Started with a Makkinen, went to a DF-02...where to next

[casperionx]

So I've been umming and ahhing over my next rc, currently Im fooling around with an (old) DF-02, after stacking my F104, I swapped out the brushless engine, esc and servo and put it into the DF-02, so far so good, but Im thinking maybe its time to build a new RC. Im looking at (obviously) staying within tamiya, but in aus it appears its hard to get anything decent.

I was toying with a bitzer beetle, but considering all the weight is in the back, Im deathly afraid of the summersaults it will probably do with brushless+lipo lol!

And thats assuming it would even fit a lipo battery (and I've heard horror stories about the soft pack ones - I like to be a little rough - jumps bumpy terrain, occaisional brushes with gutters - much less these days lol)

Was wondering anyone in oz know of any good places that do RC stuff at reasonable prices, and have a good selection? And also suggestions for next kit?

[TurnipJF]

"Stacking"? Forgive my ignorance, but what is that? I'm guessing it means something other than putting in a neat pile?

How did you enjoy your F104? Is F1 something you might want to revisit, or are you looking for a new experience? Same question regarding your DF-02. Do you think you'd fancy something similar, or totally different? And are you looking for something that works fine pretty much out of the box, or do you fancy something with an upgrade path?

A rear motor combined with plentiful power can easily result in wheelies and backflips, but it is also a great way to refine one's throttle control skills. I have a slightly mad DT-02 and an even more bonkers DT-03 in my fleet, and the challenge of keeping all 4 wheels on the ground has made me a better driver I think, so don't let this put you off the Blitzer if you think this might tick your boxes.

[casperionx]

Stacked = crashed.

I have enjoyed my f104, and I'm going to rebuild it once i get my wheel stoppers - probably run the tin can motor in it but slowly rebuild all the electronics in it.

My DF02 is frankly a bit crap, its great fun,l but its obvious I didnt really pay attention to the instructions when I put it together. Im expecting it to die in the backside eventually.

Im leaning towards buggies, simply because I have a myriad of surfaces here I can run on, grass, dirt, netball courts, velodromes, etc, so a buggy seems a good fit. I've been eyeing off a durga, and shifting my running gear into it (the 13.5t brushless/esc/servo - I would be geting the slipper clutch based on what I've read). 

Ideally I want something that is full proof, but also sturdy enough to take a couple knocks (Im  a *much* better driver than I used to be - but I do have 2 youngans so I need to take them into account) and be easy to maintain. The DB-01 does appear to fit the bill especially with the belt drive. But Im not sure Im really willing to drop $430 aud on one sans electrics.

Where as I can get a locally sourced big wig and upgrade the electronics in that with brushless and esc for almost as much, and I've heard good things about it too (except for the rack and pinion steering been a bit of a pain to readjust.

Ideally I prefer 4wd, simply for the power putdown, I mean there is ways to slightly mitigate wheelies with stiffer rear suspension, but with a l;ot of the rwd buggies having the engine out the back and battery not that far away, the centre of gravity is a bit off.

SO yeah, I would drop cash right now on the blitzer beetle if it was 4wd, sadly it aint.