EsotericRC 98 Posted June 23, 2022 Spoke too soon. Had a package from Singapore waiting for me in the mailbox when I arrived home from work today... 7-days from Singapore to the East Coast of the US is pretty quick. Was expecting it to take longer...especially with everything running not so efficiently thanks to COVID. Inside...the parts to the carbon chassis kit packed nicely... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 23, 2022 Unpacked the parts of the kit. Kit is made up of 4 precision cut panels of 3mm thick carbon fiber that is slotted and tabbed to fit together perfectly... There are 3 threaded cross-posts that lock the assembly together once the pieces are fit together. Where the cross-posts fit, the holes are even recessed to fit and center the posts perfectly. That small detail is quite impressive if you ask me, and shows an attention to detail on behalf of the designer of the kit. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 23, 2022 The assembled chassis ready to be mated to the front and rear gearboxes and rollcage from the Supershot. As assembled, without being connected to the gearboxes and rollcage yet, it is quite stiff and pretty light. Took a quick measurement of just the chassis on a scale and it weighed 4.25 ounces, or 121 grams. Whenever I disassemble the vintage Supershot to start cleaning parts for the restoration, i'll take a weight measurement of the chassis parts that this carbon chassis is replacing as a comparison. Based on the rectangular battery opening, this chassis was obviously designed for use with LiPo batteries. Since there are notches in the battery tray and based on the pics that the seller originally sent me, it looks like it was originally designed to use some velcro straps to retain the battery. (Note that when this pic was taken, I had not yet completely tightened the hex screws into the standoffs so the tabs from the lower plate aren't sitting where they should be. With the hardware tightened fully, the ends of those lower tabs are flush with the outer edge of the side plates.) I'd prefer something a little more secure and cleaner looking than the straps, so one of the parts I also ordered from RCMart was a Yeah Racing Carbon Battery Quick Release kit designed for the M05. Will likely have to trim the posts to suit the width of this chassis and drill some appropriate holes in the side panels, but I think it will definitely be a tidier setup. Here's what that kit looks like straight off of Yeah Racing's site: Now, i'm just waiting for some stainless steel hex hardware to arrive so that I can start assembling the gearboxes, etc. Stay tuned... 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tbird232ci 333 Posted June 24, 2022 On 6/21/2022 at 6:24 AM, EsotericRC said: Good to know! Thanks! Hopefully it works on paint that has been on there for 30+ years. Heh. Will have to order some since, unfortunately, all of the hobby shops in my area that used to carry Tamiya product have long since closed down. There is only one Hobby Shop left and they don't carry any Tamiya products. They primarily sell Traxxas (and other brand) trucks and truggies. Which hobby shop? I used to live down in Cockeysville. I visited Remote Control Hobbies. The guys there were okay. I moved down to Pasadena and live by Bay Area Computer and Hobbies. The location looks "less appealing" than up in Timonium, but they have an indoor track and the staff and customers are good people. They don't carry much Tamiya stuff, but they did just start doing a box stock TT02 class. They have an indoor carpet track they race on. It's worth swinging down 695 to check out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tbird232ci 333 Posted June 24, 2022 And for the first time in my forum career, I double posted. I had a 24 year streak going. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 24, 2022 12 minutes ago, Tbird232ci said: Which hobby shop? I used to live down in Cockeysville. I visited Remote Control Hobbies. The guys there were okay. I moved down to Pasadena and live by Bay Area Computer and Hobbies. The location looks "less appealing" than up in Timonium, but they have an indoor track and the staff and customers are good people. They don't carry much Tamiya stuff, but they did just start doing a box stock TT02 class. They have an indoor carpet track they race on. It's worth swinging down 695 to check out. Yup...Remote Control Hobbies is the only one left that is close to me. The guys there seem pretty nice....bought a battery and charger there recently. The shops I used to shop at back in the day (Gary Nixon Enterprises, Yorktown Hobby Shop, and Stoneleigh Cycle & Hobby) all closed down a LONG time ago. Will definitely have to check out Bay Area Computer and Hobbies sometime, though. Would love to check out The Track in gaithersburg sometime as well, but that's even more of a hike... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tbird232ci 333 Posted June 24, 2022 6 minutes ago, EsotericRC said: Yup...Remote Control Hobbies is the only one left that is close to me. The guys there seem pretty nice....bought a battery and charger there recently. The shops I used to shop at back in the day (Gary Nixon Enterprises, Yorktown Hobby Shop, and Stoneleigh Cycle & Hobby) all closed down a LONG time ago. Will definitely have to check out Bay Area Computer and Hobbies sometime, though. Would love to check out The Track in gaithersburg sometime as well, but that's even more of a hike... Our age gap is certainly going to show here. I'm 37 years old. Yorktown closed not long after I moved to Cockeysville. The other two I had never heard of. In the early 2000's, I spent most of my time at Hobby Works in Laurel, Hobby Town USA in Glen Burnie, RC Outfitters in York and made a trip to The Track when it used to be called Mimis and once to Hobby Town in Frederick. Hobby Works in Laurel is still alive and kicking. I haven't been in probably 15 years now, but they used to specialize in Tamiya. It's neat to find a local on a forum where the majority of the members aren't in the United States. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 25, 2022 15 hours ago, Tbird232ci said: Our age gap is certainly going to show here. I'm 37 years old. Yorktown closed not long after I moved to Cockeysville. The other two I had never heard of. In the early 2000's, I spent most of my time at Hobby Works in Laurel, Hobby Town USA in Glen Burnie, RC Outfitters in York and made a trip to The Track when it used to be called Mimis and once to Hobby Town in Frederick. Hobby Works in Laurel is still alive and kicking. I haven't been in probably 15 years now, but they used to specialize in Tamiya. It's neat to find a local on a forum where the majority of the members aren't in the United States. Heh, yup...i'm old. I turn 49 tomorrow. The other two shops I mentioned probably closed sometime in the mid 90's. I used to go by the Hobby Works in Laurel more in the early 2000's because we were living in Columbia at the time, but haven't been by there since probably 2003 or 2004 though. I do wish there were more accessible tracks in the area though. Whenever I get around to buying a buggy kit for my son (or whenever I finish this Supershot build), i'm planning on building a small dirt track here at the house. Have a bit of extra space under some trees that I think could make for a nice, small track to play around on. It definitely is nice to see someone on here local to me. Just recently had been noticing that a large majority of the users on here are international (not that that's a bad thing at all)... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeeWings 2830 Posted June 26, 2022 On 6/25/2022 at 4:36 AM, Tbird232ci said: And for the first time in my forum career, I double posted. I had a 24 year streak going. All good things come to an end If it’s any consolation it’s more likely a forum issue than user error. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razzar 15 Posted June 27, 2022 I saw this built and was I want to do one my self, that is how much this built thread inspired me, so bought a new super hotshot kit and got the carbon chassis and its on its way, now I realize how many other projects I still have going on, and will not be able to get to this for a very very long time. I will probably end up selling my kit and chassis, but will eagerly await all the updates in this built thread, I have read through it 3 times already great work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 28, 2022 11 hours ago, razzar said: I saw this built and was I want to do one my self, that is how much this built thread inspired me, so bought a new super hotshot kit and got the carbon chassis and its on its way, now I realize how many other projects I still have going on, and will not be able to get to this for a very very long time. I will probably end up selling my kit and chassis, but will eagerly await all the updates in this built thread, I have read through it 3 times already great work. Heh, Thanks. Hopefully you don't end up selling it and can see it through to the end. I actually love doing build threads (mostly in automotive forums before getting back into RC recently), and one of the reason's I love it is for when they inspire other people with their own projects. Unfortunately though, this build thread may take a little bit of time for me to complete. Between waiting for parts and just having time to actually work on it (family time and owning/operating a BMW Specialist auto shop take up most of my time), things may not move as quickly as I would like. But, i'll update when I can... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 28, 2022 As for updates, unfortunately i'm still waiting on ordered parts to arrive so can't do much on the Supershot build. But, now that i've been sucked back into the RC hobby and am looking for a buggy kit to buy for my son to build, i've also decided that I am probably gonna build a place for us to run the cars on our property. Back in the late 80's, I always wanted to build a dirt track to run my RC cars on but didn't really have the ability to make that happen. Now I do. Am looking at this space on our property that is shaded by 2 cherry blossom trees. The plan is to build a small dirt track around the trunks of the 2 trees that will be shaded by the foliage from the trees. Will have to bring in some fill dirt to cover the exposed roots of the trees and build some features ( jumps, berms, etc.). Will also use 4" corrugated drain piping to build the track layout. Trying to figure out now exactly what I want the track layout to look like, before I start moving dirt. Will post updates to the track build as well, as things develop/progress... