Desert Gator - any thoughts good or bad?

bertberr · #1 08-02-2010

Hi, I'm looking at getting back into R/C cars having had various tamiya models in the 80/90's, and think the Desert Gator looks like a fairly good bet, based on spec for the price.

Anybody on here got one / had one? Good points / bad points please, need help to make a decision...

jon kedge · #2 08-02-2010

Welcome back to racing,don't bother with tamiya, if you are looking for a good cheap car i would go for the ansmann madrat 2wd as it's race ready and only£50 new,it is more race ready than tamiya and all it needs is ballracing,also available as ready to run,several people race these with great results.Seen alot on e-bay and model shops.

DCM · #3 08-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertberr

Hi, I'm looking at getting back into R/C cars having had various tamiya models in the 80/90's, and think the Desert Gator looks like a fairly good bet, based on spec for the price.

Anybody on here got one / had one? Good points / bad points please, need help to make a decision...

what do you want to do with it, race or bash?

bertberr · #4 08-02-2010

Good point, does have some bearing on suitability...

Initially, just bashing around the park / garden / road etc, would like my young son to take an interest though it may be a little early, he's only 2.

Want something I can build, and possibly race in the future, though at this stage I'm not sure how serious I'll get again. So probably bashing will be main / first use.

DCM · #5 08-02-2010

if you have any inclination to racing, then I would suggest the B4, but if you don't intend to, the Desert Gator will be nice and tough for you.

super gripper · #6 08-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertberr

Hi, I'm looking at getting back into R/C cars having had various tamiya models in the 80/90's, and think the Desert Gator looks like a fairly good bet, based on spec for the price.

Anybody on here got one / had one? Good points / bad points please, need help to make a decision...

I would forget the Ansman car if i were you. 'cheap' being the obvious word !

rubbish is the other word for it !

i have seen people attempt to race them on tracks and they just fall apart......

if you are looking at the Desert Gator (DT02) I would say say for not much more money have a look at the DT02MS

comes with all the bits you need for racing and it will save you a packet in the long run

bertberr · #7 08-02-2010

OK, I hear what you're saying re the DT02 chassis and racing, from looking at other sites it appears this is a dead end alley even in MS form (which I can't find for sale anywhere - possibly discontinued?) if you want to be competitive racing.

But as I said this is for bashing first and foremost, though with oil dampers and full ball races, I would have thought that the Gator would at least be suitable (if not necessarily that competitive) should I decide to have a go at racing in a beginners class. Of course if I really caught the racing bug I would probably either just sell the Gator / Mad Rat or give it to my son for bashing and buy a second hand B4 or RB5.

So what I really want to know is why the Mad Rat is "rubbish" (I know it's cheap), what specifically are you referring to? Is it easy / cheap to sort?

Equally, why should I "forget" Tamiya? Which aspects of a Gator let it down?

Cheers

DCM · #8 08-02-2010

The Gator is a good car, I have owned one, and it does handle 'ok' on a track, but for bashing, it is ideal, and for your little trooper, ideal, and as you say, if you did get into racing, chances are you would buy a new car anyhows.

The Mad Rat, we got 3 at our club, and they are regularly breaking plastic parts, I didn't run mine enough to get to that, but these are young boys with stock motors.

budgio · #9 08-02-2010

The Desert Gator has no slipper clutch and a plastic none adjustable motor mount.The only reason i,d go for the tamiya DT-02ms is for the looks alone.

Madrats are not "rubbish" they are good budget club level racers.I ve been running mine for 6 months every week at the PDA and only broke a few parts which are cheap as chips to replace and easy to get hold of.I,d like to see some one run the DT-02 chassis but i havent seen any at any tracks ive been to.
Did i mention ive made the A-final at the pda with one for the last 6 weeks on the trot?

nottmboy · #10 08-02-2010

hi my two daughters aged 9/11 have run these cars for over a year now and anyone who has seen them race will know they are virtually bullet proof

the only issue we have had were the front shock towers, which broke easily. this was solved by using a brace across the top of the tower.
the standard speedo is only good for sealed can motors (we run 20t in ours).
don't expect to make the next 'A' final with it and accept the level it is aimed at and you won't be disapointed.

bertberr · #11 08-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottmboy

hi my two daughters aged 9/11 have run these cars for over a year now and anyone who has seen them race will know they are virtually bullet proof

the only issue we have had were the front shock towers, which broke easily. this was solved by using a brace across the top of the tower.
the standard speedo is only good for sealed can motors (we run 20t in ours).
don't expect to make the next 'A' final with it and accept the level it is aimed at and you won't be disapointed.

Hi, are you referring to the Gator or the Mad Rat???
Cheers
BB

Migs · #12 08-02-2010

the MS was discontinued ages ago, there arent many/any around, Tamiya really could have made a car worth having a try with in the gator, but silly limitations like the motor plate really let it down as a potential race car

DCM · #13 08-02-2010

it was never designed as a race car, I had one to evaluate, but just the way it goes together, rules it out. But that doesn't make it a 'bad car' just not a 'racing car' but it is robust and easy to maintain.

nottmboy · #14 08-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertberr

Hi, are you referring to the Gator or the Mad Rat???
Cheers
BB

gator

Pablo668 · #15 09-02-2010

I got my youngest kid a Sand Viper (same car isn't it?) christmas before last as I wanted to get them into the hobby.....cause I enjoy it and I figured they would too.
It is damn tough and handles well, especially as a basher.
Since you are going to just bash with it I think it's fine, but if you keep an eye out on evilbay you could pick up a B4 with spares and radio gear for about the same price or even cheaper.
Just a thought.

5POINTSTAR · #16 10-02-2010

Gator/Viper for bashing, not familiar with the Madrat. When/if you want to race, go for a race buggy like the B4 etc..

Question- why 2WD, not a fan of 4WD buggies?

bertberr · #17 11-02-2010

Always liked the simplicity of 2wd buggy's, and the ease with which you could slide out of corners and fishtail up the road! Probably a bit biased too as I grew up with 2wd, never driven a 4wd in anger, just imagine them having too much grip (from an enjoyment point of view)...could be totally wrong there of course

B44&501xRacerEX · #18 30-03-2010

Yeah I heard the gator isnt very good on the track.
Hence it's cousin the DT-02MS.
Although it does come with bearings and is priced right.
Maybe good for club racing, just not world calibur races.

Ahem, no slipper as it's an option for it.

shanks · #19 30-03-2010

Get a traxxas slash for bashing pal

they don't break - lad will love the looks etc as it's a truck

more use than a madrat or tamiya as it can be used on far rougher terrain

have a look on you tube plenty of videos

Fat Corgi · #20 30-03-2010

Desert Gator (or sand viper) will be a good choice. Relatively tough, and perfect for your criteria. If you love it, the little one can inherit it and you can upgrade at a later date.

Pretty cheap too
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/prod...-desert-gator/