58742 Hornet Evo coming!

[markbt73]

(Longer answer now that I'm at a real keyboard)

As is ever the case: If you don't enjoy the game, no one is going to make you play. No need to yuck someone else's yum.

I'm looking forward to trying a whole lot of dumb things with this model. I want to jack up the suspension and put Blackfoot wheels and tires on it. I'm curious whether or not you can adapt the Evo parts to a Lunchbox tub. I want to use the Evo front and a standard Hornet rear on 4 links to build a pre-runner truck like that Kyosho one. It's going to take all my willpower to build it stock from the beginning. I might order two, just in case I get the urge to do something ireversible to one of them.

Why? Because it sounds like fun. I don't care at all whether it's "better" than a normal Hornet. It's more interesting. And it's way more interesting to me, as a hobbyist who likes to tinker, to work on a simple model that was made overly complex by adding a lot of parts, like this, than to get something still simple but "improved" like a DT03. Because I can do more things with the complex one. I know a lot of people seem to want something that works great right out of the box, or be told exactly what specific hop-ups need to be bolted on to make it better in some way. And that's cool, but I am as far from that person as you can get.

It's not nostalgia, or wanting a "better Hornet." Tamiya could sell this with no body, wheels, or tires, and I'd still want it. (In fact, I'd almost prefer it.) It's a new set of Tinkertoys that fits all the old ones as well. And that's what I'm excited about.

[Saito2]

2 hours ago, markbt73 said:

I'm curious whether or not you can adapt the Evo parts to a Lunchbox tub.

After my brain digested what I was viewing upon seeing the Evo the first time, I admit this was my first thought.

2 hours ago, markbt73 said:

It's going to take all my willpower to build it stock from the beginning.

...and this was my second, lol.

 

[Losi XXT-CR]

15 hours ago, markbt73 said:

For the same reason people still hot-rod VW Beetles and the like. It's fun to see what you can do with it.

In that case you buy the original and hop it up, not something that isn't the original and just has the name stamped on it for marketing purposes.

[Losi XXT-CR]

 

6 hours ago, Kowalski86 said:

The Hornet Evo will be cheaper than any of the DT-02 variants, while having a more unique look than the DT-03.

Not in the UK, at least not yet.

 

DT-02: £129 https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-sand-viper-dt-02--25688

Hornet Evo: £195 https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-hornet-evo-1363503

That makes the Hornet Evo 41% more expensive than a DT-02.

[Losi XXT-CR]

5 hours ago, markbt73 said:

(Longer answer now that I'm at a real keyboard)

As is ever the case: If you don't enjoy the game, no one is going to make you play. No need to yuck someone else's yum.

I'm looking forward to trying a whole lot of dumb things with this model. I want to jack up the suspension and put Blackfoot wheels and tires on it. I'm curious whether or not you can adapt the Evo parts to a Lunchbox tub. I want to use the Evo front and a standard Hornet rear on 4 links to build a pre-runner truck like that Kyosho one. It's going to take all my willpower to build it stock from the beginning. I might order two, just in case I get the urge to do something ireversible to one of them.

Why? Because it sounds like fun. I don't care at all whether it's "better" than a normal Hornet. It's more interesting. And it's way more interesting to me, as a hobbyist who likes to tinker, to work on a simple model that was made overly complex by adding a lot of parts, like this, than to get something still simple but "improved" like a DT03. Because I can do more things with the complex one. I know a lot of people seem to want something that works great right out of the box, or be told exactly what specific hop-ups need to be bolted on to make it better in some way. And that's cool, but I am as far from that person as you can get.

It's not nostalgia, or wanting a "better Hornet." Tamiya could sell this with no body, wheels, or tires, and I'd still want it. (In fact, I'd almost prefer it.) It's a new set of Tinkertoys that fits all the old ones as well. And that's what I'm excited about.

That's all great and all, but would seem to be answering a totally different question to the one I asked.

In fact, if your only real interest is custom building, you don't even need the Hornet Evo to exist, plenty of options open to you aside from this kit.

[Kowalski86]

7 minutes ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

 

Not in the UK, at least not yet.

