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

[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.

[105.4]

Thanks all.

I can see this rapidly becoming another expensive hobby!

[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’

[105.4]

Thanks all.

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

[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

[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.

[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?

[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

[105.4]

troc said:

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

Will do. Thanks

[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?

[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