Rokka

I organize all leftovers and spares from models into separate minigrip-bags and then put these bags into a larger bags labeled with model name. Also pre-purchased model-specific spares go into these bags. The larger bags go into a lidded box which sits on a shelf next to other similar boxes. Generic parts (screws/nuts, bearings, connectors etc) which did not come with any specific model I keep in various organizer-boxes.

Optima gear-cover is a bit finicky and has to be in exactly correct angle and position to drop into place, but it will eventually fit without using any force. Unless part of the foam is hanging over the edge inside the cover it should not interfere with the gears. Try first aligning the axel with the hole in the cover and then the front part which goes between the gear and turnbuckle. The axel does not go into the hole if the cover is angled too much, so try to keep it parallel with the motor plate. [edit] Misread the message. Anyway, if the foam is aligned correctly on the cover it should not interfere with the gears. I guess trimmig or re-applying the foam could be a fix, or then something else is wrong with the build.

Finished Egress body, PS-63 bright gun-metal with black backing

Care package for various projects

Done, after sitting on the shelf for several months.

This is not a fun stickerjob. Made a mistake on the backside, early on there was a banana-shaped brown sticker which I placed slightly too far. When the roof-sticker went in it had to be aligned with the lines wrapping around the windows and it then left a gap at the back of the cockpit. I wish Kyosho had included some extra brown fix mistakes. Well, once all the "radio controlled super 4wd off-road supension system" stickers go in it won't be that noticeable.

Finished building Egress and threw in some electronics I had available. Servo is for another project so it's a placeholder until something lesser arrives. Weather isn't co-operating right now so bodywork has to wait.

The Mid HD gear is the same width as standard one, just lighter. The new HD gear for Ultima/Optima is much wider to match the width of the ball-diff teeth. Wider gear shown in Kyosho promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0CS3ukk0U&t=1340s And this is what can happen on high traction surfaces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mbOFU4dTE&t=160s

I am cautiously interested of getting this one next to my Optima Mid. I've been eyeing for the '87 version but I much prefer the looks of TOMS rere and the long wheelbase makes it structurally more interesting. Looks like it comes with front universals and adjustable turnbuckles which are my first priority upgrades otherwise and an undertray is always a nice addition. Also steering is ballraced with steel bridge, never understood the reason for the flimsy plastic bridge on standard Mid kit. I would have preferred gear-diffs as I have read many comments about the teeth in Optima Mid ball-diffs stripping on high-traction surfaces. For the Ultima'87 (20th) Kyosho produced a new wider final pinion gear (OTW161) to counter this, but looks like there is no upgraded idler for Mid. But I run outside on dirt so maybe it's not an issue. Batteryholder looks the same as in regular Mid so custom/aftermarket shorty-holders should be compatible with TOMS rere.

Joining the Egress team.

This made me a bit scared as I finished painting my first on-road body (Tamiya Ford Focus for LC PTG-2R) yesterday and planned doing my first window smoking today. So I went in extra carefully doing mist after mist until all windows looked equally blurred. I have no reference but guess it went ok, was kind of expecting darker tint but everything is evenly blurred. I painted the spoiler with brush using Tamiya red acrylic paint and it looks fine from a distance...