Which Tamiya?

[105.4]

The last few months have been very good at work.

In order to treat myself, I’d like to rekindle a little bit of my youth and buy myself a Tamiya RC car. But which one?

As a kid I had both a Hornet and a Hotshot II.

The Grasshoppers and the Hornets, whilst modestly priced, do seem a little cheap quality. Which begs a question, would a Hotshot II really be worth nearly twice the money?

Do Tamiya still make the Bigwig?

Ideally I’m not so keen on stuff like Bigfoot and The Lunchbox, and Tamiya’s roadcar chassis might not be ‘tough’ enough for me?

Which really only leaves the buggies, in 2WD or 4WD variants?

And lastly, if I’m being really honest, most of the joy will likely come from building this, as I really don’t expect to be using it anymore than a couple of times a year.

I welcome your thoughts please fellas

[.:ian:.]

Avante? Not cheap though

https://www.modelbuild.co.uk/products/tamiya-avant...

[105.4]

.:ian:. said:

Avante? Not cheap though

https://www.modelbuild.co.uk/products/tamiya-avant...

Not half !

I was trying to stick to a budget of around £250 all-in.

[Raj28]

Doing something similar - Tamiya TT-02B (there are a few different models that use this but a Google search will bring up what you need) appears to be the way to go, and also fits your budget.

Parts are apparently easily available and it doesn't cost the earth to fix if things get out of hand.

[Lesgrandepotato]

Hotshot is a much more satisfying build than the grasshopper. Toss up between in and the super hotshot.

[Volant]

Buggy for £250 all in? If you want 2WD, the DT-03 is cheap, and capable. For £250 you could come in well under budget and allow some cash for upgrades. Some of which make a difference (bearings rather than bushings) and some of which can be cool/nice to have (carbon shock towers etc)

I fitted blitzer beetle wheels (and front steering arms to get them to fit) and Schumacher tyres to mine to increase its ride height/ability to run anywhere (grass primarily, but also the local woods) This then put a bit too much force through the shock towers which broke and so I ended up upgrading to carbon. It also has the hop up dampers too.

If you really want to enjoy the build experience for £250 you could get a Kyosho legendary kit, but only the kit. I love Tamiya, but Kyosho really are sublime, a huge step up. Then over time get the radio gear/battery etc - and you can do this quite cheaply if you shop around. I have a javelin and it’s bloody great.

[Volant]

This is my ‘truggy’ DT-03 Fighter buggy. Aqroshot wheels would do the same but in white if you don’t like the blitzer beetle orange.

The DT-03 is a big step up in capability compared to the hornet/grasshopper chassis (which I also have, and love, but for different reasons)



Javelin



Both



If the build is important, honestly, look at kyosho.

Any which way, the Tamiya Club forum is a wealth of information - that’s where I figured out how to truggy my buggy…

Edited by Volant on Tuesday 27th December 11:34

[105.4]

Thanks all.

I can see this rapidly becoming another expensive hobby!

[Promised Land]

105.4 said:

Thanks all.

I can see this rapidly becoming another expensive hobby!

You mentioned Hotshot 2.

https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/352481/

The original in 87 was my second kit so very fond memories of it.

[105.4]

Promised Land said:

105.4 said:

Thanks all.

I can see this rapidly becoming another expensive hobby!

You mentioned Hotshot 2.

https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/352481/

The original in 87 was my second kit so very fond memories of it.

So did I ! It was also my second Tamiya after a second-hand Hornet.

‘Crash Cramer’

[Rich Boy Spanner]

I havea Brat (reissue 2 I think) which I love due to childhood memories. It is great. Also have a corally pick up with a 11.1V NiMH battery that can do 50+ MPH. I love the Brat, the children love the Corally...

Edited by Rich Boy Spanner on Tuesday 27th December 22:25

[troc]

For proper old school, a kyosho scorpion would be a fun build.

I ended up with an egress a few years ago as it was my ultimate wish list car but could never afford it as a kid.

[105.4]

Thanks all.

I was hoping to keep the budget below £250 so as to not arouse the ire of ‘er indoors.

[Athlon]

I have a Hornet which is fun but my favourite is the Sand Scorcher, really nice build, testing to paint correctly and goes ok on the dirt for sideways fun!

I also have the Land Rover Defender which was another fun build. Strangely they don't seem to de value much as built second hand cars which I find strange

[Bright Halo]

If you go on wheelspin models site you will be able to see what is available and budget from a massive amount of kit companies.

[lufbramatt]

Went through the same thing over lockdown after building a dt-03 Racing Fighter with my son. After going through all the tamiya options I ended up with a reissue Schumacher Cat XLS. Really glad I did as the build was far more interesting and rewarding. I notice Schumacher are currently selling the ProCat. I’d push the budget a bit and buy one of those ;-)

[105.4]

I’ve got an early chop and work, so it’s off Tamiya buying this afternoon.

I’ve narrowed my search down to the following;

Escort Cosworth (TT-02) @ £135
Blitzer Beetle @ £155
Grasshopper II @ £110

As I understand it, the TT-02 chassis has plenty of scope for hop-up parts? Could I fit chunkier wheels to a TT-02 chassis to convert into more of a buggy? Can the Beetle and the Grasshopper also be upgraded?

I’m looking for a bit of guidance and persuasion here as to which one to buy this afternoon?

Thanks in advance

[105.4]

Whoops



Now I just need to smuggle it into the house without the Wife noticing

[Pixel Pusher]

Here's an interesting take on your model.

https://youtu.be/pgBTBw236mU

[105.4]

I think I got away with it.

It was ‘our’ 17th Wedding Anniversary yesterday, so I told the Wife that this was a joint wedding anniversary present for both of us.