Grasshopper/hornet "mystery Gear"

[markbt73]

I was just reading the thread about the differences between the original Grasshopper and the re-re, and so I started thinking about the kit contents, and an old question popped back into my head. So I thought maybe someone here might know the answer:

In Grasshopper/Hornet/Lunchbox/Pumpkin kits, the gear bag has an extra gear in it. It's small, a different pitch from the other gears, and isn't used in any permutation of this gearbox I've ever seen. Why is it there? What is it for? Is there a reason for it to live among my spare parts, or is it just taking up space? Does anyone know?

[Origineelreclamebord]

Sometimes, parts trees or bags are used in other kits too, because they share many similar parts. (For example: in a Mazda Miata/Enos roadster kit (M02M) you will find two rear bumpers and one fron bumper. This is because another M02 (The Honda S800, from a shorter wheelbase) needs a shorter front bumper because it's overhang on the front is so small.

So, maybe one of the cars you mentioned earlier uses that part, or the parts tree or bag is used in other kits too...

PS: Never dump any parts! If you are working on a project every single spare part can prove it's use somehow, and even for reasons it was originaly completely not meant to be used for...

[kontemax]

I also noticed this mistery gear in my Hornet re release kit.

Kontemax

[secretasianman]

I haven't used it for a Lunchbox, so that takes that and the Midnight Pumpkin out of the equation. I wonder what other kits may have used this gear bag besides the Super Hornet and Mad Bull?

[bakaguyjean]

The mystery gear is for the Wild Willy.

[Saito]

Correct! I was shocked when I finally got to crack open a Wild Willy gear case and find not only my beloved Lunch Box gears but also the "mystery" gear that I'd always wondered about!

[Crash Cramer]

Well the GUYJEAN has helped out again. I wondered what that silly little thing went to as well. I plan on turning my spare into an air filter of sorts for a project.

[mymonsterbeetleisbroken]

Its weird how tamiya still package it with the re releases though!

[bakaguyjean]

Its weird how tamiya still package it with the re releases though!

Yes it really wierd. But good as i dont think i have ever heard of somebody looking for WW1 gears.

[markbt73]

Thanks! I figured somebody on here would know. And I know it's cheaper on parts trees to include "throwaway" parts that you won't ever use rather than make tailor-made parts trees for each kit, but I just could never figure out why there was an extra unneeded precision part like a gear.

I guess it's the G/H/LB/MP's appendix; a useless vestigial bit left over from an earlier form.

[Origineelreclamebord]

It's simply more expensive making a unique mold for every car model or chassis than using a bit more plastic for the molding process and ending up with parts that people don't use in kits. And if you're not satisfied with that answer, write a Japanese email to Tamiya's engineers and economic masterminds and ask them...

[bakaguyjean]

It's simply more expensive making a unique mold for every car model or chassis than using a bit more plastic for the molding process and ending up with parts that people don't use in kits. And if you're not satisfied with that answer, write a Japanese email to Tamiya's engineers and economic masterminds and ask them...

Or you can just call

The TL01 parts tree that comes with the Swift is completely useless except for the servo saver. That a big parts tree and a lot of spare plastic also.

[mymonsterbeetleisbroken]

It would eventually work out cheaper if they welded up the "feed" in the mold tool to that particular gear, they would save a little on plastic used and would be able to knock them out slightly faster. (it wouldn't cost a lot to have that lazer welded)

The difference is pennies though. My guess is they haven't bothered as this would alter the mold tool. They might want to re release Wild Willy One eventually