Mad Bull - Your Experience

[dyahipfakta 50]

The oil shocks from an ansmann mad rat are a direct fit for 5 pounds on eBay. A very good budget alternative.

[glancyguy 69]

Team, all I added was ball bearings to mine. I left motor and steering stock. It is plenty of power and control for bashing. After multiple packs, I have yet to put it on its shell. With stock steering and 540 silver car, it is actually one of the most satisfying buggy builds I have done. My sense is that if you add more speed, then you have to add more steering, then more shocks. Not sure if the $100 US investment is worth it for this one. I believe this is a buggy you can "let be" with the stock parts and still have a very satisfying experience. Compared to my Hornet and LunchBox stock runs, this was far more satisfying.

[dyahipfakta 50]

I do very much agree with the above statement I will tell you how correct it is after I have had a run with my 4250k lol

[glancyguy 69]

dyahipfakta,

I hear you. I don't think the Mad Bull was engineered for that kind of brutal speed. I have learned that Tamiyas are fun to build (really fun and addictive - that is why we all buy them!) and fun to bash. The buggies hold up so much better when they are stock. I got to a point with all my off road buggies: DF-02 and DT-02 where SOMETHING would break every other run as a result of too much speed and inappropriate handling. I have found it much more enjoyable to ride them now as stock cars without constantly having to order parts trees from Hong Kong.

We are a curious bunch, aren't we?

[GregM 1109]

The Mad Bull's DT-01 chassis will withstand a lot of high speed impacts with ease - but the bodyshell won't.

I'm serious, this car likes to takes a beating and then comes back to you, begging for some more action and fun. Just like a mad puppy. The chassis design isn't a sophisticated jewel, but tough as badword. Don't underestimate this car.

Percymon, the CVA oil dampers on my Mad Bull have been built 70mm (front) and 90mm (back) long. I wouldn't go longer at front (unless you're planning to convert to double wishbones), but the rear should be able to take 94mm.

Use the kit friction shocks springs and the lightest oil on the rear. I wouldn't recommend other dampers than Tamiya's CVA dampers.

[Percymon 2185]

Many thanks for that Greg - much appreciated.

[speedy_w_beans 4277]

The only way I found to mod the steering meant removing some of the front suspension uprights. The inevitable eventually happened and it snapped.

I didn't want to cut into my damper stay, and just drilled a small hole 2mm more inboard in the bell crank.

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=68357&p=474900

[lentner3 328]

Going out to day with a hornet but put monster beetle wheels on te rear and lunchbox wheels and uprights on the front along with a lunchbox motor mount and pinion. Just seems so much more versatile as it can go anywhere and nice and easy for the kids to have a go on. Started with a stock silver can but if goes well will put something a bit quicker. Had a play in the road this morning and it seems really stable and handled well. I'll report back tonight after three 5800 lipo packs have been drained at the park. If it's good i'll just get a madbull for the kids 😃 (me)

[XV Pilot 1936]

I did get some sand in the gearbox, but that may have been due to misjudging a wave and flooding the whole vehicle in the ocean.

On the subject of sand ingress, it is a very good idea to grease-seal the Mad Bull gearbox when putting the two halves together, especially around the motor mounting area, as there is a small gap here that would otherwise allow sand to get in.

Tamiya are aware of the issue, to the point that they have included a little addendum instruction sheet with the Rising Fighter (which uses the same gearbox) showing where to put the grease. I wouldn't be surprised if they are including it with newer Mad Bull kits too.

[lentner3 328]

Conclusion is I need a Madbull