Sand Scorcher Buggy Champ Rear Shaft & Wheel Hub

[Jamlot 1]

While recently playing with my Buggy Champ my rear tire came off in a vacant dirt field. Obviously the wheel nut wasn't tightened enough, but I discovered the small steel pin that goes through the rear shaft and fits inside the back of the wheel hub fell out, too, followed by the wheel hub. As a kid I didn't remember this happening to my Rough Rider, so I pulled it out and took a look at it and sure enough the wheel hub is permanently attached to the rear shaft.

I'm curious... Why would Tamiya make this particular design change?

To me, it would seem the old design is the better one for two reasons. 1) The hub and shaft/axle are one piece with no small parts to lose. Also, no extra loose play from the u-joint to the wheel. 2) With it being one piece, you're able to tighten the wheel nut much more, preventing the nut from loosening. On the new design, the nut can only tighten to a point before the wheel will no longer turn.

So again, why this design change? I can't imagine it was to save money.

-- Jeff

[Shodog 1842]

You're right the hub used to be press fit to the axle. Having the current wheel hubs allow you change hub and use different wheels.

[Jamlot 1]

Thank you SHODOG, I didn't even think about the hubs being removeable to accommodate different wheels. That is absolutely logical and makes total sense. Now I just need to learn to think outside the box more often. Thanks again, SHODOG.

Cheers.

-- Jeff