Tamiyas!

[jimmy]

Just got in the Tamtech Mini Frog 1/18th scale, http://tamiya.com/japan/products/56701tamtech_frog/index.htm

and 1/10th Tamiya Dark Impact 4wd RACING buggy.
http://tamiya.com/japan/products/58370dark_impact/index.htm

These are both "the best thing ever" :) the mini frog is so cool its hard to beleive, looks like a 4wd version might be coming also looking at the front axles.
The mini frog is the bouciest thing EVER so need some proper shocks, can't wait to review these two.

[DCM]

You got your Impact dude... my delivery has been a real farce.... was in the depot 36 hours before they finaly told me 'oh, before we release it, there is a customs charge....' GITS

Jim, Tekin Brushless on its way to you for tomorrow.

[jimmy]

Yea, just got the Impact today after 5 days in customs. Looks very good, can't wait to race it, not sure where tho.

[jimmy]

Snapped a couple of pics when i got home tonight, not sure I'll get time to play with this, this weekend, as I have a lot to do on a certain car to get it ready in time.

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/reviewminifrog/minifrog01.jpg (http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/reviewminifrog/minifrog01.jpg)

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/reviewminifrog/minifrog02.jpg (http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/reviewminifrog/minifrog02.jpg)


The spec of this thing is rather cool, apart from the spring shocks. The are Universal Joints at the rear, a slipper clutch!, ball diff with steel out drives.

[darryl]

the dark impact looks stunning,just strange that you have to put the cells in from underneath:o

[jimmy]

Aye, have to see how that works.. not sure what cells arrangements fit in at the mo..
The tyres feel very similar to schumacher yellow compound so could actually be usefull somewhere, indoors maybe.

[losidan]

just wondering what tamiya would come up with if they are going to come up with a serious race 1:10 buggy. Judging by the TB evo and trf series of tourers it would be a serious can of woopass to open

[jimmy]

The Dark Impact isnt that level but its a step in the right direction for sure.

another frog shot!

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/reviewminifrog/minifrog03.jpg

[andys]

Jim, that Frog looks ace. I wanted one after seeing the flyer for it that cam with my Full size frog (still in the box and un-built by the way)

That 'Dark Impact' looks really interesting, you'll struggle to fit your saddle packs in though ? Crazy name too.

[felixjo]

Stick and side by side apparently fit without problems, even the slightly bigger cells.

[jimmy]

I think the problem might be with connectors rather than the configuration of the packs. Have see though. I'm looking forward to running it.

[felixjo]

I think the problem might be with connectors rather than the configuration of the packs. Have see though. I'm looking forward to running it.

Apparently you have no problems as long as you have cables on your batteries, otherwise you will probably have to dremel quite a bit..

When do you think you'll work on the Dark Impact?
A comparison with the Lazer would be quite interesting, still not sure which one to get!

[jimmy]

right off the bat the ZX5 is definately the more complete racer, its been designed with top drivers, but no one knows who has worked on the Impact.

I'll not let that prejudice the car though, im really looking forward to it.

I'm just putting the finishing touches to the X5 review, the yokomo BX review is largely written up also. So, hopefully some time next week I can start on the Tamiya. I know people already built / raced the thing, but theres no point me rushing into it and doing a half-assed job of it, I want to push each review to be better than the last if i can.:)

[DCM]

With the use of a dremmel, a slot can be made and corally tubes can be used on side by side packs (yes, seen pics with GP37's fitted), I should have mine today... been on the delivery van since 5am this morning grrrrrrrrrrrr...

That Frog is looking more and more tempting, some of the upgrades look ace... threaded shocks for starters...

[felixjo]

Comparing the maintainability and durability would be quite interesting too. Although this could be pretty annoying right now, you would probably have to order all spares from asia. ;)

[DCM]

My Dark Impact is finaly here... my god that chassis is SMALL.... I reckon it is as narrow as a 2wd chassis (x-6 the exception) got the bearings in the cleaning bath as we speak!!!

