Hotshot Or Boomerang?

[MAD RACER]

We all have our own opinion. That's what makes us all diiferent.

To me i find it hard to believe that a H/S is better performer in anyone eyes .

Ok If you hard a bad run with a Boomer whats is going to be better in a H/S.

After All they share the same Gearboxes and driveline . The suspension really isn't any good as well. I must say nothing looks as tough as a hot shot or S/Shot.

I say buy both too.

[Percymon]

Perhaps availability to other markets is different, but this week my LHS received 2 Hotshots which are now on full display NIB in the shop, alongside Rough Rider, Sand Scorcher, Hornet and Blackfoot.

[WillyChang]

Hotshot looks faster 'cos its RED. To get it to handle you need the Supershot suspension pack.

Boomerang comes with twin rear CVAs and its not as hard to find the front CVA upgrade.

If you need access to the radiogear regularly, Hotshot is a total pain after the 2nd time unscrewing the box.

But then the HS box is halfway splashproof.

Boomerang has a smoother underbelly (Hotshot needs Supershot's undertray to match)

but bellylanding hard can break the battery hatch. And the pin often goes missing.

Rear overrider bars can break if another car rearends yours.

Boomerang's steering rack can get iffy when worn, various ways & means to reduce slop

have been invented. When it works well its definitely more 'equal' than HS's direct linkages.

[MadInventor]

Perhaps availability to other markets is different, but this week my LHS received 2 Hotshots which are now on full display NIB in the shop, alongside Rough Rider, Sand Scorcher, Hornet and Blackfoot.

Whats your LHS and in what town ?

[Percymon]

MadOnModels based in Newport, South Wales

They aren't the cheapest though !

[MadInventor]

Thanks,

I'm in that part of the world periodically, I shall try and have at a look at them. I was driving through Abergavenny on the weekend and noticed a sand scorcher box in the window of the model shop there, but didn't have time to stop for a closer look.

[HunterZero]

While there are people out there who prefer the looks of the Boomerang, you'll find that more people prefer the Hotshot. It just looks a lot meaner and more technical. But the Hotshot's monoshock setup really is rubbish. The front is way too soft even on the stiffest setting, and the thin anti-roll bar forks can break in a crash. The rear suspension linkage has way too much friction, way too much play, is very susceptible to wear, and the setup doesn't have much travel when both wheels are compressed. The roll cage and metal antenna do protect the bodywork in rollovers though.

I'll throw the Thundershot chassis series cars out there as really good option for a basher - if you can get past the ugly looks. Tough as nails except for the A5 part, which can easily be reinforced. They have really good suspension too, especially the Terra Scorcher and Fire Dragon with the four shock setup.

Terra Scorcher is the best looking, and is the 'ultimate' version with many hopups included in the kit. Definitely an underrated vintage car.

And parts are readily available after the re-res of the Thundershot and Fire Dragon.

- James

[mtbkym01]

So i've now got an SRB SS Re-Re, a Frog Re-Re, to go along with my Fox NIB, and Fox runner.

I'm really afraid this stuff has bit me hard, and now want a 4x4 Tamiya kit to go along with my others, and I'm not sure what one to get, help me out please. These cars will not be run very much, but will all be runners if that makes sence

I've also got my projects being, Optima 4x4 (just picked up a complete car, so I've now got 1 1/2 cars to build one), Schumacher CAT XLS, and Marui Big Bear

Cheers

Sorry guys, but as stated in my OP, I think it's more about building and owning rather than running, I've got plenty of cars to run if I feel the need (race 1/8 nitro, 1/10 4wd buggy, and 1/10 SCT), this is more about reliving my childhood (as most on here are as far as I can gather ) and getting the cars that I used to ogle at in Toyworld. I think my decision is Hotshot first, then Boomer, although I may get them both at once to save on shipping.......Still to research fully.

Stella dont have a Boomer in stock at present, not sure if that means they wont have anymore as as described earlier it has been discontinued

[Percymon]

MadOnModels based in Newport, South Wales

They aren't the cheapest though !

Well i was in the shop again at lunchtime, still 2 Hotshots ont he shelf and alongside a Boomerang, so thought i'd ask the prices.

I got quite a shock tbh, £138 for the Boomer, £153 for the Hotshot.

With Tamiyas latest price list, those are seriously good value.

[tamiyoman]

There are quite a few NIB Boomerangs on ebay UK for £139 Free shipping, another for £135 shipped, and 1 fro HK for around £116 shipped, comparable to what you saw in your local shop.

The Hotshot is also well priced as some ebay sellers want £199 shipped in uk and HK sellers are wanting between £149 and £166 shipped.

Personally for speed and ease and the chance of getting stung for customs charges those sound like a very good bet to me!.

[Wandy]

Yes you will undoubtedly be stung for customs, they stop pretty much everything now coming in so i'd definitely buy in the u.k.

Not so, Paul. I received my 9th kit from Stella 2 weeks ago, and not a single one of them has been hit by import duty. Hopefully the Avante will make it a lucky 10 in a few weeks time.

[Wandy]

Andy you are very fortunate, every kit/part (of a certain value admittedly) i have bought in the past two/three years has been stopped! Parcel Force charge £8 alone as an administration fee, what is that all about!!!?? Before the down turn i never got charged from Asia, occasionally from the u.s but now, as i said, everytime.

