To build or buy my next 2wd (Madcap/Super Astute)

[Saito2]

So, I've been saving for a Super Astute to run (I already have a shelfer), hoping for it to make it to the States in December. In typical fashion, that appears to be pushed out until April now. At $218 this time around, its much cheaper than it was in 2018. The $389 RC10 asking price makes the SA even more attractive. I'm a Tamiya guy after all, not an Associated one. So, as mentioned in other threads, there are tariffs looming in our future (how those will lower prices, I'm unsure). What they'll include and from what countries seems to vary so they may be a lot of hot air as usual. Still, not a cheering thought. Snagging one from the far east adds an instant $100 for shipping which is a no-go. So, basically, its a waiting game to see if they'll be affected by April.

Then there's plan B. I have a lot of Madcap spares and a Super Astute chassis/shock towers. I'm in need some hardware like suspension pins (or the dreaded screw pins) and an Astute body/undercowl. Piecing cars together can nickel and dime you to death with small odds and ends but it seems like I'd be out $125-$150, complete with shipping, to gather everything needed to pull this Madcap/Astute hybrid off.

Now on one hand, the Madcap parts are obviously old (though well-stored and visually in good shape) and I'm dealing with a Madcap ball diff. On the other hand I have duplicates of all my spares (4 suspension arms, 4 uprights, 4 rear hubs, etc.), even an extra transmission. Both ball diffs are in working order and it won't see anything past a Torque Tuned motor bolted to it. I can even save at least $60 by sticking an old Madcap body on it and dealing with a scratched up FRP chassis plate in use (hey, my RC10 Graphite never had an undercowl either) as the TBG body/undercowl is probably the single most expensive part on the list.

So, do I sit and wait patiently for the SA or try building my own with the risk of old parts but potential savings (and finally putting those parts to use). I know a SA and Madcap (I'm pretty well-versed in both) are not the same, but feature-wise, I'm just as happy with either.

[DaveBuildsRC]

Sounds like you have a good amount of spares to build now. Post a few pictures when done!

[bavee]

If it would be me, and the SA would really be pushed out until April, I would build the Madcap/Astute hybrid now. It would make for a nice winter project.

Looking forward to your build!

And maybe, in April, there will be funds for a SA...

[JimBear]

It's easy spending other peoples' money ...

... but if you want a runner, build it now. To me, using up old stuff sitting around would be a plus. Tinkering and making it my own would be a big positive too. It all depends on how much you tolerate old stuff breaking unexpectedly, and how much you like the resulting chase for parts and time used for putting it together again.

If you want another Super Astute - a copy of the one on the shelf - then wait. Opening a new box with stuff, and knowing it will survive the first run (hopefully) could be worth it.

[Kol__]

Shame to hear about the Super Astute delays for the US @Saito2 mate. I'm hoping we don't suffer a similar fate in the UK.

As has been said building something from parts can be great fun, so why not eh!?

Plus, I probably have all the Madcap and Super Astute spares that you might need, so just drop me a parts list if you like. I'm sure we can make it a cheaper option for you bud👍

[ThunderDragonCy]

If you have enough spares - and it sounds like you do - I am a big fan of the bitsa build and using things up. I like the feeling, but YMMV. I reckon scuffed frp and old madcap body sounds like a recipe for a nice runner with a bit of character.

[MadAnt]

Usually whatever makes the best financial sense, but other things will depend. As RC hobbyists we don't always try to get the best bang for buck all the time, we just do what's fun, we take chances and experiment.

[Saito2]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to be a bit more careful with money. We all know how project creep can swell investment past our initial estimates . I'm moving forward with the hybrid bitsa build.

[bavee]

Please document your build if possible. Always interested in vintage Madcap and Astute builds!

Here is my runner:

With a bunch of NIB parts:

[Kowalski86]

I'm always a fan of using up what you have laying around, if you go with Plsn B you can always figure put a way to throw on an aftermarket shell if the Tamiys ones are costly.

[Saito2]

Nice looking Madcap @bavee. I will try to post something about the build, probably in the vintage section. I don't quite feel piecing a buggy together from old spares quite fits the high standards and awesome custom creations in the builds section.

[bavee]

It's always nice to see the birth of a buggy from some vintage Madcap / Astute parts. And It would be really interesting to hear how an original ball diff performs.

Looking forward to it. Thanks in advance!

[BuggyDad]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

Nice looking Madcap @bavee. I will try to post something about the build, probably in the vintage section. I don't quite feel piecing a buggy together from old spares quite fits the high standards and awesome custom creations in the builds section.

Oh I don't know about that - creating something amazing out of the spares bin is joyful! 

[ThunderDragonCy]

23 hours ago, Saito2 said:

Nice looking Madcap @bavee. I will try to post something about the build, probably in the vintage section. I don't quite feel piecing a buggy together from old spares quite fits the high standards and awesome custom creations in the builds section.

Nonsense! A build is a build! I would love to see you putting together your Madcap bits into a cool buggy in The Builds.

[Kol__]

22 hours ago, BuggyDad said:

Oh I don't know about that - creating something amazing out of the spares bin is joyful! 

 

8 minutes ago, ThunderDragonCy said:

Nonsense! A build is a build! I would love to see you putting together your Madcap bits into a cool buggy in The Builds.

+1! Certainly worthy of the Builds section! Plus it's a Madcap, it's worthy anywhere!😁