue but be careful no cutoff unless you add it. Just get a multimeter its useful

[@fuse557]

I just got the Panther last week. What 2S lipo are you you using? The Nimh that comes with it doesn't last long.

[@RDEnduro]

@@fuse557 the battery tray on my tank is pretty shallow, so be careful about which style battery it has to be flat enough to fit. But i have a cheap hardcase 4000mah. I soldered Deans connectors on everything my tank came with a different style.

[@darkstardavros]

One of the things that I would add here is to be careful just how much you're bashing up the tanks suspension when going up and down objects. As you can smash up the suspension on it. My Nephew's managed it twice already in a month. Although you can get replacement parts, sometimes, there is a point where a repair will turn into a complete new tank bottom half if you're not too careful. Yea I know that it's a tank but even the real thing will need the occasional bit of maintenance. Lol

[@RCReviewChannel]

I was crawling on gravel and pebbles and that was awful for the steel belt as it just derailed

[@darkstardavros]

@@RCReviewChannel the track's themselves did look a little loose on the tank to be honest. I kept expecting them to come off. There should be a track tightener on each side of the tank somewhere. If not then you might have to fit one. Or if it will allow it without becoming too short. Take one of the links out. This can be tricky though. As I've found that all of the tanks I've had. Have the links all connected up differently. With my panthers tracks I had to pull, with some thin nosed pliers, the pins out from either side but then with the Tigers I had bang out the pin from the side without the rough edge at the top. So yea. You can enter a whole world of grief with these things. Although they are fun once you get them going. If you do manage to mangle your suspension on the tank you can get replacement parts for it. Which is always helpful with these things.

[@robbryan3044]

Fantastic video, Francis. Quite a "change" from crawlers...but, "change" can be good from time-to-time. After all, it's a similar "change" that led to me getting my first crawler (Axial Capra Kit). Like you, I've also been interested in getting a tank...but, I thought I was going to have to build it (Tamiya), as the only RTRs I was aware of were closer to 'toy' grade. I will (eventually) build one...but, I'm the meantime, to thanks to your video, I now know there are higher quality RTR tanks. At the same time, your video led me back to Motion RC (whom I've ordered other RC stuff from in the past), where I different they carry another brand of RTR tanks...and, they are of even higher quality (and, admittedly, price) than Heng Long. Instead of getting one of the Heng Long tanks, I'll be getting one of the Torro tanks. Whereas Heng Long uses a plastic lower chassis, Torro uses a metal lower. I also like the IR system they have, allowing up to 20 tanks to "battle" each other. The only 'down' side is the price...but, I think it'll be worth it. Eventually, I'll pick up a second, and my stepdad & I can 'battle' each other.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very good share. Thank you.

[@ChrisGorman87]

Being a crawler guy a tank that is slow moving may be a new rc to try out. Maybe see what it can tackle as far as terrain

[@NHseacoast]

Great video subscribed! Would you recommend the pro version with metal tracks? Etc? Thanks George

[@TheUnknown714]

That kick back is amazing

[@escmark]

Hey Francis! Take a look at the 6x6 Cross RC AT6! And any follow up on your AT4? Lots of aftermarket parts now

[@rayzzee7689]

Looks like so much fun to use. Excellent review

[@KNGexp]

How long does the tank run on a single charge with the included battery?

[@andygrew4832]

That thing is awesome. Infrared mode??? I want one.

[@kobebryant5135]

guys which one is better tamiya or henglong? i know henglong is cheaper and with more features like shooting bb which tamiya cant.please help

[@deathevokation1017]

Excellent info. Please review Torro tanks in the $500 and up range if possible.

[@johannwitt1854]

It’s cool but can it do all the lines at Linda Vista?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will try for sure!

[@fishnrc294]

You’ll shoot your eye out! Super cool and a decent price. Now I’m wanting one. Also do they have a half track. I’ve been thinking of getting one.

[@norsefalconer]

Half track would be awesome!

[@Awesomes007]

The M1 is like looking at god’s fighting knife. It’s so unique and so sharp and so vicious looking. Glad it’s on my side. Gotta protect the turtles.