 

DT-02: £129 https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-sand-viper-dt-02--25688

Hornet Evo: £195 https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/tamiya-hornet-evo-1363503

That makes the Hornet Evo 41% more expensive than a DT-02.

That's weird, the Sand Viper is $175 here in the US, while the Hornet EVO should retail for about $166.

Of course, if one doesn't mind fixed links, bushings, and plastic dogbones, the DT-03 can be had for $110.

[toyolien]

The more I look at this Hornet, the more I think I may get one. Never had an original Hornet, but this one with the upgrades Tamiya has done looks like it'll be a lot of fun.

[GToddC5]

6 hours ago, markbt73 said:

(Longer answer now that I'm at a real keyboard)

As is ever the case: If you don't enjoy the game, no one is going to make you play. No need to yuck someone else's yum.

I'm looking forward to trying a whole lot of dumb things with this model. I want to jack up the suspension and put Blackfoot wheels and tires on it. I'm curious whether or not you can adapt the Evo parts to a Lunchbox tub. I want to use the Evo front and a standard Hornet rear on 4 links to build a pre-runner truck like that Kyosho one. It's going to take all my willpower to build it stock from the beginning. I might order two, just in case I get the urge to do something ireversible to one of them.

Why? Because it sounds like fun. I don't care at all whether it's "better" than a normal Hornet. It's more interesting. And it's way more interesting to me, as a hobbyist who likes to tinker, to work on a simple model that was made overly complex by adding a lot of parts, like this, than to get something still simple but "improved" like a DT03. Because I can do more things with the complex one. I know a lot of people seem to want something that works great right out of the box, or be told exactly what specific hop-ups need to be bolted on to make it better in some way. And that's cool, but I am as far from that person as you can get.

It's not nostalgia, or wanting a "better Hornet." Tamiya could sell this with no body, wheels, or tires, and I'd still want it. (In fact, I'd almost prefer it.) It's a new set of Tinkertoys that fits all the old ones as well. And that's what I'm excited about.

Amen brother, I think someone's Cheerios got whizzed in recently, LOL

I'm also planning a GH EVO in my head, and sure don't need to justify it to anyone else - Rational thoughts left the chat a looooong time ago!

[SlideWRX]

On 10/4/2024 at 11:19 AM, Losi XXT-CR said:

Just curious, but why?

Don't get me wrong, I can sort of see if you had a Hornet back in the day and then realised how limited some aspects of it where, this new Evo is kind of the Hornet you always wished it should have been.

But....

Since the time of the original Hornet, there are far better buggies. So if you want a better performing buggy, surely a DT-02, DT-03 or one from another maker is the way to go. The Traxxas Bandit isn't all that far off the Hornets age.

And if you do want a Hornet, well you can still get them too. Warts and all.

Ultimately, I'm not sure I really see the point of something like a Grasshopper Evo. Either you want one because it is a Grasshopper or you want something that goes and performs better. Of which you have that choice here and now. Having something called Grasshopper, that isn't really a Grasshopper because it is so fundamentally different, is surely just buying the "something" else?

Have you seen how many builds of the Hornet/Grasshopper etc. have been modified?  There are build on here going back more than a decade putting independent rear suspension on these.  The front upper control arm mod was literally for sale in the 80's I think, and popular on other models that used this style of swing arm like the Futaba FX-10.  Even as these other buggies were out there people have wanted a Hornet EVO.  Sure I can get  re-release Hornet, warts and all.  How about warts just 'all' instead?  I am not expecting it to be a competition level buggy, I just want the Hornet, but without the propensity to bounce all around and roll over easily.  Less damage to the precariously mounted wing from less rollovers too.

On 10/4/2024 at 11:22 AM, ThunderDragonCy said:

If they're the hex adapters then it's even more of a reason to just get DT03 rear arms, 70mm driveshaft and a long turnbuckle and get something with decent geo. You'll be bending that axle every run.

That really goes to show how different the offset is from a modern buggy!  Well, it isn't *that* different, they just kinda tucked the rear wheels in too much on those short arms maybe, compared to how far out the fronts stick now.  I think you are right, different arms are needed for modern buggy wheels.  I may likely put the Turbo Scorpion wheels on, which are kinda a split in offset between the two.  I may have to find a middle ground on the rear arms...

