TRF501X rejuvenated

Model: (Click to see more) 49401: TRF501X
Status: Restored
Date: 29-Dec-2013
Comments: 7
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The restored category is pushing it a bit for what is really only a youngster of a model (ca 5 years old ) but its the best fit for my rebuild of a TRF501X i grabbed from evilbay for ca £55. Similar expenditure went into the rebuild thanks to low parts prices at Banzai Hobby.

All new stainless hardware (ca 100 screws !), 50% new bearings, rebuilt rear diff, new belts, new wheels/tyres. Shocks rebuilt with X seals, new o rings, titanium coated shafts, new piston discs, new caps and bleed screws fitted. HPI shock tower protectors worked out really well, only needing a little trimming at the screw holes to fit - at £4 a pair they are cheap insurance against expensive damage to the CF shock towers in a rollover or crash. I don't like the 3Racing steering thats fitted - i'll be swapping that back to Tamiya in due course ;)

Really enjoyed this rebuild - a very technical buggy which adds to the complexity and concentration required in the (re)build.

Thanks for looking.

As bought finished - shells tidied and re-decalled finished - shells tidied and re-decalled finished - shells tidied and re-decalled finished - shells tidied and re-decalled finished - shells tidied and re-decalled finished - shells tidied and re-decalled

If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
Oh boy - another percymon money pit !

Comments

sidewaysdave69

29-Dec-2013

very nice.
never really looked at tamiyas new stuff, always preferred the vintage buggies but these TRF things are great quality. wish I had bothered with them earlier.

mtbkym01

30-Dec-2013

Excellent result David, as always

Toykid

30-Dec-2013

You got a great deal on a great buggy. REally good to see this bought back to its former glory. I have too one and love it.

Aussie Top Force

30-Dec-2013

There are a couple of 501X WE NIB on ebay at the moment at below $500 US prices. If I wasn't saving pennies for a 2013 Egress I'd be tempted!

super gripper

30-Dec-2013

Nice finish, the 501 was good in its day all that being only 5 years ago
Tamiya's TRF cars belong on the track but this little lady should be displayed she is kinda old. almost vintage already

Percymon

30-Dec-2013

Thanks for the comments guys. She spruced up nicely, I guess that's in part due to the quality of the original materials and partly the availability of spares.

Percymon

30-Dec-2013

@ super gripper

Things move on quickly in racing - you'd have to be the best driver in the club with this car to stay reasonably competitive against modern competition.


Probably going on the shelf, although i have a spare 6.5T motor and 140A ESC here, so just maybe it'll get a run out from time to time.

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