Grastens

I mean, I still think a NIB Blazing Blazer or a 959 is expensive, but this is proper CEO money right here

Tarmac-spec! Just like how they ran them at Corsica The whole project is coming along quite attractively! I have been enjoying following this build so far

Put on a re-release, it could even be the Fighting Brat (2014) or the Subaru Buggy... But wait, the latter was the TL-01RA: I would be interested to see what a Subaru Brat shell on such a chassis would look like.

Having tried their website on a mobile device, it is easier to navigate from one, but yikes that search function is horrendous An ability to search by brand would have been nice to include, but as said before that would pull up all kinds of unrelated products... I hope they are working on improving the Search feature; in other respects, it is not a bad website to use.

I get the feeling a chop won't be necessary if you are able to fabricate a custom chassis plate; I remember the Sand Scorcher chassis being quite modular. Here is a photo showing a custom Sand Scorcher chassis plate, for reference: The front and rear ends are quite distinct from each other; the chassis plate (as opposed to a shaped tub or multiple decks) is really the only thing linking them. Even the radio box is separate, and the Super Champ/Fighting Buggy did not even use one while using a very similar front end and a modified rear. Thus, if you can make up a chassis plate that the front and rear suspensions can bolt onto, you can get the wheelbase you want for a Sand Rover shell without having to modify the kit-standard chassis plate. That may even be preferable if FRP repairs on such a sectioned chassis are not that strong. Of course, you would no longer be using the standard radio box, but I think that would interfere with the Sand Rover shell, anyway. The torsion bars on the rear suspension may also interfere, though that is only a possibility. In any case, they do not really provide much function If you get that chassis plate sorted (and you can cut and drill carbon fibre or even metal to make a new one), you could have your Sand Rover and the parts to convert it back into a Sand Scorcher if you ever feel so inclined. And with that, I hope you are encouraged to go ahead with a Sand Rover-bodied Sand Scorcher

Looking forward to following this project!

I had a similar experience with the Tamiya Avante Black Special. I saved up for one, went for it, loved the build, and then realized I did not have the resources to keep it running the way it should. Regrettably, I sold it off - never to be seen again... I think that tri-colour body shell I worked so hard on even got discarded by the new owner There is a twist to the classic "meet the heroes" story, though for me it approaches an on-off relationship with an attractive partner, with a bit of insanity mixed in: I am convinced it will work out if I try again, and am already saving up for another Avante... It might even end up being a Black Special again, since for some reason they are cheaper than the 2011 re-release in places

I always thought if I died young (and for a while there, it looked like more of a sure thing), I would encourage my family members to sell my RC gear on this forum. I am unaffiliated with any other RC club, and outside of an occasional drone pilot might be the only RC enthusiast within a several-kilometre radius! So long as they remembered to specify PayPal Gift or else cover fees, everything would be fine But now that things are looking better, I hope this would not be a thing until MUCH later.

It can depend on how you glue it. On bicycles with certain bottom bracket types (namely, the types involving bearings that press into the frame), using Loctite (242, I think) is standard practice. It does a decent job getting a secure fit into the frame, and is not too difficult to remove afterwards - and the forces going through those bearings are quite high, too. However, the preponderance of ball bearings has me in agreement with Yalson that a new bearing is the better idea. Loctite will not work that well if the component is plastic - certain grades will actually melt it, so unless the DB-01R front hub is metal, you are best off trying your luck with another bearing. As for finding loose fitment of bearings in Tamiya chassis, I have yet to experience that phenomenon.

It is certainly possible, but at present the most accessible means to the hobbyist (particularly on TamiyaClub) is 3D-printing. While more of us have compatible printers or printing services than even just a few years ago, the ideal filaments/materials get expensive, and the printing itself gets laborious. I seem to remember a TC member 3D-printing tires for a Volkswagen Beetle Rally build, which looked great but were stiff compared to the typical rubber compound used for RC car tires. The moulding route could produce a better tire, or at least a cheaper one, but the prospect of moulding rubber anywhere outside a professional shop must be a bit daunting. It could be done at a home shop; however, the odours would be prohibitive... I think reproduction tires, while in demand, would be too costly for a cottage industry to take up. That could change if/when 3D-printing advances even further; moulding has less technological potential in the context of increased accessibility. I mean, reproduction wheels were unthinkable a few years ago, but here we are! In the meantime, expense must be a factor - it certainly was for me when I asked the same question. Despite everything I wrote, demand might be one, too, for a run of reproduction tires would be just that, while continuous production is likely required to justify the time and capital invested. As much as I would like to believe hundreds of us would like reproduction Michelin TRXs for our Lancia Rallys, Opel Asconas, and Audi Quattros, the reality is probably only a dozen or so - and that is before we even figure out the price... To my understanding, this is why not a lot of individuals have had reproduction tires made for their old models. That being said, it should not make doing so impossible