[darryl]

steve would be nice to see some pics once you get round to building it,are you going to race it competivly or will it be just for display purposes

[DCM]

My cars are NEVER for display, lol. First interesting item, the distance between the rear hinge pins is identical to my Tamiya Tourer (TA05) so will have to work out a way of slaving the suspension carriers onto the chassis to take the load off the gearbox!!! The pins are even the same length, so that is alloy and titanium to go on.

Will work out the internal ratio later, back gearbox is a work of art!!!

[PaulRotheram]

im considering getting that frog.. any one got a price?

[felixjo]

What do you think?
http://www.kazsh.com/rc/archives/2006/04/post_120.html#more

[DCM]

On the wrong tyres, but it looked good. If Jim is ok, will post some pics later for you lot.

[darryl]

agree with steve there about the tyres,i thought the track a little small and twisty,could be more interesting on an open more flowing track,and a little bit of rear end slap coming off that jump

[DCM]

After building mine, the CVA shocks arent the greatest out there, and the kit setting might as well use water for oil. once I get some decent shocks, I can work on that. I have had mine out going and it is definately quick.

[jimmy]

the holes in the pistons do look huge

[bert digler]

What do you think?
http://www.kazsh.com/rc/archives/2006/04/post_120.html#more
i think if tamiya could be bothered ie give to tech racing (trf) it would be a great car but it needs a lot of work ie composite chassis better shocks etc but its a very clever design:confused:

[DCM]

My only concern is the way the wishbones mount at the rear (off the gearbox) and to be honest, the CVA shocks are easy to build but no good for racing. Will be trying a set of DF02 shocks as well as Losi shocks. I am guess that there will be HARD Composite stuff out in 6 months.

Jim, wouldn't be so bad if the pistons were a snug fit in the shock bodies....

[felixjo]

A few tuning parts have been added to the tamiya usa site:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/search.php?q=df03

[DCM]

Well, finaly got to paint mine, what you think, DING DONG... tis narrower than a 2wd!!!

http://academyracer.fotopic.net/c931633.html

[felixjo]

I especially like the Tamiya stars, mine will probably stay transparent due to lack of skill.. ;)

[jimmy]

nice one! those shocks must have cost more than the car

[felixjo]

Those look like the tamiya df 02 shocks, should be about as expensive as half the car.

[DCM]

It's all about contacts and shopping abroad, just got to get me some TRF ball cups.

[craigosh]

so what are peoples thoughts of the car? Anyone run theirs yet? I've decided to shelf queen the tforce and this looks like it'll be it's replacement... i was looking at the lazer but i'm so drawn to this now... so come on what do people think?

[jimmy]

Ive still to build mine, saw richard isherwoods on sunday tho his was just built and not running yet, looked very good for what it was.

[DCM]

It goes well Craig, just need CVD's on the front and a spur gear adaptor to ditch the metric spur pitch. There are some build tips, but I might let Jimmy release them in his reveiw (when he pulls his finger out :P).

Don't be fooled by the drivetrain, it is very free to.

[jimmy]

gonna try finish up the jokeamo BX review tonight and set about these tamiya thingys! never know, might be able to get it done in time to race at tiverton national.

[craigosh]

jokeamo!! doesnt sound good...

I've been racing a Top force so the drivetrain cant be as bad as that...! just waiting to hear back from rc champ as to wether they know when and how much the slipper will be.

Do you reckon 48mm ti turnbuckles will fit? the kit ones are 50mm but looking at the manual they fit up using pretty much all the thread..

[Northy]

Is Ishy gonna race his? :confused:

[jimmy]

he has one, thats for sure... I know he wants to race a tamiya, so, depends if its good enough.. Can't see him racing something thats not competitive just for the sake of it..


jokeamo, no idea why people call them that, but it sticks! :) its certainly no joke tho! very nice car, veeeeery.

as for those turnbuckles, should be no problem at all, a couple of mm isnt going to make any difference unless its fully extended and on the edge already.