11 hours ago, Frog Jumper said:

I tend to agree.  Want a modern hornet?  Get a modern car and put a hornet body onto it.

Back when I got back into RC about 3-4 years ago, That is the first thing I tried to do - put a hornet body on a DT-03.  You can kind of flub it, but you cut it up a lot.  People have painted the Neo fighter and Racing Fighter in hornet style with decals, but it wasn't the same. A DT-02 chassis is too wide and sticks out.  How many others do I need to try out when this is coming in a month or two?  It is literally made for this body. Mind you, this will only stir debate on how far they should have gone, or what changes are 'proper', whether they did it 'right', but hey it is the internet.  

[nowinaminute]

10 hours ago, markbt73 said:

(Longer answer now that I'm at a real keyboard)

As is ever the case: If you don't enjoy the game, no one is going to make you play. No need to yuck someone else's yum.

I'm looking forward to trying a whole lot of dumb things with this model. I want to jack up the suspension and put Blackfoot wheels and tires on it. I'm curious whether or not you can adapt the Evo parts to a Lunchbox tub. I want to use the Evo front and a standard Hornet rear on 4 links to build a pre-runner truck like that Kyosho one. It's going to take all my willpower to build it stock from the beginning. I might order two, just in case I get the urge to do something ireversible to one of them.

Why? Because it sounds like fun. I don't care at all whether it's "better" than a normal Hornet. It's more interesting. And it's way more interesting to me, as a hobbyist who likes to tinker, to work on a simple model that was made overly complex by adding a lot of parts, like this, than to get something still simple but "improved" like a DT03. Because I can do more things with the complex one. I know a lot of people seem to want something that works great right out of the box, or be told exactly what specific hop-ups need to be bolted on to make it better in some way. And that's cool, but I am as far from that person as you can get.

It's not nostalgia, or wanting a "better Hornet." Tamiya could sell this with no body, wheels, or tires, and I'd still want it. (In fact, I'd almost prefer it.) It's a new set of Tinkertoys that fits all the old ones as well. And that's what I'm excited about.

Amen, brother!

Nearly everything I do in RC is because it's fun/interesting/weird/different.

If all that mattered was technical superiority, there'd be no point to 90% of the RCs out there.

I spent most of the summer working on a ridiculous twin brushless Nikko project that will never win a race or out bash a Traxxas or Arrma, so what's the point of it?

The point is.....It's a Nikko.....with TWO brushless motors....it's ridiculous.....that's awesome! Look at it go!!!

Even with my justifications (it was one of their "pretty much hobby grade" models, it has a lot of unleashed potential etc) it's still at a best case comparable to a low/mid range late 80s/early 90s Tamiya or Kyosho so putting two brushless motors in it, from a logical point of view, makes absolutely zero sense, but I have hobbies for my own enjoyment, not to be optimal!

Some people say the same about my 4 link lunchbox "not worth it" "polishing a turd" I couldn't care less, it brought me a lot of joy and satisfaction getting the rear suspension to actually work. I love the stock Lunchbox for all it's flawed charm, but that didn't make it any less rewarding making it work so much better. I'm not competing with anyone or anything else. All that matters is that I saw a massive gain for that specific vehicle. Comparing it to a Tekno or something is completely irrelevant and missing the point. 

[markbt73]

8 hours ago, Losi XXT-CR said:

That's all great and all, but would seem to be answering a totally different question to the one I asked.

In fact, if your only real interest is custom building, you don't even need the Hornet Evo to exist, plenty of options open to you aside from this kit.

We get it. You don't like it. So don't buy it.

[Frog Jumper]

After reading through all of the comments again, I’ve come to this conclusion:  you all are doing the hobby wrong and I’m the only one doing it right.  

[Badcrumble]

I'm looking forward to seeing the fun people have with this release.

It isn't for me (I've got my AmPro upgraded Hornet) but I can see why people are excited.

*I may have posted this at the beginning of the thread but can't remember (or he bothered to scroll back)

Edit: if I broke my AmPro kit, I'd get one!

