MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Weeksy, pm sent.
If you are 100% sure that there isn't an assembly error on your part, then as a last resort the solution would be to fit gears with bigger teeth than the originals. get some 32dp gears if you haven't already.
Theres someone on ebay that sells them for the Bugsta. Much more expensive than the standard gears though, especially if you go for the all steel ones (which appear to be sold out at the moment.) They will still self destruct if the mesh is too far out or the chassis is too flexible, but give more margin for error.
@Pepper, get your Optima running again. I did and I've been enjoying the rebuild and running it around. Either way, we need pictures (I think mine is a few pages back)
@wardee - cheers for that link, that might be the final option if I can't get the standard setup to last. There's got to be something amiss but I can't find it, maybe chassis flex is the answer but if I twist it as hard as I can when stationary the gears don't move at all.
Made a start with the XV01 Lancia. Built the very nice oil filled diffs:
Then realised the kit comes with machine screws rather than self tapping so all the holes need to be tappeed, not a normal cutting tap but specifically a roll tap.
Then realised it's too small to fit into my tap wrench.
Finally all here and can continue:
Any update on the XV01 build? I've ordered a new shell and wheels for the TT02, going to do a road shell for running as the rally shell is a little worse for wear now.
Also took the Bugsta out for a run this afternoon to test them new spur and slipper clutch assembly. Seems to work fine as I've also turned down the initial pinch on the ESC to minimum, see if that helps. It was pretty vicious out of the box anyway so makes it easier to drive. Did have another issue though, first small jump and it snapped the suspension mount on the front!
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got a spare set of mounts that I've now fitted but I'm getting fed up of it breaking almost every time I take it out. Will give it another chance then I may sell it on and get something a bit more robust.
Pressed the buy button on a Gmade GS02 crawler, arrives tomorrow. Also had a xv01 Lancia in the basket but it went out of stock in my weeks dithering time on adding to the basket. Probably for the best, although I did add another brushless motor for the DT03. Had said I was done with them but Torque Tuned just not as much fun after the first attempt at brushless. Went for a less mental one though, so should be nice compromise, plus it’s sensored this time so will work with standard esc.
Also finished my Baja Beetle shell to go on DT03. A big rough paint wise, but pretty nice from a distance. Will post pics when I have new motor fitted.
Well, the XV01 build is slow as I'm only doing about half an hour a day. It also seems like the only place you can get the hop up parts from is Hong Kong.
The hop up pulleys did turn up after 2 weeks. The standard stock plastic ones are actually OK. It's the plastic spacers between the pulley and the drive / driven gear that cause the problem. I could have bought just the aluminium spacers but I found getting aluminium spacers that particular size is more expensive then buying the full hop up set:
The next essential hop up I am waiting for are the suspension mounts. I am not happy to go any further without having these turn up. I can definitely see why they are needed once I started the build. The problem apparently is the lower arms pops out of the plastic mounts on a moderate crash which these mounts should prevent. That's definitely not something that can be fixed in the field as to get the lower arm back in, it's front and rear gearboxes off which mean having to reset the drive belt tension as well. It's nearly a month since I ordered these, I was thinking they must be lost, then got a text this morning from Royal Mail saying they are now in the UK so should have these soon. This is as far as I got for now with the chassis:
Did cracked on with the shell while I wait for the mounts though. I think it will take me a while to do the decals.
What's a good online shop for these?
I had a few Schumachers and Tamiyas back in the day but all my radio gear and batteries are out of date now
modelsport.co.uk is the default
People seem to speak highly of tamico.de but not actually tried them yet.
To be honest, so much is hard to get due to stock shortages that's is more a case of "anywhere you can find stock of what you want" at the mo. So a lot of ferreting through eBay and deciding whether to risk that purchase from Hong Kong.
@reluctantjumper - I have a mate with FTX stuff, it's good value stuff and when running is great, but he's definitely found it to be not very robust
The challenge is the robust stuff is more pricey initially. But hopefully less breakages so overall might even out after a while
What brands are considered the most robust?
benp1 - that's what I'm thinking too. The Bugsta is at the bottom end of the price range for it's type so costs have obviously been saved by making it slightly fragile. Traxxas and Arrma cars seem to withstand a lot more abuse going by YouTube videos I've seen so if I get fully fed up with it I might take the plunge and get something new in the higher price ranges. Saying that though I took the Bugsta out to a local park today and it flew around perfectly, only the third time it's done that since I got it! Went through 3 batteries in just over an hour with me grinning like a little boy. Might give it another chance as when it does run well it's such a laugh.