[DCM]

48mm should be fine, B4 turnbuckles are 2" (49mm) which I will use as I got a spare set, lol.

[craigosh]

well champ have just told me that the shocks for the DI will be released end of june so i reckon thats when we'll see the slipper as well..

Hopefully it will have a better design than the one on my dynastorm.. it has like 4 little plates inside a special housing... works but is a pain to maintain and now squeels as the pads are a bit worn..

[DCM]

I am just wondering if the option of having the gear pressed off the layshaft and having a lashaft machined to accept a B4 unit is viable at the mo.

[jimmy]

Hmm, was gonna do the Mini Frog next, but I wonder if I could handle building the Impact tomorrow and friday in time to race it at bury this weekend ?? I think that would be a good track to test the car on.. Dont know if I have the energy to get it done in time tho :rolleyes:

[craigosh]

Its a tamiya lad it'll go together in a night.. then you got plenty of time to tinker with the setup and try to fit some decent shocks, and lets face it theres no point running the plastic ones. Last time i did that (10 year ago!!) they just blew up all the time.

I think its worth waiting to see what the slipper is like from tamiya, it would be nice to get it sooner but it'd be a load of hasstle i'd of tought to adapt the b4. The top force runs ok sans slipper so i'd imagine as long as you dont but anything to mad in it then the DI will be ok for a bit.

[DCM]

Well, there is room under the gear cover for a slipper assembly....

Plastic shocks are ok actualy, mine survived a while, just bong me on MSN when you come to build them!!! The only thing that you got to take time in building is the Diffs, otherwise it falls together. Only thing, stock settings for the steering links gives to much toe-out, plus the B4 turnbuckles fit, so if you got a spare set.....

[jimmy]

Should be alright like you say.

The build thing is a lot more involved than just building it i'm afraid. :( I have mi laptop, scales and calipers at hand, not to mention 2 cameras, a tripod, etc etc.. I think with the ZX5 review, mi first, I built the car, big chunk at a time, then wrote from memory.. where the others have all been at the time, with the laptop next to me, so its a lot slower. The ZX5 was started, raced, and published in about 2 days.

Maybe I can try it the ZX5 way again and just take photos as Im building it.

[felixjo]

What about recording notes audiowise as mp3 or whatever?
You could even make podcast out of it!

[DCM]

AS long as he dont sound like Chazz, sorry dude, you remind me of Kermit the frog... heehee

[bender]

Cool, Ive found another place to chat about the DI :)

Some familiar names too;)

I really have to get round to painting mine, I've already run it quite a few times but only with a clear body:(

I've installed a few more hop-ups on mine now, so basically I think it's race ready (and ready to win ;) )

I am running DF02 alloy shocks, DF02 CVD's, some 3-racing turnbuckles, Gear adaptor and hinge pin braces (from Gary on the Tamiya Club).

It still amazes me that this is a 4wd, it looks so slim and small next to any other car:D

[jimmy]

What are these hinge braces all about then ? Ive not actually built the car yet, I'll start it next week I think in time for the weekend. If the kit shocks are a bit pants I guess I'll put some associated b4 ones on just to test it out.

[bender]

What are these hinge braces all about then ? Ive not actually built the car yet, I'll start it next week I think in time for the weekend. If the kit shocks are a bit pants I guess I'll put some associated b4 ones on just to test it out.

Hey Jimmy, great site:D I'm a regular visitor but never realised you had a forum.

One of the guys from the Tamiya Club forums (who luckily lives about 10 minutes from my house) has made an alloy gear adaptor plus a pair of carbon fibre hinge-pin braces.

The standard inboard hinge-pins are about 3 mm too long, so I assume Tamiya will offer up their own versions soon enough, but I grabbed these in the meantime.
The front one fits just like the brace on a B4, XXX etc, at the front of the arms, the rear one is supposed to go at the front of the rear arms - but I found that it restricted the motor movement too much so I did a bit of dremeling to the rear bumper and put the brace on the back of the rear arms :D

Tamiya cars are traditionally a little sloppy in this area so the braces both strengthen that area and remove some slop:)

[jimmy]

do you have any links to the photos of the mods on your car ?
Any idea if the wheels are similar offset to the kyosho zx5 ?

