Mechanic AH

I've been at a point for quite some time where I'm already past running, racing, or bashing cars--but then building I still truly enjoy. I've pretty much tried a lot of cars in the past and haven't really had the itch to run most again. My collection isn't as much as others but currently 80+ unbuilt and built cars, and some have multiple kits. Maintaining and cleaning the ones that have been ran can be tedious and time consuming especially on my end because I tend to be meticulous. And some parts to replace when broken are scarce or expensive, more so with uncommon vintage kits, and can add up quickly in cost. Not to mention, I like to upgrade the parts of almost all the cars I have and the expense starts to go way north. Building new and clean cars then running/bashing them is easy but restoring and cleaning takes effort. Maybe for me it's the cycle of "been there, done that" and now I'm able to fine tune what I like most about the hobby. I do have a handful of runners that I set aside whenever I get the itch to run an RC car but for each model I keep 4-5 kits for spares in case I break a part.

The Sand Viper is a good deal with those options included. I prefer the DT-02 over the DT-03 for the more traditional chassis and range of bodies you can use on it. I have a fair number of cars but I have so much fun running the DT02 that it ended up being my go to for casual runs. The simple design makes it an easy car to run, maintain, and repair. Parts are also relatively affordable. I run mine just on asphalt and actually prefer the friction shocks on the particular kit I have because it makes it more fun and silly particularly on flat surfaces. One thing I would say that you have to look out for is the gearbox heat dissipation. It doesn't have good ventilation and it can heat up. I only have a Torque Tuned motor installed (and use NiMH batteries) and so it's not much of an issue but it still gets a little hot. I also have the optional motor heat sink. If you plan to install a modified/fast motor, you just have to anticipate the heat issue or modify the motor case. You also only have two pinion gear options (17T or 19T). Regarding the C hub, no issues so far on my end but if you're concerned about breaking it, you can get aluminum aftermarket c hubs. And as for the front shock tower, again on asphalt it's not an issue and if you break it, it's not to expensive to replace.

It's been four years since I joined the forum, around the time the pandemic happened and I was wondering what your thoughts and experiences are with the current state of the hobby? And at present, do you find yourself spending more or less on the hobby? Although there are more products and re-releases it's been quite challenging cost wise to find spares and parts for the originals and vintage cars (I gravitate mostly towards the 80s-90s RC era). I've been fortunate enough to amass some parts eons ago before the pandemic when everything was much cheaper and abundant. Now the cool stuff no one cared much about before are so sought after and if I do find them they're shockingly expensive or in an undesirable condition. Before, I can wait a few days or even weeks to decide a purchase especially for parts and electronics. But now there are times when I have to decide in an hour or so before things sell out. Occasionally, I still find good deals but it's not what it used to be. Is the hobby situation different for vintage and new? Is vintage still a thing and is it getting more popular? Or somewhat in the same state as before? Or starting to fade out because newer designs and products are scaling up? Is the hobby doing well or is it just a Gen X phase and will fade when Gen X goes away? It seems the next generation's interests lies closer to drift, drones, and perhaps those insane RTR speed trucks/bashers--and maybe that'll stay?

Just got back from a long time away from home and a fair number of rc things to do and finish. Wanted to share this interesting backbone design on a Bulldog that contains the diffs and gears.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the late response. It looks like the solid options are the BBX and DT02 trans/gearboxes for ticking most of the boxes. I have yet to build the BBX and TD4 (which I do have) so I probably will know what would be preferable but it looks like the BBX is more popular. As for the DT-02, it's a fun and solid transmission backup (and cheap parts to replace) but was hoping there'd be another alternative. Interestingly, the old Grasshopper gearbox is somewhat like it, pretty solid. I just wish there was just more flexibility. Any DBxx or TRF stuff doesn't seem a good choice as it only ticks the performance aspect and fails on cost/replacements. I guess I'll see what the BBX gearbox has in store.

