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Has anyone got one of those 1:24 Absoma crawlers? They are nearly half the price of the SCX-24.
I always know I'm going to see something lovely when Merak posts.
I buckled last night and ordered a very cheap DT-03 Racing Fighter from <spit>Amazon</spit> after my boys cracked the front end off our Rising Fighter in a buggy/kerb interface. I have, of course, ordered a replacement chassis for the Rising Fighter too.
super as always merak, but why the mismatched wheels?
@neilnevil my reference image searches throw up mixed wheels on this era of rally car.
I thought it'd add a bit of detail.
Restored and modified my best friend’s original Tamiya Monster Beetle for his upcoming 50th, he got this new in the late 80’s.
I replaced the electronics (ESC,servo and receiver) with Modern items (original transmitter lost), ESC (still brushed) from hobbywingtechnology and Core Rc Lipo battery, Dumbo RC Transmitter and receiver, digital metal geared 25kg servo.
Fixed the infamous clicking gearbox with a small spacer, sorted the bump-steer by re-locating the servo ball joints to the underside of the servo saver.
Repaired and repainted original body, but had to use re-release decals, removed and repainted driver figure and installed 3d printed interior.
Most parts were there,but needed new bumper, motor mount wheels & tires. Also needed some of the metal sleeves that go in the gearbox, so had to buy those, but reused all the original gears and drive shafts. Fitted a few carbon parts (who doesn’t like Carbon), so front & rear suspension mounts (more mounting options for the shocks)
Motor is one I fitted for him when we were kids (came with my Kyosho Optima Mid Custom Special), it runs but is nothing special, have a holmeshobbies Retro Sport 15t on the way, which should liven it up.
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Currently in the process of rebuilding this:-
It was given to me about ten years ago, missing its front drive shafts and knackered tyres. It looked like it’d been run over.
I put a battery in it and proceeded to crash it within 15secs, breaking an upright.
So in a cupboard it went.
Yesterday I found it and decided to see if I could sort it out.
I stupidly left the batteries in the Acoms radio, so they leaked. One of the contacts then snapped. I’ll see if I can fix that or get a modern radio maybe, although the quick fix up is getting costly fast.
I actually printed a new upright, then as I pulled it apart I found a few more broken bits and just ordered a pair of new uprights anyway, plus rear wish bones, rear carrier, driveshafts, another battery, tyres and other bits I can’t remember.
Modern electronics are so much better and a lot cheaper than things used to be.
Not run my cars in ages. The boy is getting to an age he can be trusted with more than the crawler. Maybe an idea for killing time in the school holidays.
I rebuilt an original ‘85 tamiya fox this year. It had sat in the garage for the best part of 15 years and had all the old electronics. Upgraded it to new stuff and I was really impressed with how straight forward it was. I have a Manta Ray that needs the same treatment.
Modern electronics are so much better and a lot cheaper than things used to be
I’m thinking a radio that doesn’t require 8000 AA batteries would be nice. Don’t want to spend much as it won’t get used a huge amount.
Would a modern speed controller allow for a more usable speed range, rather than almost flat out, flat out and backwards?
Wow, as always Merak has done a super job. Is it the same escort shell painted and repainted? I hope not, but you must have quite a few of Dagenham's finest!
Ha, no they're all different. I don't own any of them. This is the second to last I'm going to do.
I have a 131 shell then that's it.
Would a modern speed controller allow for a more usable speed range, rather than almost flat out, flat out and backwards?
Yes. I use the bog standard Tamiya kit ECU and they are great for very little money. Lots of model shops sell cheap new take ones taken out of kits where someone is running a hot motor. May as well get a new servo as well while your at it.
Looks like HotShot 2 with the Supershot front suspension upgrade?
Looks like HotShot 2 with the Supershot front suspension upgrade
I’m not sure. It’s a Hotshot of some description, I’d assumed a 1.
I’ve stripped it down to check the 4wd gearbox, thought it was broken, hence the missing prop and driveshafts, but it looks fine.
