Which Tamiya?

[generationx]

First job is to buy a ball bearing set so you don’t have to retro-fit them. Makes all the difference. Apart from that these are fun buggies, I restored an original one “Sand Scorcher style”:

https://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=...

[105.4]

generationx said:

First job is to buy a ball bearing set so you don’t have to retro-fit them. Makes all the difference. Apart from that these are fun buggies, I restored an original one “Sand Scorcher style”:

https://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=...

Thanks for the tip.

And perfect timing as well, as I’m just having a quick Google search whilst dinner is in the oven as to what hop-up parts are available.

Is there anything else that you’d recommend? Aluminium drive shafts to replace the plastic ones for example?

[generationx]

105.4 said:

generationx said:

First job is to buy a ball bearing set so you don’t have to retro-fit them. Makes all the difference. Apart from that these are fun buggies, I restored an original one “Sand Scorcher style”:

https://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=...

Thanks for the tip.

And perfect timing as well, as I’m just having a quick Google search whilst dinner is in the oven as to what hop-up parts are available.

Is there anything else that you’d recommend? Aluminium drive shafts to replace the plastic ones for example?

Well a bit more power is always fun, and you could upgrade to 1-piece driveshafts, the Thundershot hop-up ones fit. If you’re UK based have a chat with someone like Fusion Hobbies or Modelsport.

[105.4]

generationx said:

First job is to buy a ball bearing set so you don’t have to retro-fit them. Makes all the difference.

Are these the correct bearings?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362942092723?mkcid=16&a...

[105.4]

generationx said:

Well a bit more power is always fun, and you could upgrade to 1-piece driveshafts, the Thundershot hop-up ones fit. If you’re UK based have a chat with someone like Fusion Hobbies or Modelsport.

And are these the driveshafts that you are referring to?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266146732351?mkcid=16&a...

As for motors, (because who doesn’t want more power), is the Tamiya technigold, (old Boomerang motor), still the motor of choice, or is my knowledge around 35 years behind current tech?

edited to add;

Are these shocks a worthwhile upgrade?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403006328435?mkcid=16&a...

Sorry for all the newbie questions.

Edited by 105.4 on Monday 13th March 20:06

Edited by 105.4 on Monday 13th March 21:51

[troc]

You could also check out tamico.de for parts. They have lots and lots!

[105.4]

troc said:

You could also check out tamico.de for parts. They have lots and lots!

Will do. Thanks

[generationx]

Tamico are great, however they have a high minimum order cost if shipping to the UK. It is possible to fill your basket quickly though!

The bearing set looks fine.

The driveshafts i was referring to are the type with a universal joint to the output end, such as:



As you can see you need a 70mm joint-to-joint length I believe, although it’s been a while. You can search for either “universal joint” or “CVD” driveshafts to suit Hotshot, Mantra Ray, Top Force or Thundershot, I think all will suit.

As for the dampers, I believe that the Blitzer Beetle comes with the Tamiya oil-filled plastic shocks as standard (you can check on the box blurb or in the manual, or online) - personally I believe they are likely to be better than some no-name alloy ones from eBay, and will have pretty good damping/spring rates and the correct length to keep the buggy under control. Unless you’re going for some serious racing action, in which case be prepared to pay more!

Have fun, please post pictures when you’ve built it! I’m working on a modified Hotshot at the moment…

[105.4]

Hop-up parts ordered:

Tamiya 53028 Thundershot UJ driveshafts
Tamiya 1150 metal bearing kit
Tamiya AW grease for the differential
Tamiya RS 540 Torque Tuned motor

I’ve arranged to have next Sunday off of work, and I’m dearly hoping that it’s going to be pouring with rain all day so that I can concentrate of getting the Beetle built instead of having to do other (boring) jobs around the house like cutting the overgrown garden hedge.

Is a motor heat sink a worthwhile mod or are they a gimmick?

[generationx]

105.4 said:

Is a motor heat sink a worthwhile mod or are they a gimmick?

See how it goes - I wouldn’t bother for a fairly mild motor but the blue Tamiya ones look quite blingy!

[105.4]

Let the building begin

[105.4]

That’s the gearbox all built up.



I’ve now realised that it would be better to replace the crappy cardboard motor plate with an aluminium one, which is now on order and should arrive in the next few days, so until then, not much for me to do.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385305244252?mkcid=16&a...

I’ve still no idea on what body design / paint scheme to go for. I had hoped that Forza would provide some inspiration, but I haven’t found anything I like yet.

If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to let me know