Inferno MP9

[trr061984]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting in the 1/8th rallycross scene as there seems to be quite a few tracks within an hours drive. Also, having run 1/10th for the last 18 months or so, I am now starting to feel confident enough to start on the nitro and am looking to run at a number of club meets in the Midlands and gradually progress to regionals (very gradually given my driving abilities).

Anyhow, the Inferno MP9 has caught my eye but I have a couple of questions regarding it. The first surrounds the real lack of people that seem to be running it or discussing it on the forums. I presume the price of it (about 150 more then the dearest competitor) puts people off it? Anyhow, are there many of these about, as I am not that keen on running one if I am a lone wolf so to speak. Second, what is the backup support for it in the UK? I presume, JE models is the place for spares etc? Finally, is it really worth the extra wonga?

Thanks for any advice profferred.

Cheers,

Tom

[Chris-S]

There is no shortage of people running the MP9, very popular car!

You cant hide that the MP9 is expensive. But, having built a number of cars over the years, I can see the reason why it costs what it does.
There is probably a good £120 in the front knuckles and aluminium rear hubs which no other manufacturer comes with. So you've now got the kit down to £520, then there are other small upgrades which add up; aluminium wing stays and aluminium radio tray stays.

The build is fantastic, everything slots together perfectly with only the usual sanding of sprues from the molding.

[trr061984]

The money side of it is not irrelevant obviously, but I am of the opinion you get what you pay for and when you breakdown where the extra cost comes from then it does not seem excessively expensive in relation to the competition. Good to hear that there are a few out there being raced so that should be of some help when I inevitably break something!

[Chris-S]

It would seem that reliability is much improved over previous versions. Beefed up wishbones, changes in plastic hardness on gearboxes as well as general fit on a lot of parts.

Its worth speaking to Mick Craddock and Tommy Chung as they have built many many cars and have a number of tips and tricks to the build.

[Chaz]

Kyosho store France. ~£500 and that included shipping. Get the TKI3 model (latest) and all you really need is the front suspension upper arm 'rear mount'. Already comes with front alloy knuckles and alloy rear hubs. A good option is the alloy C-hubs and 1.3mm straight hole pistons. Spares, Hertsrcmodels.co.uk is a good sauce of parts. Just phone them up as their website is still being worked on. Just follow the manual and you should be fine.

[Raphalite]

Good choice! If its any help, I too joined the 1/8 scale Nitro buggy scene debuting a MP9 12 months ago. I generally run it at Herts RC where the support is awesome, in fact it was one of the reasons I chose the Kyosho.
The sales pitch which it sold it to me was that to get any other kit to the level of spec inside the 'K' box, it would have cost about the same. That alone does not make it affordable in the first instance, but if an MP9 is a contender for you I doubt you'd be having regrets 12 months in. I don't have any previous experience of build quality to compare against, as I have only run K cars, however I will happily endorse as so many people do, it screws together beautifully, no trimming or shaving to fit parts, at all. (I 'd expect that to be honest, of any kit, but I am told many other kits need mods) None of which matters particularly, as many of my mates run other kits, (most of whom are faster than me), however we all agree this one fits together and runs like a timepiece. One thing of note, which is unmatched by any other kit in my opinion is the smoothness of the drivetrain and the sublime shocks. Stella Artois once coined it ''Reassuringly expensive'' Rings true for the MP9 too.

If you do, go for the Tki3, as suggested.

Have fun deciding, whichever route you go!