28yoKid

Took the Fire Dragon to the beach today. It is just was too fast for the grassy bits and often became airbourne at the slightest incline. Never thought I'd say it, but, maybe there is such a thing as too much power...? Or maybe I just haven't found the right place to drive it yet... Was hoping for some sand running but the tide was in...Doh!

The A-Team rule. Has anyone done an RC of the Van with 'BA' driving??? "I pitdy the FOOL"

Fitted my H1 part, which came in the post today, so only 2 pieces needed to complete! Got some good advice from Jozza; I asked him about using brake fluid to strip the shell. He suggested using some wet/dry paper. Well, I guess you can't beat good old fingers for speed and mess...! Heres the MB shell now: Found a few cracks which will need to be super-glued. I have ordered some new 'glass' as the old one was cracked on the windscreen. Also ordered some decals from Tamiyaclub.com. Does anyone know what exact colour paint the body is? Also I want to paint the window surrounds black with silver on the front side windows. How do I best do this?? All things being good I should be primering this weekend... 28 Yok

Thanks for the tip Kingpin...Meccano on standby! Will keep you updated, just ordered 60g ceramic grease for the gearbox rebuild, 5.39 incl delivery from a bike shop!

Thanks Spence, well I still owe you a shock...! Lots on ebay all the time, I guess it depends on how much u r willing to spend. I paid 95 for my NIB Fire Dragon, so I guess 68 for a Monster Beetle is a relative bargain! Or something like that! Anyway, I have decided to post some shots of the resto so far... Today was spent stripping and cleaning the MB, changing the MSC for a ESC, the MSC works perfect, but I had a ESC going spare, and I fancy adding a ST540 at some point. Unfortunately 3 of the tires tore on removal, luckily I can donate from my Wild Dagger resto. Found more broken bits...'K8' from the front Left shaft knuckle And 'E6' that holds the rear bumper to the gearbox In the meantime I can always use the "Thunder Beetle"! If anyone has a K8 or E6 or a front wheel they want to sell or swap for the MSC, servo and metal servo support, please contact me. Also I now need some grease before I can rebuild. Off to Halfords tomorrow! Cheers, 28 YOK

Just found the 'H' bits NIP on ebay. 6. Sorted!

First time sand bashing today and....WOW! It was so fun! Definitely the best surface yet. My pumpkin has a Sport Tuned 540 and with my new 4600 bat, it flew! Pulling away was really cool as the tires kick up the sand! Then the doughnuts and even some powerslides too! I was amazed at how well the Pumpkin coped with the shingle/stones, managed to climb some really steep banks (with a run up!). Once dried out I got to it with a soft dustpan brush. Presto, no more sand! Can wait to go back! Enter Sandman!

Hi all Picked up my ebay winnings this evening. Seller described as good condition...I guess everything is context right? Not as good as I'd hoped, but I now have a starting point. Here it is in uncleaned form: The giblets: Driving home with the MB on my passenger seat I couldn't help noticing how charming and characterful the MB is. A purchase I will not regret. Good points are that the chassis is in gd condition with very few scuffs/scrapes. Even better is that the thing works! I listened out for crunching g/box sounds but nothing. Areas that I will need to restore are: 1. Shell has bad paint job and cracked windscreen. Do I leave to soak in brake fluid to strip the shell?? I am sure I read that somewhere -Jozza??? Need to get some decals. 2. Need 1 new front wheel (came with 3 new ones) 3. Cracked housing for screw that holds shock brace, 'H1' I think: 4. Lower wishbone for front shock is broken and needs replacing, 'H2' That's the main stuff I can see. If anyone has any advice on sourcing or repairs then I would love to hear it!!! Cheers 28YoK

Thanks Mud, yeah Fowl mead! If I take some pics, I am sure it will be descended upon! Will post some soon...

Ok, will be taking the trusty pumpkin later on her maiden sand voyage. I will be armed with 2 batts and a jar of nivea! Thanks for the hedz-up. 28YOK

Cool. Would love to hear your findings!

I really want a re release of the Blackfoot. I love the looks, black and red. So cool! Can't find one on ebay, and I look most days. I remember seeing the kits for sale in the local model shop when I was little. Maybe we should do a poll?

Nice one Deejay, looks like you got yourself a bargain! Keep us updated on the progress! Gonna pick mine up tomorrow night.

Yeah.... ...tell that to my wife! Anyone with MB tips????

Yeah, my batts are really old, I won them with some resto projects on ebay, they can do about 10-20 mins in the Pumpkin tho! My 3300 is having a new connector soldered on and 2x 4600s on their way in the post...supposably! Anyone put an ezrun in a 2WD????? Would love to know the driveablility!

50 over 3 months, not a bad return! An unconventional investment style but anything to beat the credit crunch!

Dear all, Just thought I'd tell everyone that I have just won a MB on ebay! It looks in pretty good condition and has 3 spare new wheels too. 68 and I will collect tomorrow. (Is this a good price?????) Then I will see what needs to be done! Gonna be a resto project. Then to the beach Only got into Tamiya about 2 months ago, got a pumpkin, then a Fire Dragon, and I have resto projects for a Wild Dagger and Thundershot...and now a Monster Beetle! I just couldn't resist it....I blame the vintage promo vids on you tube! 28 YOK

RZR, Nice Box! Looks great against the blue sky! I just got my pumpkin recently after a similar situation to you. Looking fwd to new pics! Tamiya Monkey, I got the EZR 9T too. In a thunder chassis -low and 4WD- it is stupid....In a Lunchbox... I think you will need to invest in some replacement shells However will probably be drivable on loose surfaces; but don't quote me!

Surely there must be someone? OK, more about me. I am male 28, just got into Tamiya, although I have always wanted Tamiya cars since I was 7. Now I have the cars I am looking for someone who is happy to go bashing now and then and find new locations.

Good run times! I have managed to trick myself into thinking that 6 mins is reasonable! The problem with power is that their is more impacts from jumps and more impacts from crashes. Do you think you will go with bigger shocks? Maybe we need to make a roll cage -for the outside!? Sorry to hear about the chassis damage. Some thundershot chassis going on ebay at the moment. Maybe worth a look? Still waiting for my batteries!

OK 23rd is now blocked out of my diary. I would prefer a Kent location myself. Has anyone been up to Fowl Mead nr Deal? I go there quite a bit, soft and flat-ish surface BUT has loads of jumps for climbing (think BMX track). If anyone wants to check it out I am happy to meet you or I could go and photo and post here???? The only issue is that the site only allows electric powered cars. 28YOK

Thanks Guys! A wealth of Sand-bashing Knowledge! Mis-spent Youth?

Sorry Belly, didnt know it was today! What a mess!

Thanks for the advice guys. Will def look at sealing up the gear boxes. Not sure I have the courage to put holes in my precious pumpkin tires tho! Maybe once they fill with sand!!!! You are right, I should just go and enjoy the cars, if anything goes belly up, I can just buy new bits.... To the beach...!

Thanks Dazza! Will give it a try.