Sounds like I need to make a bigger link to my forum then! :) Possibly a review sub section on the main page also rather than just bung everything in action photos

[DCM]

I have checked the off-set on older kyosho wheels and they have a greater off-set so would make the car to wide Jim. I am trying to find a set of Academy wheels to check the off-set against though.

GSstorms conversion is good, but I am thinking I would rather spend the money on a layshaft to fit a B4 slipper than a stock gear, running the car on grass is hammering the diffs at the mo.

[bender]

Sorry, no pics of my car yet (though my camera is that crappy that you'd be hard pressed to see any detail :lol: )

As DCM said the Kyosho rims are too wide. The Academy rims might work better as when I put Kyosho rims on my son's Griffin it made that car wider too - so I'm assuming the Academy rims have a narrower offset.

The new rims are pretty cheap though, only US$4.50 pair.

[jimmy]

poop!
ah well.. I was thinking of running the kyosho and tamiya back to back at Tiverton National maybe, but cant splash out on that many tyres so wanted to share wheels.

[Northy]

I'm sure you can beg some Kyosho cast offs Jimmy!! :D

[bender]

Hey, I've finally got some pics of mine:rolleyes:

http://web.aanet.com.au/fir/bender/Dark%20Impact%20002.jpg (http://web.aanet.com.au/fir/bender/Dark%20Impact%20002.jpg)

[darryl]

now that is a nice looking car:D ,i think i may invest in one when they finally become available here

[barnyard]

we hade one racin today at Kiddy for the midwest regional think it finished in the C / D. It looked ok nothing sparkling but there is potential.

It was running some alloy shocks and carbon towers but was definatley lacking from steering mainly due to poor lock. Not exactly how the thoughts were going into solving the lock as i had to get my car ready but the car did look good in a near out of the box condition.

[Morlock]

Interesting,

I finnished mine and just need to paint it. I was looking at the steering and I thought that lock to lock it look a little constricted. Overall was not very happy with the steering set up. The first time I assembled the top brace that goes over it, it actually caused it to bind a bit. I loosened and re-tightened the screws and that seemed to fix it.

I should paint it and get the electronics into it and have it up and running this week.

Then to other cars :D

[DCM]

The lock isn't brilliant, but the whole idea of the car is not to let it slow to a crawl. Remember, with the motor and cells down the centreline, there is more weight forward compared to most. I whizzed mine around a tight grass track yesterday and whilst it was still moving, produced LOTS of steering just if I crashed, turning around was difficult.

It may only need a little dremmeling of parts, also, the stock configuration gives a lot of toe-out which in fact makes the outer wheel in a turn have less lock to.

For those who are interested, I have emailed RW Racing in a hope that he could create a conversion layshaft to allow the use of a B4 slipper assembly, I think the easiest way would be to actualy have a new layshaft gear cut and then pinned to the layshft I think, if there is enough room.

[bender]

IMO the reason why the lock is limited is because the MD1 screw which goes into the steering rack (C1) hits some plastic on the lower skid plate (B1) right in the middle where one of the screw comes thru from underneath the car.

This piece of plastic only needs trimming a few mm, and replace the 3x10 tapping screw with a smaller machine thread screw and the steering should have more movement.

[DCM]

I shall have a look at mine, whilst I am trying a few things... going to flip the front wishbones and run longer shock bottoms there, shorter on the rear and also look into making a little more room for the motor.

B4 turnbuckles will also go on this week and maybe a carbon front tower if I got time and go to Losi shocks.

