My Holy Grail of builds
Status: NIB
Date: 11-Oct-2013
Comments: 22
I am pretty lucky to have this. I always wanted to build a tank after seeing a few people mention that the tanks are the ultimate Tamiya radio controls to as far as build satisfaction. I have sold a couple of rc's lately and started to squirrel away money and parts for that big purchase in the future.
I always had my heart set on a Tiger 1 for its history and the rough sound and crank startup of the Maybach engine. Although not a ww2 tank, I was also drawn to the modern technology and immense stature of the Leopard 2a6. Sure it hasn't been in a world war but it has quite a remarkable following as one of the, if not the, best main modern battle tanks. Unfortunately so is the price when compared to most of the other tank options. Right now there seems to be a bit of a lull in Tamiya's production of the tank series, a lot of sellers seem to be low or out of stock at the moment.
When asked by my LHS what I wanted to build next I remarked that the ultimate build by Tamiya would probably be the Leopard 2a6 tank. Well after wishing the JS2 in my LHS was a leopard for months, I got the offer of the century. Steve my LHS owner was going to import me a Leopard through the Tamiya NZ distributor but the distributor apparently couldn't get on as 'Tamiya hadn't produced any in quite a while'. So Steve got one imported elsewhere and to my surprise when I went in today and look what was waiting out back for me.
I am absolutely ecstatic. Lost for words. And not only that, but I got a 'special price' that is a lot less than any Leopard you will find online. I also get to pay it off later.
The only requirement, is I bring this and my trucks to the local Hobby Expo in December... I'm sure I can manage that :)
So just when you think you have found the sweetest deal online, it may pay to check a little closer to home. Many thanks to Steve at Bay Hobby Supplies.
Comments
FirstCarFrog
This looks like it would be a great build, A tank has always been on my wish list. Would be great to hear how the build goes. Where is the hobby Expo ?
scoobybooster
Great story and congrats to this beast,mate. I had a TigerI with sound for quite some time,sadly sold now.They're pure fun to build and give lots of joy when finished.Enjoy yours
MAD-BEE
I have my own Army just about!! My FAV, Wild Willy 2, XR311, and Cheetah!! Well mate a Tank would complete it nicely!!
Very nice fella its an amazing model! and wicked deal!
You should really enjoy this build! Just take your time and keep grinning!!
Cheers buddy.
Bluefoot
#!@&%$ jammy b'stard! No... I never wanted one of these either.. I guess I'll just have to take you on with my herd of Shermans.
berman
@ firstcarfrog: Thanks mate, I hear you as it has been a wish of mine too! I may do a build thread when I get around to building it. He told me but I forgot, it may be Auckland or Wellington. @scoobybooster: Thank you and sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed your tiger1. I am sure this will be amazing no doubt! Cheers
@MAD-BEE: Mate you sure do have a great army and I would never pick a fight with your mighty battalion! Your right my friend I am going to savour every moment! Cheers 
berman
@bluefoot: Hey Don how are ya mate?! Yeah I am a lucky monkey that's for sure! You know I would let you take it for a spin around the block
I would love a brief encounter with your shermans 
MAD-BEE
Not sure I would win?? YOU HAVE A TANK IN YOUR BATTALION!!!
Have fun mate!
Crash Cramer
Wow, great story, but sadly it reminds me of what just happened here in my town. My closest LHS that has been advertised as far back as the 80's has closed. It was very sad to see it in the last week as it seemed more and more of its soul was stolen away as all the hanging planes were taken down and the showcases and the stock were all leaving with folks. I was able to get some TS Tamiya paint, missed out on the PS though and I even got a paint rack, so now I have no excuse to not store my paint properly.
kalsh
Lucky dog Neil and great to see Don is still lurking around. Perhaps you could run over his pink truck he has been trying to sell? Where is Mike? I thought he was looking at moving back to NZ? Hobby expo in Auckland - now that would be worth a visit.
berman
@MAD-BEE: haha but with all those fast moving and agile army vehicles you could distract from the front with the ww2 and fire the favs gun into my engine compartment disabling me. Then you could do wheelies as if to say 'Ner-Ner' lol @CrashCramer: Thanks mate, your story is very saddening. Its true that normally cheap prices mean closing shop, and more reason to spend more time in your local brick and mortar.
he will be back EOY
Dont forget, Those last minute purchases like paints, radios etc will be gone if they are no longer conveniently down the road. @kalsh: Lol I have been keeping an eagle eye on what Don sells, although if that pink prerunner doesnt sell I will expect it at the next meet. Mike was over last weekend for a very short visit to run some errands, I met him halfway at waihi beach for an hour or so, very lucky and good to see him
ModifiedMan
Cool purchase and glad you got it for a good price
Look forward to seeing it built 
berman
Thanks ModifiedMan! I know I am stoked! Thanks mate and I look forward to building it!
njmlondon
That is an absolute beauty! I have built the King Tiger which was a fantastic build and I am getting impatient for aother tank... think this beast may be next. Enjoy your build!
Bluefoot
I can't believe that no one has bought the Pinkness yet. It can be seen from space you know.
MAD-BEE
You are as nuts as me my friend!! Lets call a cease Fire!!
berman
@njmlondon: I know I am still in awe at the box size and weight, and the manual etc looks rather daunting... Oh nice I bet the King was a pleasure to build!
another tank sounds like a great idea! @bluefoot: lol just chuck some hello kitty stickers on and be done with it 
Now I am suprised the kubel hasnt gone yet! @MAD-BEE: Sure am! Agreed, cant play with a tank on the beach anyway 
Renco5012
Uh-oh, here comes trouble! Nah, good score and a very nice gesture from Steve. Will be watching this one closely methinks...I'll have to get my bloody Gepard running now
Cool that ball bearings seem to be a part of the drivetrain as the earlier tanks had none of that. Well they pretty much had no bearings or any sort what-so-ever! Hey Don, pop some fluro green & yellow stickers on that Pre-runner & I might be interested, hahaha...
berman
Haha thanks mate
Yeah he is a good guy and it was nice of him to find me one! Oh yeah I would love to see your tanks again! Haha yeah 24 for the gearbox, there is 100 bearings in total on this puppy and I've had to order the other 76 lol. See there you go Don! 
kalsh
Pink is normally good Don. I am sure it will sell closer to Christmas. Mike has appeared also. We are not having a tank challenge next time we meet because if i had to purchase one my lovely wife I think would either kill me or divorce me...lol.
berman
Party pooper Kelvin
mongoose1983
Building one of this must really be something to be more than happy about. Man, that's awesome!!
berman
Thanks mate, it is totally an immense experience so far, just looking at the parts tree's and knowing what is ahead of me is giving me butterflies!
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