Saito2 6573 Posted November 28, 2020 Despite the massive history behind the CAT XLS, I'm leaning toward the Top Cat as that interesting front end looks fascinating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avante2001R 305 Posted November 28, 2020 10 minutes ago, rwordenjr said: Sounds like consistency is an issue with their kit quality. I’ve never had a Schumacher and the only thing making me hesitate is that fact. There are no consistency issues the kit is as it was in 87 and will have the quirks from that period. Let’s be honest any car from that era was the same Tamiya with their brittle plastics cannot be forgotten. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwordenjr 1889 Posted November 28, 2020 10 minutes ago, Avante2001R said: There are no consistency issues the kit is as it was in 87 and will have the quirks from that period. Let’s be honest any car from that era was the same Tamiya with their brittle plastics cannot be forgotten. For sure, that’s not the first time I’m hearing that though about their kit assembly. Some report no issues like you and some report issues with them I guess I wouldn’t know until I started mine. If I end up getting one, it’ll probably be the top cat but that new Mardave looks interesting 🧐 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted November 28, 2020 Go for the topcat !!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwordenjr 1889 Posted November 28, 2020 45 minutes ago, t3garett said: Pretty durable ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted November 28, 2020 bullet proof with pro transmission and modified front end (brass bulkhead, aluminium front arms and rockers ) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reedydriver 148 Posted November 28, 2020 My Top Cat is the same as yours, except for the brass bulkhead. What is the benefit of that? I am always open for improvement. If it's worth something, I'm in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted November 28, 2020 It adds weight to the front end thus keeping more planted and giving it more steering it helps compensate the lightweight lipos we use in chassis that were meant for heavy nihms. It s also more crash résistant..... last but not least it s shinny !!!!!! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted November 28, 2020 Also forgot one of its major benefits : it seats the steering arm spindles more snugly than its plastic counterpart which helps reduce slop in the steering. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saito2 6573 Posted November 28, 2020 I thank you all for your input but welllll... I just got my yearly health insurance papers from work and insurance prices went up over 100% from last year. $109 per pay period became $230 so no Schumacher for me at this time. The worst part is the insurance doesn't cover anything until the $4500 deductible is met. So, I throw $5980 away per year for insurance that I can't use but have to buy for a safety net in case I get a bad disease or condition that would bankrupt my family without it. Oh well, I will live vicariously through other owners, lol. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted November 28, 2020 That s ridiculous I m very sorry for you. I don t know how you manage... I m so used to France 's health care system that I can t even conceive paying that much. I m gobsmacked. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saito2 6573 Posted November 28, 2020 25 minutes ago, t3garett said: That s ridiculous I m very sorry for you. I don t know how you manage... I m so used to France 's health care system that I can t even conceive paying that much. I m gobsmacked. Thank you for your sympathy, but it is what it is. What makes matters harder to swallow is the owner supposedly takes in over 2 million dollars a year from a company of about 50 employees. General inflation causes the price of necessities to increase every year and the increases in insurance cost essentially is the same as asking employees to take a pay cut year after year rather than getting a minimal cost of living increase in wage. Its an escalating disaster with no end in sight. Without any insurance, I would either bankrupt my family or be left to deteriorate and/or die to save them from bankruptcy, but this is the health care system in the US. The Affordable Health Care Act was a godsend with good, affordable coverage, but one can't use it if their employer offers their own coverage as a benefit. I would do far better if my employer simply didn't offer and company coverage at all. I get around it by carrying no debt, putting all my money in CDs to collect some form of usable interest and not going anywhere or doing anything. If something needs repaired or refinished, I learn how to do it and do it myself. Last year I learned how to do flooring. This summer, I built interior walls and next summer it looks like I will learn roofing. Aside form a day trip to the beach, there are no vacations (I can't recall the last time I had off) and forget about eating out, etc. Eventually I will have to get a second job and start work ing 60 hours a week if this increase keeps up but I'll take advantage of company overtime until then. Like I tell my coworkers, I can stop working when I'm dead, lol. But, its just the facts in America and my situation is no different then many many others. I'm lucky to be prudent with money. Other's just plow themselves into debt chasing the carrot on the end of the stick. I was lower middle class at one time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reedydriver 148 Posted December 5, 2020 On 11/28/2020 at 9:22 PM, t3garett said: It adds weight to the front end thus keeping more planted and giving it more steering it helps compensate the lightweight lipos we use in chassis that were meant for heavy nihms. It s also more crash résistant..... last but not least it s shinny !!!!!! I did not wait long and ordered the bulkhead. Looking forward to test the buggy...when the snow has finally melted 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3garett 268 Posted December 5, 2020 Nice one ! It looks faster already Tell us what you think when you try it out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites