Just cartwheeled it across the pub car park and done some fairly horrible damage to the rear bodywork. The "El Crazy Bastard"™ motor is coming out while we are limited to using it on hard surfaces. When we are allowed to take it to a freshly mown park I'll put it back in.
It is bloody good fun though 😉
Lightfighter762 what Baja have you got?
Harry_the_Spider
SubscriberAnyone got a Mad Bull? What’s it like?
Asking for a friend.
I've got one, it's... well, it's a pretty normal basic tamiya with ridiculous tyres. Standard, it steers pretty badly but is still great fun, good for thrashing in gravel, works on some surfaces that the skinnier ones don't (like, frinstance, snow).
So I got a cheap brushless motor from China and a lipo pack and slapped those in and it became a totally brilliant disaster, so much power it doesn't know what to do so instead of really accellerating it does massive burnouts and slides crazily in corners. (and the wheel speed is enough to make the tyres stretch out like a top fuel dragster). And now it is a bit broken, but only because i've not fixed it yet.
I really like it. It's probably not as good as others in the range, though. It's the fatbike of RC cars, in just about every way, including the fact that I like it most when it's being rubbish
diz
Subscriber
Lightfighter762 what Baja have you got?
5Sc on rpm arms and some chassis braces. Also track pipe. It jumps high and takes a beating. Kept the motor stock. Do no use it much. Running the onboard batt on 5x charge/discharge cycle atm.
Bugger. Mad Bulls are out of stock for a couple of weeks, which gives me a cooling off period as blowing the best part of £400 on toy cars this month is a little hard to justify.
However should the itch still need scratching when they are available again what would you use to paint the body shell as I'd want it in black rather than white?
Is the Tamiya polycarbonate paint the right stuff for an ABS shell?
Does it need priming?
New tamiya 370 sport motor in the colt as the old motor was toast.
Will try it out later, but why do ftx have the bloody wire colours the wrong way round, went black too black and red to red with the wires and it was backwards. Annoying but easy to fix.
Harry, it's TS coded paint for the hard plastic bodies and PS for the soft,clear flexi polycarbonate shells.
I used a painting guide from this site:
https://tamiyabase.com
I usually use a primer, a base colour and a final colour, followed by a laquer. I'll stick some pics up later.
This is a brilliant site too:
https://www.tamiyaclub.com
You may spot a certain orange 2CV in the builds section!
This site is ace for new releases:
https://tamiyablog.com
And I waste too much time watching Matteo's channel:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC73asjLqe86O2rDsW-9LGMQ
Happy son no.3 after a near month wait.
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🙂
So.
Much.
Fun.
I’ve about 20 model gliders in my shed. Not flown them for a few years. And a couple of toy electric planes for flying over the field by the house. Which also haven’t been used for ages.
Which means I have a decent 2.4ghz transmitter. Can I use that with one of my spare receivers on something like that lunch box? I’ve also got loads of spare chargers, batteries and servos but would need to check compatibility.
Or am I better just ponying up the £65 quid-is to get a kit with everything in it? Like: https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/tamiya-lunch-box-kit-ready-to-go-bundle-fast-charger/?gclid=CjwKCAjwqdn1BRBREiwAEbZcR5SEw0-nUuRA9tzK7TfZhlbw9ep3lIoo_AKcE-OAQdNijNh18dI9FRoC6FIQAvD_BwE
We do have quite a big garden and a field down the road with a concrete path where we walk the dogs. And one offspring who has declared an interest. So I can sort of justify one..
Think you’d probably be ok with what you’ve got. Only issue might be the connector on the battery. Needs a Tamiya connector for the esc. Can always get connector leads or solder on a connector to match your battery.
No point buying chargers/ handsets if you’ve got them anyway.
Harry_the_Spider
SubscriberHowever should the itch still need scratching when they are available again what would you use to paint the body shell as I’d want it in black rather than white?
Is the Tamiya polycarbonate paint the right stuff for an ABS shell?
Just regular car-type paints. You can use the Tamiya but it's expensive. I used my normal Hycote tins and it came out like this. Nothing fancy, I just wanted it to hurt people's eyes
[img] 
[/img]
Can always get connector leads or solder on a connector to match your battery.
Thanks. I’ve done that few time when I converted stuff to Deans connectors. Also I like my transmitter and I’d rather use that. Right then into the shed, and let’s see what we’ve got.
A related question from us.
We had planned to use the receiver from son's busted FTX surge. However the Rx is built into the FTX ESC and fittings are not compatible with Tamiya.
What cheap receiver that will work with our FTX transmitter or eldest sons 2.4 drone transmitter?
For a Tamiya Lunch Box.
Just ordered a Rally 2CV, bearings, spare Charleston body (Sue likes the paintscheme) and a Sport Tuned motor......
I'll need a servo and a transmitter, probably pick those up from Rossmod when they reopen....
....along with a Monster Beetle.....damn.