What brands are considered the most robust?
As above, Traxxas and Arrma were the two that come to mind immediately.
I’d second Traxxas for robustness. I had both a Rustler and Slash in the past. Some of the crashes were spectacular and I can’t remember breaking anything. The guy in the shop actually showed me how much they flex, which stops them snapping bits. There are also good hop ups and tips for maintaining that flex. He showed me a HPi that just creaked and looked brittle in comparison. I’d have Traxxas again if I had the cash. The shop itself actually looked like it sold far more HPI which was telling that he didn’t actually back that brand.
My Team Associated MT10 has had a good few end-over-ends and jumps, nothing has broken yet. Only issue would be hitting a tree full on I guess but I'm happy with it's strength so far.
That Team Associated seems very robustly built, Armma as well.
Anything with a price tag of £400 is usually going to be robust. Very big generalisation but spending £150-250 is going to get you something fun and fast, but spending more often gets you the component quality and robustness to go with it
The guy in the shop actually showed me how much they flex, which stops them snapping bits. There are also good hop ups and tips for maintaining that flex.
I've noticed that a lot of people think that the whole chassis need to be rigid, fitting alloy girders as braces and steel chassis plates only to have them bend all the time.
can you noy get upgraded alu replacement parts for the FTX?
There was an IMSA version floating around earlier in the year, looked mental!
@mogrim - you can for the suspension mounts but it just means you rip the pin out of the arm instead or crack the chassis. You're meant to have a simple to replace weak point that protects the rest of the car in a crash, remove that and you just move the problem elsewhere. I'd rather replace a £3 mount every few runs than whole arms or a chassis at higher cost. It just seems it has a few weak points that are just too weak for what the car can do.
Whoops 😊
Taking the Avante build very slowly.
Very happy with the finish on the body (not that it shows very well in photos) - did it "properly" and backed the blue with silver. Decal on top of the drivers helmet is shocking but happy with him otherwise. Gearboxes and motor mounting done, suspension arms next.
The slow boat from China finally arrived...which meant I could paint my Monte Impreza.
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While waiting for the remaining hop ups to turn up from Hong Kong for the XV01 build, did the shell. For some reason, soapy water wouldn't let the decal slide on this particular shell / decal set so I had a difficult time getting the creases / bubbles out, heat gun did help a bit but the larger decals are certainly not perfect. I'm quite happy with it overall and now I'm tempted to get the cockpit. The problem is I did a few silver backing coats and have removed the windows mask. The cockpit would look wrong with that as it needs to be white. An excuse to buy a spare? Anyway:
Also, the hop ups I needed to continue turned up as soon as I started the shell:
I think I'm very close now as it's the shell that usually takes the longest for me.
That's a better job than I managed, well done!
I've actually got a new shell already, going to paint it as a fast road one instead of the full livery. Got some different wheels and tyres too, semi-slicks on some rims from a rally Focus. That way I can have two separate specs to run it as.
Tamiya update;
Avante progressing slowly - god it is a lovely thing to build...
Hotshot treated to gold wheels to match the original box art...
...and a little something else arrived. This one is for my boys Christmas present, but he's not interested in the build so I get that pleasure myself 🙂 Hadn't realised it came with a Torque Tuned rather than standard 540 motor. Thinking about a possible motor switcheroo with the 540 in the Hotshot... Off-road tyres already purchased.
Nice.
I got notification that the new bumper for one of mine has been dispatched after a 6 week wait. Game on!
hello folks, my MF01x Bug build is creeping forwards and i'm looking to work on the body now but given it's my first time i don't want to make a balls of it so...
Anyone use a reamer for making holes and if so have you bought one of the cheap £5 reamers or do you need to spend £20+ ?!
Also, any suggestions on magnets for attaching the body to the posts? I like the smooth look but just trying to source magnets with holes that will go onto posts. Sources welcome. Thanks!
@Loughan I've bought loads of magnets for work from the people linked below. They seem to have a fair selection that might work for you but I won't recommend anything specific at this point as I'm not sure what dimensions you need for you body/posts.
https://www.first4magnets.com/circular-ring-c37
And we are done;
That looks mint!
