Model scale
The scale reflects the ratio of the dimensions of the model to the dimensions of a real tank — either a specific prototype (see "Copy of the original"), or some average vehicle. For example, if the width of a real tank is 3.5 m, then the width of its copy on a scale of 1:16 will be 350/16 = 21.8 cm. Of course, absolutely exact correspondence in dimensions is far from always found, and the proportions can be distorted; however, the scale makes it possible to estimate the dimensions of the model as a whole.
The smallest of modern radio-controlled tanks are made in 1:72 scale (for comparison, the same scale is the most popular among prefabricated plastic models). And the largest ones are in the 1:16 mentioned above.
The scale and dimensions of a tank are important not only in assessing the area needed for a model to drive normally: in tank battles, larger vehicles are in a less advantageous position than small ones. Therefore, if you are purchasing several tanks with the intention of arranging battles between them (and we are not talking about the "tank battle" set — see "Type"), you should choose models of the same scale. Now the following scales of models are on the market:
1:72,
1:43,
1:30,
1:24,
1:20,
1:16.
Type
The type of combat vehicle that the radio-controlled model simulates.
— Tank. A tank usually means a ground tracked vehicle with a cannon in a turret. However, in radio-controlled models, the ability to turn the turret is not always available — quite often it is a motionless dummy, only outwardly imitating the outlines of a tank. However, this is typical mainly for the most inexpensive models on a small scale.
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Amphibious tank. As the name implies, these machines are capable of moving both on land and on water. At the same time, it is worth noting that, unlike real amphibious tanks, toy amphibians are usually unable to cross water obstacles on the move — this requires additional actions of the "tanker" (for example, raising the wheels from the "land" position to the "water"). However, anyway, the ability to move on water provides additional features for the use of the tank.
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Tank spy. The original kind of radio-controlled cars on tracks. Armament (and even its imitation) in such tanks may be completely absent, but the built-in camera — usually with the function of broadcasting in real time — is an almost indispensable element of equipment. See below for more details on these features.
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Set "tank battle". A set of two (or even more) tanks specifically designed to fight each other. Such tanks are by definition of the same sc
...ale (see above), but may differ in appearance, category and subclass (see below), and even in some characteristics, such as maximum speed or turret traverse. In addition, they often have additional features related to combat: hit counting (based on infrared sensors, see "Firing" and "Hit Sensors"), "life" indicators, damage simulation (explosion sound, smoke generator, shutdown when exhausted " life"), etc. Models included in the kit can be sold separately, but buying a set is often more convenient — especially considering that the cars in it are optimally compatible with each other by default.
— SAU. Self-propelled artillery mounts (ACS) differ from tanks in guns of greater length and caliber. Most often, such equipment copies samples of the Second World War (see "Category"): the guns are installed directly in the hull, without a turret, and can only move up and down. But copies of modern "self-propelled guns" can be equipped with turrets.Maximum movement speed
The maximum speed at which a tank can move on level ground. Unlike real tanks, radio-controlled models are mostly designed for indoor use, where there is simply nowhere to accelerate strongly. Therefore, the maximum speed in most cases is small. This means that the main point that, when choosing according to this parameter, it makes sense to take into account is the age of the future owner: for young children, high speed (even by the standards of tanks) is all the more unnecessary, but for a grown-up “tanker” you can already choose a model faster .
Integrated camera
The presence in the design of the tank of
its own chamber.
This function is almost never found in classic vehicles, but it is almost mandatory for spy tanks (see "Type") — in fact, it provides the bulk of the "spy" functions. Usually, the camera has a live broadcast mode (see below).
Live streaming (FPV)
The presence in the tank with a camera (see above) of the function of broadcasting in real time.
This function allows the “tanker” to see what is happening directly from the side of the vehicle, i.e. from the first person (the abbreviation FPV stands for “first person view”). This simplifies control and provides additional entertainment. Broadcasting is usually carried out on the basis of Wi-Fi technology, and a smartphone or tablet is used as a receiver (see "Smartphone control").
Hit sensors
The presence of
hit sensors in the design of the tank.
Such sensors, usually, are photosensors that respond to pulses from infrared guns (see "Shooting"). Their presence indicates that the model is designed for tank combat: it is on the basis of information from sensors that it is most convenient to keep track of such battles. Note that such equipment can be provided not only in "tank battle" kits (see "Type"), but also in individual vehicles — however, without a second tank, the sensors will be useless. Therefore, it is worth specifically looking for a car with this function only if you plan to arrange tank battles.
Recoil
The tank has an imitation of
the recoil of a gun when fired.
This feature enhances the model's resemblance to a real combat vehicle. The simplest way to simulate recoil is a short engine jerk that moves the tank a few millimetres back and simulates a characteristic push. Theoretically, this method is not very reliable, because. when the tower is turned to the side or back, the return is uncharacteristic, but in most cases it is simply imperceptible, and radio-controlled models do not need absolute realism. But in advanced machines, a mechanism for simulating recoil can be provided in the very attachment of the gun to the turret.
Smoke generator
The presence of a
smoke generator in the design of the tank.
A smoke generator is usually used to simulate exhaust smoke. This function practically does not affect the functionality of the model, but it significantly increases realism. The basis for the "smoke" can be either a special liquid supplied in the kit, or plain water sprayed by an ultrasonic steam generator.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery supplied with the electric motor model (see "Motor"). Indicated only for variants using original batteries (see "Battery type"), measured in ampere-hours: 1 Ah corresponds to the capacity at which the battery is capable of delivering a current of 1 A for 1 hour.
The higher the battery capacity, the longer, usually, the tank is able to work without recharging. However, the practical time of operation on a charge is largely determined by other characteristics of the machine — scale (see above), weight, model and engine power, the presence of additional features such as turret rotation or various effects, etc. Therefore, in most cases, this parameter plays a purely reference role and in fact can only be useful when buying a new battery as a spare or replacement — capacity data will allow you to evaluate the characteristics of the new battery and its general suitability for this model. By this indicator, only models that do not have any significant differences in other characteristics can be compared with each other.