🙂
I do have a decent body for the Lunchie, I'll post it (and the crawler) later.
The buggy is Tamiya metallic purple over (under?) silver, the Lunchie is metallic lime green over gold over primer. It looked lovely for at least five minutes.
2 bodies for the 2CV - a box art Charleston and something a bit like yours for the rally body - I'll have to do some research. 😀
Do fancy a Monster or Blitzer Beetle at somepoint, although I might just go all in and buy a Sand Scorcher. That was the one that i nearly wet myself over in Beatties BITD.
Have been watching a husband and wife team on YouTube called RC kicks.
They've just done a Herbie monster beetle and a more traditional version. They're stuff is great, good content too.
Look forward to your builds.👍
Thanks fella.
And also to everyone who's contributed so far.
I've had loads of fun over the last couple of years. Onwards and Upwards, eh?
I love my Maverick Scout, but the nostalgia factor of Tamiya keeps drawing me back.
They really are lovely things to build and own.
Been down the golf again today, this time on one of the fairway green approaches. My word that’s a lovely driving surface.
Added a bit of toe out to help turn in. Didn’t want to go too far as apparently that hampers stability, but adjusted steering arms from 50mm to 48.5mm and it’s done the trick. Also fitted the Schumacher Cut Stagger in yellow compound. Had wanted the green but shop with all my other parts in stock only had the yellow and wasn’t paying twice for postage.
Changes have made a big improvement to initial turn in. Even on my drive the front is gripping a lot better under power. Still understeers slightly on full power but much better. On the short grass it was amazing. Still to see how they perform on dirt or gravel.
Change to 19t pinion has stopped excessive wheelspin or wheelies (depending on surface) without noticeably affecting acceleration as it’s easier to modulate. Extra top speed nice as well. 🙂
Stiffer spring kit arrived while we were out, but haven’t had a chance to drive it yet as rain came on. Fitted soft front and medium rear with no preload. Tabletop test feels like the car is definitely returning faster when compressed, hoping this helps the bounce on rough terrain. Not changed rear shock oil until I see how it runs.
I've been avoiding this thread as I thought it would end up being expensive! However a couple of friends and I have just purchased some buggys to mess about with. I've a Neo Fighter landing on Monday. I'm so looking forward to building it and ragging it about!
I've read that the springs are too weak in the rear shocks, so I've picked up a stronger set. I've also got a steel 17t pinion. It sounds like new front tyres might be needed?
Any tips you guys can offer on the build / painting and running?
Cheers
@clubby - nice!
I found the same thing with the toe out and think my numbers were the same as yours. I read it could affect straight line stability but it seems no different.
Might have to get some of those cut stagger tyres ordered - was gonna go for blue but should perhaps get something a bit softer.
I'm tempted to get the spring kit, some oil and re-build my shocks. I'm not sure I filled them that well and I fancy taking the damper rods out and giving them a polish; apparently the standard black coating is quite draggy and polishing them improves them a lot.
Build:
Get some JIS screwdrivers if you don't have any or you'll find the screws a pain to drive in.
Take your time building the shocks and have something ready to stand them up in while filling them.
I've found (and it sounds like clubby has too) that a bit of toe out helps the front turn in. Different tyres will also help. I'm yet to buy some.
I take it you got some bearings? If not, order some before you start the build rather than using the plastic bushes.
Painting.
Wash the body thoroughly before painting.
I used decorators frog tape to mask it.
Great the paint in a bowl of warm/hot water before spraying.
I made a 'spray booth from some cut up cardboard boxes. Much better to do multiple thin costs than get too keen an stick on some runny thick layers.
If doing multiple colours, do the dark colours first and get lighter.
Running. Try not to smash it into immovable objects.
Can I get some more precise steering arms for the Grasshopper?
Great thread this. Back in the day I had a sand buggy that was great fun, albeit very limited battery life so I have been following this. The inevitable drawback seems to be the grasshopper but as an interim, I bought some extra batteries and a fast charger for my sons Maverick iON RTR we got him a couple of years ago. For a £69 all in kit, it’s rather a lot of fun and doesn’t half shift (all relative I know). If anyone is looking for a starter set, or for a gift, I’d certainly recommend one.
He wants me to get one now for street racing but they seem to be OOS mostly.
Maybe as well..
@neb welcome to the party!
Really enjoying my racing fighter. Same chassis as yours but a different shell.
Had loads of good tips from here. JIS drivers are big help. I got a set from amazon for 12 quid. Bearing kit for sure and IMO definitely front tyres (see my post from earlier today). I found the front springs a bit soft as well, if you don’t have stiffer springs coming for the front then ignore the build sheet and add all three preload collars.
Most intimidating part for me was the body shell. In the end it turned out great. Take your time cutting it out and paint in thin layers. My body took 4 coats in the end.
weeksy
Subscriber
Can I get some more precise steering arms for the Grasshopper?
Probably, but it might be something else, like the servo saver.
