My first Tamiya build - Mad Bull

[Busdriver]

16 minutes ago, Frog Jumper said:

Looking at the Blitzer manual, I bet you could adapt an adjustable Blackfoot motor mount and use more than the 2 pinions...  

Terry

Possibly but outside my pay grade 😯

[Frog Jumper]

3 hours ago, Busdriver said:

Possibly but outside my pay grade 😯

I have an extra if you want to try it out. It’s kinda beat up but you can have it for a pint plus shipping to the UK...

[B.RAD]

In a fit of absolute madness, I've just bought this:

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/Tamiya-Mazda-Eunos-Roadster-MX-5-M-06-TAM47431.html

Now, I'm not counting this as technically my next purchase, because I've bought it to build but not run. I have two 1:1 MX5's, one is a track only steed and the other is one I've converted to a mild turbocharged track/street car. I flippin love MX5's, especially mk1's, so when I saw this I just had to have it. Even if it never runs. I'll be building it as a replica of the turbo car.

Who said something about a slippery slope?! 

Anyway, back to Mad Bull shenanigans, I've prepped the shell for paint and am picking up some adhesion promotor as recommended by a great mate of mine who runs his own garage and bodyshop. He does the best paint work I've ever seen, bar none, so I'm keen to follow his advice on this!

Hopefully tomorrow will see the first stages of paint on the shell, and possibly even some stickers going on the white shell 🤞

[Busdriver]

9 hours ago, Frog Jumper said:

I have an extra if you want to try it out. It’s kinda beat up but you can have it for a pint plus shipping to the UK...

Thanks I’ve actually got a whole spare one in bits in a box. I may have misled you with my comment should really have been outside my abilities!!!

[TurnipJF]

17 hours ago, B.RAD said:

In a fit of absolute madness, I've just bought this:

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/Tamiya-Mazda-Eunos-Roadster-MX-5-M-06-TAM47431.html

Now, I'm not counting this as technically my next purchase, because I've bought it to build but not run. I have two 1:1 MX5's, one is a track only steed and the other is one I've converted to a mild turbocharged track/street car. I flippin love MX5's, especially mk1's, so when I saw this I just had to have it. Even if it never runs. I'll be building it as a replica of the turbo car.

Who said something about a slippery slope?! 

Anyway, back to Mad Bull shenanigans, I've prepped the shell for paint and am picking up some adhesion promotor as recommended by a great mate of mine who runs his own garage and bodyshop. He does the best paint work I've ever seen, bar none, so I'm keen to follow his advice on this!

Hopefully tomorrow will see the first stages of paint on the shell, and possibly even some stickers going on the white shell 🤞

I totally get wanting to build the M-06 as a replica of your fullsize and then keep it on display, but the M-06 is loads of fun to drive, so you'd be missing out if it never saw use. How about getting a second shell for it, possibly one that is more easily available such as the 2019 MX-5 model perhaps, and using that as a runner?

How is your dad getting on with his Hornet build BTW? Is he doing any mods?

[Carmine A]

@B.RAD WELCOME to the slippery slope Mate!!! 😜😂😅 

On top of that, M Chassis Cars all have extra sprinkles of charm. They're even MORE addictive!! They exhibit unique Handling characteristics that either you fall Bonkers for them, or you're left cold.  (The latter rarely happens!) 😉

If you REALLY want to experience some of the most stable RCs available... M03, M05 or M07. They're all Front Wheel Drive - but NOTHING like driving a 1/1 FWD Car!! 

Some People (here) put down the "Fronties", as you Brits charmingly refer to them. They balk that they're "too easy to drive" "a girl's car" " not challenging".... 

I promise you, MANY Men race them!! And they DO have challenges. Like their full size counterparts, they're prone to Understeer. (Which IS as hard to control - but much easier to manage!) 

90% of Rear Wheel Drive RC Cars with any sort of power upgrade, will just sit and do donuts - or quickly KICK itself into a Wall, if you stabbed the Throttle quickly.  Very difficult indeed to keep a RWD Car heading in a straight line! 

Whereas, FWD RC Cars can take power increases until the Gearbox EXPLODES or the Tyres burn into paper thin Slicks...

Before they exhibit any ill Handling qualities. Plus they're just FUN! 😁 

Right..... That's the most in-depth sales pitch for FWD Tamiya anyone has ever done!!! 😖😜😁😂  I just got carried away. 

In all seriousness, give one a try. You might like it!

[B.RAD]

On 12/02/2021 at 3:49 PM, TurnipJF said:

I totally get wanting to build the M-06 as a replica of your fullsize and then keep it on display, but the M-06 is loads of fun to drive, so you'd be missing out if it never saw use. How about getting a second shell for it, possibly one that is more easily available such as the 2019 MX-5 model perhaps, and using that as a runner?

