Bag Of Badgers

Just sorting out the packs, had a bit of a break as we had to nip off and get some new pinions, as the Slash was over geared ! Fixed the VLB, it had worn its tail out and was grinding it away at quite a rate!!!! Going to try and charge the 8.4V pack at a lower rate, see if I can get more in there and longer runs. Will have the normal stuff in the boot but some of the naughty little cars have been eating chillies....... ? See you all tomorrow and if there are any problems will post something on here in the morning. We will be in a Blue'ish Honda Civic for anyone looking for us. ATB Matt

Suzzy, we all wish you well and our thoughts are with you, this is my first Mothers Day without mine . Looks like the weather is going to be better than our last bash. ATB Matt

Morning all, I managed to get down to Bristol yesterday and my findings were as follows:- The old space is now a KFC but the good news is it shows no signs of being open by Sunday and the parking area has been given a clean, the only things on the car park were some of the link fence pilled up, which we could move, if we wanted (I’m sure!!!) The old landing strip is only accessible from the main car park at Hengrove, both gates are locked and only the Flying Club and Bristol Park services have keys, the surface has some damage to it but should be ok. If we wanted to use that it would be a case of parking up on the other side of the car park from where we are normally and walking to it (would be great for speed runs). The gavel car park and area on the other side of Hengrove Park would be great for off-road but there are some mean pot holes, there is no tarmac at all, no services and loads of Dog Eggs!!!! The industrial/commercial park across the Hengrove Way, flat open surfaces just no one around to ask about access for Sunday and there is a small Somerfield just around the corner. Ok, that’s what I found out and this is my suggestion. We all meet up at the McDonalds/Car park after 10ish and look at what we are going to do, I suspect that we will be fine at the old bash site but there is a problem we have our answers already sorted. I can PM my phone number to any one that wants it and we may even be down there (very) early so I can post something on here if there are any problems on the day (Free Wi-fi in McDonalds, I’m loving it!!!). Hope this some help to you all and what do you think? Take care everyone Matt

Thank you. I am just a bit worried about our 1:1 cars being out of our sight. We could park and walk to it but we will have a bit of kit with us, also is the surface flat, eg, good enough of on-road? Ta, again. Matt

Hi all, Apologies first, sorry I have not been active on this as I should have been and I was not able to scout the area, things got a little, shall we say, hectic when I was last in Brist! I have taken down the poll, as Sun 22nd was the most voted day, so that is what we shall go for. Ok, now its time for me to ask all you Bristolians for a favour. The normal car park has been finally taken from us and there have been many suggestions of where we could bash. I have looked at maps and things and it was suggested that there is a big tarmac area the opposite side of the car park, is this accessible from Hengrove Way, is this where the local flying club operate from and is it open to the public? Also there is an industrial area on the opposite side of Hengrove Way that has been mentioned, is it private land and is it available on a Sunday? Sorry (again) for all the questions. I dont know if I will be down before the 22nd otherwise I would do this myself. If anyone has any other suggestions please come forward. Thanks again all. Matt

they come as standard on a Traxxas Jato, I have fitted them to my Bandit VXL because they last a bit long that 1-2 runs before shreding . Be warned they do balloon rather well at speed. ATB Matt

I am down Brist on the weekend, I have a nose around and let you all know. ATB Matt

POLL NOW CLOSED, Bash on the Sun 22nd March. Attention Cider Bashers and anyone who wants to bash in the Bristol Area! It's time again for a Tarmac Bash in Bristol Our last tarmac bash at Hengrove Leisure Centre in late 2008 was a success (even if it was chilly), with a large, empty tarmac space perfect for touring cars, buggies and trucks, and best of all, a McDonald's restaurant just a short walk away, and should it unexpectedly pour with rain (or lately snow!!), a good bar, restaurant and even a cinema to keep us occupied. This bash is open to anyone who can make it along to Bristol. Please vote for your preferred date; we will try to pick a date(s) that suits everyone. The general consensus seems to be that Sundays are preferable to most people so I have only included Sunday dates on the poll. Please only vote if you actually intend to come along! (ps I love cut & paste, Cheers Mad Ax ) Take care all Matt

OUCH thats 3 E-Maxxs killed this week!!! Mine fried its ESC, one phone call to Traxxas and 50 later a new one in the post, not bad when you think of the full cost of a twin motor 16.8v ESC and it was my fault! Lemming's is now RWD only after having fun in the snow here in Swindon, it should not cost much to fix. It pains me to say it but as a basher, there is nothing in the Tamiya range that could cope with the punishment that we deal out to them. They are waterproof out of the box, require little modification and are low maintenance considering the abuse we give them. It's a real shame that Tamiya are not catching this market, Tamiya kits have the best bodies and decals in the market but are just not strong or fast enough. I know it's great to build kits; I'm waiting for a Boomer from my LHS, when it gets shipped to them and it will get some hop-ups to make it run as I want. It's just that in this weather we are having, I would not consider running any of my off-road Tamiya cars. As I say, it's just a big shame that I feel this way, as I love the big T, it's their cars that got me started in RC and then rekindled my love for this hobby, helping me get through a low point in my life. Don't mean to offend any one here on TC but it's just my thoughts. Take care all and drive safe!

Picks up Bandit VXL, puts it under my arm and walks of muttering something about not playing anymore....................... Just to add, the VXL range is worth it if you want a 2WD RTR car with looks that mean it never gets a last dance and it's speed can grow in line with your wallet emptying, eg tyres, bigger packs and then Lipo up to 12V. Don't forget that a wheely bar is a must, unless you want to grind the gear box as well as spare spur gears! It aways brings a smile to my face and others but as I have said before I use my E-Maxx more at the mo as my Bandit has traction issues in the cold weather!!! If you need any more info just give us a shout. ATB Matt.

