Kyosho Ultima SB Dune Master build.

[toyolien]

This is yet another non Tamiya build, so apologies for that. My BBX is probably my most driven buggy, and I'm hoping that this will be equally as much fun to drive.

Not too many option parts on this build, but there will be a few. Some of them I kept from a Dirt Master build I planned to do a while back but put it on hold.

 

Starting off with a 'box art' shot. Not quite on Tamiyas level, but it's good.

 

Off we go. First thing to note is how good the plastics feel. They are super tough. I like it. This is the first step in the manual. I'm replacing all the plastic spacers/shims with aluminium ones that I've accumulated over the years. And, I'm using my Tamiya thread forming tap. I usually go in about half the length of the bolt thread.

 

 

Front suspension arms installed, which are also carbon reinforced plastic.

 

Although the kit includes bearings, there are none for the steering. These are the ones you'll need to complete the set.

 

It seems odd that one of the bearings sticks out 1.5mm, but that's what the manual calls for. It does all fit together nicely in the next few steps.

 

Front bulkhead fitted and the steering complete.

 

Next up is fitting the front assembly to the chassis tub. A very rigid chassis.

 

 

This is the first option part that I had left from the aborted Dirt Master build. Steel front axle with incorporated hex.

 

Knuckle and c-hubs assembled.

 

I've never been a fan of plain steel turnbuckles so opted for these Yeah Racing titanium turnbuckles instead. I couldn't find a Kyosho 40mm titanium turnbuckle.

 

All made up. The drawings are 1:1 scale like in Tamiya manuals.

 

That's the front end installed onto the chassis. Next up will be the front damper tower.

 

 

That was a simple step. The front damper tower.

 

The next option part is this beautiful cnc'd motor plate/heatsink.

 

Onto the diff build using a couple more upgrades. As this will be used for fun I've opted for the kit gear diff filled with Tamiya AW grease. Should be good for a while and will hopefully perform ok.

 

All buttoned up.

 

I did say at the start that there wouldn't be many upgrades, but it seems that there are. These two are for use with high power brushless motors so in they go:

 

Transmission complete.

 

Moving on to the rear end of the chassis now. This is the rear bulkhead.

 

I opted for these aluminium rear suspension bush holders. They are similar to Tamiya's and allow you to alter the rear toe in. I've set it at 2.5 degrees for now.

 

They are beautifully machined and the plastic inserts push in perfectly flush.

 

They even have a machined window on the other side to show which insert you've used. Very clever.

 

And, fitted to the rear part of the chassis.

 

Here's the front part of the rear mount.

 

 

All mounted up to the chassis tub along with the transmission.

 

 

The rear tower is next. This also incorporates the new rear cage part. This is purely cosmetic, but it does have the option of mounting an additional Scorpion wing if desired. I'm not going to put one on, as the body already has a little wing at the back.

 

 

 

Rear turnbuckles next along with Kyoshos aluminium rear hubs. I've opted for the 0 degree version as the suspension mounts take care of any toe adjustments.

 

 

Kyosho universal shafts and alloy rear hexes complete the rear hubs.

 

 

 

All fitted to the chassis.

 

I did notice that the universal shafts are almost at the end of the diff outdrives, but I guess that's just how it is. I've checked and double checked everything in the manual. So we'll see how it goes. Even Kyosho's photos of the Dirt Master seem to show the same position...

 

Shocks next. Not sure what I was talking about there not being many option parts. Optional aluminium dampers... Mmmhh.

 

Team Associated 35wt in the front, 30wt in the rear with kit springs for now.

 

They do look good though. Shame they are going to be covered by the body.

 

 

 

 

That's where I'm up to after two days work. So far it's been such an enjoyable build. As much as I love Tamiya, these Kyosho kits are next level in terms of plastic quality and slop free fitting. Their manuals are not as clear and require a little head scratching to find which parts are needed, but I can over look that.

Thanks for taking a look. Electrics next, then paint and driving!

[Re-Bugged]

Fantastic, thanks for taking the time once again my good man 👍🏻

(love the scale tape holding up the posters above the bench & the Kyosho parts boxes, very neat. 

[Tamiyastef]

Great to see another build thread in the scale garage. Love the NGK poster!

[Mad Ax]

Great build!  Those dampers are a work of art.

So too are the little bits of tape, that's a neat idea and I may borrow it for my scale garage!

[mtbkym01]

Are they the Velvet Big Bores? Some of the best shocks ever created! 

[ThunderDragonCy]

Lovely!

[Nikko85]

Lovely build as always!

[matisse]

lovely looking quality, and such a great spec!

[skom25]

Build quality, photos etc. are as always awesome.

I am impressed with Kyosho quality. Despite quite "funny" body, design and materials look very good.

[Twinfan]

15 minutes ago, skom25 said:

I am impressed with Kyosho quality. Despite quite "funny" body, design and materials look very good.

The DirtMaster is the same chassis with a more conventional buggy body  

[Howards]

Hah, yeah, these look good. Wish Tamiya had the smarts to re-re the TRF201 with a dune bug body on it 

[Andreas W]

A tasty build thread as usual . It turned out semi hop up heavy after all. I expect it to be brilliant. This car or the Dirtmaster would have been a grab and go if they were launched in 2020. No questions asked.

 

Thanks for making me want a Dirtmaster even more

[Busdriver]

Looking good. Interested in seeing what electronics you put in it and perhaps more importantly what colour you are going to paint it??

[ucacjbs]

Nice build - may get some of these hop-ups for my dirt master. The fit and quality of the plastics is a step up from most of the Tamiya kits I’ve built around this price point. 

[Tamiyastef]

Would you mind checking the manual for the part number for the tires and wheels, both front and rear please? Can't seem to find them anywhere online. 

[Twinfan]

22 minutes ago, Tamiyastef said:

Would you mind checking the manual for the part number for the tires and wheels, both front and rear please? Can't seem to find them anywhere online. 

UMH501 (front wheel) and LAH002W (rear wheel).

UMT502 tyres and inserts for both front and rear.

PDF manuals here:  https://kyosho.com/eng/support/instructionmanual/buggy/buggy_index.html

[toyolien]

44 minutes ago, Tamiyastef said:

Would you mind checking the manual for the part number for the tires and wheels, both front and rear please? Can't seem to find them anywhere online. 

@Twinfan beat me to it. I bought my extra set of wheels and tires from https://banzaihobby.com/

[SlideWRX]

On 4/22/2025 at 6:37 PM, toyolien said:

I've never been a fan of plain steel turnbuckles so opted for these Yeah Racing titanium turnbuckles instead. I couldn't find a Kyosho 40mm titanium turnbuckle.

Kyosho has 38mm Titanium (92413) and 42mm Titanium (92414) but oddly yeah I haven't seen 40mm.

 

Love the build!