Grasshopper II and Super Hornet

[speedy_w_beans]

Would anybody else be interested in proper Grasshopper II and Super Hornet re-releases? I've been browsing models and reading manuals online, and I think I would buy these models if Tamiya brought them to market again...

[Tamiya1/10]

No because the re re 's are killingvthis hobby.:-D aren't the current version pretty close to the original? i am no expert for these 2 modeks.

[biggamehunter]

super hornet yes , ................ but far better would be a monster beetle

[GregM]

All the necessary parts to build yourself a Grasshopper II or Super Hornet runner are still available from Tamiya.

The Rising Fighter uses a GH-II chassis along with reinforced front shock stays (the reinforcements are removable and thus optional) and a DT-01 gearbox. The gearbox should be easy to swap out for a re-re Grasshopper gearbox (which should be essentially the same as the GH II gearbox, I assume?). The Rising Fighter features a modified Super Hornet bodyshell molded in blue, and a seperate rear wing. Some stores like tamico.de even have original black molded one-piece Super Hornet bodyshell and other unique suspension parts in stock. However, original decals, wheels and tires may be hard to come by.

The Grasshopper II bodyshell has been re-released on the DT-01 Mad Bull. Keep in mind the holes for the bodyposts are now in different locations, to match the DT-01 chassis.

[kontemax]

Wellcome to the re-releases. Any model should be re-released.

Max

[speedy_w_beans]

I'm more interested in the Super Hornet than the Grasshopper II; I like the looks of it and browsing the manual I like some of the mechanical features of it.

I don't want to buy someone's trash, nor do I want to piece it somewhat together from multiple sources. I'd love to see Tamiya re-release both of these; they would make great "bridge" models between the Grasshopper/Hornet and Mad Fighter/Mad Bull.

[kyosho1]

Can you share with us what mechanical features that you like in Super Hornet compared with The Hornet?

How"s the rear suspension like?

Thanks

[speedy_w_beans]

- The front suspension arms are ready for oil dampers with lower mounting positions.

- The front dampers are actually oil dampers, not spring holders.

- All of the dampers (front and rear) are a more modern CVA internal construction instead of the very early Hornet dampers.

- The gearbox damper mounts are beefy with a joining rear bumper.

- The lower rear damper mounts use a simple shoulder screw instead of a large ball and socket packed with grease.

- The wheels are larger diameter, single piece designs with lower profile tires.

Some of the upgrades to a Hornet already exist as GregM points out (Rising Fighter front arms and 50519/50520 dampers). The rear mounts and bumper, wheels, tires, body, and decals would have to be sourced as well - these are a little harder to find. The beauty of a re-re kit would be having exactly the right parts all in one box at a decent price instead of spending double on a Hornet and all the extra pieces separately...

I do like the look of this model as well...

[GregM]

I like how the rear end of the Super Hornet has been designed, especially the rear damper mounts along with the rear bumper. I'm not that fond of the decals, but original Hornet's decals are pleasant to look at when applied to a Super Hornet or Rising Fighter bodyshell, too:

http://tamiyablog.com/2011/03/tamiya-hornet-2014/

Just as some source of inspiration. That comical oversized Rising Fighter rear wing however is not so nice, and a proper animal themed R/C car just needs spot lights in my opinion.

There was also a quite entertaining discussion about this photo from TamiyaUSA.com:

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=68483

Red shocks rock, don't they?

[speedy_w_beans]

I could go for red shocks, especially with the red wheels...

I like the hole pattern in the wheels, the rake of the cockpit, and the size of the rear wing...

I keep imagining how fun it would be to build one stock, and then build another with a four-link rear setup and double wishbone front suspension...

[HornetRacer 1971]

I would buy both.....probably more than once lol

I really like the Grasshopper.....and Grasshopper 2......but I truly love the Hornet.....and the Super Hornet.....they are in my blood

[F3ST3R]

My first RC was a Grasshopper II so I would buy one in a heartbeat

[ralphee]

Id fly with any of the re re's if they are done on an original format, throwing a vintage body on a current chassis, never sits well, but, Tamiya haven't done a lot of that, so in my book, keep them coming Tamiya, it seems the only folk bagging are those who sit on hoards of vintage donors and lose sleep over losing money and not having some sort of twisted bragging right.....tough IMO.

lee

[Klausen]

I would definately buy a GH II on the releasedate. Had a blast with one of those back in the eighties, with a midfied Yokomo motor.

[XV Pilot]

To my mind they should release the Mad Bull with standard buggy wheels and a different sticker pack, and call it the Grasshopper III. The DT01 chassis is a natural successor to that used on the GHII/SH models, and it is a tough and reliable runner.

Perhaps while they are doing so, they could bring out a Super Duper Hornet along the same lines, also DT01-based, but with a Hornet-inspired Lexan shell and oil shocks, to differentiate it as the more performance-oriented of the two models.