They are a 7cell EP4600 pack, and a bit saucy on price at the time, but the current drain is MASSIVE on a VXL. Many reports of bottom to middle range packs going POP! you pays your money and all that....... ATB Matt

My little lady was the same! Now you have the colour choice. Any Traxxas product has looks that only it's mother could love

But can you wait...........................

I had the choice and went for the Maxxy, the Traxxas forums seem to bear this out, Bashing Maxxy, Racing and Speed the E-Revo and for those with lunitic edges The E-Revo BRUSHLESS EDITION (will do a flip from standstill!!!!!!) ATB Matt

Out of all the RC I own, the Maxxy is the one that gives me the most laughs and I know it will come back for more, MUCH MORE!!! E-Revo is more track based and owners have reported fried NiMH's (it seems to be an over the pond issue). Which ever one you got for, Traxxas stuff seems to loved to be bashed!! It's a nice choice to have to make . ATB Matt

This is my take on it all, owning a Slash (8.4v), E-Maxx (16.8v single speed) and a Bandit VXL (8.4v), all of them need to have the battery connectors changed to make best use of them. Slash, needs a flattish surface to run well, likes gravel fantastic for sliding about. For the price you cant really go wrong. I like running it but do get a bit bored if running on its own, runs ok on 7.2v but gives you and the chassis a workout at 8.4v E-Maxx, Loves any surface you can think of, in the snow its the only thing that runs as you hope it would! Can cost a bit if you want to go 16.8v. Bandit VXL (now discontinued in the UK, I think?) Mental, kills other cars if they get in its way (so far a TT01 and E-Maxx, Sorry Lemming!!) does have a real problem hooking up and getting drive, or is that my driving? Good on 7.2v, mad on 8.4V but you will need to spend some cash on good cells as the current drain is high. Still have not hit max speed with it yet, but it will get the front wheels airborne for fun! Would probably recommend the Rustler VXL over it as it is a bit more stable. So I would say an E-Maxx is the better all round basher but you will have to factor a higher cost to get started, where as Bandit/Rustler (or Stamped if monsters are you thing) VXL will give you more speed and perhaps pull the crowds, if that's you thing? The Slash is a hoot on the right surface and with others but on asphalt can seem a little slow. I use the E-Maxx the most followed by the Slash and the Bandit? Does that help? The E-Revo is more of a race bred beast, so the Maxxy wins over that in my mind. ATB Matt

Happy New Year to one and all. Looking forward(ish) to 2009.

Forgot about Seat, that will make the BTCC poor.

Add Suzuki to that list. The motor manufactures are really suffering. My wife works in the Honda plant in Swindon, not good in there, they are having a 2 month shut down, dont know what/if they are going to get paid, its affecting more that just the associates in there, it has a massive knock on in the community. We both love NASCAR, a lot cheaper and better sport for the fans than F1, in our eyes. Teams are merging and disappearing, even some of the iconic names, its a really big shame for everyone involved that are losing there jobs.

Had a fun filled day trying to get traction, even the Bandits tyres had no heat. It was a no repair bill day for us, which makes a change! I think the cold weather had a lot to do with all the damage, it made me feel brittle. If you think the Top Force look good, wait until you see the night footage, even with intermittent directional control. Just cant fit those wheels on any of our buggies, going to look at what I can do to rectify that. Take care all. Matt, Karan and all our running cars (sorry)

We have a battery shop over here in the land on the roundabout, all it does is batteries (and packs). We are going to use them to make up another pack for the rage. Catch up with us on Sunday. ATB, well you know the rest!!!

We will be getting a breakfast from the golden M. The boot will be filled with:- VLB BFE Hotshot Winger Gravel Hound, Bling Edition (with optional Drift tyres!) Baja Champ Beatle (M04) Waterproof stuff:- Maxxys playmate Slash Mini things:- TTG Hotshot (now stutter free & 4WD, thanks again Buggymuncher) Rage (no longer the short man in the Pub, if you know what I mean) Bonkers thing:- VXL Bandit!!!!! Plenty of packs & chargers, warm clothes and waterproofs!!! See you all tomorrow ATB Matt and Karan

Now thats worth knowing!!! Weather is looking COLD, but dry until the afternoon.

Morning all, We will be there, probably before 10, well we are always a bit too keen (and to get some breakfast!!!) . The usual suspects will be in the boot of the car. Dont think we will bring the Nitros as I dont fancy trying to tune them on the day, cold weather and sausage fingers never a good mix. Will be good to give the Bandit a dam fine bash, might even change the gearing for more speed, be interesting to see how it goes against Buggymunchers Hotshot . Just my little bit of safety talk, we will be bringing some VERY FAST & HEAVEY MASS vehicles (not to mention the cost), as will others, Im sure. There will be a peg board for frequencies, thanks to Lemming. PLEASE use it, I dont want to see anyone get hurt by an out of control RC or anyones pride and joy get damaged, plus the paperwork would be a nightmare. We have a complete set of crystals and we are more than happy to lend anyone a band, if they need it. Sorry Mr. Clipboard moment over. Got some work to do on the cars, Karan wants more speed out of her Blackfoot Extreme . Take care everyone and see you all soon. Matt.

Voted, the only on thats not any good is the 7th, works Winter festival evening event the night before! We would both be a bit slow on the Sunday. Well slower than normal for us!!!!!!!!