Hi all, been thinking about some of the gearboxes and transmissions on Tamiya kits I've built and it would be nice to hear from the experienced or those who've driven many Tamiya RC cars about your thoughts on the topic. What do you think is currently the best (well-rounded) buggy transmission/gearbox Tamiya has to offer? "Best" like a jack-of-all-trades that passes a fair amount of criteria. I understand there's no perfect one but what would your transmission choice be and how would you score it from 1-5 with the following criteria: Transmission/gearbox model: (score 1 to 5) Current: Cost: Durability: Performance: Design: Drive: Options: Current: - Parts are still plentiful and easily available from many merchants - Continually being produced so there's no shortage of parts - Every component/part of the gearbox is easily available Cost: - Affordability and low cost for easy replacement of worn or damaged parts Durability: - Can easily take a beating from jumps to hot or high KV motors and some abuse (this includes internals and gearbox case) - Ideal if gearbox is sealed to help keep dust out - Good and durable materials Performance - Options for gearing - Can be geared high for speed runs - Possibility for some track use Design - Doesn't need a lot of modifications/hop ups to make it work at its optimum performance - Pragmatic and uncomplicated - Maintenance is easy - Good design Drive - Smooth power delivery - Good differential (either gear or ball) - Quiet gearbox - Tight internals Options - Availability of aftermarket parts - DIY options One thing I haven't given much thought to is the drivetrain, either 2WD or 4WD is fine, and are there on-road transmission/gearboxes that can be used for off-road I'm missing out on? Thanks for your input.

MadInventor, deeply saddens me to read this. Best wishes and thank you for sharing your unique and inspiring builds. You will be missed.

More pics

I've always been curious about what it looks like inside the Tamiya HQ/factory in Japan and I haven't seen a true insider video. I came across this one, quite old probably from very late 80s to early 90s (since the Avante, Vanquish, and early Astute development/TRF beginnings are briefly seen in the video). Anyway, quite interesting. I wish there's a present day video Japan tour (not the museum or one open to the public) to see how things have changed. Posting some images for those interested, and also a link to the video (it's in Japanese and about 16 minutes long). Late 80s early 90s? video of Tamiya Japan factory and HQ

Most of my friends (and kids) I know think of Tamiya RCs as toy-grade and entry-level, or as a static model brand. Of course aside from the TRF car line (which is dead and most have never heard of). When I build Tamiya cars they think I’m an old geek, a hermit in a cave, and enjoy static model toys—and interestingly none of these applies to me. But that's only the perception when I start building them. When I run my old Yokomos or Kyosho on-road car, the perception is race related. When I start looking into an RC brand (or any brand at all) I have a habit of reading their about section or mission statement and that’s probably telling as to what kind of audience gravitate toward a brand and products. And what others think of other enthusiasts. Probably outside of Japan, Tamiya RCs are just misunderstood. This is Tamiya’s general mission (from their website) and I’m sure it trickles down to their RCs: “When it comes right down to it, Tamiya's main goal is to offer the world the most rewarding modeling experience possible. Grasping the various parts, assembling, and finally painting a finely crafted model is truly a special and rare experience in today's modern world. Tamiya feels that this hands-on experience is invaluable. So whether it's our careful attention to quality, or our commitment to ease-of-assembly, we are always striving to create truly fulfilling ways to spend one's time.” And compared to… Traxxas: Traxxas has been engineering and building the world’s fastest and most innovative Ready-To-Race radio-controlled performance machines since 1986. Traxxas models are fully assembled with powerful, feature-rich radio systems and are Ready-To-Drive in just minutes, including the 100mph Traxxas XO-1 supercar. Traxxas performance, durability, and world-class customer support all come together to deliver an award-winning radio-controlled experience that’s designed to last for years of fun. 
Arrma: ARRMA is a brand that defines high-speed super-tough RC action. With a wide range of exciting RC vehicles that provide the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy dirt-blasting RC driving, learn new skills, and inspire others to share your passion for the pulse racing world of ARRMA RC, your journey starts here. Whether you are new to the hobby of Radio Control, or a seasoned RC car or truck fan, ARRMA can offer you exactly what you need to take on new challenges, and set yourself the goal of becoming an ARRMA RC king. Designed from the ground-up by experts who understand the importance of strength, speed, and incredible value, ARRMA RC vehicles are ‘Designed to be Fast, Designed to be Tough’. Spanning a range of high-quality and stylish RC Trucks, RC Buggies, and powerful all-terrain RC Cars, ARRMA will put you straight into the action, with Ready-to-Run packages that allow you to hit the dirt now. If you are searching for the ultimate RC experience that will transform the way you choose to have fun, welcome to the world of ARRMA RC. Kyosho: "Serious about having fun." "Be true to your dreams." We want to show society the value of enjoying life through the model hobby. Since its foundation, Kyosho has lived by this philosophy. And, there is no end to the pursuit of this goal. From each generation to the next, our unceasing search for ways people can have fun leads to continuous idea creation that takes shape in the form of truly innovative products. Make products that inspire people through surprise and discovery. Cultivate an organization that combines imagination with the technological capability to successfully transform ideas into exceptional products. Axial: Axial is where RC adventures begin! With an Axial radio control rig, you’re sure to have the most exciting and enjoyable off-road RC adventures possible — whether you’re exploring trails while hiking with friends and family or joining other RC rock crawling fans for a club outing or radio control crawling event. And Yokomo focuses on drfit, on-road, and buggy competition; Team Associated and Schumacher on race, and so on.

