Free TA02

This car was one of those incredibly lucky finds you come across every 5 years or so. A mate of mine came up to see me, and I showed him my new King Hauler - soon to be in Hillman666’s showroom. - He expressed an interest, and mentioned he had an old RC Escort Cosworth, and would I like it? Needles to say, I accepted, and he said he would bring it up.

The following Sunday, there was a knock on the door, and he gave me the car. Right away I could see I had been lucky.

It was an RTR Tamiya Escort Cosworth Repsol. When I say RTR I mean completely RTR, save the rear tires. It had full Acoms radio gear, a 1400mah battery, a quick charger, a slow charger, original box, manual, and assorted spares.

Unfortunately the original Repsol body was completely wrecked. A shame, and as yet I have not been able to find a spare. However, the chassis cleaned up like new, and the RC gear powered up without a murmur.

I was a bit cross at the lack of rear tires, as it meant I couldn’t drive the car right away. However, I was in Edinburgh a couple of days later, and picked up two new tires.

When I returned I was eager to get it going, so I neglected to replace the front bumper that had been taken off when I got it. Seasoned TA02 owners will no doubt will know what was coming. I took the car out, nailed the throttle, and the front suspension collapsed!

Turns out the bumper holds a metal wire in, which in turn, holds the front suspension in. However, I was luckier than I could have been. I found the pin, and I had managed not to lose any driveshafts, or any of the associated paraphernalia.

With pin and bumper returned to their proper place, it was ready to go. The car was fun, but I have a feeling the silver can motor is knackered, as it is quite slow.

I have already mentioned that the body was knackered, and it was too tatty for even my low standards. I purchased the ubiquitous Impreza body - a 200mm non Tamiya - for £15, from my good mate Dunk Widdows/Dunkman.

This was duly fitted, and the car is now looking good. I’m still after a Repsol body kit, so if anyone has one, or a decent Repsol body, please let me know.