Sticking with the "old standbys"

[markbt73]

So after spending way too much time and mental energy trying to decide between two expensive re-res, I finally realized I didn't really want either of them. They'd be fun to build, but after that they would just sit on the shelf, or have a few careful runs. I don't want that. I like to tinker.

So instead I have a scruffy Turbo Optima on the way, for which I already have a bunch of parts, including a full re-re Javelin cage. And I have my eye on either a cheap original Grasshopper, or a cheap original Bolink Legend, or maybe both.

I'm coming to realize, the longer I spend in this hobby (37 years this past August) that there are really only half a dozen chassis that I like to mess around with: the Clod Buster, the original RC10, the Grasshopper/Hornet gearbox and everything that uses it, the original Kyosho Optima, basic 1/10 scale pan-cars, and basic straight-axle crawlers/scalers. There are others I have enjoyed tinkering with, but those six are what I keep coming back to over and over.

I keep thinking I'm stuck in a rut and want to try something new, but maybe I've just found my groove and need to settle into it. As a wise musician once said, "You can't get what you want till you know what you want." And I'm glad it didn't cost me $400 this time to realize what I didn't want.

Anybody else have go-to chassis that you just keep coming back to?

[Kowalski86]

Lately I've decided to quit "experimenting" myself, and just stick with what I like. Too many re-res need "this or that" aftermarket part to work, and being from a different time, use the wrong plastic type in some areas. Like the stiff "PC" suspension arms on my FAV/Wild One.

I hate to say it, but I like Traxxas 2wd stuff. It's a simple design with whatever model you get, takes brushless well, and it's nylon so I don't have to worry about brittle plastic.

Unfortunately, the newer they are the more "little things" they do to get in the way of aftermarket parts, like clipless body shells. Kinda goes against the whole "making an RC yours" part of the hobby.

If someone handed me a Grasshopper (or relative) I'd have no problem fixing it up and getting it going again. Unfortunately, they command about $100 used (complete with dried out tires!) for whatever reason.

[TurnipJF]

I enjoy the TL-01 family of cars, and all the vertically-split chassis that followed it. Very versatile platforms with plenty of interchangeable parts.

[ThunderDragonCy]

Definitely a bit of this. Seem to be acquiring a little family of FF01 (because they are so delightful to drive), my Grasshopper 2 based Ultra buggies. I'll never get rid of my Thunder Dragon, but I don't feel the need to have more of the series anymore. Glad I picked up the TD4 at a good price, but not sure it will stick. Have been surprised how much I like my Hotshot 2, but again, don't think I need more of them. I like seeing the reres and peoples builds, but I don't need more cars. 

[Willy iine]

I have core cars from the different categories, but in my case I buy like a life time's worth of parts/wheels/tires, so not sure if there is any savings there..  I just buy and work on cars that feel right to me.   

[Grumpy pants]

For me it’s always the following chassis’s -

CW01, WR02, SRB, Wild One & Blitzer. 

 

[Juggular]

It could be just us getting old.  

I got lazy lately.  I think I have 4 kits I haven't built.  In my earlier days, I could rattle off half the names of some 50 paint bottles.  Now, my brain doesn't want to bother... Since I like to tinker, it's been a bit of a shocker that I have more than 1 kit TBB (to be built).  If I was younger, I'd have jumped on the 3D printing bandwagon already too.  Now I barely started to mess with 3D modelling.  I paid for Resident Evil 2 about a week ago, but haven't even installed it. (I am into AI image generation, though.)

Also, I'm tired at the moment.  I was on my feet 10 hours without eating anything on Saturday.  Rotten eaves over the side door had to be replaced.  Most of the work was done by the hired help, but it's me whose forehead is hot with some temperature.  

And our 37 year old furnace (from 1986, the year of Monster Beetle) works without interruption now.  I had to call a furnace guy. He (rather, his company) wanted to sell a new one for $8,000.  He admitted the new one won't last 15 years.  Why would I want to get a new 80% furnace for $8,000, when the old one is running at 92% efficiency for free?  It turned out to be an overheating issue. (In RC-lingo, "thermal shut-off.")  The heat exchanger is fine. All I had to do was keep the vents open in all rooms, so the oversized furnace can get enough air.  The guy himself was a very pleasant guy.  But I just don't like dealing with people... How life gets in the way of RC stuff.  

Now that I'm running low on energy, it's a perfect time to think of what's my "comfort RC."  Surprisingly, it's ORV.  I don't think it would have come up as my favorite chassis.  But somehow I have 4 ORVs.  Right now, I'd rather mess with ORVs than to build CC-02 or Dynahead.  That probably means ORV is my comfort RC.  

 

[Sogogi]

51 minutes ago, Juggular said:

think of what's my "comfort RC."  Surprisingly, it's ORV.  I don't think it would have come up as my favorite chassis.  But somehow I have 4 ORVs.  Right now, I'd rather mess with ORVs than to build CC-02 or Dynahead.  That probably means ORV is my comfort RC.  

Comfort RC describes it quite well. Now i have tried a dozen different chassis and there are few i keep coming back to (or plan to bring back) mainly because those are easy to work on, fun to drive (i am not saying drive well. “Fun” is the key point), not having to worry about breaking and not being able to source rare parts.

some of those are

grasshopper series, m05/6, tt-02, dt-02/03.