Reading this is making me want to relive my youth. Used to race electric buggies back in the day - last one was a Losi XX CR from memory. This was pre brushless motors and fancy batteries. A 13x2 motor and the best nicad batteries you could get were the order of the day at the time.
Bought one of those little micro 3.5 channel indoor helicopters and it’s pretty fun. Eying up secondhand nitro trucks / buggies on Facebook classifieds now - but must resist. I really don’t have the time to play with one and the wife will think I’m being even more of a child than she already does.
Have to see if my daughter gets into anything I like - ideally mtb - but if not RC cars would be fantastic. Seems unlikely as she’s a very girly girl, knowing my luck she’ll decide she wants a pony or something (never happening).
I think it's a Hotshot 2. The original hotshot had mono shocks front and rear and the Supershot upgrade gave it front shocks like yours mounted to those alloy towers and matching yellow ones mounted behind the suspension arms instead of in front.
Nice motor on that too. Hopefully it's got full ball bearings in the gearboxes etc?
I've just realised that the kyosho Optima 87 worlds edition that I bought for myself for Christmas last year is still sitting on the shelf unmade.....
If anybody has any idea where I can get the green paint that I need for the body please shout
If anybody has any idea where I can get the green paint that I need for the body please shout
Ask a Bianchi dealer 🙂 ?
I think it’s a Hotshot 2. The original hotshot had mono shocks front and rear and the Supershot upgrade gave it front shocks like yours mounted to those alloy towers and matching yellow ones mounted behind the suspension arms instead of in front.
Nice motor on that too. Hopefully it’s got full ball bearings in the gearboxes etc?
Ta, useful to know. I’ve never tinkered with a proper RC car before.
There are some bearings in the front gearbox. Not opened the rear yet.
The prop input seems to be a cream coloured nylon? Bush.
Obviously ordering a new prop I didn’t realise I needed the cups at each end.
The hubs are all bushes.
Is it worth changing to bearings?
The bracket from the roll cage to the spoiler is mia, as is the driver.
If you're going to do a full restoration then yeah I would upgrade to bearings. Modelsport etc. sell them. Tamiyabase or Tamiyaclub are a good resource for the old manuals and from them you can identify which parts trees you need to order for the missing bits. I did a full restoration on my original Hotshot, added bearings and a super nice motor + new electronics + batteries and it ran beautifully. And fast!
Thanks I’ll take a look, it started as get it working, but mission creep…
I think you’re right it’s a two, from what I found the brass bit on the front gearbox and the front of the chassis are a identifier.
I’ve just realised that the kyosho Optima 87 worlds edition that I bought for myself for Christmas last year is still sitting on the shelf unmade…..
If anybody has any idea where I can get the green paint that I need for the body please shout
Is this the green you are talking about? I think you need to get mixing I'm afraid!
Are the brushless trucks / buggies on Amazon - priced circa £80-£150 any good? Looking at the 1/16th and 1/14th ones.
Claimed speeds from 45km/h upwards depending on which ones you like at.
E.g:
This still seems to be the default answer
edit: links seem to be borked: FTX Tracer from the likes of Modelsport
I have Amazon vouchers so has to be from there - looks like FTX models are on there so will check those out.
Little bit over budget but someone suggested the Losi B / Losi T which seems to be mini versions of their 1/10th scale vehicles. Only the brushed versions are not too far outside of budget (£156 for a brushed Mini T) - wonder how they compare size and speed wise?
Having looked again the FTX Tracer and the HBX 16899 are essentially the same little truck thing. The HBX has a pro version that has oil filled shocks, the upgraded metal stub axles, metal gears etc for not that much more money. Think I might get one of those in the brushless version.
First ever Tamiya received as present this year. I seem to recall someone saying it was desirable to get a set of bearing to replace the plastic bushings?
From my dim and distant experience with a Tamiya Mudblaster in the 1990’s the bearing kit is worth getting. The mechanical speed controller was also going in the bin - but I don’t think they fit those anymore.
