Old Falcon Lad

Cheers Seb, I can see how this can happen! I'm working on a Hornet that was in a shocking state and a Bear Hawk that was a bit better, and I have a list of parts needed that's pretty long! But tracking down the parts is all part of the fun isn't it? If I wanted a new car I could just go and buy a kit tomorrow! I'll try and keep track of costs though!

Nice line up! I like the old vs new contrast. So did the Boomer beat the H? Thanks for posting, P

Dear all I'm in the process of doing up an old Bear Hawk, and the plastic original hex rear wheel adapters are shot. I want to replace these with metal versions - will any 12mm standard hex set do? And whilst I'm here, does anyone know where I can get hold of some decals for the shell? Cheers, P

Brilliant! Thanks very much, most useful. Paul

All I found in various old posts the following link to what was described as an excellent resource on motor specs: http://home19.inet.tele.dk/martinjordt/res...tors/motors.htm It doesn't seem to be there any more, so does anyone know where it's gone / similar? I'm trying to get my head around the different motor types and what the different parameters all mean! Paul

Yes, rumbled. I too was a kid in the mid-80s and had a Falcon. Only just getting back into Tamiya models, a scarey amount on years on (22ish I think!!). I've already drawn up a fairly unachievable list of cars I want to put together again, mostly based on the ones I remember from school days. What do you reckon to this lot, which probably dates my era: 1. Grasshopper l 2. Hornet 3. Falcon 4. Fox 5. Hotshot 1 6. Hotshot 2 7. Boomerang 8. Supershot 9. Bigwig 10 = Midnight Pumpkin 10 = Bullhead Now I already realise that 4, 8, 9 and 10b are pretty dear, so this could take a while or a minor lottery win! PS I have a small lad who's 2, and already taking an interest!

Thanks for the replies guys. I can see what you mean - bit of initial cost buying tools, paints, greases etc, plus a few dodgy buys off eBay. I now have a Hornet, Bear Hawk and Super Sabre in various states of disrepair, but I think I'll start with the Hornet. For project #4, I may look for something more complete as per your sage advice! But for me the most fun will be in finding the parts and building them again. And now I'm prepared for the costs!!!! Paul

Ok cheers guys, I've not progressed thsi yet, but will try as you say. I'll try and create a showroom as I now have 3 project cars, but at the moment it's more of a Tamiya scrap heap!! Anyone have the same feeling?

Ah! This could explain things. In which case, what do people think of it - worth a full project - suspension seems OK, comes with radio gear, but needs a fair bit of work I'd imagine! Paul

All I've bought a few wrecks from eBay to start my restoring career, and just wondered if the average restoration project usually ends up as costing more than buying a new kit or complete model? I'm doing these as a labour of love, but can already see the decision could be hard as to whether a car is indeed a project or just a donar for parts!! What do you all look for when considering a 'project' car? I guess this will depend on rarity, patience and enthusiasm! P

All Quick one, is the front bumper for the Hornet the same as that used on the Grasshopper 1? My Hornet needs a new one, and I've an eye on a parts lot that includes the GH bumper, but looking on the parts list on the Hornet page I'm not sure it will fit? Cheers, P.

Morning Just got another wreck, but is this a hotshot, as it seems to have Boomerang elements - bumper, rear, parts of front steering? Thoughts appreciated! Paul

All I have an old pair of Hornet rear wheels, and, really simply, how do I get the old tyres off without ruining them? Sorry for such a basic question! I want to clean up all the parts in the wheels, and guess I should be able to get the 3 main parts of the wheels apart once the tyre is released? Cheers P

Ok, so what is it the shell of then? P

All I'm just starting to get back into the hobby, and was on the look out for a restoration job. I bought this vintage bear hawk on eBay cheaply, including a Beatties bag that I remember from the '80s. Hopefully I've attached a photo of what was in the bag. Appears mostly there, though lacks a motor, on/off switch, tyres are bald and there are small cracks in the shell and front bumper. What do people think? A reasonable first lot to have a go at? I just want a runner btw. As you will see, I have another dodgy old shell too - presume this is a non-Tamiya, and should just be binned? At present, when I press down both ends of the car, I don't get much rebound, but I assume that I will only detect any major problems once I've stripped down, reassembled and regreased the car. I also note I have a spare set of steering rods - all seem bent, so can I just bend them back into shape? And is anything else obviously missing??!!! Paul

Thanks guys, It's runners I'm after - at this stage pristine restorations are not on the radar! I'll try and tale some photos and set up a showroom so you can see how I get on. P

Dear all, My first post too, and as you can see from user name, I am an ex falcon owner. Only just getting back into tamiya's after 20 years (God, and I really that old!!!). Anyhow, looked on eBay at Christmas, found this site and the old interest was rekindled! Plus I have a son now who enjoyed playing with a simple rc we were given for Christmas (he's 2, but gotta start early!). I really fancy restoring some wrecks and just bought these off eBay - hope the links work: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MEWNX:IT http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MEWNX:IT If the links don't work, try looking for items 270514447451 and 260532065000. Opinions welcome - for example, is it indeed a Hornet and not a Hopper? The first of many questions I guess, so thanks in advance for your patience!! Paul