One thing I used to like is ta-02 chassis. I think it is really meant for light off road running (recently cracked gear boxes).

 

[Saito2]

Totally understand this. I think many times we chase after the next "high". Maybe this next vehicle will be the one that blows all the others away and holds my interest forever. If not the "high", than how about succumbing to the temptation of something new? Hmmm, how does that go together?

I've been going through all my 4wds, currently focusing on the Thundershot family, but in the end, I always return to some variation of Hotshot. The reinforced plastics and new design of the TD4 tempt me, but that's a lot of money. After its built, will it really be worth it? 

The BBX will probably do me in though, eventually. Otherwise, I'm keen to stay with the families I love, so its Hotshots, Clod Busters, ORV Monsters, Lunch Boxes and the occasional Fox for me. If the RC10 Classic comes back, I'm getting one without hesitation though. I'm weak.

[Kowalski86]

14 hours ago, Sogogi said:

One thing I used to like is ta-02 chassis. I think it is really meant for light off road running (recently cracked gear boxes).

I've taken used TA02s off my list, largely due to their knack for cracking. ABS doesn't age well.

[Frog Jumper]

I have a M07 w/o electrics collecting dust.  I have a Fire Dragon complete doing the same.  No love for either.

But i still fiddle with my Blackfoot…

Terry

 

[87lc2]

I agree, for some reason I gravitate to things I already have a few of or new releases that are very similar.  Getting into something new just seems like work and I do plenty of that during the day already   As you said, "new" stuff always requires certain fixes or hop-ups to make it reliable or functional and I'm not big on figuring that all out before I even build the kit. 

Recently got into on road stuff and figured it was time to step up from the TT02-based classes and bought myself a couple Xray chassis (2017 & 2018) to run in 21.5 Touring & USGT.  They were delivered last night along with a ton of extra parts.  I was excited and opened it up only to close it about 5 minutes later and put it under a pile thinking I'll figure all that out some other time.  Those things are like spaceships compared to what I'm used to, haha. 

[toyolien]

20 hours ago, Saito2 said:

The BBX will probably do me in though

Why would a BBX do you in? I think they are a great chassis. Easily my favourite Tamiya build to date.

[87lc2]

17 minutes ago, toyolien said:

Why would a BBX do you in? I think they are a great chassis. Easily my favourite Tamiya build to date.

I think he means he'll give in at some point and get one     I've been eyeing it too, great looking buggy.  Would be an easier decision if Tower still had generous coupons. 

[Dakratfink]

21 hours ago, Saito2 said:

If the RC10 Classic comes back, I'm getting one without hesitation though. I'm weak

Does that include the near “clear” edition that Team Associated is putting out now ? 

[toyolien]

1 hour ago, 87lc2 said:

I think he means he'll give in at some point and get one     I've been eyeing it too, great looking buggy.  Would be an easier decision if Tower still had generous coupons. 

Aah I see. Must be how I read it. Makes sense now 

[Saito2]

2 hours ago, 87lc2 said:

I think he means he'll give in at some point and get one   

Bingo. Thanks for clearing that up @87lc2

 

1 hour ago, Dakratfink said:

Does that include the near “clear” edition that Team Associated is putting out now ? 

Nope. Zero interests in that. I want a Classic I can run the wheels off of.

[Willy iine]

Cars that bring me most 'comfort' are those that I made as one-off cars for Willy and Billy to drive.. comical cars and m-chassis.  There is only one in the world and I like the exclusivity.    I just got done making another one today..  

[Dakratfink]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

Nope. Zero interests in that. I want a Classic I can run the wheels off of.

Likewise 

[Sogogi]

2 hours ago, Saito2 said:

Nope. Zero interests in that. I want a Classic I can run the wheels off of.

That was my thought too. If they release a normal version, I would get one and run it

[Wooders28]

7 hours ago, Saito2 said:

Nope. Zero interests in that. I want a Classic I can run the wheels off of.

A gold pan has been on my wish list for a few decades, but they're just to pricey this side of the pond, well,  I used to think they where pricey,  now a days I'd need a bank loan! 

I believe the clear is a pure shelf queen, with zero clear spares being made available?

[Saito2]

2 hours ago, Wooders28 said:

I believe the clear is a pure shelf queen

It could be run lightly, but I don't think that's the intent.

2 hours ago, Wooders28 said:

with zero clear spares being made available?

That's my understanding.

The important part is that Associated must have re-made the lost molds again leading to the possibility of the Classic's return. 

[Kowalski86]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

The important part is that Associated must have re-made the lost molds again leading to the possibility of the Classic's return. 

My question is, will we be "allowed" to run our re-released RC10s? Or will this be a limited 300 piece edition to get in on booming collectors market?

[Willy iine]

I'm definitely getting the rere RC10 if they release the gold tub (?) pan (?) version.  I missed out as a kid as they were waaay out of my reach.  

[ad456]

6 hours ago, Saito2 said:

The important part is that Associated must have re-made the lost molds again leading to the possibility of the Classic's return.

I thought that it was SLA printed from what a few news sites were reporting. It’s likely why they haven’t got a load of spares available and also recommend that it’s for shelving and not really for running. 
 

EDIT: I’m wrong on this, they used SLA prints to make moulds from. 

Edited November 9, 2023 by ad456