Classic Kyosho videos

I was looking on YouTube for videos of classic Kyosho cars and found a couple of what look to be promotional videos for various classic cars. Here are a couple links: 

Optima Mid, Raider, etc:

http://youtu.be/7G73JF3YEjI

and: http://youtu.be/jBtETAqgaCs

It's amazing how far today's technology has come, in terms of speed, handling, and power. Seeing these classic cars zip around really illustrates some of the great history of this awesome hobby. 

RC10 Project update

It has definitely been a while since I provided an update on the vintage RC10 project. I have all the parts, I think...

-wide front arms

-correct front shocks

-Stealth transmission

-MIP constant velocity drives

-RC Screwz full stainless screw set

-diff rebuild kit

So...I just need to make time to actually, y'know...rebuild it!

Of course, now Team Associated has re-released the Worlds Car kit...

So...chalk up another 'must have' kit (that's actually on the way!)

Kyosho joins the vintage scene!!

That's right!!!  The venerable Japanese premium car company has joined the "re-re" movement with an upgraded version of the original Scorpion!!  This version has some minor tweaks to allow drivers to use modern brushless motors, while still retaining all the character of the original, scale-look car!

Here's a teaser shot:

And here's a forum posting on RCGroups:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2152492

This is definitely on my list of Vintage cars to own!

Time to get back at it!

This post serves as a bit of a renewal of this blog. I've recently really enjoyed running Lunch Money, and decided to do a couple mild upgrades. I've added Tamiya's mini CVA oil shocks (and probably have to change out the oil for some heavier stuff...and upgrade the springs to some a bit stiffer. 

While I have added the light set to the original van body, I am not super happy with the top-heavy running characteristics.

To fix this, I'll be topping LM with a Parma Lunch Box Lexan body...MUUUUCH lighter, and better for bashing!  

I'll also be adding a Tamiya Sport-Tuned 540 motor, for just a lil more "oomph", and better wheelie-holding power. Another great thing about this motor is that it will work with the stock ESC. 

Finally, I will be addressing the niggly handling by:

- Upgrading the front suspension arms with lower FX10 arms, and some turnbuckles to make a 'poor man's double wishbone' setup. 

- Adding the 3rd/5th shock mod out back to even out the rear axle pivot characteristics and improve rear traction. 

Stay tuned for updates as I complete Lunch Money's latest hop-ups. 

Tamiya Lunch Box Update 9 - Decals & Chrome

Finally paint is done!!  I was at last able to get a coat of clear gloss enamel on in a layer I was happy with. Not too glossy, but enough to sparkle:

So I was able to start my favorite part, decals. This is the time in the build where I think the model really starts to come alive, and get its personality. 

I had to figure how to poke a hole in the lightning bolt for the rear body mounts and not destroy the decal. Slicing a small cross on the sticker was easy, but it wasn't until I looked at my paintbrush...it has a perfectly tapered handle to slide it in and ease the decal into the cut hole. 

Which gave me a nice, clean mounting hole:

Then I added all the chrome bits:

I have to say that taking the extra time to 'silver' the license plate holder was worth it. I think it adds a touch of class:

Same with the little divider in the front windows:

The only thing that really surprised me is how heavy this body is. I've read a lot of comments about it on several forums, but I wasn't prepared for the sheer mass if this beast. I may pick up the Parma Lexan body for running, and use this one as Lunch Money's display top. 

All in all, I am very happy with how it came out.

Now I can't wait for the milled aluminum body mounts.  I also need to figure out how to protect the body from the clips, as I noted during a test fit they had the potential to gouge the paint. We'll see. 

Project teaser!

So I have a side project that I'll be working on over the next few months. Here are a couple pics to pique your interest:

Stay tuned for more on this project!

Lunch Box Build update 8

Finally....detail paint is done. It's not perfect, but Lunch Money will not be entered in any concours shows, so I can live with the small foibles around the windshield gasket. 

I am pretty happy with how the door handles and marker lights came out. Also, I decided to add a touch to the rear by trimming out the license plate mount in silver. 

Door handle and lock:

And turn signals in the grill:

I'm excited to seal it all in tomorrow with a coat of enamel...maybe I'll get to start decals tomorrow night!