I know Stella are very good but it seems the box size perhaps draws a certain amount of attention......maybe i'll start ordering one part at a time haha

Very strange that. I wonder if where I live has something to do with it....perhaps Parcelforce take pity on the poor Northern oiks.

Mind, I have probably just cursed myself for the Avante and will have an extra 70 quid to fork out for it than I am bargaining for.

[qatmix]

Haha perhaps it's an Oxfordshire thing!?

Boomer over the hotshot any day of the week. Marvellous car I used to race one against pb mustangs and cats and regulary beat them.

[Champ85]

If you want a Boomerang, better buy it now as it's been discontinued, at least at TamiyaUSA. I got one of the last 4 that Tower Hobbies had in stock, and as of right now they have none left even though their stock says they do.

Edit: Ok, they have 1 in stock it seems.

[mtbkym01]

OK, Hotshot on it's way from Stella, Got a Boomer supplier with good stock levels in mind for next "pocket Money" day , also ordered 2 bearing kits and a Lunchbox bearing kit (Decided I'm gonna need a Lunchbox aswell), although I have noticed Lunchbox stock levels to be quite low aswell, anyone know if it also has been discontinued?

Cheers

Now to think about Hotshot paintjob, To boxart, or not to boxart

[Percymon]

OK, Hotshot on it's way from Stella, Got a Boomer supplier with good stock levels in mind for next "pocket Money" day , also ordered 2 bearing kits and a Lunchbox bearing kit (Decided I'm gonna need a Lunchbox aswell), although I have noticed Lunchbox stock levels to be quite low aswell, anyone know if it also has been discontinued?

Cheers

Now to think about Hotshot paintjob, To boxart, or not to boxart

Tamiya would be fools to end the lunchbox, timeless design that probably sells as well year after year. Cheapest way into what the average Joe in the street wouldcall a monster truck!

[MadInventor]

Whilst on Modelsports website this afternoon I noticed that the lunchbox is listed as one of their best sellers.

Re the hotshot paint job, I'd go with boxart myself. No colour other than red seems to work with the decals (White is out, yellow makes the gold stripes disappear, dark blue doesn't look right, green only looks good on tanks, silver might look ok but never seen a silver hotshot to comment.)

[HunterZero]

Red is the obvious colour as it matches all the red plastic parts. Boxart red looks really good, especially so with the gold wheels.

However, black with gold wheels can look really cool. Check through the showrooms for some ideas.

Gunmetal and black DF03 wheels would look pretty good too. Metallic green might not look too bad.

You can find 'alternative' colour scheme repro decals. Check out PandaGFX.

- James

[mtbkym01]

Red is the obvious colour as it matches all the red plastic parts. Boxart red looks really good, especially so with the gold wheels.

However, black with gold wheels can look really cool. Check through the showrooms for some ideas.

Gunmetal and black DF03 wheels would look pretty good too. Metallic green might not look too bad.

You can find 'alternative' colour scheme repro decals. Check out PandaGFX.

- James

Gold wheels aren't that easy to find though? Maybe Tamiya Metallic Red, just to jazz up the boxart theme a bit....Hmmmm

[Percymon]

Gold wheels aren't that easy to find though? Maybe Tamiya Metallic Red, just to jazz up the boxart theme a bit....Hmmmm

Just done mine boxart, and i have to say Tamiya did a good job with their original choice - i've painted the wheels Fastrax chrome (which i more bright silver with a little extra mirror effect rather than true chrome), and a set of Seben Racing Chrome star spokes and both klook great against the red.

I have a second body i'm doing Tamiya Racing Green, but that will have alternative decals, maybe just the freebee Hobbywing ones that came with the brushless motor set.

Another option is to use the clear aluminium flake spray first, then red, to give a bit of sparkle to the boxart theme.

[mtbkym01]

Just done mine boxart, and i have to say Tamiya did a good job with their original choice - i've painted the wheels Fastrax chrome (which i more bright silver with a little extra mirror effect rather than true chrome), and a set of Seben Racing Chrome star spokes and both klook great against the red.

I have a second body i'm doing Tamiya Racing Green, but that will have alternative decals, maybe just the freebee Hobbywing ones that came with the brushless motor set.

Another option is to use the clear aluminium flake spray first, then red, to give a bit of sparkle to the boxart theme.

Can you post a photo of your wheels, would love to see them

[Percymon]

Can you post a photo of your wheels, would love to see them

will see what i can do tonight for you.

[Percymon]

will see what i can do tonight for you.

here you go..

Seben Racing chrome star dish...

and original rims painted with fastrax black and Fastrax chrome..

[mtbkym01]

here you go..

Seben Racing chrome star dish...

and original rims painted with fastrax black and Fastrax chrome..

Thanks for that, excellent job, cant wait to get mine now, Just hope Stella got it sent prior to Chinese New Year Celebrations, otherwise I'm waiting an extra week

[HunterZero]

Gold wheels aren't that easy to find though? Maybe Tamiya Metallic Red, just to jazz up the boxart theme a bit....Hmmmm

There are reproductions of the gold plated wheels around. Some members here have had sets of Hotshot wheels gold plated. Get in touch with member "loaded", he might be able to help you out.

Tamiya now do a red mica which would look rather good.

- James