Is it normal that I don't want to run my new built car?

[Sandster]

I now have 4 tamiyas. 3 of them were bought used from either here or on ebay. The other is a lunchbox that my wife bought me brand new.

I have just finished the lunchbox build and am so pleased with how it turned out I am not sure that I want to run it outside. Is this normal? It just looks so nice all clean and new. The plan with this one was to build something my daughter can play with while I use an other model. I am going to buy a lexan body for it to save the original but even so I found myself browsing ebay for a used lunchbox basher.

What's wrong with me?

[mongoose1983]

Well, that's something that has happened to me more than once. Some guys just say "these things were made to be used", but after spending so much time painting, working the detail, as well as months of waiting for that specific bit of decal required to make the truck look good and authentic, it REALLY takes a strong heart to actually leave that thing on the dirt, run it, jump it, and rollover it again and again. So I think I understand what you say, mate. The lexan alternative body will sure be of help, so you don't miss that other wonderful side of this hobby!

[SteveU30]

Yep, perfectly normal that one. I usually buy my runners ready built and just patch them up as req'd, that way I don't feel as guilty.

[Gruntfuggly]

Agree - doesn't even need to be new. I have a lot of trouble running anything I've put any effort into...

[ChrisRx718]

We are all guilty of this. Things built with performance in mind end up spending life as a 'shelfer'

Percymon builds some incredible models, and I always make a point of asking how often they actually get run (just as a wind-up)!

[SteveU30]

Percymon builds some incredible models, and I always make a point of asking how often they actually get run (just as a wind-up)!

I usually end up buying said models and running them for him!

[Sandster]

Ha, glad to hear I am not alone.

My name is Sandster and I am an addict......

[SteveU30]

Don't worry, wait until you've got 6 months worth of projects in your build queue and you're still buying more! That's when you know you've got a real problem!

[shenlonco]

Just give it a run and after one battery pack you will then lose the fear and have FUN running it!

[kontemax]

For this exact reason my collection is so big.

One car is new built for the shelf, another one is used for the track, possibly another one is nib.

Max

[Fruitfly01]

I have a NIB Egress 2013 and I'm far too scared to slice into those blister packs. I have a Midnight Pumpkin that I've had for ten years. I built it the day I got it, but it's never even sniffed a battery pack. And like Steve said, I have a que of projects that'll keep me going for ages, but the other day I bought another car from Ebay.

[mr crispy]

Especially with a Lunchbox as it'll spend a lot of its life on its roof Embrace the damage and just paint over it with a rust effect, looks great and when it gets too bad then get yourself a new body and start again.

[whale22]

I run all my tamiyas but I'm always hosing and brushing them off after. I Notice every scratch and ding and it DOES bother me. They are works of art to be sure. Muddy tired especially bug me. Oh well.

[dualdigger]

The first scratch hurts the most.

[Zac_F83]

I've never had that feeling.. I build mine to run them some get run harder than others. You have to run it like said! (At least once lol )

[markbt73]

I'm almost the opposite - I like them better with a few scuffs. I love that first time I sit back and gaze upon the finished car in all its splendor, but even more, I like feeling the suspension and gearbox loosening up as they wear in, and the first roostertail of dirt from the tires on that first "shakedown" run, and the constant improvements as I get things dialed in and learn the feel of the car over a few packs.

What I have trouble with is modifying a brand-new kit. I nearly always have to build something stock and drive it a couple times first, before I start hacking things up, even if I bought it to be hacked up. As soon as it's "used," even a little bit, it's fair game.

[matman]

Yes it's normal . I have alot of cars that i have spent alot of time or money & don't want to scratch it , let alone

get the new plastic dirty or scratched . I also find it hard to open up blisters & i have to buy two or three kits

before i can do this . Then i still don't want to run it ! , then i have too look for 2nd hand one to use as a runner .

I have used some NIB as runners , but took alot to do it . As i wanted to race them , so i had to get it dirty etc .

It's the time you spend building them & the paint + the cost of the hole lot . I like the look of most models &

want them all . I have been buying cars i wanted to run or have as a kid OR never got too see & wanted to

see them in the flesh .

Some love getting them out in the dirt & others squirm at the thought & would like them on the shelf .

[kontemax]

The first scratch is unforgetable...

Max

The first scratch hurts the most.

[mongoose1983]

It's complicated. I've finished a XC-01 Jeep Wrangler earlier on this year, after taking almost a year collecting parts, and working on it. I ran it lightly, maybe four times, until there was one rollover. That was a total heartbreak! To this day, it's been months since that and I still haven't been able to go back to it and clean it... I just can't stand to look at it after the scratch! A total heartbreak!

[Novastar]

I run all my kits regardless of the effort put into building them or their pristine origin such as my Gold Lunch Box or the NIB original Fox I am slowly building. I think its a shame to put so much effort into building something just to display the end product. Ideally I would have two of each - one to display and one to run but I cannot afford to at the moment. This being said however I think everyone has their own ideas of how they enjoy their Tamiya kits and as long as collecting and building them is enjoyable than its worth the time, effort and financial input

[danb1974]

Just get two of each, one shelf queen and one basher

[Yonez]

Me, I find most pleasure in collecting and building. The actual running I'm not so keen on.

I have 2 runners. One is a cc-01 with a 80 turn motor for my toddler son, the other is a trf 201. I bought 2 TRFs so that I wouldn't mind running the one. It has been run exactly once in the last few years ;-)

The CC-01 is currently doing well as a push toy, but at least the kid has no qualms about scuffing it :-)

[Quandry]

When I was about to start building my Avante Black Special I had the feeling of "oh maybe I shouldn't be doing this".... but by the time I had built it I could not wait to get outside for a few runs!!

[gravetxt-1]

The short answer to your question is yes! Your best bet is run it on dry tarmac that way you know you have the steering running straight and true. Plus always looks cool with scuffed tyres.

I spend a fortune and a LOT of time modifying Tamiya's monster trucks so once I have completed the build I feel compelled to run it at least once to see I have the four wheel steer running straight and true. A lot of satisfaction is gained from knowing it can be run if that makes sense!

[Tamiya1/10]

You have too many rc. Your reply will be i only have 4. Well, if you only have 1, i would bet you will run it. You may not run is very hard, but you will run it. I have more than 4, so before i run my, gently, i would put a plastic sheet under the chassis as i hate even scratching the chassis should i bottom out over a break in the pavement.

Only time and looking back can you conclude running or not was normal or not.