[@norsefalconer]

Thanks for the review Very cool RC at a comparatively good price point. Two min run time is a deal breaker for me though.

[@RCReviewChannel]

That's more a guideline I think if the tank is moving the whole time. Really needs a big lipo though.

[@jooonsRC]

I've been asking motion rc if they ship to South Africa for such a long time now

[@general_midas]

Did you have trouble attaching the cage on the rear of the turret? Mine feels as though it wants to break. Also, I misunderstood the instructions and thought that I was missing a power switch on the underside. Now that I know that it's in the engine compartment, is there a separate switch to turn the smoke effect off?

[@lowellpearson8782]

I plan on buying one or 2 of them.

[@Aussiem8e]

I've got a king tiger, and was looking at upgrading the tracks and all that, it's actually cheaper to buy the pro version of this than upgrade a few metal parts..

[@stuart3712]

They need to use that electrical gel thats basically a cap gun so you can have near unlimited real bang sounds and it does smoke/sparks also and its harmless.

[@kbearpro]

Is there a reason why they didnt paint the wheels?

[@Grobelix]

omg that cute turtle :) "wait, I'm a tank too"

[@operatorgriz]

Is this worth it? And what upgrades should I get but only if I need them what ones should I get? Be honest is it worth it?

[@volksdude1970]

How well does this play with wet grass, Mud, and (shallow) water? Can you really put it through battlefield conditions without worrying about the electronics inside it?

[@RCReviewChannel]

I don't think so. The belt needs to stay clean or it clogs easily.

[@NHseacoast]

Awesome does the barrel smoke? If so do you put fluid in the barrel? Thanks! George

[@RCReviewChannel]

The smoke comes out of the engine bay near the rear only.

[@johnnyfingersgood6927]

You can upgrade it by adding a smoke unit into the barrel

[@unorthdoxcleric6953]

Def gonna buy this. its awesome.

[@spookyryder6482]

I was wondering Can people paint this?

[@xsixinfantryx]

As a tanker, i wish i could find this even a little bit realistic lol. I been trying to find a really good kit

[@rc-dom-uk]

I had the tiger and it was pretty cool👍

[@matthewjohnson-millie794]

is it $200 australian or american?

[@Death_Strong]

How fast does it go? How much weight can it hold? How much weight can it tow?

[@RCReviewChannel]

It's a little faster than my tortoise. It can't really carry or tow anything. It just rolls around and shoots!

[@Death_Strong]

@@RCReviewChannel ​​darn I was hoping to use it for a project. I’m trying to build a motorized chalk bowl for my gym. I need tank tracks capable of holding and pulling 10-15lbs and mobile controlled. Perhaps you can point me to the right direction?

[@nathandean5869]

It says kit in the title. My father and I love building anything RC, but we've never built a tank. I was thinking it might be a cool project to take on, but I couldn't find anything mentioning a kit for this.

[@steveirwinsleftnut6925]

It’s ready to run when you buy it, it’s just the cosmetics/stickers including the machine guns you have to assemble.

[@sabba_dabba8649]

the articulation of the gun is pretty accurate, kind of strange that the turret does not go 360 like the real thing, although some tanks do only go 270

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah, the non 360 is a bummer since it takes so long to loop around.

[@TacticianMark]

Fortunately the turret rotation can be fixed with a slip ring kit. That being said though, I have no idea why Henglong doesn't just build it into all their tanks to begin with.

[@JoeOvercoat]

13:00 thanks for that insight.

[@mr.garrison6947]

Why do they always say the turret doesn’t go a full 360 because both my tanks do without clicking

[@Emtbtoday]

Very popular with armour modeller's but the Torro one's are alot better of if your wanting to spend a few thousand for a 1.6 full metal go armortek heng longs the toyish intro to it but we can get loads of upgrades for these to better them! The Leopard 2a6 is the best one to go for!

[@mcemtpockets1775]

Very good knowledge!❤

[@QSpeedRacer]

Damn I'd fpv it and put long range receiver. Explore my neighborhood

[@georgedistel1203]

Bought one of their upgraded Panther tanks the gun elevation quit working would love to find someone who knows how to work on the electronics

[@12345GAOTau]

I live in the UK and need to get some bits for a couple of my tanks. Can anyone help please?

