Mechanic AH

I like what you do. Very inspiring. The black truck reminds of Mad Max.

I'm curious, how about you? What do you prefer? And do you find that these new directions stifle creativity?

I live in a city and my workspace is about 5 feet (1.5m) by 7 ft (2.1m)—that's not even including the table, drawer and a few storage bins.

Wanted to add that I think it's more that when I see the age group of the Tamiya RC audience, it's way older than other audiences from other RC categories or brands. No disrespect but it's just something I keep noticing. Sometimes I equate that to the limited kits, parts supply, and innovation from Tamiya. And I wonder what would've been the point for Tamiya—instead of focusing resources on the next generations or new innovations. I probably will never know what they're really up to except knowing that traditional Japanese companies sort of work that way. I'm not a Tamiya fan boy but I do like the brand. But I'm quite excited for the other brands because of the cool kits and tech they're coming out with. At some point I'll get a truck/crawler from another brand, and also a drag car, and drift.

A few days ago I noticed on this forum, on the right column, that there is a "Today's Birthdays" and so I started paying more attention to it. What was interesting was that the ages are listed. Whether they are accurate or not, the majority of the ages are in the '40s, '50s, and onwards. There might be a few in their '30s but it seems to be an anomaly. I was also in a recent conversation with a couple individuals whom I purchased vintage parts from, they both retired from the hobby—both had vintage Tamiyas and Kyoshos. So, Tamiya RCs in particular, are the production of buggies, re-res, and things from the '80s to '90s (golden era) eventually going to fade a way? There doesn't seem to be a large influx of younger generation getting into these types of Tamiyas (and I noticed it on YT videos as well). Like not big enough to make a market change or shift. Am I wrong? I know at least a few young kids, teens, and some in their '20s and they don't seem to be attracted to the Tamiya RC vehicles as much (buggies in particular). But... Crawlers, drift, drag, monster trucks, SCTs, drones, mini RC racing, even modern buggies, etc. from other brands seem to attract a younger crowd, at least when I see videos and ask the younger ones I know. Oh and when I search Tamiya RCs on YT and sort by view count, a majority of the top ones are Tamiya trucks. Obviously, everyone is aging and I feel the Tamiya golden era (slight pre and post) crowd is a certain age group (perhaps too niche) and the vehicles only attract this particular group. So it made me think at what point will Tamiya slow down and move on, or halt production for this particular category. Sometimes I think that the lack of supply/of kits or parts is intentional (even if Tamiya can produce more) because the mainstream demand isn't high enough—like the demand is only within the niche crowd. I also read a Japanese blog about the decline of scale model/static kits—although that's a different story it probably has the same age group audience. Anyway, are some of you seeing the same things/pattern or am I wrong on this? Myself, I only get into some Tamiya kits for nostalgic reasons (and maybe scale reasons). But once I feel like I've filled that emotional void I would like to move on and try some other new innovation.

I just looked this up. Thanks for posting! I've been looking around for some sort of jig for when I solder and I'll most likely get this one. I have a few Vessel JIS screwdrivers but sometimes I find the Tamiya one better (at least the basic ones with transparent blue handles). I have yet to find really good JIS screwdrivers for some of the Tamiya + screw heads. I did some research and apparently, Vessel , Hozan, and a few new Japanese branded JIS screwdrivers started using a combination of JIS + DIN standards (German) and it's in between a pure JIS and Phillips. I always felt something was off until I read about it. Or perhaps I need to do more tests. I wonder if Tamiya + screws and screwdrivers use the old JIS standard (JIS B 4633). So I've been looking for one with that standard and read Sunflag still uses it. Hopefully, I can find a really good one. Same here. I have Dynamite one maybe it's how I use it but I find it easier to not use it.

No problem at all! I think storage is also part of the subject! Man, I can't believe you were on Allen keys for a while! That's hard core . Glad to hear your experience with Arrowmax. I bought a number of drivers and thought Arrowmax had an interesting handle design, but I ended up not buying it because I haven't heard about them—and agree with you on that mindset of "you get what you pay for". I just wish MIP had a replaceable tip (but at least it's long enough to grind down). Definitely, JIS screwdrivers . I think I haven't found the perfect one, yet. Been using motorbike ones from Vessel and from the Tamiya #74085 tool set. This too. Been using a craft/hobby grade one that was originally used for something random and it's been quite inefficient (since I've used better ones before). So I caved in since I was getting into the hobby and just recently purchased a Weller 1010. Shock pliers was the next thing I bought when I worked on my second kit. It's really an essential—not that you can't build without it, but it's one of those proper tools to do the job efficiently and cleanly. I use it for plain steering rods (but haven't tried with very thin ones). The one I got (see photo of the actual tool) has two different notches for different shaft sizes and also comes with a ball extractor and sometimes works with putting them on.

