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BeetleLover

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Posts posted by BeetleLover


  1. On the whole though, a greater problem is that traditional 'hands on' hobbies are taking a back seat to other forms of entertainment, video games and smartphones.

    - James

    I certainly hear you there, I've been a physical model maker in the film industry for the last 12 years, models in films have almost ceased and it's a sad time as we transition over to almost completely CG worlds. Whose playing RC Phone App Games? I bet there is probably one out there

    James

    BeetleLover


  2. As someone who used to very active here on Tamiyaclub and collected seriously I'm not sure if Rere's have exactly killed the Hobby but it certainly has changed the landscape and the makeup of active members on TC somewhat. It bugs me that Rere Lovers are very happy to point the finger at those who are frustrated by the Re-releasing saying it's all about the money or the perceived loss in value of models. I don't think that is the case for the majority of those who were serious collectors prior to the big influx of re-released models. The thrill of the chase and collecting hard to find pieces is certainly a big element of the enjoyment of collecting, having something that there are few of or having something pristine when most are broken or abused. While I appreciate that there are differences in the re-releases to the originals to all intense purposes for me my Rough Rider has very little separating it from my Buggy Champ. They more or less look the same and you can see them all over the place now, I don't think my original is really anything special anymore. The flip side of the coin is that Re-re's have reintroduced many 30 - 40 somethings to cars of their past and in turn created a new generation of kids growing up with cars with a nostalgic past. There are many long term members who I no longer see here anymore but there also seems to be a new bunch of people who seem to run their cars now with less concern of breaking parts. Things come and go, wax and wane, peoples interest change and develop, other things become more or less important. I'm neither happy nor sad about the rereleases they just exist.

    • Like 1

  3. You can use Eucaylyptus oil to disolve the sticky residue, very mild. I wouldn't dare put nail polish Acetone or non Acetone based remover anywhere near styrene or polycarbonate, it can weaken and damage the material even if it's not immediately visible. I've seen it do something which I can only describe as looking like it was delaminating the polycarb, I don't actually know if that is possible...


  4. I remember when my parents organised to go up to a Lake maybe an hour and a half away from home, they suggested I'd better get on charging my car and that it would be a great opportunity to bring it with me, I asked for a bit more time to charge up my AA's for my transmitter and receiver pack. They said no, and that we needed to head away as soon as a stick pack was sorted. Anyways, got up there, took my car out, 30 seconds later my Falcon is out of control and then 2 foot under water. Hmmm it was a pretty sad and boring afternoon after that. it must have been a few months before they bought me a replacement receiver, it was a bad summer without my car going :(

    James


  5. Without a doubt it would have to be the Dynastorm, if you haven't put one together or looked at one closely you might not know what I'm talking about. The fit and finish of the components has been the best kit experience I have ever encountered old or modern. The suspension travel and movement is super smooth, really long travel, the dampers are beautiful! I cannot fault this car for looks either, still the best performing 2WD buggy Tamiya has produced... watch this model come back again, it surely will!

    JAmes


  6. Have listed another bunch of Cars on NZ trademe, Aussie's please check them out, good prices, good cars

    Sonic Fighter close to new built auction on Trademe closing in 15 minutes 6.55pm New Zealand time. Trademe.co.nz

    Tamiya Monster Beetle, Mud Blaster, Lamborghini Cheetah, Lancia 037 now up for auction trademe.co.nz

    cheers

    James


  7. I've traded with Forrest several times, he sells my Hyper Detailed heads... He seems to be a descent operator and enthusiast. I've had no cause for concern and my guess is something has come up. Perhaps he's gone on holiday or has had a personal thing get in the way, it happens. Give him a few days and see what happens...

    James


  8. I've traded with Forrest several times, he sells my Hyper Detailed heads... He seems to be a descent operator and enthusiast. I've had no cause for concern and my guess is something has come up. Perhaps he's gone on holiday or has had a personal thing get in the way, it happens. Give him a few days and see what happens...

    James


  9. Hi Everyone, sadly I am selling what I think will be the majority of my collection. I have amassed about 85 cars over the last 8 years or so and have restored most of them to a very high standard.