[@V3lk0n]

You should take a look at the challenger 2 and leopard 2a6 the challenger is the best one

[@jacobkrause4305]

awesome tank

[@viduraherath4008]

imagine this with an fpv head motion sensing camera mounted to the commander hatch

[@18.hangar]

Ведущий на Шанг Цунга похож👍 Кэрри Хироюки Тагава.🙂👍👍

[@18.hangar]

Cool salut from Russia 👋🇷🇺

[@johnwayne666]

Pretty freaking cool...🤠🤙🏼..it's be cooler if it had a camera view. Shooters prospective...and it actually shot something....( bbs) it would work off a co2.....🤘🏼🤓

[@RCReviewChannel]

I'll try that next time. Can put in 6mm bbs. too for more punch.

[@paulluongo2756]

What is the difference between the $200.00 and the $300.00 version of these???

[@myksanchez1222]

The metal treads, and wheels. That's about it...

[@takalakjones3248]

Tanks

[@osakama6641]

Are Heng Long tanks, or at least this one, waterproof?

[@whodey59]

No. You would have to custom waterproof the electronics and motors.

[@mark-mj5dl]

The Tamiya tank is more advanced than that tank is. Tamiya tank has 360 degrees rotation, controllable elevation and depression of the gun, it has 0 degree elevation when the gun is is in -0 depression as the turret is rotating, it has a better turbine engine sound, it has black out drive lights, all the hatches open and close, the transmission is sealed and is powered by 540 motors (one motor for FWD&REV and the other for steering), access to the battery is quick and easy and you can run a lipo in it. and that is just some of the things off the top of my head.

[@Vladokapuh]

how about a tug of war between this and WPL or other similarly scaled cars?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Great idea.

[@fidelramoscastro3153]

Does the turret spin 360° ?

[@johnnyfingersgood6927]

No

[@LAVODKA12]

With a professional model yes the turret can go 360.

[@Ac22768]

Dainese jacket. ⛷️ or 🏍️?

[@mickeysrccrawl]

for the price, it looks good

[@eenig8730]

If I got this nice looking rig, i would run it for at least 1 hour pr session.

[@somethingmorerealistic9582]

You can hear the shell dropping inside the turret

[@ChinHobbyToys]

Yeah. Unrealistic when the tank itself moved back when the main Gun fires instead of the main gun barrel.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Unrealistic perhaps but oh so satisfying for most buyers of this tank.

[@ChinHobbyToys]

@@RCReviewChannel actually most buyers are tank RC hobbyists and we always disable that body recoil for its very unrealistic from their WW2 tanks to modern tanks.

[@Marcoskicks]

That turtle wanted all the 💨 🐢

[@vbspeed7571]

Ther super fun am up 2 my 4th one now stop in check out r battles

[@Nordlicht05]

I have another henglong and loosen the top and put the Battery in from above.

[@ginnybulanon2641]

Wow that is beautiful can i have 1 plessssssss

[@lexusdefensor5811]

may nabibili po bang ganyan dito sa pinas?

[@RCReviewChannel]

banggood.com maybe!

[@fireace9045]

My Taigen Tiger is worthless for shooting BB's. Keeps clogging and no way to remedy outside of violently shaking tank.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good to know. This one has never jammed on us.

[@Manuelblancobandera]

Nice

[@dallshaw9403]

The Abrams has no recoil. It's ALL in the canon. The beast barely flinches when fires.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

The guy sticking up from the top of the turret is the tank commander and the recoil is wrong when firing from the side of the tank another thing the motor on the turret is to loud its much quieter in the real tank , you have two gun sounds one is the 50 cal on top of the turret and the other is the main gun with spent shell casing sound falling inside the turret .

[@josephwilliams4779]

I bought one, the tank is very impressive but the controlleris garbage. It didnt even work., it qont pair with the tank it just beeps, when you try to bind with the tank it links for a few seconds and no longer recongnizes the controller.