[ADRay1000]

I’m currently having fun thinking of ways to decorate it that don’t include the fire stripes… might be time to cut up the Blockhead sheet…

[TurnipJF]

I went non-box art with my re-re Hornet, so I have a set of stripy decals at the ready to go onto one of these. 😁

[MadAnt]

For those that feel the Hornet Evo is unnecessary, that's fine, don't buy one.

For those who think the Hornet Evo is interesting or that are curious, buy one.

Everyone has their opinions. I'm buying one even though I own a few hornets and grasshoppers, which are all vintage by the way and only one of them stays on the shelf. I've modified enough with the Ampro suspension upgrades or random stuff to change but not completely ruin the charm. I've cut and modified parts and junk just to make my ideas works and get the results I want. The new Hornet evo could open more possibilities for those who want to modify their stock regular hoppers and hornets and whatnot without spending hours re-engineering things with countless failures or cutting and drilling a thousand times to make stuff work. Maybe people just want a modified hornet without needing to modify a hornet? That's cool too.

 

[Tamiyastef]

BITD I put the "HP suspension set" on my Grasshopper.  Now I'd like Tamiya to give us the "EVO suspension and steering set" 

Front suspension arms and attachments to the tub, the steering parts and for the rear the parts needed to bolt the DT-02 gearbox to the tub. That's all I need/want and if possible (I need to see the manual) I'd rather buy just the part trees with these parts than a whole new kit.

Edit: part trees E, J & M. The search can start 

Edited October 7, 2024 by Tamiyastef
Not finished typing

[El Gecko]

7 hours ago, Tamiyastef said:

BITD I put the "HP suspension set" on my Grasshopper.  Now I'd like Tamiya to give us the "EVO suspension and steering set" 

Front suspension arms and attachments to the tub, the steering parts and for the rear the parts needed to bolt the DT-02 gearbox to the tub. That's all I need/want and if possible (I need to see the manual) I'd rather buy just the part trees with these parts than a whole new kit.

Edit: part trees E, J & M. The search can start 

Exactly what I was thinking when I saw this EVO chassis, I'm hoping to adapt these parts to my Nikko Big Bubba at some point. It would be perfect if Tamiya released a full front and rear suspension setup with gearbox and steering, but the parts trees are a great start for making a custom chassis!

[TurnipJF]

13 hours ago, Tamiyastef said:

BITD I put the "HP suspension set" on my Grasshopper.  Now I'd like Tamiya to give us the "EVO suspension and steering set" 

Front suspension arms and attachments to the tub, the steering parts and for the rear the parts needed to bolt the DT-02 gearbox to the tub. That's all I need/want and if possible (I need to see the manual) I'd rather buy just the part trees with these parts than a whole new kit.

Edit: part trees E, J & M. The search can start 

Does that mean a manual is out?

[Tamiyastef]

@TurnipJF not AFAIK. I paused the competition x YouTube video when he goes through the manual at the end.

[TurnipJF]

Ah, clever!

[Tamiyastef]

1 hour ago, TurnipJF said:

Ah, clever!

Non forum people call this desperate or pathetic but I'll settle for clever  

[Terz1]

I've been away from the hobby for a while and the hornet evo has just popped up on a youtube suggestion. I was so pleased! 😃

I've got two hornets and 3 grasshoppers so I'm past the point of thinking do I really need another, so I'll definitely get one. I've seen all the mods that can be done to this chassis and I always wanted to do the front and rear conversions. Now tamiya has done an official one I'm on board. I always wanted a 'slightly' better handling hornet. I just love this platform.

[MadAnt]

Too bad the Hornet Evo is coming out during the cold weather season for me, there are tests I want to do. I figure doing a comparison with the Evo and my original Hornet modified with Ampro suspension parts would be fun. I have everything thing I need to get the new Hornet Evo going, all the radio gear, different weight shock oils for tuning, wheels and tires for the track and on road surfaces. It should be interesting and I'm looking forward to it.

[TurnipJF]

I must admit that my initial enthusiasm for this model is being tempered somewhat by the price. Especially considering that a TD2 can be had for less. Totally different buggies I know, but still...