Will you cry the first time that it slides on its roof?
That looks like a whole lot of fun!
That Avante is a work of art. Good work.
Are you going to video its inaugural thrashing?
For magnets I’ve had good success with ones off eBay.
Search “1/10 RC car magnetic body shell mount x4 black alloy”
Lots around mine were £8 posted and have adjustable angles.
Had to buy a reamer for roll cage mounts on my crawler. Went for the cheapest uk posted one on eBay and paid a fiver. Arrived in a week. Did the job just fine.
Wow, Avante looks awesome! 🙂
Thanks for link for magnets, will check them out
I've also ordered a £5 reamer from Amazon so lets see how it goes...
Will you cry the first time that it slides on its roof?
Very much so! It's not going to just sit on a shelf, but I'm certainly going to keep it for 'best'.
Are you going to video its inaugural thrashing?
Well not sure thrashing is the word...and I if I have to video it then it means my 7 yr old will be driving (or visa versa) - so maybe not!
The trouble is that RC cars look good in two states:
1: When pristine and displayed on a shelf.
2: When obviously used as they were designed to be, with worn tyres and loads of battle scars.
Judging by my cars I'm definitely in the second camp! I'm not saying thrash it but unless you're treating it as an investment or Shelf Queen then get it doing what it's meant to do!
Some verrrryy nice models up the thread, thanks for the entertainment. Especially the Delta, looks awesome.
I've just ordered myself a Tamiya Unimog 425, really looking forward to getting stuck in over the Xmas hols. My last Tamiya was a second hand dune buggy when I was in my teens.
I ordered it based on the fact that it's a Unimog (and I had a ride in one back in '88 that was memorable) - but didn't really understand what 'crawler' means. Does that mean that it's slower than a slow thing? Or will it still do jumps??
Crawlers are generally low speed vehicles designed for challenging (scale) off road conditions. Will have things like locked diffs, good ground clearance and good articulation
Generally will only max out at around 10mph, maybe less. But will have good slow speed control and will climb very steep terrain (or get up tricky obstacles)
I have a 1/10 buggy and a 1/10 crawler. Latter is easier to use in the garden and sometimes more fun. Good for the kids too because it's much slower
First outing with my crawler at the weekend. Very different experience from the buggy but in a good way. Down on the beach tackling big rock features the buggy would just bounce off the bottom of. Got up some amazing things. Not fast on the flat but I’ve a brushless buggy for that.
Ah, so no jumps. Boo. But still, Unimog. So on balance, yay!
I'm really looking forward to the build. Missed out on the Lego Unimog a couple of years ago and at least this one moves.
I don't mean to hijack but any suggestions for an Rc car for a 3 year old?! He's big into farm stuff but a lot of the RC tractors are all AA battery powered which puts be off. Considering he's 3 maybe something cheap is better but would prefer something that might last
I finished the XV-01 Lancia last week and here it is:
It's got the silver can and I tried it with a 7.2NiMH first. It was way too slow as in I struggle to slide it. Put in a 3S Lipo and I think it is quick enough for now. At least I think the suspension, diff etc needs setting up before it can handle any more power.
The handling is in a different league compared to anything I had before. It behaves like an actual 4WD car, as in if you just turn in, it will understeer quite badly but the back end comes out in quite a controlled way when you flick it. Exactly what you need for rally driving. I'm quite looking forward to taking it out properly.
I’ve just ordered myself a Tamiya Unimog 425, really looking forward to getting stuck in over the Xmas hols. My last Tamiya was a second hand dune buggy when I was in my teens.
That's what I have, I think the stock silver can motor is too quick for it. Even with a slower motor, it's still too easy to roll. Recommended upgrade would be full bearing (increase run time) and the metal steering linkage as the stock is so sloppy that it's difficult to drive it in a straight line. It's not really a crawler, more a rough trail chassis. Would also recommend locking the rear diff (comes with a locking block that you can put in) and putting some diff putty into the front diff to improve off road performance.
Excellent job on the XV-01! It will handle fine on a gravel or dusty surface with the standard motor, tarmac needs a lot more power to get it loose. Or get it out on some damp tarmac, drift city.
Just waiting on a can of paint to arrive before I do the second shell for my TT-02 Lancia, this one's going to be a fast road one with just basic stickers. Two cars for the price of one then.
