Starter Buggy?

[vtgrrrs]

I can't really make my mind up betweena Lunchbox or a Grasshopper for my first buggy/truck. If I got the 'Hopper I'd no doubt upgrade the motor pretty soon. Mind you this will be the first one I've ever built and would only be used for bashing although in the future I wouldn't mind a go at racing at some point in the future.

[DCLXVI]

I'd say Hornet, it's everything a Grashopper is but better...

[qatmix]

If you are getting an entry level buggy get this

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=58416

the Rising fighter will be out in the next few weeks, its cheap (55 in the UK with esc) its a slightly better chassis than the original GH/Hornet and it will be simple to upgrade it to oil shocks later on if you want. Its much better than both of the above.

It also comes with a 540 motor.

In my opinion its a good cheap entry level buggy.

Cheers

[stu22]

You don't have to limit yourself to the vintage stuff. There are a lot of newer kits out there that are much better than the old stuff and they really don't cost more.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=CAA

[taliesin]

I would recommend a DT-02 as a starter buggy. They are indestructible and can handle a pretty fast motor. Much more sophisticated than the Grasshopper and way more stable to drive in my opinion. Nothing wrong with the Grasshopper - its a great buggy, but you might be happier with the 20 years of improvements in design by getting the DT-02 Sand Viper or something like it.

[HunterZero]

I'll offer my sage advice...

We've had a few 'beginners' on this site get the Hornet/Grasshopper style chassis, and they're usually surprised by how simple they were to build... Some I'd even say were a bit disappointed. And putting a more powerful motor into this chassis just makes it an uncontrollable missile, as the suspension isn't up to the job. They look great, and have great vintage character, but I'd only get one if you're specifically after the retro look and nostalgia, or you intend to take one on as a project for some serious modding (google Grahoo and see what you get). This car is completely unsuitable for serious racing.

We've had newbies buy a DF02 (Gravel Hound/Rising Storm) or even a DF03 (Dark Impact/Keen Hawk/Avante MkII) and have no trouble with the build (apart from the ball differentials in the DF03, which are a bit tricky to set up first time).

Lunchbox is a different class of car - it has a nice scale hard plastic body, and comedy 'stunt' handling. A more powerful motor in the Lunchbox just means it spends more time on its roof, scuffing the body up.

I say... Go the DF03!

- James

[Live Steam Mad]

I wouldn't mind a go at racing at some point in the future.

I kinda don't like to say this, but it's true... If you want to be competitive with your choice (you seem to want an Off Road buggy) then have a look at Radio Race Car International, Radio Control Car Racer, and other such news stand magazines, look at the sort of tracks you have near by to you (look at the BRCA.org website) and pick a car that is winning the championships with the top drivers, on similar tracks, and look at the equipment to match.

In practical terms I offer you this as an example ;-

I recently went to Southport's Off Road track (North West England), it has a long main straight and is a large track. I was using a Tamiya Top Force because I last went racing 16 years ago with this sort of buggy. Result was I was hopelessly outclassed. Kids of 8 years old were passing me like rockets, my car was 1/3 the speed and acceleration needed, and I was running a Tamiya Super Stock RZ 23 turn motor.

It turns out that nearly everyone in the club was running an Associated B4 2WD buggy and the electronics and motor was either 6.5T brushless motors, or 10 turn brushed motors. If they wanted to be in the 4WD races they either bought an Associated B44 or they wanted the new Yokomo B4 Max.

Someone turning up with a vintage buggy and a mild modified motor and cheap ESC and thinking that they are going to be remotely competitive is likely to be very disappointed.

These are not the reasons that I am addicted to the vintage cars like BigWig, HotShot, Hornet, Grasshopper, Fox, etc. That reason is instead because I am yet another 30 something old hack that grew up with them and knew them intimately well and appreciates the point that they were amongst the first of their kind, and come from a world when realistic, or at least interesting, looks and driver figure etc. were just as important as performance.

