VQS built for Tamico Offroad cup
Status: Runner
Date: 21-May-2025
Comments: 9
Finally have to add my VQS, which I built up last year for my entry in the Tamico offroad cup. It has some mods to compete with the all the Top Forces with Manta Ray plastic chassis, which is the dominant car in Retro 4WD in this cup. As this year Mr. Blockhead motors was coming for the start of his Promo world tour, I made a new shell especially for this event, were I merged some typical Blockhead elements into the great Vanquish shapes. Was quite a last minute job 9 days before race start. Vanquish was my first 4WD Tamiya buggy in 1989, so I have a weak spot for this model and the complete Avante series. With the experience of last year I could reach a 7th place in the final ranking in Retro 4WD. Just so happy with the car ´s look and performance. As Jun Watanabe was so kind to sign the body, I probably need a new one for further race sessions. Thanks so much to him, the Tamico guys and the wonderful EDC Kinzigtal club for making this Vintage race event possible. Will stay in my mind forever. First 3 photos are glorious shots by EDC photograph Benjamin Kuesters, all credits on them for him.
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Flat out.
3
Running with lights on.
1
Close up
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Maiden photo at home.
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Rear blinking light
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Masking took some time
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Panic on the last days, reinstalling electric.
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Muddy Matthew was in his element.
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Got a sticker of the world tour, so happy.
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This shot I wanted so bad.
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Juns artwork, not just a sign.
Comments
kontemax
I really like this color scheme.
Never though to Vanquish in warm colors.
My most unchained fantasy with this model was PS-16 Metallic Blue.
kontemax
What is the object near the Mabuchi in the 7th picture, please?
ruebiracer
Hi Max, glad you like it. Actually I took your advice on running the middle differential against the Top Forces, which used 99% the front one way. The object in front of the Mabuchi is a quite powerful Ruddog fan. As the Avante series not the best motor cooling. I use a fan blowing air directly on the end bell, in addition with cut out vent as intended by Tamiya, combined with a piece of lexan bringing the outside air on the motor, if the fan fails. Needed this to keep the Torque tuned as cool as possible, running quite low custom gear ratio of 7,0:1. Top Force guys running TA02 high speed gears.
ruebiracer
If you want to see it in action, a friend took a little video of the 4th B-final:
[Click here]
kontemax
Hi,thanks for your answer. I used to mount a heat sink on the motor, then I opened both air vents on the body.
I watched the video and seems your model not perfectly balanced, it is oversteerer and it dives with nose on jumps.
I suggest a slightly stiffer springs and oil on front dampers and, if you can, front and rear Egress ball differentials.
Your differentials seem too free. My 2 cents.
kontemax
Maybe on slippery surface the center lock diff could help but need to try on the ground.
The Manta Ray pays to be the next generation chassis, the longer shocks, the longer arms, the better geometries but your Vanquish could be improved. The Manta was better balanced, had more traction, was less oversteering and maybe just a little bit faster in the curves. At the end it was more driveable, even though you drove your vehicle very well.
ruebiracer
Thanks Max for your analyze. Totally true. In the wet conditions, rear end was a little too loose. Main problem was the tires, as I only had the one Square spike tire set. Nearly all other 4WD guys used the K-Blocks Type C compound front and rear, which didn´t work last year, but well on the new clay. You can also see the difference, when the Manta smokes me on the wet bridge. I use Rere Egress difss, but front loosened up too much over the weekend. Need a stiffer silicone grease, readjusting tension didn´t bring enough lock. I´m with you on the center lock. Especially under the conditions in the video, one swiss guy in the A-final set some outstanding single lap times. He later revealed that he was using the centre lock for his Ray. Regarding nose diving my offroad driving skills is probably one part, as I lift the gas sometimes in the air too early. I have the option to move the shorty fully back, which could help a little. But that´s a trade off with acceleration together with the centre diff. Have an idea for improving rear suspension smoothness, which should help calming the rear end for better straight line stability.
MAD-BEE
Love it looks fantastic!
ruebiracer
Thanks Mad-Bee, glad you like it.
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