yogi-bear

Howdy and Happy Easter too, that was pretty good, even better when I realised that is right here in Queensland too! Have you had any luck yet with the 3D scanning?

howdy, I have the right printer for doing decals, I have two in fact and both cost me around $40k AUD. Although you can get cheaper ones from about $20k onwards. These printers fall under the category of wide format printers. They are generally either latex ink, UV ink or eco-solvent ink. All designed for use in the signage and sticker industry. You could use a home inkjet or laser printer, but it won't have the durability and you would need to coat or laminate them. Software wise you could use Inkscape which is free, or there are some that cost a little but nowhere near what Adobe Illustrator costs.

Agreed, I didn't think I was being political though, but didn't intend to be either, just an observation that all RC manufacturers are affected, I'll end it there. Back on topic, I think Tamiya are fine, they are quirky for sure and I don't get some of the things they do, such as all the Hornet releases, (someone must be buying them!). I am in the hobby mainly for nostalgia, collecting kits I wanted as a kid, but for sure some have been disappointing in some ways - Tamiya connectors aren't great (I'm slowly switching over to XT60 unless its a vintage car), and my first drive of a Brat last year was a bit underwhelming. Still I am glad Tamiya do what they do and aren't like too many other RC manufacturers. Although metal bearings in a kit would be nice I ran my first Kyosho last year and it's awesome, but in saying that I still have plans to upgrade a Hotshot and Frog to get better performance out of them. Fools errand maybe, costly too, sure I could buy another Kyosho (I did actually!) but it'll be fun! I think it also helps that I don't race anything, its only about the nostalgia, the building/restoring and modifying for me, so for that Tamiya by and large are fine.

although Traxxas gets manufactured in Taiwan and then assembled in the USA, so they are likely to take a hit as I think its 32% but couldn't find a definite number quickly. RC Kicks has an interesting analysis of how the tariffs may affect everyone world wide.

I've used sticky tape to remove sticky tape (or really any tape), using the adhesive of the tape to help pull off the residue left behind. Citrus based cleaners also work, as can eucalyptus oil

awesome restore project. It's pretty cool that you are using old school electronics too.

awesome, post pics if you can, always good to see homemade stuff like this

looking good, how will you build the body?

stripped and cleaned the dusty Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV body, finally printed all the decals I needed and applied as received new decals, although I messed up a little and didn't set the Japanese text on the door properly, so it came out silver instead of white, but I can live with that. I printed to chrome vinyl to do the tail and head lights and printed to metallic silver vinyl for the sides now just waiting on new rims. I also have a second new generic Mitsubishi body to decal that I will use actual driving with, this one is cracked enough and probably won't stand up to much abuse. While I wait for the rims I'll made a mold and the recast the rear spoiler and mirror for the repro body.

super nice build. How does those nut and bolt joints go, that hold pieces at right angles go? I tried them with some of my acrylic stands but wasn't too happy overall with how they held parts together.

without trying to get political, as any talk about Trump is devisive (and no I am not a supporter of his politics either), but I for one I think it would be a shame if you left.

I wonder if an online wiki or similar would work that different people could update.

The last few weeks I have been remaking the decals for a Tamiya Lanica Evo IV and a Kyosho Taisan Porsche. Artwork now all done and first test print of the Mitsubishi stickers. Body decals I managed to print onto a metallic silver vinyl to mimic the metallic silver ink used on the decal sheet (and on the actual car). I also did the front grill with radiator a bit differently, but I think what I have done is a bit too bright. I'll make some adjustments and also do the main stickers with a gloss finish, but I like the idea of the radiator and vent stickers in a matt finish

I'm looking forward to this build, as I have a Novafox in waiting for a build one day. I just google that chassis upgrade, that must save a far bit of weight? plus you can access the electronics easily, thats a good bonus. I loved the original Fox, it was fun to drive, but hated accessing the internals though!

I second using heat gun or hair dyer to warm the vinyl. Just be careful as it's easy to melt, maybe test with some off cuts. But I do it all the time. I've also used super glue to help stick down vinyl, but again you need to be careful as too much and you'll ruin the sticker