I get more kicks from watching the vintage cars perform on Off Road race tracks in FUN vintage races where the taking part and driving is more important than winning. I only really went to Southport track for 2 reasons, firstly curiosity (to see it) and secondly to see just how well the Top Force stood up to the modern cars with a "reasonable" motor. My head says use a B4, my heart said go somewhere else and use a Fox .

Cheers,

Alistair G.

[HunterZero]

Agreed. The only Tamiya offering that's raceable at top levels is the hugely expensive TRF-501X. And even then, they require an expensive motor/ESC, coupled with considerable expertise and experience to setup before they are competetive.

The only other Tamiya that's viable as a basher and at a club level is the DB01 (Durga/Baldre). Build difficulty - it's a little harder than the DF03 due to the awful kit screws being very difficult to get into the hard plastic chassis, and getting the correct belt tensions if you upgrade the motor. But the upside is that it handles better than a DF03 out of the box.

There is a wide array of hopup parts available for improving both of these cars - better dampers, shock towers, suspension arm blocks, slipper clutch...

Otherwise, you could get the basher that takes your eye now, and when you decide to start racing, see what all the other club users have, and get the same thing. You'll then be able to ask them for advice, and possibly they might help you with spare parts - when you break something.

RC car racing unfortunately is not rewarding at all for those with a casual interest. There's considerable cost these days getting a competetive car up and running. And unless you're unnaturally talented, there's a steep learning curve with getting that car around a racetrack in race conditions without crashing.

So... If you're after a basher that can grow to club racing level, your Tamiya options are the DF03... And the DB01.

- James

[Melly]

I prefer the Grasshopper because of the vintage looks and the lines of the body. Lunchbox is nice as well but spends a lot of time on its roof. Both are fun kits for bashing around the neighborhood. I am looking to purchase a vintage Blackfoot as it has the Lunchbox ride height, but is more stable because of the suspension.

[vtgrrrs]

Hi guys thanks for the advice so far.

I'm aware that the Tamiya models I'm interested now won't cut it competitively but I thought they may help me hone my skills. Indeed, it might just be that I'm quite happy just bashing about rather than racing.

I think I'll probably get a buggy; either a Sand Viper if it's quite robust or I do fancy that new Tamiya (cheers for the link qatmix). I must admit though I am a little bit puzzled by the chassis suggestions as I'm not sure what DT-02 etc refers too.

HunterZero, I'm pleased to hear that the building of the models is not too taxing.

Ideally I think I'll probably get a Sand Viper/Rising Fighter as my first buggy, a Lunchbox as it looks so cool and then a more expensive buggy for racing if/when I want to race. It's a shame that it doesn't look as if Tamiya do one.

Do clubs or events run Tamiya only races or Classic Tamiya Model only races?

[Live Steam Mad]

then a more expensive buggy for racing if/when I want to race. It's a shame that it doesn't look as if Tamiya do one.

Do clubs or events run Tamiya only races or Classic Tamiya Model only races?

Tamiya do a (very) competitive car, one was doing well at Southport's track, it's called the TRF-501X, as mentioned before, above.

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=849

http://www.rcmart.com/catalog/rc-tamiya-tr...?cPath=420_1167

...boy is that body shell ugly though

The guy who was racing it at Southport was one of the few guys who broke a part, he broke the rear shock tower, and it's 4MM THICK CARBON FIBRE!!!!

Where abouts in the world do you live? If you are in England, we have the (or at least we have had several in the past few years but this year seemed to be a screw up some how?) most wonderful meeting on the planet, and it's nearly all Tamiya, it's the Tamiya Club Easter Spring Drive You're most welcome to come and see us. People there run FUN races in many different classes so if you have a Hornet with stock motor, no problem!

Cheers,

Alistair G.

[HunterZero]

I'm aware that the Tamiya models I'm interested now won't cut it competitively but I thought they may help me hone my skills. Indeed, it might just be that I'm quite happy just bashing about rather than racing.

Go for what takes your eye then. Note that the Boomerang is getting a re-release, if that takes your eye. And don't forget to get a full set of ball bearnigs for the car, if it doesn't come with them already.