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tam Tom 7 Posted June 28, 2022 On 6/20/2022 at 6:38 PM, EsotericRC said: Just came across some pics of @TamTom's SICK Hotshot "Evolution" on FB in the Tamiya Legends group. Not sure if he has a build thread here in TC, but it has a custom made carbon chassis, and suspension bits from the DF03 just like I was envisioning. Nice to see that it's been done, and that i'm not barking up a useless tree, so to speak. Have traded a couple of messages with him on FB Messenger for info on his setup, and he's been more than gracious enough to answer my questions. Thanks, Tom! If you're a Hotshot/Supershot lover and haven't seen his Hotshot...definitely search for his posts in Tamiya Legends on FB. I don't want to post them here since they aren't my pics. Or perhaps Tom will drop some pics here himself... Hello, I had to register here first, I was not registered in the Tamiyaclub so far. Here is a photo of the Hotshot Evolution 1. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 28, 2022 19 minutes ago, Tam Tom said: Hello, I had to register here first, I was not registered in the Tamiyaclub so far. Here is a photo of the Hotshot Evolution 1. There it is...that's a thing of beauty. Sorry, thought you already had an account here. Well, at least there is an account under the name "TamTom" so I assumed it was you. But, looking at it again it looks like that account hasn't been active since 2019. Anyway, thanks for posting that pic. You should post a build thread here on TC. I'm sure people would LOVE to see more of your work....especially that Evolution 2. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cdanna76 233 Posted June 28, 2022 On 6/21/2022 at 3:28 AM, rwordenjr said: Tamiya polycarbonate cleaner will take the paint off. Get 2 bottles so you have enough to strip paint off and another bottle for touching up any mistakes in future. I've used with great results. I've even used on and old striker ABS body and it worked well, but some time you to put some elbow grease in. Just try it in a small inconspicuous spot first just to be safe. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snappy1 966 Posted June 28, 2022 5 hours ago, EsotericRC said: There it is...that's a thing of beauty. Sorry, thought you already had an account here. Well, at least there is an account under the name "TamTom" so I assumed it was you. But, looking at it again it looks like that account hasn't been active since 2019. Anyway, thanks for posting that pic. You should post a build thread here on TC. I'm sure people would LOVE to see more of your work....especially that Evolution 2. Tamtom the original was from Austria, great guy, who shipped me rare cars from Austria to Australia at very decent prices, one of the cars was an original unmolested Top Force Evo. By the way that chassis is a work of art 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted June 29, 2022 22 hours ago, Cdanna76 said: I've used with great results. I've even used on and old striker ABS body and it worked well, but some time you to put some elbow grease in. Just try it in a small inconspicuous spot first just to be safe. Thanks for that. Have some ordered. Will give it a try whenever it shows up. 18 hours ago, Snappy1 said: Tamtom the original was from Austria, great guy, who shipped me rare cars from Austria to Australia at very decent prices, one of the cars was an original unmolested Top Force Evo. By the way that chassis is a work of art Ah, OK...I just assumed it was one and the same. My mistake, and realize that it is always bad to assume anything. Heh. But yeah...that Hotshot Evolution is definitely a work of art, but you should see his Evolution 2. It's even better, and along the lines of what I was planning for the suspension on my modded Supershot. Kinda along the lines of Grahoo's Hotshot... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tam Tom 7 Posted June 29, 2022 Thank you, I will post a build thread on occasion. The project up to the Hotshot Evolution 1 and 2 has developed over the years. LG Tom 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted July 1, 2022 On 6/29/2022 at 1:50 PM, Tam Tom said: Thank you, I will post a build thread on occasion. The project up to the Hotshot Evolution 1 and 2 has developed over the years. LG Tom Looking forward to it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted July 5, 2022 Still waiting for my parts to arrive from RCMart. According to the tracking info, the package arrived in the US via the New York gateway on June 29th, and is still en route to me in Maryland. Should arrive any day now *crossing fingers*. In the meantime, I ended up ordering a TD4 Super Avante kit for my son as his first RC build, along with a couple of the hop ups that I deemed were 100% necessary like the slipper clutch, front CVD's and front and rear metal gear differentials (because the aluminum T-nut upgrade to replace the stupid plastic ones for the stock ball diffs are currently backordered). He was stoked! That look on his face says it all. Reminds me of the joy I felt bringing home my first Tamiya kit...The Frog in 1983 or 1984. Was such a different time, but the joy that Tamiya kits bring is still the same and stands the test of time... Since this is his first ever RC build (and since his favorite color is yellow, second favorite is blue, and he actually likes the box art colors and livery), I decided to get him the version that comes with the pre-painted body. Didn't know it when I first ordered it, but that kit also comes with some special edition colored parts. Namely, a yellow tub chassis, and yellow powder coated springs: 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted July 5, 2022 Of course, we started on the build right away, with him doing most of the work and me overseeing, teaching, and helping along the way. Off to a good start, but the day after these pics were taken he woke up not feeling well and ended up testing positive for COVID. Will have to resume that build once he recovers... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeeWings 2830 Posted July 6, 2022 On 6/29/2022 at 2:48 AM, Tam Tom said: Hello, I had to register here first, I was not registered in the Tamiyaclub so far. Here is a photo of the Hotshot Evolution 1. That's brilliant. Love the choices and the shell colour is great too. Lovely work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeeWings 2830 Posted July 6, 2022 7 hours ago, EsotericRC said: Still waiting for my parts to arrive from RCMart. According to the tracking info, the package arrived in the US via the New York gateway on June 29th, and is still en route to me in Maryland. Should arrive any day now *crossing fingers*. In the meantime, I ended up ordering a TD4 Super Avante kit for my son as his first RC build, along with a couple of the hop ups that I deemed were 100% necessary like the slipper clutch, front CVD's and front and rear metal gear differentials (because the aluminum T-nut upgrade to replace the stupid plastic ones for the stock ball diffs are currently backordered). He was stoked! Wow! That's the look of joy! The same face I pulled when I got my Egress recently at the age of 48! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted July 6, 2022 18 hours ago, GeeWings said: Wow! That's the look of joy! The same face I pulled when I got my Egress recently at the age of 48! Hah! If I had bought it for myself, i'm sure I woulda had a similar look on my face when it arrived...and i'm 49! Back to the project. A couple of packages came in yesterday...most notable is the stuff I ordered from RC Mart. Was ordered on June 23rd and delivered on July 5th, so 12 days. Not too bad coming from Hong Kong, but felt like forever in the age of Amazon Prime and near-instant gratification with ordered items. Here's the contents of the box: , It's basically the stuff I need to start working on the DF03 suspension conversion. DF03 front and rear arms, hard turnbuckle set, and front and rear aluminum C-hubs and uprights from Yeah Racing. Oh, also the battery quick release from Yeah Racing as well. It is looking like I may be able to use the actual front DF03 arms on the Supershot front gearbox....just need to open up the spacing of the mounting points a little. Need to take some measurements and figure out exactly how much and see if it will affect the integrity of the arm. For the rears, the mounting width is considerably wider on the Supershot arms, so will definitely need to design and print some custom arms for the rear. In addition to that stuff from RC Mart, also picked up a stainless hardware kit from RC Screwz. This one is the kit designed for the re:re Supershot. I figured i'd prefer to use hex head stainless hardware for this build and this was likely the easiest way to get the majority of the hardware i'll likely need for the build instead of sourcing the stuff piecemeal. Pretty nicely put together kit and includes some metric hex keys, and a little plastic measuring business card for confirming screw lengths, etc. in a nice little plastic case. Also picked up a re:re Super Hotshot body. Gonna save my old vintage bodies for the vintage shelf restoration so I needed a new body for the modded build and wasn't about the shell out the crazy $$ people are asking for new vintage Supershot bodies. At this point, i'm feeling a bit like it probably woulda made more sense to have bought a complete Supershot Re:re kit (now renamed the Super Hotshot), used the specific parts I needed on the modded build, and used the rest for the shelf restoration of my vintage Supershot. Oh well...live and learn. Heh. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EsotericRC 98 Posted July 6, 2022 For the body, I actually always liked the box art silver but for this modded build am gonna stray from that a little. I wanted something similar to silver, but different, and in searching the net came across this pic: That is Tamiya's PS-63 Bright Gunmetal and I think it is absolutely gorgeous. Gonna do the Supershot body and rear wing in that color, likely backed with black, and am gonna do reproduction Supershot decals from MCI with some color changes. Not 100% on the color changes for the decals yet, but am leaning towards changing the red in the original decals to blue. Anyway, unfortunately haven't gotten a chance to start assembling anything yet. Was gonna start putting together the front and rear gearboxes yesterday, but pretty much my whole family, with the exception of me, came down with COVID over the 4th of July weekend. So, have been a bit busy tending to everyone on top of running my business (BMW Specialist shop) that I haven't had time to work on this at all. Luckily, they have all had relatively mild cases, and hopefully I don't contract it as well, but will try to work on this project as soon as I get a change to. Will update when I do. Stay tuned... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