The tires are ever so slightly smaller - a matter of millimetres. That, the decidedly road-oriented tread design, and the non-original wheels have kept me from undertaking the same conversion on my own Lancia chassis. That being said, your build has me convinced I was all wrong about that! The front shocks look superb, and really the whole thing is fantastic. Hence, I would not worry too much about the tire size; you are still very much retaining the essence of the original! I will continue to follow this build with great interest

You can substitute the plastic one-piece upper suspension arms (maybe even the suspension arms entirely) with very short ball-end links. I would say metal rose joints, but these are some very small links being replaced... Building up the driver figure with a full/closed-face helmet might work. The body will look a bit more swoopy by removing a bit more material underneath the "Diablo Engineering" decal, just as the original Avante's shell curves in that particular area. I am unaware of carbon-fibre kits for the GF-01, but some do exist for the WR-02. These could potentially be adapted to fit. The wheel centres appear structural as well as cosmetic, so perhaps some solid discs to sit over these centres might contribute to a more "Avante" look. That is all I have for now... Edit: but would making the 'Comical Avante' more 'Avante' make it less 'Comical?' Worrying, indeed

Superb! TT-02 spares see action, and cats get help - already plenty to like here

It looks great! I particularly like the incorporation of electrical components in the layout.

A true labour of love! I do not have to be into nitro cars to appreciate the dedication and attention to detail that you bring to your builds and restorations. I have been enjoying this and the David Jun TNX replica builds quite a lot

Pre-ordered mine! As I figure the Terra Scorcher was a well-developed buggy for its time, I am looking forward to adding it as a stylish and fairly-reliable runner. I have also been missing the excitement of four-wheel drive off-road buggies ever since my dearly-departed Avante, which I am hoping will prove more maintenance-intensive than this upcoming Terra Scorcher. Even when I first learned what it was (it was released a little before my time), I liked its aesthetics, though at the time I admit I found it technically boring compared to such idiosyncratic buggies like the Hotshot. Having come to appreciate the solid performance of more conventional entries, though, I am really looking forward to this particular re-release - already, I have a paint scheme planned for it...

A new promotional video for the Comical Avante is now out: Of interest are the LEDs attached to the front bumper. It pairs nicely with the Tamiya Comical Frog that appears in this video!

(double post) Pre-orders are appearing online for $182 US; Tower Hobbies is one such vendor that will be carrying them at this price. I have some mixed feelings about this price, knowing that the same site will be carrying the re-released Terra Scorcher for just $10.50 more, but at the same time realizing that the two provide very different experiences!

A description from TamiyaUSA (note that they call the chassis the GF-01CN - probably a typo): "The Tamiya series of comical buggies has been a great hit among fans of radio control modeling. It’s a fun and unique chassis combined with bodies re-imagining Tamiya classic names in polycarbonate. Now, the next model is here and not only does it feature a brand-new subject in the shape of the Comical Avante, it also introduces another new chassis variant, the GF-01CN! • 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. • Stylized polycarbonate comical Avante body and wing. • The body is pre-painted in PS-16 Metallic Blue. • Driver figure included. • Bumper and muffler parts included, with two types of headlight/foglamps. • Separately sold LEDs can be used to light up the model front and rear. • New ST block bubble tires have stepped block patterns (width/diameter: front 45/99mm, rear 55/99mm). • GF-01 variant chassis with tweaked frame components to allow attachment of dedicated parts. • Gear-driven 4-wheel drive system. • ABS two-part wheels are molded in yellow (rims) and dark gray (spokes). • CVA oil dampers ensure superior suspension dampening. • A rear wheelie bar lets you perform thrilling wheelies by slamming on the throttle. • Note: Bubble front tires from previous comical buggy releases are not compatible with this kit. • Includes Tamiya 540-motor. • Includes: Tamiya TBLE-02S ESC (electronic speed control) Capable of running sensor brushless motors and brushed motors alike. (21.5 Turn BL motor limit) (23 Turn brushed motor limit) • Required Items: 2-Channel radio, steering servo, 7.2volt battery pack with compatible charger. • NOTE: Must use round type stick battery pack. Square shaped batteries will not fit the battery compartment." It is interesting that TamiyaUSA notes the other Comical Buggies' front tires' lack of compatibility with the Comical Avante. The inclusion of headlights and tail lights is intriguing (I seem to remember seeing front bumper-mounted lights at some point), while specifying oil-filled dampers (as noted before) is quite welcome! I suppose no Avante would be using friction dampers, excepting the SU-01 Aero Avante - I personally liked their ease-of-use if not their performance... Still, plenty of reasons to like this one! Having stalled numerous times on builds during the painting process, I am starting to warm to the idea of a pre-painted shell. I would still be interested in a clear body set, but getting one running in short order following the chassis build would be nice.