I must admit though I am a little bit puzzled by the chassis suggestions as I'm not sure what DT-02 etc refers too.

Tamiya release the same basic car chassis, with different body shells. The current types for off-roaders...

DT02 = 2 wheel drive. Entry level spec. Oil dampers. Basic ESC included. Sand Viper, Desert Gator and Neo Falcon all use this chassis type.

DF02 = 4 wheel drive with center shaft. Entry level spec. Oil dampers. Basic ESC included. Rising Storm, Gravel Hound and Plasma Edge use this chassis type.

DF03 = 4 wheel drive with center shaft. Intermediate spec with better suspension/handling than DF02 and full bearings included in the kit, but no ESC. Oil dampers. Limited slip ball differentials. Dark Impact, Keen Hawk and Avante MkII all use this chassis type.

DB01 = 4 wheel drive with 2 drive belts. Intermediate spec with best handling of all listed chassis and full bearings included in the kit, but no ESC, but trickiest to build. Oil dampers. Limited slip ball differentials. Plastic copy of the TRF-510X, basically. Durga and Baldre use this chassis type.

There are 'MS' versions of the DT02 and DF03. These are hopped-up versions of these cars.

And at the top of the tree, is the TRF-501X.

HunterZero, I'm pleased to hear that the building of the models is not too taxing.

I think that building the car is half the fun. I really enjoy the more challenging builds.

Ideally I think I'll probably get a Sand Viper/Rising Fighter as my first buggy, a Lunchbox as it looks so cool and then a more expensive buggy for racing if/when I want to race. It's a shame that it doesn't look as if Tamiya do one.

Rising Fighter is an entry level car, with rigid rear axle. I actually can't recommend this car, it's too ugly. It's also very similar in chassis to the Lunchbox and Hornet (front swing axle, rear rigid axle). I am pretty sure you'd be disappointed with this car.

If you want a bit of diversity, and want a 2WD, then get the Sand Viper or Desert Gator. These are both DT02 chassis, so will have more hopup options, and have 4 wheel independent double wishbone suspension than is far superior to the rigid axle Hornet/Rising Fighter/Grasshopper.

If you want 4WD, you can't go wrong with a Dark Impact DF03.

Do clubs or events run Tamiya only races or Classic Tamiya Model only races?

Some clubs are Tamiya only. Depends on the club and the hobby shop that supports it.

- James

[taliesin]

The numbers are the chassis and the names refer to the body style and trim package, i.e. what options/upgrades/etc.

For example: the DT-02 sand viper looks like this: http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=58374

While the DT-02 [ugly as sin] Neo Falcon looks like [poo?] this: http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=57774

It is the same for other chassis' like the DF-03 or TT-01 or whatever. Basically, a chassis designation is the "type" of buggy/car/truck; each chassis type might have several different body/wheel combinations, as well as differences like bearings instead of bushings, oil shocks instead of friction, electronic speed controller instead of mechanical, etc, etc.

Whatever you get, I'll bet you have fun building and running it. I started with pretty simple modern kits: a basic TT-01 and a DT-02 buggy. I really enjoyed building them and later upgrading them just a little bit. Now I am collecting older vintage models to run. Even though they don't handle as well as the newer ones, I really enjoy messing with them and seeing the differences and how they behave under power.

I recommended a newer model like the DT-02 because they are simple to build, fun to drive and are very forgiving about taking abuse. Should you break it, by say, driving into a tree at mach II [and yes, it does happen to all of us sooner or later] the parts are easier to get in most cases than an older model or even a re-release.

After you catch the tamiya fever you'll probably want one of every model known to man anyway, but you can fool yourself and "start" with only one for the time being.

[Mr. ED]

If you want to stay with tamiya, I'm all with the guys advising you to go for the DT-02. With the desert gator being the best looker in my eyes.

If you still think about vintage; the kyosho ultima is a very nice alternative with similar driving and construction quality as a dt-02. Parts are harder to get ofcourse but relative easy compared to most other vintage cars.

and there's always the secondhand RC10 market which seems to have an unlimited supply

[terry.sc]

For all this talk of what everyones favourite beginners buggy is, no one has asked the obvious question - where are you going to run it? If you are planning on running in parks or fields on grass then a truck such as the Dualhunter is more useful as they have more ground clearance than a buggy.