Been a nerdy gimp and done the tyre lettering in white now;
Excellent job on the XV-01! It will handle fine on a gravel or dusty surface with the standard motor, tarmac needs a lot more power to get it loose. Or get it out on some damp tarmac, drift city.
3s on silver can is enough to get it loose on dry Tarmac. I think I have the drive belt a bit loose as I can hear it slipping when I'm holding a drift so will need to give it a bit more tension. Not a good idea to drift on dry Tarmac though as the tyres will wear out in no time.
Also thinking about a new shell, really want the 99 Impreza she'll but don't think it's available anymore. So might have to go Audi Quattro.
Never have just the 1 shell my cars.
Love the tyre lettering looks great. When I was a lad (very long time ago!) I used to sit and paint in the tyre brand on my old Escort tyres every Saturday with a little pot of white enamel paint 🙂
Took the Lancia for a spin round the local Asda carpark this evening. Properly good fun on the shiny tarmac with the semi-slick tyres on. Have also fitted a larger pinion gear (21t instead of 19t) and it properly rips along now! Also running it on 2s now instead of the standard NiMH batteries so it's got a ridiculous amount of punch.
Thought I was going to get told off when two members of staff wandered along but no, they just wanted to talk about RC cars and planes!
Did have a little crash though when the battery voltage cut-off cut in halfway through a very fast drift, sent it into a kerb and did some damage...
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Nothing a bit of glue and drywall tape won't fix. Good job I have a spare shell to paint up and fit, this one can become the basher shell!
Not a good idea to drift on dry Tarmac though as the tyres will wear out in no time.
The standard cross tread tyres will, been through one set on mine already! Get some second wheels and fit some semi-slicks, they last ages.
love that Lancia, this thread inspired me to get another RC car. Got an FTX Outlaw brushed buggy this week. Got a spare battery and better charger aswell and happy with it so far. I’ll swap the motor to brushless later in the year. But happy with it for now.
Great Lancias. Still very tempted. Watching a XV01T truck kit on eBay that ends tonight.
Finished my GS02 BOM crawler a couple of weeks ago. Only managed a couple of bashes do far but great fun. Had to rewire the led lights after the first run though as one of the wires got caught in the steering system. My own fault as I’d the wiring loose-ish incase I need to dismantle anything to fettle the drivetrain.
Ooof... That battle damage would make me weep!
Was tempted by the Lancia myself, but the thought of trashing it was too much.
I think shed time with RC’s and bikes is keeping me sane at the moment. Apart from riding of course.
Just modified an FTX mauler. Changed it to a Blackfoot body, shortened chassis. Stuck 3s lipo,55t motor and changed gearing. It now drives so much better. Feel like a kid building big features in the garden for it.
I think tamiya rally next and a rally course. It’s a powerful nerd addiction from my youth that has come back with added mindfulness and craft Ale.
A new shell is only £25 plus it's an RC car, it's meant to be used! Plus it means I get to do another shell 🙂
It's the same as seeing a mountain bike that's never been used, seems a waste. Much happier seeing a used one full of memories.
All repaired and ready to roll again:
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Used super glue as a spot weld to hold the shell in place then reinforced it with drywall tape and E6000 glue (similar to Shoogoo but cheaper).
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Have also reinforced the other bits of the shell too so it should take a lot of abuse now!
Advice, please!
The Boy has killed his Funtek MT4, and with Christmas fast approaching, thought I'd buy him* something new.
This looks pretty good, but is there anything else to look at? Similar, or slightly lower, budget. Weather/water proof, off road, tough, spares available, etc.
*Yes. Only for him. I certainly won't be having a go. Nope. Not at all. 😀
Plea for (small amount) of help!
Crawlers for an eight year old... we have birthday and Christmas approaching... any pointers from any in-the-know here?
I've got an FTX Bugsta which is essentially the same chassis and drivetrain, it's proving relatively fragile. It also isn't the best handling thing in the world. I've had issues with it chewing spur gears, the suspension mounts are pretty weak and the latest issue is the steering servo is getting very weak.
For that price I'd possibly look into the Absima AT3 or the Maverick Strada range.
For that price I’d possibly look into the Absima AT3 or the Maverick Strada range.
Thanks, will have a look.