I’m just a bit obsessed with tools used to build Tamiya kits (and non Tamiya kits). I like discovering new tools that makes the build process more efficient and easier. Sometimes I avoid buying too cheap so I don’t buy twice, but I also try not to overspend (only splurge was a Kyosho Kanai hex driver). I’m somewhat new to this hobby so I’m curious to learn more and see what others have, or perhaps I don’t know existed and need (practical). Can you share a note and post a picture of a tool, gadget, device, etc. you have... - that is very cool? You don’t have to share everything right away - discovered recently that has changed the way you build? - that helps make RC builds easier and better? - that you can’t live without? - regretted buying or was too hyped? - made yourself? - that is rare? - purchased recently? Sorry, I keep starting these photo threads. Thanks!

Thanks! I don't know how social media/subscribers all work but if I'm honest, I do wish I had more so I know if the videos are helpful or working. One day maybe. @DeadMeat666 Glad I got you to spend more money lol! You just have to do way more house chores, pamper your wife more, and pretend you always listen .

Man, that is one Tamiya kit I'd one day want to find. I think if it were me I'd skip a Tamiya motor and figure out some clean vintage Reedy or Trinity. Something about trucks and those motors paired together. Never thought of that setup and thanks for sharing! I like how compact it looks. ++++++ Thanks for the response, everyone. Sounds like there's still lots of love! Now if only we can still get new cool brushed motors as opposed to the cheap and generic ones that flood the market.

Beautiful cars ;).

Nice one! I like that you didn't do box art for that one. The front damper design always intrigued me. I remember watching a video with Cecil Schumacher talking about the design and I wish it had been more successful back in the day. So now what's holding me back from it is the the idea of a Kyosho Ultima. If I can afford both I'd love to test them side by side.

Most of the time when I read suggestion and recommendations for motors, most will say just go brushless (and lipo and go full power!). But I have to say, when I got into the hobby recently, I only have accumulated two brushless motors vs just under three dozen brushed motors. And every build I have coming, I always have a brushed motor planned. Maybe I just don’t have newer kits or lipo dedicated cars. I thought about this because one of the Tamiya builds I have, I'm pairing it with an old Trinity Monster Horsepower because I feel it looks the part. There is just something about brushed. Maybe the character (and less wires ) and antiquated/mechanical feel. When I look at brushless motors, they all seem to look alike, the branding, design, markings, colors, etc. vs brushed motors which has so much more character (colors, label designs, names, marketing gimmick, story). And sometimes I feel some brushed motors have their own distinct sounds. So, anyone still like brushed motors? Not just for nostalgia but to use? What is your ratio/collection of brushless to brushed motors? And in your fleet of vehicles what do you have installed the most? Have you recently purchased a brushed motor?

I’m in the US and I think Traxxas just knows how to market to this US generation and time period. I personally don’t know any kid, young person, or someone new to the hobby in my circle who wants to sit down and meticulously build an RC. Or invest more time and effort in it. They get impatient and just want to run the vehicle right away. I’ve tried with a bunch of them a number of times. They like things that are fast, brutish, and can take a beating, then store the vehicle aside and move on to the next thing. And to be fair, the generation now just have so many options and things to do. They can go online and surf, do social media, online games, video games, social hang outs, travel, do other creative things—and it’s almost limitless than what we had back then. So I can see why Traxxas works here and I’m sure Traxxas is just taking advantage of that market shift. I think hobbies nowadays aren’t the same as what they were back then, like the level of commitment because there’s just so many other things to do. And to be honest, if not for the pandemic, I probably wouldn’t be this dedicated to the hobby because I would be out more traveling instead. I don’t know if Traxxas is a bad ambassador. I don’t have one (but if I do buy one it will be the TRX-4 Defender ;). I just think Tamiya (and the other Japanese brands) aren’t doing much at all to influence and support the mainstream RC culture today in the US, as they do in their backyard and Asia. I’m sure they could if they really wanted to. The Japanese, they don’t tend to do a quick 360 with their business strategy when markets shift. It takes them time and that’s probably just part of their ideology and culture. It's in the sense of how Japanese commit longer to an endeavor or way of life before they move on. Traxxas probably just adapts and thinks more American (even with the business practice). It will take a more serious commitment from Tamiya to be back as a serious contender in the US. Even for the smallest things I get frustrated—a lot with their parts. The Tamiya USA shop is always out of stock, fleabay US sellers sometimes sell for unreasonable prices. And, in the last few months, I’ve bought more Tamiya parts outside of the US (Japan, Germany, Italy, UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, Spain, South Korea, China, Greece, Belgium, Ukraine, etc.!) and sometimes for a king pin or a screw and it takes quite a while to arrive! So I alway wonder what their strategy is there. I’m sure it’ll be different when I get a Traxxas TRX-4.

I did come across those 1 piece ones and I wonder why it switched. Maybe it's more precise