Any talk of racing is a red herring, if you want to go racing later don't bother getting anything 'raceable' now. A bit pointless buying a racing buggy if the only clubs near you race touring cars, nitro trucks or Mardaves. If you are getting into the hobby to race first, rather than getting something to have fun with, then go visit your local club and buy whatever they run.

If you want to have something to have fun with then the Grasshopper, Hornet and Lunchbox are all great fun. Not the best handling buggies by far, but that's their charm and they are virtually indestructible. The DT-02 chassis are a modern version, relatively simple design with much better handling. The DF-02 chassis adds 4wd for better traction and handling, but with a limited ground clearance, the DF-03 is easily the best performing of the lot but not the best choice for the first time builder.

[vtgrrrs]

I actually live in the UK (near Durham) so the Tamiya meets sound great. When I said I'm pleased the kits aren't taxing it wasn't because I don't want to spend time building it, it's because I don't want to get it wrong or break it.

Most of the time I'll run the car on dirt & light gravel but occasionally grass and tarmac.

I think I'll go for the Sand Viper initially and take it from there.

[vtgrrrs]

Really excited; just ordered my Lunchbox after much deliberating. Can't wait to get it! Decided to get it as I thought first and foremost it would be fun and reasonably easy for a beginner like me to start with.

Already thinking that once I've got it built and played with it I might get a rere buggy, then after that a buggy for racing should I get the bug that badly.

In the meantime I can't wait until the 'Box arrives!

[taliesin]

Good choice - I'm sure you will love it!

Each model has its own somethin' to love.

I just got my 1st grasshopper [and a second one two days later ]. Very basic but I love it.

Post some pictures of your finished Lunchbox and let us know how you fared on the build.

[vtgrrrs]

I'll definitely get some pics up once I've got the kit. How long would you expect a first timer to take to put it together?

[twisty]

I'll definitely get some pics up once I've got the kit. How long would you expect a first timer to take to put it together?

It doesn`t matter how long it takes to build,best tip is take your time,try not to rush it,follow the superb instruction manual and ask if your not sure about anything.

Enjoy

I really rate the Lunchy i have a couple of runners,my origional yellow box and a spangly Gold box.

[Origineelreclamebord]

HunterZero mentioned a DF03... Great buggies, but the build can be rather complicated. The diffs are more complicated, there are many parts washer etc and there's a lot you can do wrong in the build. The screws are also a pain to get in the plastic on certain spots (I messed up a few screws already and haven't yet finished the build).

Starter buggy? Take a DF01 (Blazing Star, Manta Ray etc). 4WD and thus easy to drive, very easy to build (only have caution when assembling the rear ball diff, all the small parts need to go in exactly as shown) and as reliable as you'd ever want a car to be I'm surprised nobody mentioned this one yet...

[CR-01nut]

Silence for his majesty the KING

(click on the word KING)

[adam1973]

^^ Now thats expensive!!!

I'd advise you to go with a DF01 buggy like the Manta Ray, great buggy, tough chassis... after a couple of simple mod's, and loads of tune-ability. Not too bad a price on the bay at the moment as well. Prices will get better once the pound strengthens against the dollar.

[CR-01nut]

43 more and worth every one of the 430 Penny's of it!

Don't get me wrong, the rising fighter is a fantastic buggy using the most proven tamiya parts, but it is so boring!

The Frog on the other hand has,

great looks,

history,

character,

charm,

and something tells me it quite quick too!

[bfst24]

43 more and worth every one of the 430 Penny's of it!

Don't get me wrong, the rising fighter is a fantastic buggy using the most proven tamiya parts, but it is so boring!

The Frog on the other hand has,

great looks,

history,

character,

charm,

and something tells me it quite quick too!

the frog is only 69 here and free delivery

http://www.modelsinmotion.co.uk/product.as...&tamiya=268