Juhunio

Thanks, that makes sense. Presumably once you've used this tool to tap a thread you can use threaded / machine screws rather than tapping screws?

Hi I've also just picked up an XV-01 as my next project, and got the carbon reinforced arms (54444). On the label it says they "must be used in conjunction with items 54232 and 74086", which are an M3 0.5mm thread forming tap bit and a hand held hobby drill. Just wondering why? Did you (or anyone else) need them when installing 54444? Cheers!

And don't get me wrong, I use Modelsport, Timetunnel and Fusion more often than not and they are all fantastic, but there are just certain things (esp. damper sets, differentials, universal joints) which are markedly cheaper overseas

I'll wait and see how this latest order gets on before I tempt fate, but will get back to you ;-)

I've placed 8-10 orders with RCMart, either direct or via eBay, mostly for small items but one for an order of lots of bits and bobs worth (redacted!!) Euros and they've all arrived in the UK pretty quickly and I've not yet been hit by customs charges. But as others have said, factor in the potential 20% VAT charge and if it still looks like a good deal, go for it. I've also used RCjaz.co.uk plenty of times too, with the same positive results. For kits their p&p seems cheaper than RCMart. Their customer services team are also really helpful, moreso than RCMart. As a result I recently ordered two kits from them, which are on their way. Again, if I get charged by customs then I'm still in a good place, but we'll see how it goes!

Can't speak for 3rd party dampers, there are plenty of others on here who have had good joy with them though. I bought the DF03 dampers from RCMart, where the price is much more viable even factoring in the postage My front uprights are Jazrider and I've had no problems with them coming undone, compared to the original plastic ones on my Bigwig which tore straight out of the thread on the 6th run! Saying all that, a mixture of busy life and appalling weather means I haven't really given the Boomerang an extended run yet so don't know how long-term durable they are. Roll on Spring!

Thanks for the feedback! Keeping fingers crossed that this dry spell holds out and might even be able to drive it again this weekend! Is the pinion the correct pitch? For a Boomerang you need either 08mod (Tamiya original parts) or 32DP (eg by RW Racing) pinions. Both have 5mm bore for 540 motors, RW Racing 32DP pinions offer a wider range of teeth counts, so more flexibility

Not sure, it's a fairly 'old' part for them so not sure 3D printing would have been up to the job? I've done a bit of reading on powder metallurgy and it sounds like powder plus heat plus pressure in a pre-formed mold...benefits listed as cheaper and quicker than liquid casting. My gut says liquid casting will always be harder and stronger, but that is based purely on hunch and not on any kind of metallurgy experience whatsoever! Find it hard to believe liquid cast hardened steel would have cracked like this...

Still applying CPR to this old cold thread, just in case anyone else comes across it and thinks (like me) that this could be an option to strengthen the DF03 main gear in lieu of the unicorn-poo Five Stars FS7039. I contacted FS Racing who make the magnetic clone part, who told me it is made using powder metallurgy (rather than liquid casting). They wouldn't / couldn't tell me the alloy, only to say that it is 'majority steel'. I don't know if this would be as durable as hardened, liquid cast steel, probably not.... Anyway, I pushed the pinion off its shaft and onto a DF03 slipper shaft using @Wooders28 vice method, and the pinion cracked longitudinally. Visible on the slipper shaft, but not when put back on the FS Racing shaft, even though the shafts are identical diameter. So I did it again with a second FS Racing gear, with the same result. £25 down the drain. Something in their make up isn't up to the task, so probably best avoided.

Just out of interest, as the image isn't clear, what did you use to heat up the new pinion?

Just came across this thread while researching upgrades to factor into a new DF-03 build, and failing to track down the Five Stars FS7039! So I bought one of these FS Racing main gears, and the pinion is magnetic! So not aluminium, but no guarantees about how much steel is in the alloy, and how hard it is.

I've sent an email to see if I can get hold of one, and I've ordered a vice! (any excuse!) I've read through the FB DF03 group and still not entirely sure how to push the old pinion off and the new one on, so will be back soon asking for your help and guidance. And if I totally badword it up then I may well take you up on your offer!!!

Yes, I've read around this quite a bit and have seen your thread. Nice work! Unfortunately I don't have, or have access to, a lathe, or an angle grinder, or a suitable heat source! So the slow, patient hunt for FS-7039 continues... I've got a slipper clutch and have gradually managed to track down a set of hardened rear diff outdrives, universal joints and hardened turnbuckles, so I'm getting there slowly, piece by piece

Don't suppose you have one of those three FS-7039 as a spare do you? I've got a DF03 project I'm slowly building all the necessary parts for and this one is obviously key https://www.tamiyaclub.com/trades_model.asp?cid=122170&id=52876

Don't suppose you still have one of those three as a spare do you??