I am well past the time to finish what we started unless you have already built yours up?

On a shortened SRB, this would be aces I had forgotten how much I like the Karmann-Ghia coupe. It is great to see Tamiya's effort looking so well-executed.

There are still a Bruiser, Ferrari 312T3, and a Lancia 037 that need some finishing. Those three should be giving me enough to do... ... and yet I also do want that Comical Avante the regular one can wait until 2021!

I have been growing a beard ever since I last logged onto the boards - and still barely stubble I must have been awoken by the footfalls of the excited Avante enthusiasts rushing to see the latest one I should have seen the Paranoid Perry homage coming for the new driver figure Tamiya is putting in their Comical Buggy series. The presentation of the finished model is quite attractive - I feel Tamiya did a nice job capturing the feel of the Avante in this hilarious form. I thought the use of the original-style rear wing was a nice touch, though a quick look seems to show that this is common practice for all the Comical Buggy entries thus far. And hey, staggered wheel widths! I bet this rig turns in better than the original The tires are a good choice for general bashing, and having the yellow wheel rims and black centres is a good homage. I surmise that trimming a bit more bodyshell just underneath the 'Diablo Engineering' decal will help it look even more like an Avante, but the coverage of the mechanicals by the shell is impressive for a chassis using existing components. Upon first impression, I like it a lot - I wonder when I will be getting my mitts on one... to paint up like my dearly-departed Black Special Edit: and now I hear the shell will be pre-painted. Well, nothing wrong with the stock Avante look!

In light of the announcement of the Comical Avante on the GF-01CB chassis (verification by TC member Mokei Kagaku), I feel a release like this merits its own discussion. The arrival of the Comical Avante seems a good time to assess the impression left by the Comical Buggy series, as well as interpret Tamiya's reaction to the lineup. Does the arrival of an Avante version confirm the success of the series, and/or is it simply due course for a classic buggy-themed product line to incorporate an Avante? How will the enthusiast reaction compare to other Avante-themed models, like the Aero Avante or Mk.II? Will it feature any bespoke parts new to this model? My estimate is that many will want to see some unique parts for the Comical Avante to stay more faithful to the original, but will be disappointed should it arrive with standard wheels and/or tires and plain plastic dampers. If a Wild Willy figure can fit, a few enterprising enthusiasts might customize a Paranoid Perry version - it would be a bit of a surprise if the release is issued with those style decals for the driver as stock. In any case, it is all speculation until we see pictures! News of this particular release was sufficiently stunning to bring me back out of my RC exile, and might yet begin anew the cycle of starting a new ambitious project and failing to finish it... Ah, the pursuit

I may not have much time for RC cars anymore, but I may get inspired again with Hasegawa's release of the Lancia 037 that ran in Round 3 of the 1994 JGTC: https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/0/0/6/1235006-27767-89-720.jpg Of course, I felt the need to compare, so I also bought Hasegawa's 1984 Tour de Corse version: https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/0/5/0/123050-10885-pristine.jpg From what I can tell, the JGTC kit inexplicably excludes the distinctive 18" Work Meister S1 wheels that featured so prominently on the original car; knowing that the JGTC kit is essentially a re-release of their previous 037 models, though, it makes sense. So I ordered a set of Aoshima Work Meister S1s in the correct scale: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gXBj8LPT940/maxresdefault.jpg At least, I think the JGTC car wore them... I suppose I was feeling a little unmotivated with RC - even after some disheartening life stuff, I think the bigger obstacles were winter weather and the amount of scratchbuilding I still need to do for my projects (sorry, @speedy_w_beans - kind of dropped the ball on the 312T3). Hopefully, some static models (and the greater opportunities for brush painting) will get me back into it for the next decade! But back on topic: I intend to build up these models, anyway, for I am curious to see how an 037 goes together...