[bender]

Someone's already got some c/f tower out:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Tamiya-Dark-Impact-DF03-Carbon-Towers-Brace_W0QQitemZ6055195092QQcategoryZ34063QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Note, this auction has nothig to do with me, just posting it to show you guys;)

[foampervert]

hiya chaps!

here are some parts to look forward to, from tamiya:

53924 - RC DF03 Heat Sink Bar
53925 - RC DF03 Slipper Set
53926 - RC DF03 Alum Oil Damper Set
53927 - RC DF03 Damper Spring Set
(from Tamiya's website)

I'm certain the slipper will be a great addition.
cheerio!
-alexander

[DCM]

Done the damper thing, can't see them being any different apart from pistons and shock bottoms, heatsink bar would be good, the slipper, I don't think I will bother with, sending the parts off to RW Racing (makers of all things gear wise) to have a layshaft made to accept a B4 slipper assembly as I realy don't want to have to go buy even more pinions to go with my 48dp, .6module and 64dp.

[capellone24]

Done the damper thing, can't see them being any different apart from pistons and shock bottoms, heatsink bar would be good, the slipper, I don't think I will bother with, sending the parts off to RW Racing (makers of all things gear wise) to have a layshaft made to accept a B4 slipper assembly as I realy don't want to have to go buy even more pinions to go with my 48dp, .6module and 64dp.


yes i agree....hope for aftermarket layshaft that will accept B4 spur gear and slipper pads........tamiya policy on pinon's module is very *** :-D


Bye!

[DCM]

To let you know, I have been in contact with RW in the UK, I am sending a DF03 layshaft and a B4 slipper assembly up to them this week for him to be able to make a layshaft. The downside is that because the original layshaft is a press fit, I am asking for a gear to be machined to go on to the new layshaft.

[capellone24]

To let you know, I have been in contact with RW in the UK, I am sending a DF03 layshaft and a B4 slipper assembly up to them this week for him to be able to make a layshaft. The downside is that because the original layshaft is a press fit, I am asking for a gear to be machined to go on to the new layshaft.


Wow really interesting...i'm still waiting for my DF-03 from japan....but if RW will realease this layshaft i'll preorder one sure.....
Bye!

[jimmy]

Is this something RW will produce, or something for just yourself Steve ? and, how do you know all these people ?!? :o well connected or what!


p.s. I wouldnt mind one of those b4 adaptors, theres no better slipper.

[capellone24]

hi guys....are this parts for the dark impack?
i can't understand japanese...maybe you recognize them...

http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/fs_fs-7025b.jpg

http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/fs_fs-7026b.jpg

http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/fs_fs-7028b.jpg


oh..yes i've checked the manual...but are exact the same only made of alu....:-(

[DCM]

Jim, dealt with him in the early 90's in my first phase of Tamiya devotion hee hee... don't spend from 1989 till now and not get some good contacts I guess.

As for it being for general release, that would be up to Neil Stubbington from RW if he wished to produce it, but then I guess if he CNC's one, just as easy to make a few more.

[DCM]

capellone, where are those parts from?

[craigosh]

deffinetly interested in a b4 slipper setup.. I to dont want to have to have a whole bunch of new pinions when i can use the ones for the xxt..

See if you can get him to release it steve... bet there would be a number of takers...

[capellone24]

capellone, where are those parts from?


this parts are from www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp it is a very nice japanese shop ....i've buyed from them many times........
but i think that RC-Champ also have this parts in stock..........
Bye!

[bender]

Guys, the DI section of my website is up... an ongoing development but it's ok to start with.

Link:
http://web.aanet.com.au/fir/dark/index.htm

Does anyone know what diameter the axles on the new Yokomo 4wd are?

I was thinking that if they are 5mm, then their front wheel hex is likely to fit the DI, allowing you to run Losi rims.

EDit: Link changed to my new Dark Impact site.

[DCM]

Bender, your more than welcome to run some pics of mine if you want.

[craigosh]

found something here about a slipper, I dont know any japanese though so not sure whats goin on.. any ideas what car that slipper if from?

http://orange.ap.teacup.com/applet/macha/archive?b=40


craig
---------------------------------------------
racingdynastorm.blogspot.com

[DCM]

It is from a Kyosho Lazer ZX5 which someone has machined a shaft for by the looks of it.