Ah @mrmonkfinger we are in exactly the same situation so any help appreciated, and will start at looking at the Absima AT3 or the Maverick Strada range, thanks
My nephew had a Maverick rc truggy thing. I was pretty impressed with it.
He managed to break off the bumper in a high speed crash (which also broke the fixing holes on the chassis) but spares were readily available & reasonably priced.
I think the manual had a full spares list in the back with order numbers.
Well, bought a Impreza shell on back order thinking it will take months to arrive for the XV01. Turned up in 2 days.
Time to get busy again.
looking for recommendations
So both kids have decided they want an RC car for Christmas (thanks to Seths bikes hacks). I don't know much other than trying to fix a guys at works nitro car a few years ago and a quick carpark play once it got going again. Will be mostly used on the local grass field (and quite probably the local state park as well). Their current demand is a Traxxas Rustler 4x4 as I told them I'm not buying them a Maxx.
Requirements.
must be electric
solidly built
easy to repair
Truggy / Baja truck design
Budget is around £350ish
I'd look at whatever Traxxas and Arrma offer in your budget and pick from that, those seem to be the toughest (which you're going to need with the combination of kids + skate park!). I believe Traaxas parts are cheaper so that would probably tip me towards them.
Personally I'd avoid FTX stuff. It's good stuff but not very robust, so if kids are going to drive it they're not going to last. My mate is on his third or fourth bugsta now
I have an Axial SCX10ii, cracking bit of kit. Would definitely recommend getting the SCX24 for kids, well priced and definitely more than a toy. It's quite small, but that just means you can make indoor courses for it!
Associated Rival MT10 - in budget including charger and battery from Modelsport. Brilliant fun!
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/search/rc-car-products/44604
A Tamiya Mad Bull and a couple of big batteries. Ours is an absolute hoot!
Link for the Rival MT10 sorted https://www.modelsport.co.uk/rc-electric-models/rc-car-categories/9900/990010&ManufacturerID=2&ChassisID=2032
SCX24 is an ace wee thing as is my scx10-2 but not really suitable for blackec's job.
But ultimately, everything that you take to a skate park ends up broken. Except my Deadbolt, but that's because it's a) almost all metal and generally incredibly tough and b) too slow to really hurt itself.
Thanks for the recommendations. Talked to a guy at work whose son did the same a few years ago.
He said his son played with it for about a month then it went in the cupboard. He is going to loan me his to see if my kids interest lasts more than a week.
The loan car won’t be going on the skate park.
benp1
Full MemberPersonally I’d avoid FTX stuff. It’s good stuff but not very robust, so if kids are going to drive it they’re not going to last.
This is good advice, have plenty of FTX stuff but kids will kill it.
my SCX24 recommendation wasn't for blackec, it was for the posters above.
£350 budget is a solid amount, loads of good choice for that!
Rival MT10 looks good!
We've had a couple of mates races over summer, back garden + beer type events that have been a right laugh. Obviously the weather has gone rubbish and our occasional outside races are not likely to happen over winter. (If the weather's nice we'll be out on the mountain bikes instead!)
We've seen the little mardave v12 (or kamtec) cars that look ideal for a group buy and indoor races in the local village hall.
They look really simple, really robust and cheap to buy spares for so ideal to be honest.
Does anyone have any experience of them?
My main concerns are racing on hard wooden floors with foam tyres might not be ideal?
Thanks in advance for any wise words of wisdom! Ta
^ I need a couple of them!
Some of the videos of the banger racing look nuts!
They used to be branded as Mardave Mini Stox. I've still got one in the workshop somewhere. They are great fun and will be ideal for hard wooden floors in a local hall. We used to put silicone sealant on a board and run the tyres back and forth to give them extra grip on the dusty floor. They are quite difficult to control due to the short wheel base and a great laugh if you upgrade the motor, making them stupid fast.
Thanks diz, that sounds ideal. I was just a bit concerned that if the foam tyres are rubbish on hard floor, then we'd be screwed as it's our only option for the moment. Looking through RC history on some of the forums it sounds like silicone on the wheels is one option that works, so thanks for confirming that.
I was amazed how simple the kits are and how many bodyshells there are! For only £6-7 each as well. We'll probably only run stock 27t motors with 4 cell NiMH so they aren't going to be mega fast, just enough to have a laugh, be sociable (socially distant obvs) and drink some beer while racing.