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VSTanks*R Micro RTR Battleset Featuring M1A2 Abrams and Russian T80 NATO Tanks Review
By Jim Walker
Jan 22, 2008, 03:00 PM
Introduction
When I was a young boy, my friends and I used to have battles with various items. We'd throw or roll things at those plastic army men that came in a set. Sometimes we'd set up elaborate battlefields on the carpet or out back in the dirt or sand. We built models of tanks, planes, and ships and made engine and weapon sounds as we did imaginary battle on land, sea, or in the air. It sure was a lot of fun. How excited we would have been if we had known that one day there would be a set of model tanks that looked just as good as our plastic models, was powered by treads that moved them realistically, had movable turrets, recoiled just like a real tank from the loud powerful blast of a big gun riding on top and that these model tanks could be remotely controlled and react to invisible hits from enemy tanks? Such a thing is available today! And when I saw this battleset available for review I decided it wasn't too late to have some fun with these even though I’m not a boy anymore. Of course I might even let my young daughters play with them too... if they share.
Contents
Kit Includes::
Kit Requires:
Fun to have but not necessary:
Preparations Before the First Battle
Attaching the Scale DetailsAs if the micro tanks weren't realistic enough already, extra scale details are included. The tanks have spring loaded antennas (the Abrams has two and the T80 has one). A pair of needle nose pliers was the best way to push the bases of these antennas into their molded pockets after getting them started by hand. Once installed they never came out and were quite sturdy and greatly added to the scale appeal of the models.
Scale machine gun turrets snap onto the top of the tanks and are removable. These also add a lot of scale realism to the micro tanks. However it was discovered by experience and reading the manual that the machine gun turrets were for display purposes only. They cover up the clear plastic IR receiving window on top of the tanks. With the windows covered the tanks are not operational. The machine gun turrets must be off to do battle with the transmitters.
Charging the TanksThis procedure was the only aspect of playing with the battleset that required a bit of care. A hinged plastic cover swings out of the way on the transmitter to reveal a base that fits the bottom of the tanks. Two spring loaded metal prongs protrude from the middle of this base and there are also raised tabs. These match up with metal patches and slots on, the bottom of the tanks. The tanks can only go on the base one way and trying to force things could have damage them. After studying the manual and after a few attempts, I could easily get the tanks to sit flat on the charging base and slide them forward slightly until they caught on the tabs. There is a certain “click” that signals that the tanks are correctly seated on the metal charging tabs.
A switch on the face of the transmitters begins the charge cycle, and the tanks charge by the same 4 AA batteries that power the transmitter. A red LED glows when the charging switch is first engaged and then goes out after approximately 10 minutes to let you know charging is complete. It was possible to feel a slight click, but the tank not be seated properly. In this case the LED would still come on, but the tanks would NOT be charging, and this caused some frustration for my 7 year old daughters. Sometimes they would think the tanks were charged only to find that they still had no power even though they had seen the LED come on and then go out after a time.
This knowledge also gave a little insight into the instructions for the very first use of the tanks. The instructions strongly recommended that new alkaline batteries be used and that the tanks be charged 2 - 3 times before their first use. Based on the previous observations, obviously the charging cycle was on some sort of timer. f charged correctly the tanks will operate for a satisfying 6 - 10 minutes depending on use.
Assembling the battlefield
When I first folded out the included battlefield I was a little disappointed in its size. However, after reading the manual and trying some of the suggested games, I realized that it was just right.
Also included besides the battlefield were 24 plastic connectors. These were designed to connect CD jewel cases in different ways, Or course the jewel cases aren’t included, but being a computer geek, I had a bunch laying around.
The concept is really simple, but the possibilities are endless. Remember pouring out a bunch of sticks and parts from the tinker toy can? With these plastic connectors and a few CD cases, (they have to be the jewel cases, not the slim), the possible battlefields that can be created are limited only by your imagination. These little plastic parts add a lot of playability and replayability to the battleset.