I was just going thru some old RC magazines from the late ’80s to mid ‘90s and I miss that period's energy and feeling. Companies brand and market their products with a different kind of vibe/enthusiasm and excitement. The industry seem to market the hobby to every single generation. The community felt much larger and things always felt like they were going on an upward trajectory. There was noticeably a dynamic aura that was exciting. I enjoyed reading the articles and looking at the ads: the copywriting was fun; if there was any illustration or art it was cool or intentionally wacky; brushed motors not only had a lot character—they were marketed with a lot of it too; race spec cars were worth daydreaming and they had more individuality; there was an interesting range of aftermarket companies to choose from and they were almost on a different level when it came to ingenuity; and, the plethora of interesting wheels, tires, bodies, and so on. So much was happening. Interestingly today, with better technology, knowledge, and ways to market, things seem to be a bit mundane. The energy feels cold and pragmatic. I’ve read many articles about how the pandemic has brought back some interests in the hobby among consumers but I wonder if that’s just temporary. In some ways there are still exciting aspects about the hobby but it doesn't have that same charm. Do you think the hobby will ever get back to being that big or exciting? What's preventing that culture/excitement to come back? Or was it always there but never evolved?

I never knew these could go for that much! One day I'll need to build a Wild Willy.

Wow! I thought I saw one of these sometime ago on fleabay and it was soo temping. Great buy!

Beyond retail price, what was the most insane/expensive single RC purchase you’ve made? Whether it’s a part or kit. New or vintage. I always find interesting parts/kits for projects but because of the skyrocketing prices in the last couple years or so, some of the things I’m interested in are starting to become unobtainable (whether new or vintage). There are times when I have to just go for it even if the price is higher because that opportunity rarely comes back again. But it makes me feel guilty. Curious to hear what are some of your acquired items that are above the normal price range.

Thanks for sharing this article @speedy_w_beans . I might be wrong but some time ago I saw an article in a Japanese blog about how Tamiya's static model segment is quite a larger share than the RC segment. I always wondered what portion/percent that is. Now I wonder how big Mini4WD for Tamiya is. That seems fairly accurate across the board (not just with Tamiya), at least from what I've seen. So it's no surprise to me when Tamiya doesn't just go with the western trends or demands.