4wd buggy query

[Green Blitz]

Hey everyone[]. I'm looking at a Clod and a 4wd buggy for my next additions to my meagre collection (must print more money..)

I know a fair bit about the Clod, especially since joining up, but I'm not well versed on the more recent buggy offerings. I'm after a good basic reliable 4wd buggy that can be upgraded well and can take a few hits (not for racing). Does the Blazing Star fit the bill or should I be looking at something else ?

Also out of curiosity what is the Stadium Blitzer based on ? I've heard its the Falcon or Bearhawk[?]

Cheers![8D]

[Revival]

If you are looking for a good base buggie, I think that would be either the Baja King or Baja Champ and not the Blazing Star. Its based on the TL-01B chassis and most of the hop-ups for the TL-01 can be used.

However do look around at other brands like Losi, and I think Trinity has a EP buggie as well....

[ShenUK]

4WD buggy [] Hotshot Mk1 , Hotshot Mk2 []

[fury_dice(2)]

I'd say 'yes', the Blazing Star (or Dirt Thrasher or Manta Ray as they are much the same) would fit the bill. Parts shouldn't be too hard to find, and it will be sturdier than the TL01B based buggies. If you really want 4wd you could also think about non-Tamiya cars like the HPI RS4 MT, although I don't know much about that except what the specs/reviews say.

As for the Blitzer, yes it has it's roots in the Bear Hawk and shares chassis tub with the Falcon (though not much else).

[SJoerD]

David (fury_dice) is right, the Bear Hawk, Stadium Blitzer, Blitzer Beetle etc. share merely the chassis tub with the Falcon. The weak driveshafts of the Falcon and many other weak constructions of this car did not re-appear on these later cars. []

They are 2WD buggies (not 4WD what you say you are looking for) but they drive pretty well and they are a lot of fun! The Blitzer Beetle and the Bear Hawk have nice looking realistic hard plastic (ABS) bodyshells, where the Stadium Blitzer has a lightweigth lexan truck shell. Jsut a matter of preference. The Bear Hawk has friction shocks and the other 2 have oil filled dampers, which add a lot to handeling. [8D]

I'll have a vote for the Blazing Star or Dirt Trasher as a god 4WD buggy. I have a Blazing sTar and it a good fast, reliable car and handles pretty good, also parts avaliability is fairly good. Though the design harks back to 1988, when the Manta Ray was released. But on the other hand, Tamiya's ultimate 4WD to date, the Top Force Evo, is also based on a Manta Ray. []

I would prefer the Dirt Trasher over the Manta Ray as the Dirt Trasher has better off road tires. The Blazing Star's tires are more suitable for street running.

The Baja Champ and Baja King are based on the TL-01. They have less adequate suspension and shorter shock dampers - they 'bottom out' fairly quick so I hear. Also, if you break a suspension arm mount or damper stay you wil have to replace the chassis - and rebuild 90% of the car all over again! Also they come with friction shocks where the Manta Ray based cars already have nice oil filled dampers. [:0]

If you want something cheap and fast car with 'challenging' [] handling I would go for the Fighter Buggy or the Mad Fighter. The Fighter Buggy was my first car and it's still running strong after many miles in the many years i have it! [8D]

[Green Blitz]

Yeah, my only current tamiya is a Stadium Blitzer so I'm after a 4wd. Thanks for the info/tips guys!![]