Yeah the plastic bushes are baws. A stainless steel kit is about a tenner and well worth it. Oil filled shocks make a massive difference for not alot of money too.
Having looked again the FTX Tracer and the HBX 16899 are essentially the same little truck thing. The HBX has a pro version that has oil filled shocks, the upgraded metal stub axles, metal gears etc for not that much more money. Think I might get one of those in the brushless version
We have the ftx and the hbx.
The ftx is still fast for our garden. The hbx is too fast on max speed for the garden. The ftx has had more things break over the last year and half but, it's my 4 year olds and was getting back flipped regular all summer.
Get some spare batteries as they only last for 15 to 20 min
Awesome thank you - ordered an HBX pro. See what it’s like!
So, as I’m still waiting for parts, I vaguely re assembled the car. I wanted to see if the body shell I downloaded fitted. It didn’t due to the front shock mounts, nothing a trim won’t sort.
Although I’ve ordered another controller I repaired the -ve battery tab that snapped off, using bits from some broken hair clippers. Controller now powers up, so I have the option to run it as is if I grow impatient waiting for the modern stuff.
Powerup4 paper airplane has just been flown in the park with my daughter who listened to Daddies Christmas prezzie request. We flew it 50:50 and it's been brilliant. You do need two football pitches in size to fly and yes, we found the only tree in the park, queue running about looking for long branches whilst giggling. Recommended because it's almost silent and weighs about 20g so no-one is in any danger and the folding of the paper into various designs extends the challenge.
Spent a few hours with a glass of wine assembling the chassis. Got the diffs, suspension and uprights done before calling it a day. Was quite enjoyable. I can see why people say the shocks could be better, I guess they are easy to upgrade later.
Servo recommendations appreciated.
What Tamiya have you got? If it’s a 4 wheel drive truck sort of thing then you want something strong enough to turn the wheels - I know back in the day I had a stadium truck and a standard Acoms servo was struggling.
If it’s just a 2wd model with smallish front tyres I think any old servo will do the job.
Looking online you can get a metal geared servo with up to 15kg of torque for less than £20.
Its an on-road one. Toyota GR86 with a TT02 chassis.
Servo recommendations appreciated
I googled lots, was none the wiser and just ordered whatever the retailer I was ordering the speed controller from had. IIRC I went for a 15kg whatever with metal gears for the Hotshot.
I bought all my kits as bundle, so just got whatever was recommended. Search for the model or similar and see what they normally bundle with it.
The new battery and charger turned up so I decided to build it anyway, I know it needs to come apart again for the bearings.
But as I’d fixed the controller I thought it’d be fun to give it a spin.
The wheelspin is hilarious, especially in reverse, the new speed controller and 4wd will hopefully tame it. Steering lock is awful, but it all works.
I had a Tamiya mini and Kyosho Impreza when a kid which I still have in the loft, I decided this Christmas was time for my two boys to get involved, we got 3 MJX Hypergo models, for around £60 each which seemed pretty good value for the quality, first run on a muddy field was probably not best idea but all cleaned up now. They also got some really crappy RC cars from family, £10 supermarket aisle jobbies which will be heading straight to the charity shops
Got the HBX 168890a Pro - had a quick go on it in the garden. Triumph of power over handling and grip and it wants to roll over when cornering. I think the suspension is too soft and it lurches over and then digs in.
I think ideally it would have stiffer springs but hard to identify what to fit - so ordered some 35wt shock oil to put in. It feels like there isn’t as much oil as there could be in the shocks from new. There is some damping there (certainly better than friction shocks) but it’s not enough. See how we get on.
Overall it’s decent for the money though - motor seems really powerful and the kit all seems finished nice enough. I think I prefer the look of the truggy version so I may pick up that body / rear bumper / wing and convert it at some point. I think if rude is made lower it may handle a little better in the corners too.
Need to pop to the local pump track and have a play there at some point.