How is your dad getting on with his Hornet build BTW? Is he doing any mods?

To be honest I don't really have anywhere I can run a tarmac car, certainly not under current conditions. But a second body is a great idea (you're so good at spending my money for me!! 😆) as it would be a shame not to use it.  I can always take it along to race meets and run it in the paddock if/when allowed. 

Ref Dad's Hornet build, he's going great guns! I think the build is done now, and he's just sent me some pictures of the painted body, which is looking stunning 😍

[B.RAD]

On Mad Bull progress, it's been slow. I got hold of the adhesion promotor from my aforementioned mate so I'm ready to paint, just a case of finding the time.

I got a delivery of heat shrink today so have completed the steering arm mod, what a difference that makes!! Thanks so much for the advice on that one.

I almost, and I mean almost, got to run the car today. Everything charged, picked it up, walked downstairs and the second the car hit the floor, my boy woke up from his nap! 🤦 Never mind, another day. 

[Carmine A]

Right, I will have to try to remember that trick... IF I can find a Mad Bull. Either that, or just go with SLOP-less Links, like I use on my HP On-Road Cars...

Shouldn't be too overkill...

BTW, your Dad's Hornet looks GREAT!! 👍👍

[B.RAD]

Thanks for the compliment @Carmine A, I know he's reading this thread and will be pleased to receive it!

You're right, those ball links are the ultimate solution, but this was quicker and more readily available to me as had the heat shrink coming anyway. I guess if you've got lots of spares it wouldn't be too hard to knock up a solid link, and it would definitely be a stronger solution. But this has worked really well to rid the slop, so I'm happy with it so far 😊

In terms of process for doing the heat shrink, here's what I did, just in case it's useful to anyone else. Trimmed the heat shrink down in to three sections that covered the steering arm all the way, and then heated until it absorbed all the curves of the bar. Then used the snips to remove the heat shrink from the ends, small bits at a time, while testing the fit to make sure I got it as snug as possible. You could shortcut this and just copy the image above, but it's a fine tolerance between fitting snugly and having some play, so worth doing it in stages to get it tight. 

Quick question from dad on the Hornet - what front shock upgrades are available please? He's heard that Grasshopper fronts are better, is this true and what would the part number be if so? Are there any other upgrades available? Thanks in advance!

[Carmine A]

@B.RAD I do at least have some spares... And I always like to keep a surplus of 3mm and 4mm All-Thread Rod, for who-knows-what. 

ULTIMATE solution for Dad's Hornet would be the Cantilever Front Shock Kit from AmPro Engineering. You can ask @Pintopower about it. It's his product. 

Otherwise, Grasshopper Front Shocks are no improvement. I've had pretty good luck with 1/16 or even 1/24 Scale Oil Shocks. Getting rid of the Pogo Sticks would just be a big improvement!! 

The problem has always been that the space for Front Shocks are very short.... 

I would also recommend fashioning some sort of Brace between the Shock Towers. The constant flexing is known to crack the Chassis Tub around the base of the Towers.

[Bunty]

Hi b.rad, 

your dads hornet lots fab! 
 

Great rite up, I can’t wait for a race ( probably pretty comical with my pumpkin bouncing about all over the place ) when we are allowed.

I’m also looking forward to the finished painted shell! 

[TurnipJF]

2 hours ago, B.RAD said:

Quick question from dad on the Hornet - what front shock upgrades are available please? He's heard that Grasshopper fronts are better, is this true and what would the part number be if so? Are there any other upgrades available? Thanks in advance!

Some people say that the Grasshopper stock front end setup is better than that of the Hornet, because the front end is so light. You achieve this by simply omitting the O-rings and their holders from the tops of the front towers. This lets the mechanism move with less resistance but leaves it undamped. The O-rings don't provide much damping anyway, so it is perhaps a worthwhile sacrifice. I would steer clear of the YouG Grasshopper/Hornet shocks personally, as while they look cool, they are poorly made, prone to leaking and largely ineffective due to the very light front end. 

The most significant handling improvement for a Hornet short of a full aftermarket suspension system would be to tame the rear end, and the AmPro central gearbox brace (or similar homebrew equivalent) is a great way to do this, giving the advantages of the 3rd shock mod with less weight and hassle. It results in all of the rear end movement being damped by the shocks, and also does away with the annoying click on acceleration and braking. It can also be combined with a more secure battery door - you'll see what I mean if you look at the AmPro Shapeways store or check out their YouTube videos. 

[Carmine A]

I second staying away from the You-G Shocks... Even if you can find them. Not worth the money! Poor performing. 