[craigosh]

ok found this http://www.k3.dion.ne.jp/~rccar21/umesandf03sp.htm
using the spurs off the DF02 to allow the use of 0.6 module pinions. Great if like me you have a load of pinions for the Topforce.

Really though the car needs a slipper which will take 48dp/64dp spurs. Any news on that B4 conversion steve?

Also out of interest what is the width of the car with zx5 rims on? i have some ballistic 5 spokes for kyosho which am guessing will have the same offset. Have them on the Top Force at the mo and it's just in legal BRCA width.

As for xx4 rims, seen that car on benders site and they are probably the yok adapters up front but what about on the back cause arent those wheels just pin drive? will they just fit straight on??

[bender]

Yep, with that DI running Losi rims, I also assumed they are running yokomo adaptors up front.

As for the rear, Losi rims will force-fit onto a 5mm axle (3/16" = 4.8mm approx) if you push hard enough, but I assume he just drilled them out.

The difference is the pin, which is a smaller diameter on the Losi cars. Again, maybe you can just force the rim on into the pin, or alternatively use the Losi pin and be careful that it doesn't fall out.

[craigosh]

could anyone tell me the distance on the wing mounts between the screw hole and the locating post on the tower mounting end. Also the diameter of the post.

Just thinking of using them on the dynastorm, i'm getting some new towers made up for it so want to put the holes in.


cheers

craigosh
http://racingdynastorm.blogspot.com

[bender]

Craigosh-

The length between the wing screw and the front of the wing mount is 34-35mm.

The front of the wing mount (where it screws onto the tower) is not exactly round, but it's approx 7mm in diameter.

BTW my Dark Impact webpage has blown out to a full (albeit small) site.

You can check it out here:
http://http://web.aanet.com.au/fir/dark/index.htm

[craigosh]

Sorry bender, meant on the end that mounts to the shock tower, what is the distance between the holes for the moutning screws and what looks in manual to be loacting stubs just below them.. looks to only be about 3mm or so but would like to know exact measurement.. center to center would be good.

[DCM]

If anyone is interested in a manufactured layshaft conversion for the DI, then email RW Racing neil@rwracing.co.uk and ask for pricing, he has the bits to make a complete layshaft, I have also requested the layshaft to be made to accept an RW made gear as I don't think many of uss have press facilities to press off and on the layshaft gear.

The layshaft will accept a complete B4 slipper clutch assembly (including spring) but will hopefully use METRIC nut for adjustment. Been told it will be a week or two before I get the first one to test. But then if you lot email him, might be quicker.

[capellone24]

The layshaft will accept a complete B4 slipper clutch assembly (including spring) but will hopefully use METRIC nut for adjustment. Been told it will be a week or two before I get the first one to test. But then if you lot email him, might be quicker.

just emailed hope that he would ship to italy :-D ....

DCM do you think that the press is needed to assembly the gear? would not enter using common home tools?

thanks!!!

[DCM]

I would think you would need to use a decent press, unless you are realy handy with a bench vice and some ratchet sockets, then you still got to press the gear onto the new shaft and get it in the right place, realy you don't want to be taking it on and off.

The reason for asking a gear to be made, is it is a much simpler operation I think.

[bender]

Sorry bender, meant on the end that mounts to the shock tower, what is the distance between the holes for the moutning screws and what looks in manual to be loacting stubs just below them.. looks to only be about 3mm or so but would like to know exact measurement.. center to center would be good.

Ok, that measurement is 5m, centre to centre.

[bender]

I've just emailed RW too.

DCM - what material would the gear be made from?

[DCM]

The material will be made from the same stuff they make there spur gears from, and that is ubber hard, it is a sort of Nylon. There gears I reckon are about the best in the world in my honest opinion. Will be better than the metal gear easily I would expect.

[bender]

Ok. I agree their spur gears are great, I run them on my TC, as well as their pinions.

And my old Top Foce was equipped with RW gears too!

[DCM]

yeah, I had an RW gear set on my well modded Manta Ray (can't remember who did the LWB conversion for it, chassis, topdeck, steering and prop) and also had a racecraft body on it, far nicer than the Tamiya offerings. So quality is going to be very good indeed.

[tony1034]

Not sure if I posted on here or not, but we now have a Grade 12.9 black oxide alloy steel hex head screw set for the Tamiya Dark Impact :)

For more information, please check out our website.

We also ship to International locations via USPS Global Priority Mail. Most locations the shipping is only $6 USD.

Best regards,

Tony P.

[DCM]

Tony, tried to register on your site, seems your registration page only accepts USA adresses and not global.

[bender]

Well, my DI made it's "official" debut tonight, at my local off road track.

It really wasn't the best of tracks to debut the car. Besides from me not having raced a 4wd off roader in about 4 years, the track, to put it simply, was the roughest dirt track I have raced on in my 22 years racing :mad:

It was nothing short of a joke..... I have plenty of vids and pics from last years Worlds at Collegno, and I can honestly say that what I raced on tonight was a LOT worse:o

To give you an idea of the roughness, there were several places on the track where your car would hit some rut or bump and be pitched into the air as though someone threw it:o

You couldn't even use full throttle down the main straight for fear of the car being "tossed" into the drivers stand:rolleyes:

So anyway....

In all honesty the car struggled in these conditions (although most other cars did too).
We had 3 heats and 1 final.

In the first heat I was off the pace (bad battery) plus I made too many mistakes over the numerous jumps. On some jumps the car would jump perfectly, with no mid-air throttle correction required, but on other jumps the car was very difficult, though this certainly could have been due to the overall track condition.

For heat 2 I replaced the kit front tyres with some Losi red Taper pins, and made sure I used one of my proper race packs. The car was much improved in terms of steering and grip, but remained terrible through the bumpy stuff. The car was a bit too quick in a straight line, and I unsoldered the motor after 9 or so laps :(

For heat 3 I moved the rear shock in on the arms and ran stiffer front springs. The front was a bit better, but the back was much worse.

For the final I put in a 19T motor in an attempt to slow it down a bit. This worked, but I made too many mistakes trying to catch the leaders - on this track pushing hard was not the answer!

Some general thoughts-

On the few decently smooth parts of the track, the car was working VERY well.

For these conditions, I had the car set up too heavily dampened, however there was no time for me to rebuild the shocks.

The diff was starting to slip in the last heat and in the final - certainly the lack of slipper and extreme conditions were a major factor here.

No anti-squat adjustment could be a problem. On this track, I noticed a few guys have success by running some anti-squat on the rear, obviously something that I couldn't try.

Finally, one thing I can say is that the car IS tough. I had plenty of big crashes - either flipping the car from jumps or the car rolling end-over-end after hitting the big bumps, and it survived.

The wing (and the wing mounts) copped a battering but the rest of the car held up well. I was especially happy that the drivetrain took such abuse without failing.

The potential is there.... but the car is certainly going to require some different approaches when it comes to setup and driving, and certainly the conditions I encountered tonight are not too agreeable with the car ;)

[DCM]

A slipper clutch makes a vast improvement with a shaft drive, as there is relatively no give in the transmission, once the SB Sport had a slipper clutch it went from mucho-nervous over ruts and sharp bumps to being a lot more composed.

[jimmy]

A few lil spy shots from today at Batley, a couple of Tamiya based prototypes by Isherwood and west.. looked good to me
http://www.oople.com/rc/index-reviews.html (http://www.oople.com/forums/../rc/index-reviews.html)
http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/ishywest/evo4rblogo.jpg

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/ishywest/bigimages/ishy02.jpg (http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/ishywest/bigimages/ishy02.jpg)

[tony1034]

Tony, tried to register on your site, seems your registration page only accepts USA adresses and not global.

