Remote Control Tanks
One rapidly growing segment of the RC hobby is remote control tanks. The major source of popularity here is the ability to engage in combat related games against other hobbyists.
There is a loud rumbling sound that grows louder and louder. As the sound gets closer, there is the added sound of cracking wood that puts fear into the heart. Something large and ominous is moving through the woods and getting closer. Suddenly, four large Tiger tanks break from the tree line and into the open field. Waiting are several hidden Sherman tanks. Their gun turrets swing around and take aim at the approaching Tigers. A major armor battle is about to take place, but the battleground is a backyard and the combatants are remote control tanks!
Remote control tanks are rapidly becoming a major player in the RC market place. The driving force of this hobby is the idea that you can not only drive and race them, but also engage in battle with other hobbyists. There are several different choices of weapons for game use, and some groups have taken remote control tank combat to a very organized and international level.
One such group uses large models scaled at 1/6th size. These monsters are three feet long and fire Co2 paint ball pellets. Combats take place according to clearly defined rules, and the tanks are part of a major model based battle that can include artillery and infantry as well. The most common size for remote control tanks is 1/24th scale. These smaller models fire soft BB like pellets when engaging in combat. There is even a tank that uses an "electric shock" method of combat. These "shocking" tanks extinguish lights when a hit is recorded. Once a tank's lights are all out, the tank has been defeated.
The model making side of this hobby is very active, too. Model kits are available representing all of the major tanks used in combat both past and present. The painting and accurate accessories of the models seem to inspire as much interest as their remote control movement capabilities. Although most organized gaming clubs frown on models without historical counterparts, there is the possibility of designing and building the 'super tank of the future." The potential of remote control tanks as a hobby is without limit.
Although many remote control tanks and tank model kits are a bit on the expensive side when compared to RC cars, boats, and planes, they do tend to be very tough and durable. They are, after all, tanks. So, although the initial investment might run higher than other RC models, they tend to last much longer and are not subject to the accidental loss or damage common to the flying, racing, or floating models.