Another easier, less expensive option: Tamiya Mini CVAs!! 55mm will barely fit, you'll only get about half the Suspension Travel, but it will be SMOOTH! 😊

[B.RAD]

3 hours ago, Bunty said:

Hi b.rad, 

your dads hornet lots fab! 
 

Great rite up, I can’t wait for a race ( probably pretty comical with my pumpkin bouncing about all over the place ) when we are allowed.

I’m also looking forward to the finished painted shell! 

Bunty!!! Great to have you on board ☺️ I'm looking forward to lots of Clod content from you soon!

[B.RAD]

Cheeky update 😊 No painting this weekend, but did manage to get the decals on the white shell! 😁 

Looking rather rad! My wife cut them all out and I stuck on the main coloured graphics to the side (which was a right headache - I really hate doing the decals!!).  Then my boy woke up from his nap, so I took on daddy duties for an hour or so while the good lady wife continued. She surprised me somewhat by turning the Barf'n'Berry stickers in to a Barny sticker on the side!! 😍😍😍 Amazing. Really, really happy with it. 

Hopefully get some time to make a start  with painting the other shell during the week 🤞

[Carmine A]

QUITE a talented Wife. 👏👏👏👏  I guess you get to keep her around!! 😜

[B.RAD]

9 hours ago, Carmine A said:

QUITE a talented Wife. 👏👏👏👏  I guess you get to keep her around!! 😜

Ha ha, yeah I think I'll keep this one! 😉😆

[B.RAD]

Thanks for the Hornet shock advice @TurnipJF and @Carmine A, dad has now joined as @Mfdriver thanks to the knowledgeable folk on this forum 😊

Had a go at painting the shell in a quick break earlier, it has been.....tricky. Will report in full later!

[B.RAD]

So, the painting debarcle. I prepped the shell with P800 and applied the U-Pol adhesion promotor. I noticed straight away it didn't look right, and after a coat of silver, it was clear that something was wrong. A text conversation with my mate informed me that either the paint had reacted to the primer, or the primer had reacted to the shell.

I let the paint dry and then flatted it back with P600 and P800 wet. It looked ok, but not quite perfect. Felt impeccably smooth to the touch though!

I tested out with a light coat, and it was pretty clear that whatever was going on was still in play. I've now done about three coats to see if the paint would fill in any of the undulations. The spoiler, sides and bonnet look much better now, but the roof is still really bad.

I think I will chalk this one up to experience and stop attempting to fix it now. Good job the shells are cheap, and I've learnt something new, so still smiling 😁 More to come on this one!

[Bunty]

Looks like a shell to leave on for when I bring my clod buster over to drive over .... I mean race 😜

[B.RAD]

4 minutes ago, Bunty said:

Looks like a shell to leave on for when I bring my clod buster over to drive over .... I mean race 😜

Ha ha!! That's a very good idea! You'll have to catch it first to drive over it though 😝

[Bunty]

Ha ha! Hmmmm true I’ll have to cheat somehow 🤭

[Carmine A]

15 hours ago, B.RAD said:

Thanks for the Hornet shock advice @TurnipJF and @Carmine A, dad has now joined as @Mfdriver thanks to the knowledgeable folk on this forum 😊

Had a go at painting the shell in a quick break earlier, it has been.....tricky. Will report in full later!

WELCOME @Mfdriver !! 👍👍

[B.RAD]

Update on the shell debarcle. I decided to treat it as a practice shell, and crack on but doing a different design to the one I had planned. This turned out to be a very good idea as I learned a lot in the process!

I masked up some speed stripes and used a decal set I had to make the star and eyes. That decal set wasn't great and paint leaked on both. But the masking tape was excellent, so will use that again (a revel model specific tape).

I do love the blue colour, it's much deeper and more reflective to the eye than in the photos, and I think the silver has come through nicely. This is a theme I will definitely use again in future.

So overall not a total waste of time! I learned that U-Pol adhesion promotor doesn't work on these shells, that Tamiya paint cans are really particular about the angle they can be sprayed at, and that if I want to use my decal sets I need to have a plan to deal with any spreading under the decals. I would call that a good project! Love a little learning through defeat 😊

In addition to this, I've now glued the tyres on, so this now brings this stage* of my Mad Bull build adventure to an end. I can't wait to run it, especially against @Bunty's new Clod Buster, and look forward to getting a new track set up in the garden. I'm thinking a bridge, that can be jumped like a tabletop jump or driven over by crawlers for Bunty's kids, would be pretty cool. Gotta love a new track layout!

Thank you all once again for the brilliant advice along the way, I've really appreciated all of the input and engagement with the thread thus far. It does mean a lot to get responses to the posts, so thanks again. 

*some of the sharper memories out there might recall the purchase of some shorter steering arms and buggy wheels and tyres...😁