Try and avoid those nice, blue, expensive alloy bits. They just transfer the force from something cheap and easy to replace to something expensive
Check all the screws in the steering haven't come loose. And honestly, check the servo saver. The crappy Tamiya one's have a habit of going pop.
Don't ask me how I know. 🙂
@stumpy01 and @clubby thanks for the advice. I've found a hobby set of 64 in 1 screwdriver+bits for £15 it does name the two JIS bits in there so should be good. The bearings have already arrived.
I'm a bit apprehensive about the painting, but at the end of the day it's going to be scratched and battered within a few weeks so I don't suppose it really matters.
Reading the tamiya forum, looks like you can pick up the shock shafts to use the various pistons with different holes in? It also comes with oil, 4 springs, spare caps and the red orings. Here for example
No idea if the springs/oil is suitable, but I love fiddling with suspension so I'll probably give it a go at some point.
The guy on the tamiya forum you linked to previously has loads of good info, thanks for that. It also dawned on me who he is! Very knowledgeable about MTBs too...
After my experiences with the cartwheeling Grasshopper I've been planning my paint scheme for the Mad Bull that I'll get as soon as they are back on stock. Everything that could come in contact with the ground will stay white, the rest is getting painted.
Everything that could come in contact with the ground will stay white, the rest is getting painted.
Sounds like it’s all staying white!
Selling my Sakura D3 RWD drift chassis if anyone is interested. Will require electronics but can be supplied with wheels and shell if required
Just for interest, and not that I'm at all tempted or anything, the essential differences between a Grasshopper and a Hornet is a differential in the gearbox and a polycarbonate body rather than the solid plastic one? I seem to remember that was right back in the day.
edit - and a 540 motor as standard.
I think it comes with oil rear shocks, rather than just friction dampers - which the Grasshopper has.
Howes are doing the Hornet Bundle for less than the Grasshopper one at the moment should you be tempted.
Having not tried anything else I can't see what the handling problems are supposed to be with the Grasshopper once you've got used to it. Admittedly it is a different beast with the 540 and understeers wildly at the higher speed that the bigger motor brings. I assume that the Hornet would too.
Admittedly it is a different beast with the 540 and understeers wildly at the higher speed that the bigger motor brings. I assume that the Hornet would too.
If I'm right about the diff. then understeer might not be such a problem. If it works like a proper car the faster wheel gets more power, which being the outside wheel would tend to push it round. Could be wrong about that though, the one I had when I was young was basically a Grasshopper with a Lancia body and no differential.
That Howes deal was the one I saw but I'm not sure, I've no young kids at home to join in with me. I think the novelty of ragging it round the garden on my own would wear off quickly.
It won't, and you can come on Rusty & Harry's Grand Day Out when this mess is over.
Grasshopper has a dif' too. The bigger motor pushes it in a straight line with understeer, then it snaps into a spin. I'm going to try the 540 again when I can get to a park and run it on short grass where the front wheels have a bit more bite.
Having not tried anything else I can’t see what the handling problems are supposed to be with the Grasshopper
Imagine you were a downhill mountain biker and that the only mountain bike you had ever tried was an entry level model made by Raleigh over 30 years ago. Every kid wanted a Raleigh in the 80's but they were always a bit rubbish and are in no way comparable to a more modern machine. This is the RC car equivalent.
You buy a Tamiya Hornet or Grasshopper for nostalgia, and because they are still quite fun. You don't buy them for performance.
If you are using modern lipo batteries and electronics, then these will be lighter than the original nicad cells that the cars were designed for so the weight distribution will be wrong and will reduce front end grip. You can add lead weight to help with the power understeer, although that was always a feature of the cars.
You buy a Tamiya Hornet or Grasshopper for nostalgia
I know. I did.
If I’m right about the diff. then understeer might not be such a problem. If it works like a proper car the faster wheel gets more power, which being the outside wheel would tend to push it round. Could be wrong about that though,
That's not really how differentials work.
I had a re-issue lunchbox, the wayward handling was part of the charm. The self steering in reverse became somewhat of a challenge as it all got a bit 'loose'. 😬
To tighten up your Grasshopper steering try removing the plate that holds the lower (only!) wishbones in, and putting a bit of heatshrink on the ends of the wishbones where they touch the chassis. The right amount will remove slop without being too tight.
My Rising fighter had an annoying rattle and this sorted that, and snugged everything up at the front too.
Added a Torque Tuned 540 to my Grasshopper at the weekend with hilarious results!
Yeah they're a bit crap but they are great fun and cheap to fix when you inevitably smash them up.
The prop shaft in the Terra scorcher might as well be made out of spaghetti
Maiden voyage and I ploughed it in to a kerb, and the prop shaft bent.
Any one know if there is a decent after market one that is stronger than wet spaghetti?
the one I had when I was young was basically a Grasshopper with a Lancia body and no differential.
The Rough Rider (and similar) didn't have a differential, but the original Grasshopper definitely did.
