Tamiya Rough Rider - modern day equivalent?

[nogginthenog]

Hello wise ones. I am looking to buy a RC car for my boy's 9th birthday. Many years ago I had various RC models, mostly cobbled together in my metalwork class with bits from the local RC model shop ( Alan Wright's Radio Models in Widnes - where are you now?? ) . But by far the best was the Rough Rider. I loved the way it could be disassembled and rebuilt, or modified with upgraded bits, and they way the radio control bits could be used in other models.

So, the question is - is there a contemporary equivalent? I have seen cars like this :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391048599825?_trksid=p20...

but think they are no way as well engineered and adaptable.

And when original Rough Rider's come up on Ebay - crazy prices!

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[backwoodsman]

Tamiya Buggy Champ, look familiar?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPRING-SALE-Tamiya-Buggy...

[backwoodsman]

Want a more modern buggy.

Take your pick.

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/rc-electric-models/rc-...

[nogginthenog]

thanks for those links. Buggy Champ certainly looks fun, but expensive once the RC gear and batteries are added. Cheaper models look ace. Cheers, Noggin.

[Blakeatron]

I love tamiya - and have a lot of vintage, modern and re-re models.

I would suggest looking at traxxas - the 1/16 e-revo is awesome, as are a lot of the other models. And everything you need in the box, strong as hell and loads of upgrades and spares

[nogginthenog]

Thanks Blake. As it's been over 30 years since I was a RC model enthusiast those Traxxas look fantastic.

I'm currently thinking a Sand Scortcher is the way to go, but Mrs Noggin thinks this is way too much to spend on a 9 year-old. I guess this may be a present to myself as well as the boy. Looking forward to doing some mini-mechanics together.

This issue of RC gear has cropped-up. What's best re : 27Mhz or 2.4Ghz ??

And twin-stick, or wheel & stick? I prefer the old-school twin, but maybe only because the wheel & stick wasn't available when I were a lad!

Cheers, Noggin.

[backwoodsman]

2.4 all the way, pointless buying anything else nowadays.

Especially when 2.4 can be bought for under £15.

[98elise]

I've got a rough rider in bits in my loft somewhere!

Unfortunately I don't have the original body though. At one time I had both the rough rider and the sand scorcher bodies, but I dumped them for a polycarb body which lasted longer.

[nogginthenog]

You will be pleasently surprised by what that Tamiya in your loft will fetch on Ebay!

[nogginthenog]

I have ordered a Tamiya Buggy Champ with all the bits to complete for £350. Looking forward to getting toolkit out and doing some father-and-son mechanics.

Thanks for your suggestions and advice.