Time to BattleAt this point I have to report that there was originally a problem with the VStanks*R battlesets. I received my first shipment of this product back in early September. I planned on getting the review done right away, but unfortunately there were problems with one of the tanks. The Russian T80 worked flawlessly, but the Abrams would barely run after charging. After several attempts at charging while making sure it was properly seated on the transmitter, it stopped functioning completely. I reported this, and of course Hobbico's 5 star customer service department had another battleset on my doorstep the next week. This time I was extremely careful to charge the tanks in the correct manner, but with this new set the Abrams tank worked perfectly but the T-80's turret wouldn't function, and it refused to track straight. I reported it again, and soon after I was informed that there was indeed a manufacturing problem. One day another battleset appeared on my doorstep, and I tried this one out and was thrilled to find that everything worked perfectly. Apparently the problems at the factory had been solved and my review could move forward!
BasicsWith the battlefield ready and the tanks charged up, it was time to get comfortable with the functions of the transmitters. At first glance the transmitters were a little intimidating to my daughters, but there was no need to worry. It soon became obvious that anyone who had ever used the controller of a video game console was going to feel right at home. They are very similar and just as intuitive as game controllers. The left thumb controls the tanks movement using an 8 position disc. The discs are textured with rises and cutaways to make it an easy feel for where your thumb should go and allow you to focus on the action. The top rise moves the tank forward, bottom backs the tank up, left rotates the tank left and right rotates the tank right.
The four cutaways are in between the rises and steer the tanks gradually while moving. The options are: turn slowly right while moving forward, left forward, reverse right, and reverse left. The tanks are not fully proportionally controlled, so holding down a button is like throwing a switch instead of stepping a servo. This took a little practice to control especially when rotating the tanks. The tendency at first was to hold down the disc longer than necessary and spin well past the intended stopping point, but with a little practice it became possible to get pointed in the general direction I wanted to go on the first try by using quick successive presses and releases. The lack of proportional control actually added a bit of luck and skill to the mix enhancing enjoyment instead of detracting from it.
Also just like a console controller, the transmitters have two buttons on their top surface where the index fingers of both hands naturally rest. These buttons control the gun turret on top of the tank's body. The turrets are able to rotate 50 degrees either way from center providing an excellent way to fine tune the aim when attempting to score a hit. These buttons were not proportional, but it was quickly discovered that like the rotate command, a quick tap on the buttons provided plenty of turret control.
The right thumb controls the two fire buttons. The big button toward the top initiates the tank simulation. When pressed, a speaker on the transmitter emits a satisfying "KaCHOOM" and the tank rocks backward and then forward just like a real tank from the recoil of the big gun. Very nice! This button also simulates the time to reload a shell by not allowing you to fire again for several seconds.
Rounding out the transmitter controls are the Charge/Off/Play switch, the ID selection switch, and the trim switch. The ID switch is a nice feature that allows one transmitter to control any tank in the series simply by switching between 1,2,3, or 4. The tanks’ frequencies are fixed and can not be changed. The trim switch is only used once when first selecting an ID and a specific tank to control. I observed the when I commanded it to go straight forward, and if the tank tracked left or right instead of straight, I tapped the trim button on one side or the other to correct it.
Game PlayObviously the main appeal of the battleset are the IR controlled tanks. They moved realistically, climbing up inclines and over obstacles quite well for their size. They also shoot IR "shells" and "bullets" that cause the opposing tank to react when hit. The reaction was quite obvious as the hit tank would spin 360 degrees in one direction and then 360 degrees in the opposite direction. A game of “Urban Warfare” (see below) presented an opportunity to observe the range and accuracy of the tanks’ IR battle system. The range was approximately 3 feet depending on lighting and the position of the tank and its turret, plenty considering the size of these tanks. The turret had to pointed fairy directly at the target. There were times when it was obvious that one tank was in a position where it couldn't miss, but the opponent did not react. Apparently there are some positions where the receiving window on top of the tank is shadowed, but this really didn't impact noticeably the enjoyment of the battles. We just moved our tanks a little this way or that and kept firing until a hit was scored. The manual describes several games to play with the battleset and gives ideas that help spark the imagination to create many more. These games add replayability and help get the most out of the battleset's capabilities. Following are some of the games suggested and some of my own ideas.