    I have started listing some of my cars for sale on the New Zealand Auction site trademe.co.nz Aussies are welcome to bid on the site as per Trademe rules. But also have a look at my showroom and if there is anything you fancy make me an offer.

    http://tamiyaclub.com/showroom.asp?id=3092

    I will continue to make and produce my Heads and other products but what has stifled my interest in collecting and restoration relates to the huge Re-re campaign that Tamiya has embarked on. I have also decided to put my funds towards a Porsche 911/964 C2 1:1 :)

    Drop me a line if something in my showroom catches your eye or post a note here...

    kind regards

    James

    BeetleLover ;)


  10. Hi Everyone, I have made the decision to let some of my cars go to pursue my dream of owning a 1:1 Porsche 911. Therefore I have started listing my cars on the New Zealand Trading site Trademe.co.nz (Have a search for Tamiya and you will find my cars easily) As per the Trademe rules Australians are allowed to bid on items. I am more than happy to ship at cost over to you and I also have an australian bank account due to my Stint in Melbourne last year. I have been setting my prices very fairly and certainly better than most examples found on Ebay. I have currently listed the following: Celica GrB, Hotshot 2, Supershot, Holiday Buggy, Madcap, Bullhead (might be a bit pricey to ship) King Cab (Ending soon) Nikko Dictator, XR311 NIB, NIB Black Endurance motor, Newman Porsche. Make sure you check them out as they are good examples and with the exchange rate they will be very good buying. Will post a picture of my Porsche when I reach my goal. Also if there is something you are after, let me know I may just have it!

    Bid with Confidence, Genuine Collector, Enthusiast and high quality Restorer:)

    Cheers

    James


  11. Ok so I've taken a long time to finally have these ready for sale!

    http://tamiyaclub.com/trades_model.asp?cid=104517

    These are once again sculpted by the phenomenally talented Daniel Cockersell! The details have to be seen up close in person to understand the complete level of detail in these! You will see amazing buckle detail, velcro collar, stitching, piped fabric edges, paneled gloves, they are a work of Art! I'm anticipating an article in an RC magazine to come out shortly where a project car has these installed to great effect so look out for it. Get one before I get swamped with orders!

    These are designed to work with my 'Evan' and 'Dave' Hyper Detailed heads which are an additional $12 US each. I have not fitted an Albert or Ray to this body as they are a little over scaled for this design although many people have fitted these heads to the original bodies to good effect.

    The Buggy Champ/Rough Rider driver body has a little recess underneath to allow it to locate on the bar that goes across the bodyshell. Also this type has his hands set for the width of the BC/RR Steering wheel 'noodle'. The Sand Scorcher one has the regular mounting bar like the originals to glue to the side of the shell and has wider set hands to match the original Steering Wheel.

    I've worked incredibly hard to ensure the Quality of these products are 1st class and you will discover that it is likely to be the best RC driver body on the market. On occasion there is a small air bubble on one of the undersides of the drivers thumb which can be filled easily although due to the location it isn't visible once mounted in a car.

    You will need to remove a light seam, drill the holes to mount a head and steering wheel (not included).

    Please see my other listings to choose the appropriate head and also my Painting guide on how to paint the heads to a professional standard.

    Shipping depending on the size of the order is around the $9 - 10US mark. (I use International Airmail which is 6 - 10 working days)

    [report]


  12. we should maintain a sticky thread for crowd-wisdom "Value my RC car for insurance purposes"

    (Or is it easier to just call them all $1k each...)

    Where are you these days James old fruity? back in town or enjoying NZ?

    Heya Willy, yup back in Wellington New Zealand, say hey to T for me. We'll be here for some time we think, I'm working on the Hobbit so that's been keeping me pretty busy lately. A while back when I was discussing my collection to the insurance company, they suggested I get an expert to value it. Have been meaning to do an exchange with another NZ TC member to value each others collection but will also back it up with some Ebay examples, just can't find any!


  13. Lately I've been looking for Tamiya cars on Ebay to get an idea of values etc across a wide range of models for insurance purposes. Anyways I've been finding very few cars listed even across cars I would have thought to still be considered plentiful. Do you guys agree that there seems to be slim pickings at the moment on Ebay and do any of you have any ideas as to why perhaps? Are people hanging onto what they have? Are people less likely to buy vintage models and buying up new re-re's instead? Any ideas?

    James

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