Hi DCM,

Sorry about that. My shopping cart provider (GoDaddy) doesn't have support for International shipping. I handle all International orders via email and ship all around the world on a daily basis. My email address is tony@tony1034.com

Thanks and best regards,

Tony P.

[bender]

DCM- Have you heard anything more about the RW B4 slipper conversion yet?

I was just looking at the pics of the new DI slipper and it occured to me that you could simply use the b4 spur gear and slipper pads with the rest of the DI slipper unit. You would only need to ream out the spur gear hole on the B4 spur slightly.

Speaking of B4 spurs - what is the smallest size you can get? A hobbyshop owner told me 78, but the gears look like they're made by Kimbrough, so surely they'd go down to a 75 or 72??

[jimmy]

They only make ones that work on the b4 so 78 seems to be the smallest. I guess much smaller and the slipper pads wouldnt fit on.

[DCM]

I had to send the complete B4 gearbox up to RW end of last week, he should of had it Friday, and after he has had a few emails, he wants to get on with it.

Yeah, I seen the slipper and thought hmmmm, but the reason why I am persuing this route it that all the items are regularly available local and over the internet. I guess you could use a B4 spur, but you would either have to fit it with a sleeve on the inner bore to reduce the bore diameter or ream it open a little, which would stop you being able to use the spur on a B4, plus the pads and springs are freely available. I can't see you LHS carrying DI slipper parts track side.

Also, Jim, as the stock spur is 78 and the 'optional' one in the kit is 85, the B4 spurs seem to fit in nicely.

[jimmy]

good stuff.
I'd be interested in looking at this RW mod if they will produce it. Especially with the new white B4 pads the b4 slipper is very good.

[DCM]

I don't have them, are they better than the yellow ones then, if so, in what way?

[jimmy]

Yea, they come with the Yokomo BX and im told the part number from AE is the same but they changed to these white ones now..
like I said in the BX review really, they have less friction and provide a more progressive slip rather than stick-slip-stick-slip..

[oldskool_bruiser]

i just purchased a spur gear adaptor for my DI, its made by a gentleman in assuie land, and lets the DI accept spurs like kimbrogh and kawada. still dont know if im gonna install a slipper or not, i guess i should since im runnin the novak 5.5 BL setup. i dont really plan on racing this car hardcore, but it would be nice to have some protection for the gears. i have already smoked a rear diff (the diff ring slipped on the plastic retainer) and have found a way to modify a set of TA04 out drives to fit,as the stock ones have seriously gouged out where the axle pin rides. i also installed a complete set of DF-02 cvd's and they fit like a glove.this time i played it smart and glued the diff rings to the plastic adaptors(diff housings, in tamiya speak), so i shouldnt have any more trouble with it.:cool:

[capellone24]

a few GPM hop-up

http://www.gpmracing.com.hk/car/page/frame_main.html


There is also new Five Star front CF-Alu shock tower avaiblke from RCChamp japan...it costs 3200 yen but Masa says that it looks very nice...
http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/fs-7032.jpg

[bender]

I've added all the Five Stars and Tobee stuff to my DI website, look like I'll have to add the GPM stuff too;)

I've also uploaded my interactive setup sheet - woks like any other on the net, just fill it in and print it out:)

It is made for my style shock towers but should still be ok if you're using the kit towers.

[tllodu]

I've added all the Five Stars and Tobee stuff to my DI website, look like I'll have to add the GPM stuff too;)

I've also uploaded my interactive setup sheet - woks like any other on the net, just fill it in and print it out:)

It is made for my style shock towers but should still be ok if you're using the kit towers.

I've been to your website Bender and saw the upgrades. Thanks for putting all that info together it's great help. Where can you purchase those Five Star products. I'm in Toronto, Canada but don't mind ordering and having them shipped.

Thanks

[bender]

You can five-stars stuff from www.rc-champ.co.jp (http://www.oople.com/forums/www.rc-champ.co.jp) or http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/

:D