SUMO This was one of the games made for the small fold out battlefield. The two tanks are set facing each other just off the battlefield. On the count of three, both tanks charge onto the field, which has a circle printed on it. Players then push and shove each other's tanks in an attempt to force the other player out of the circle. The first player who is pushed out of the circle or whose tank is overturned, loses. This is a quick, fun, and action-packed game.
URBAN WARFARE This game is more strategy oriented and involves the connectors and CD jewel cases. It also takes advantage of some of the advanced capabilities of the tanks and transmitters. The structures created by the cases and connectors are treated as an urban setting in which to hide and attack. The object of the game is to be the first to score 5 hits on the opposing tank. After 5 hits, the tanks become inoperable until turned off and then back on. A flashing life indicator LED on top of the tanks keep the player informed as to the condition of their tank. The maneuverability and rotating turrets play a big part in helping the player successfully ambush their opponent. Any common household objects could also be added to the micro landscape to keep the action continually new and fun.
COWBOY SHOOTOUT This is another fast-paced game that takes advantage of the fold out battlefield. The tanks are set back to back in the middle of the battlefield. On the count of three, both tanks move off the battlefield as fast as possible. As soon as a tank is off the field, it can turn and shoot at the opponent. The first to score a hit wins. This game requires so little time and space that it could be played anywhere and anytime there are a few minutes to spare.
LINKED TOWERS This game is a combination of maneuvering skill and targeting. There are two ways to win: either you or your opponent falls off the raised surface, or a player scores 5 hits and immobilizes the opponents tank.
CAPTURE THE FLAG Some of the games suggested require more connectors and/or CD cases than were available, but the concepts seemed fun. So after a little thought I came up with my own game. Using ramps and linked towers, a raised accessible surface is created. At some determined middle point, an object is placed as a flag to capture. Players climb onto the raised surface and try to be the first to the flag and declared the winner. If a player falls off, they must start from the beginning of the ramp. If longer games are desired, shooting could be allowed. Opponents who are close to the flag could possibly be made to spin off the side of the raised surface when reacting to a hit.
MACHINE GUN PLAY Almost all the previously mentioned games could be played with the machine gun button, located under the regular fire button. This button allows the player to fire continuously while the transmitter makes an acceptable machine gun sound. When this button was used, the tanks did not perform their recoil motions and there was no delay between firing just as if a machine gun were being used instead of the big gun. There still was the brief time of invulnerability after being hit just as with the regular fire button. This held true for every mode of play. Machine gun play proved to be a viable alternative when faster action was desired and/or games needed to end quickly.
ExpansionAs if that weren't enough to keep a tank commander's attention, there is yet more listed in the included catalog to add to the fun. Up to 4 tanks can play at the same time using the 4 separate frequency IDs. With such a reasonable price, it is definitely not unthinkable for a friend or relative to buy the other battleset and have a 4 tank free for all going on the kitchen table! The extra connectors would allow for even more complex constructions and open up the possibility to play some of the other games. Extra connectors and even jewel cases can be purchased separately to build different structures to add to the game play.
Video Gallery
Conclusion
The VStanks*R battleset was everything I could have wanted when I was a boy, or even now as a big kid. My daughters simply loved playing with them and couldn't get enough. They drove me nuts every day after school asking to battle. When other big kids like myself have come over, the battleset has been good for a fun session on any flat level surface available. It didn't take much space to have enjoyable and ever-changing battles. The realism of the tanks’ appearance and movements really created an immersive feeling of battle, and the included connectors and battlefield ensured that there was lots of replayability. I highly recommend this to kids young and old!
Pluses:
Misses
Last edited by Angela H; Jan 15, 2008 at 05:35 PM.. |
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Jan 22, 2008, 06:02 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Stockton, Ca. USA
Posts: 6,933
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Hi Jim:
I enjoyed the review and the involvement of the girls. One pesky point in the splash page intro: They are not 1/24th scale. They would need to be bigger to be 1/24 scale. Small point FYI. Again I enjoyed the review. Mike |
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Jan 22, 2008, 06:16 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NY State
Posts: 2,822
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Wow, now that is pretty cool.