Typically all the bits for the Hot/Super/Whatever Shot arrived the day after I’d got it running.
So apart it came again.
I replaced all the bushings with bearings, aside the bearings already fitted to the gearbox halves. I wasn’t convinced I could remove them without damaging the 30+ year old plastic.
Fitted the new ESC and Servo (9kg it turned out) also the new receiver.
It’s way, way better. It can actually be driven at low speeds without endless wheelspin. The wheels don’t wobble in all sorts of directions.
Steering lock is still shit.
Not really too sure what to do with it now, maybe pass it to a Nephew when he’s old enough, although I imagine the cheaper faster modern stuff would be better or just save it for cocking about on cycle trips with the lads (after printing a few spare uprights etc).
Thought I’d add a few photos of my recent purchase:
I can’t get over how small the battery is tbh.
Does anyone actually take their cars out to a local club to race at all? Tamiyas tend to be looked down upon as they are nod designed as competitive kits, but does anyone race them or anything else? I find the simple owning and running of cars quite boring,but do t have the time/capacity to got to a club at all.
There ssto bea lot more AstroTurf type courses for buggies these days, and indoor carpet tracks. It was all dirt tracks 30+ years ago, which really happened the cars mechanically!
I race my cars, many clubs have tamiya specific classes. It's worth checking the brca website to find your local club. Most will have either a website or Facebook page detailing what car classes are run.
it's alive, it's alive!
All thrown together and using some bits borrowed from the child of a friend it runs. Now to paint the shell and decide if upgraded parts are on the menu.
Just asa heads-up if anyone on the group has bought a Traxxas, they're currently having to start a mass-recall for having put asbestos fibres in their brakes and slipper clutches for the last ~20 years! TomleyRC has done a good video with all the details:
Gracious me, the transfers are fiddly, especially the window outlines etc. Those long thin buggers!
That traxxas story's a shocker, glad I stuck to axial who make their useless slipper clutches out of what seems to be cardboard instead, and just always cranked em down.
Yeah - how can you accidentally include asbestos in your RC cars for years?!
Had an extended go on my HBX (FTX Traverse) thing at lunch today at the local tarmac pump track. Handles a bit better with the rear running as high as it’ll go with the front completely level. Plus it was drier today.
Standard tyres can’t cope with the power at all - got to gradually feed it in or it spins or veers off to one side.
The standard servo is definitely crap - can’t pull the wheels back straight properly (not a problem in a big space but on a narrow pump track it is). Not sure what to do about it as no obviously compatible replacement that has more torque.
@keithb - have a look at Tamiya Junkies on FB. Once a month or so they have track days at Robin Hood Raceway in Notts. No racing, just a couple of tracks (one indoor Astro, one outdoor Astro and one carpet outdoor which is impossible when wet but totally brilliant when dry… ) It’s not just Tamiya, but there are a lot of lovely vintage buggies being run…
I’ve got a TT02 Porsche 911 GT3 still sat in the box that I keep meaning to build up and race. A couple of local clubs do a class for them (and I think many across the country do) - stock 540 motor, control tyres, limited other mods.
Just agreed a sale of my HBX16889a Pro - it’s blindingly fast but fancy something that handles a bit better / is less skittish.
Ordered one of these and have a 3s battery coming for it:
Assume it’ll be suitably rapid (not for racing though as it’s rear motor).
I have a desire to buy myself a reasonable sized r/c car of some form. I’ve got a micro crawler and I feel like a crawler might be a good way to go as the kids could potentially drive it without immediately crashing. Either way id like something with some off road capability. I’m sure I’ve seen recommendations on here for the FTX Outback, but does anyone else have any suggestions for sub £200? I’m a big fan of building stuff up myself, but also have nothing currently (assume the transmitter I have for the micro crawler couldn’t be reused?) so I guess an RTR bundle is the best bet?
I bought an ftx ranger xc for this.
It broke when it fell 30cm or so.
