Best Tamiya for indoor buggy carpet racing?

[clobbo]

Thanks @markbt73 - I'm gonna run my Comical Avante.    Still trying to figure out where I should find a longer dogbone because that angle is pretty big from the diff to the hub. 

My daughter has the Heavy Dump Truck, she might run that but I'm not sure about that one vertical turn on the track, it's probably too heavy and awkward to go up the vertical.

It's gonna be a blast.

[ImALlama]

On 2/14/2024 at 12:30 AM, markbt73 said:

If it were me, I'd get one (or two) of the Comical buggies, go there during an open practice session, and just have a ball with something that looks cool and isn't fast enough to break anything. If others see how much fun you're having, they might get their own and join in. Maybe even start a racing class for them.

You can follow what everyone else does, or you can pretend you don't see what they're doing and just do your own thing. I know which one I prefer.

I’m going to have to agree with this, unless your trying to take it serious and win races, then use what others do and ignore the rest of what I’ve written
 

Back in the day at my local races (track was setup in parking lot on Saturdays only so no open practices) I’d run my super Blackfoot against the 2nd stadium trucks. Had no chance of keeping up and I’d get lapped several times every race but I didn’t care and still had a blast. Most people enjoyed it too, and would get a laugh when I’d jump over the barriers in a sad attempt to keep up, and because it couldn’t turn tight enough to make it through half the turns anyway . Though there always was one guy that thought he was a pro and would act like I cost him the world championship every time, even if he won he could’ve been faster if I wasn’t there type, mind you they always made sure to put me in the slowest group so even if you won our race your still significantly slower than almost everyone there . 
 

Maybe it’s just where I live, even my current city has a public dirt track for everyone to use and often there’ll be kids with toy grade rcs running on it, and I run into the same kind of angry people that make sure to let you know how anyone that isn’t running the top of the line stuff aiming for a new track record doesn’t belong.

My experience has been non race vehicles on the track will be a blast, create fond memories, and prob make you a few new friends. If the miserable type do show up, just ignore them and don’t let them ruin the fun.

[Bwaaatch]

On 2/16/2024 at 7:11 AM, clobbo said:

Thanks @markbt73 - I'm gonna run my Comical Avante.    Still trying to figure out where I should find a longer dogbone because that angle is pretty big from the diff to the hub. 

My daughter has the Heavy Dump Truck, she might run that but I'm not sure about that one vertical turn on the track, it's probably too heavy and awkward to go up the vertical.

It's gonna be a blast.

Comicals are awesome, but my experience is that they are most fun on loose gravel, with the surface sliding underneath them. That’s because their small foot print and high centre of gravity means they can tip over A LOT in high grip scenarios.

To out one in carpet at a track means risking spending a lot of time runnng around and shouting for marshalls — might be disruptive for everyone.

if you’re gonna do it, get that thing as low as possible (look at the Honda city Turbos on same chassis). You may also want to go wider. I have a super lo, super wide example, but it develops twitchy steering if you over do it.

Most importantly, have fun trying stuff out!

[markbt73]

The only point I was trying to make is that "track time" doesn't have to mean "competition." Lots of folks take 1:1 cars to race tracks on open days just to "see what she can do." There's no reason to treat RC tracks any differently. Run what ya brung, as they say, and don't worry about what other people are running, or how they're running them.

If some jerk with tire warmers and $300 batteries who thinks he's the second coming of Cliff Lett complains that you're "getting in the way," tell him to lighten up. Or better yet, offer to let him take a couple laps with your car. Might turn that frown upside-down; you never know. (Might turn your car upside-down once or twice, too, though; most of those types are terrible drivers.)

If you do feel like competing, ask if there's an open/novice class. A lot of times you can run whatever car you want in those clases, you're only limited to certain motors and batteries. And if Mr. TIre Warmers shows up in those races, kindly ask the track manager that he be moved up to Stock class.

[NeonScorcher]

If you just want to have fun and don't spend a fortune, even a DT-03 will do. I have two set up for indoor carpet.

Proper tires and fast servo are a must though for good steering. The carbon shock towers are not necessary, only if you break the plastic ones you should think about upgrading them. Slim outdrives, dogbones and wheel axles help with suspension, but also that can wait.

I started with a 13.5t motor in the Neo Fighter and currently run a 10.5t which is just a bit too fast (for me anyway). The gears hold up nicely. 

Lots of fun and cheap parts when you break something.

[Wooders28]

9 hours ago, NeonScorcher said:

Proper tires and fast servo are a must though for good steering. The carbon shock towers are not necessary, only if you break the plastic ones you should think about upgrading them. Slim outdrives, dogbones and wheel axles help with suspension, but also that can wait.

Guessing you don't need shock tower protectors where you run?

To protect the carpet ,more than the car.

[NeonScorcher]

@Wooders28 yes, no protectors required. They have a very durable hockey lawn, not regular carpet. 

https://indoor-racing-senden.de/

[DTSCB]

On 3/16/2024 at 4:31 AM, NeonScorcher said:

 

What is the car on the right?

[NeonScorcher]

On 3/18/2024 at 4:35 PM, DTSCB said:

What is the car on the right?

@DTSCB it’s a DT-03T with a bug body. 

[Raman36]

Just read through this thread will add my minimal knowledge for carpet racing. 

Most brands such as AE, Losi etc release their indoor carpet specific kits without a slipper! 

My recommendation would be something a bit more current

1. TD2

2. BBX

otherwise see if you can get your hands on a TRF201 or DN01.

[SlideWRX]

The TD2 & TD4 just went on sale on tamiyausa.com, $207 for TD2 & $247 for TD4.

[Raman36]

On 3/30/2024 at 6:19 PM, SlideWRX said:

The TD2 & TD4 just went on sale on tamiyausa.com, $207 for TD2 & $247 for TD4.

That's 50% off.. that usually means discontinuation.  I wish they had a section that clearly marked sale items

[clobbo]

Hey guys.. thanks for all the input.

We ran my Comical Avante and her Big Yellow Dump Truck for a session, her truck got properly smashed when someone's Traxxas truck smashed into her, and my Avante kept flipping.  Happened that a friend went to a couple of races and picked up a B6.4 buggy for her and a T6.4 stadium truck for me.  So far she's been able to focus on driving and steadily improve, and being her pit dad I've just been helping her with apexes and how to drive.

We're having a lot of fun together in this hobby. 

[Howards]

On 2/15/2024 at 9:22 PM, qatmix said:

Most racing is 2WD for buggy indoor. The Tamiya TD2 is surprisingly capable.

Mmm. I took my TD4 carpet racing yesterday and despite not winning anything (second in the C final... and yes, there were only A,B.C) I felt the car was the least of my problems having not raced RC for 20 years.

Lightly modified chassis (UJs, Hi-Caps) with basic electronics (1060BL, TBLM 10.5t, overlander 2s lipos).

[Elbowloh]

2 hours ago, Howards said:

Mmm. I took my TD4 carpet racing yesterday and despite not winning anything (second in the C final... and yes, there were only A,B.C) I felt the car was the least of my problems having not raced RC for 20 years.

Lightly modified chassis (UJs, Hi-Caps) with basic electronics (1060BL, TBLM 10.5t, overlander 2s lipos).

Howard from LSSFS? 

[Howards]

Fixeh skiddrz unite etc

[matisse]

do i count as a fixeh skiddr if i never actually had a fixeh coz bad knees?

1 hour ago, Howards said:

Fixeh skiddrz unite etc

 

[Jonesy924]

Grasshopper, there is no substitute 🤣🤣🤣🤣😜