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Jan 22, 2008, 08:00 PM
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#4 |
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The sky is my playground.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 6,249
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Wow, looks like a lot of fun.
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Jan 23, 2008, 06:23 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 401
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Those look like alot of fun. Enjoyed watching the girls enjoy them so much, that made me smile.
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Jan 23, 2008, 09:33 PM
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#6 |
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JimK
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Ulm,MN,USA
Posts: 444
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ooops, somehow replied before I was done.
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Jan 23, 2008, 09:35 PM
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#7 |
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JimK
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Ulm,MN,USA
Posts: 444
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Bought a set of them from Tower Hobby for my 11 year old son for Christmas along with a B-17 and P-38 from Caliber hobby. He loves his tanks and asks me
all time if I`m ready for a RC tank combat. They are fun, but the battery life is sure sure short in them tanks. 
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Jan 26, 2008, 08:52 PM
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#8 |
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"Have Glue - Will Travel"
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,419
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Nice review, Jim! Very cool getting the kiddos in the action!
Ronnie |
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Jan 28, 2008, 10:44 PM
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#9 |
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Team Compass USA
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Bruno, California
Posts: 2,324
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daddy daddy i wanna play too!
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Jan 30, 2008, 10:33 PM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Regina, SK
Posts: 1,034
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These are total crap! I bought 4 of these last year and the tanks had varying levels of performance. Two of them ran much slower and sounded like something was binding. Another one had dreadfully short run times. When charging there was a plastic burning smell coming from the control units. Furthermore, controlling these tanks is frustrating at best. They are difficult to steer accurately because even quick presses of the turning pad results in about a 90 degree rotation. Need to turn only 5 or 10 degrees on the spot? Impossible...
Click here to watch VS-TankR-very-slow-driving-does-not-sound-smooth Rob |
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Feb 08, 2008, 12:47 AM
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#11 |
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ILoveInn
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 12,975
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Looks fun.
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Feb 09, 2008, 10:35 PM
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#12 |
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Buffalos have wings
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Vancouver Washington
Posts: 1,005
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These aren't the 1/24 scale tanks, VStanks does make 1/24th scale tanks however, and I have 2 of the Tiger infared tanks. They are much better than these smaller ones. They are very detailed and are true to scale, even have some weathering done to them. A couple friends of mine also have a few and we get together and have battles, there are 6 different channels so up to 6 tanks can pley at once. Towerhobbies has them, just scroll down homepage and look for VStanks. Had mine for about 5 months and have had no problems.
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Feb 10, 2008, 06:42 PM
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#13 |
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JimK
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Ulm,MN,USA
Posts: 444
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They were fun at first but only lasted a month. Don`t know whats wrong with them since they no longer receive any signal from the TX. Changed out batteries
with a couple different sets thinking this may be the charging issue. Charged them numerous times in a row and still nothing. TX works but the tanks are history. Changing the channels on the TX did nothing. 
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Feb 12, 2008, 04:17 PM
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#14 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Medford, MA
Posts: 667
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great review! i am ordering the winter battle set from Tower Hobbies right now!
i hope they did fix those manufacturing issues! Last edited by telos81; Feb 12, 2008 at 04:23 PM. |
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Feb 17, 2008, 10:11 AM
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#15 |
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Is that all you got???
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Cocoa
Posts: 5
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Mini's Lead To Maxi's
I brought some of these little minis for my store and they sold like hotcakes. I had to play with them so I knew what I was talking about when I was selling them. I went a step further and purchased a 1/5 Scale M-5 Stuart and figured if mini's are fun Maxi's would be more fun.
I'm a dad and the pictures of the girls playing and having a good time is the sign of a great dad. My girls would layout train tracks made of square pieces of paper when I was doing trains. I look back on that now and think how much they follow what they see. Love the fatherhood being displayed. |
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