I bought a couple of ftx tracers as well.The ftx tracers have a speed limiting dial. On lowest speed my 5 year old can walk with it no problem. They have been much more robust
The ranger xc is good, al long as you don't expect to build a course in the house and have it survive falling.
For sub £200 then an Outback is probably as good as you'll get, decent performance and spares availability being good. Might be worth stretching a bit more for an Outback Fury though, has a better motor and much better performance for only a small amount more. The other option is delving into the realms of AliExpress and Banggood but that carries risks with dodgy sellers, poor performance and lack of spares back-up. I'm a bit out of touch with the latest bargains though as I'm invested in self-builds and modifying my existing stuff so others might have a good pointer for a hidden option.
Tracer does look like great value (especially if it’s robust) but I *think* I’m after something a little fancier. Outback fury looks like a solid choice, I might plump for that tbh and get a tracer for when the kids inevitably want one!
Tracer is pretty robust, did some chunky jumps with mine. Cartwheeled a beauty a number of times with no damage. The servo is a bit crap though and it’s not clear what may or may not be compatible with the standard combined esc / receiver as an upgrade. There are a couple of versions of the tracer - brushed and brushless and I believe they have a different esc / receiver.
Outback Fury 2 arrived today, came in just under budget with an eBay offer. Bit of a shame there’s no spare wheel included (but they graciously give you the bits to fit one) and the standard wheels don’t seem to be available anywhere. I suspect the shocks might need a bit of attention, the rear left is a bit saggy - I’ve got a rough idea of how to service them, but what oil does one use?!
I don’t own a fancy rc car but am looking for some advice on repairing a cheap rc car that my son loves and I’d much rather try and repair it than chuck it into the recycling…it’s one of these https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/toys/construction-and-cars/car-toys/radio-control-cars/speed-cyclone-remote-control-car-orange-and-red/p/231437
after charging the batteries the wheels just stutter and don’t turn. Any ideas if it’s fixable? Thanks
I’ve got an Outback mini Rock Van kit that’s arrived, seemed to be about the only small crawler at that price as a kit.
Tamiya have just announced a reissue of the Honda City Turbo too. Could be an expensive couple of months.
bassmandan
Full MemberI suspect the shocks might need a bit of attention, the rear left is a bit saggy – I’ve got a rough idea of how to service them, but what oil does one use?!
TBH if it's sagging it's most likely to be a spring or fitment issue, maybe it has adjustable perches or the spring has got dismounted?
Oil is like bikes, it's weight dependent. The stock oil weight seems to be secret for the Fury so probably starting around 30wt isn't a bad idea. You <can> use bike fork oil if you have it but there's definitely a chance it'll react with something, rc generally uses pure silicon oil.
If you have a sagging corner on a car that would most likely be spring related - the oil doesn’t hold up the car when it’s static I don’t think. Are there any spring clips missing - they sit clipped around the shock body above the spring - and provide preload essentially?
I tried my Team Associated RB10 for the first time today - with a 3s battery it’s rapid. Handles better than the Tracer although on wet tarmac it’s very easy to spin under power.
I was next to a skate park and couldn’t resist - at low ish speeds it was jumping beautifully and controlled. Got a bit excitable and launched it going too fast and it ended up 10 feet in the air and completely missed the landing. Fair to say it looks a little bit secondhand now - although nothing appears to be broken ?
@Merak nice details! Is the driver based on Graham or Damon Hill? Don't recognise the codriver helmet design, is it based on a real codriver?
I've recently got my car out of storage and had a play. Love the thing and don't know why I've just left it for 12 years !
Revo 3.3 converted to brushless. Goes like stink on 4S and handles really well. A 15 minute play saw 1 lost wheel nut and 1 cracked wheel. Now back up and ready for this weekends play.
Also bought a Maverick 4S quantum R and a FMS 1/18th Hummer crawler but don't really think the hummer is for me so will sell it on I reckon.
Looking forward to playing with the Maverick when it dries up a bit though. Already have a new radio system with a gyro to go in it.
