Bright Manta Ray
Manta Rays have always been my favourite marine animal, what I didn't know is that it was also going to become my top buggy.
Often regarded as Tamiya's ugly duckling, in my opinion this buggy has all the potential to look good. No doubt it's been gifted with some of the dullest box art ever, and I think that's exactly where the problem is. Look at the unpainted body shell, it's a clean sleek design that's just screaming for justice!
It's with these thoughts that I started looking into the 2018 re-release. I wanted to try a 4WD buggy and the DF01 looked legit for a first experience, also it had a very decent price tag. I pulled the trigger on one in December 2018 and started the build in 2019 after getting the usual hop-ups, which in time have been followed by a few more.
My little challenge with the Manta Ray was to try and give this aesthetically stigmatized buggy a fresh new look along with a proper driver figure under the canopy, as drivers are one of my favourite details of RC cars.
I am satisfied with how it came out and, while in the building process, the looks of the Manta Ray really grew on me. Driving it was even better, having never handled a 4WD before. Since the first run in spring 2019 I've used the buggy as much as possible, happy with its handling and, after installing a 13.5 brushless motor, with its performance as well. Between that, wheels/tires, other hop ups and the bling I guess by now there's not much left of the original car, though to me it still holds its identity.
It is my most capable buggy overall and counting the mods it didn't come cheap, in fact I cringe every time I jump it but it feels so good I just can't stop. That's what it's made for anyway :)
I hope you'll enjoy the car and the photos
UPDATE 11/4/2021
The buggy now has a new Hobbywing 10BL60 ESC installed. It works a treat, also the car's handling has been improved a lot by adjusting camber and toe.
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NEW photo, shredding through the grasss :)
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Munchy's top performer... what a pimp!!
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Comments
mtbkym01
Simply the best Manta Ray I have ever laid eyes on, great job
MAD-BEE
Awesome mate that thing looks more like a barrier reef sting fish now!(made that fish name up lol) but you dig me yeah!! Unless its a real fish name from the reef?? lol..
Great pics again l would say pic 15 should be in an art gallery its wicked!
Dirt-Racer
Outstanding job on this Mr Ferruz
especially those action shots. 10/10 for effort
87lc2
Great photos and great looking model, nice job.
Tamiyastef
Colour combo of an eighties pair of sweatpants but it suits the MantaRay really really well! I dislike the standard car but absolutely like this one! Very good job you did here. Thank you for that!
Aerobert
Such a great Manta Ray. Also, your action shots are incredible.
Ferruz
Thank you guys, I appreciate the comments and am glad you like the pictures! The harsest part of a post for me is to select 'only' 20 photos, one would think more than enough, but when you have tons of action shots it gets really hard to choose! Took me half an hour to write the post, but over three days to finally narrow down the pic selection to 20. I guess I can always make another entry with more action shots later on
I'm glad to be part of the club, thanks again for the kind words
Re-Bugged
I still can’t believe how good this thing looks. I’ve never given the kit a second look in box art. Excellent example of what can be done. Take note Tamiya
J@mes
Soo many great photos. Buggy looks ok too
Cougan
Love this Manta Ray reminds me of the 90s and my first skateboard, all neo colors?? Looks beautiful and unique on the car, you found a perfect look for it.
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