Jamzy74 Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Hi all, I used to race back in the late 80's early 90's pretty seriously, nationals, regional, club etc etc. I'm in my late 40's now and need some advice, as I'm having a mid life crisis and want to return to what I loved back in the day:) I want a car again, to start with just to mess around when out with family on trips, just something to build, tinker with, look at. I'd considered at first a sand scorcher as this was my 1st real rc car, second hand that my dad bought me, and had my 1st race. But its very expensive, great to look at and I'm sure I'd love building it. Then I got looking at the kyosho Tomahawk, beautiful retro car, far superior to a sand scorcher. Problem is, I started looking further into what else you can get for similar money. And I landed on a Traxxas Bandit, wow what a car, fast modern and same price range for the top model, rtr too. Thing is no fun building it, that's the point for me, building, upgrading etc. I'm torn as to what to do. Also just how active is the racing community if I wanted to get back into racing again? Seems my nearest is Robin Hood, no Retford. I'm in Pontefract near Wakefield. Your advice would be grateful Thanks Allan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorrylemming Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 The traxxas bandit is a pretty crummy buggy. It was designed in 1995ish and hasn't changed much since, I know because I've owned one and still own a Rustler. So don't buy one. If you want to go racing again you are very lucky to be near Robin Hood, it's an excellent venue. You should go down to one of their club meetings and get a feel for the place, see if you get the bug to race properly again. I'd budget around £600 if you buy secondhand and more like £1000 if you are buying everything brand new and top end. This would include a car, all electronics, batteries, charger, tools etc. If you want a car that can go round the track and also be used in the park something like the Associated RB10 would be good. Its a similar premise to the Bandit but uses a much better more modern design. Slightly cheaper too. You won't be winning A finals or attending regionals with it but it would still be fun on a club night. The Bandit would be frustrating to drive round a track. https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/1337595?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8OPBhDtARIsAKQu0gZ-9NzIkXAIElryNNKNy0dnPYji4P874LumGJHlxOSwoC-waEE0EGwaAlcoEALw_wcB For the sake of comparison Associated's current race kit is more than the RTR RB10 and doesn't include electronics. I personally own a Schumacher but all the current 2wd race buggies are very competitive and similar in price. https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/1336102?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8OPBhDtARIsAKQu0gaafkiTIXr1hIp3nLTtb7WBhYZ2Gi5r_TcCQVS10pmHl4PgtsUChrMaAqQsEALw_wcB If you want to give racing a miss or fancy more of a basher vehicle then there's a whole load of options that many people on here can advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted January 26, 2022 Author Share Posted January 26, 2022 (edited) Wow thanks for the advise. I'm not sure as yet if I'd go back racing, due to family and work commitments. But it's certainly something I'd love to do again. Good shout on the associated, I will check that out. I used to own an rc10 gold tub and a yz10 yokomo, those were my race cars. Kicking myself now for giving those away in my 20's. Difficult as to what to do, as originally my idea was to build a Sand Scorcher. Lost my father to covid in 2020 so something nice to do in memory of him. But for the cost I could get a high end model and go race again. Cheers Al Edited January 26, 2022 by Jamzy74 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stimpy Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Tricky one. I guess you could get the scorcher, build it, enjoy it for a bit then sell it on and buy a racer if you get more time?.. Perhaps go visit the club and see what you think then... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted January 26, 2022 Author Share Posted January 26, 2022 (edited) Thanks Stimpy, I'm leaning towards building a classic, so me and my 13 year old son can do it together. Tomahawk really has my attention. Was always a good looking buggy, sand scorcher for the nostalgia and memories. But I know from experience it's heavy, slow and handles bad...I'd not want to drive it and damage it, it really is a shelf queen. The tomahawk however might appeal to my son more, and later he may want to get into racing. Then could justify buying a higher end car. Anything to pull him away from gaming and sitting in his room all day xD Maybe a modern car is way to go, but I'd be missing out on the build experience. Although all are not RTR? I'm not a fan of this RTR business, takes away the satisfaction and achievement of building your own buggy. Heck I suppose its the way of the modern world, everyone is impatient. 😆 Any other suggestions for a buggy? And just how big is the RC scene these days? Drones taking the lime light? Edited January 26, 2022 by Jamzy74 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorrylemming Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Have you seen the vintage racing in the UK? There's people out there racing the same cars you used to have! https://www.iconicrc.com/ I'd say the RC scene overall is bigger than ever. Cheap and cheerful cars from China have lowered the entry cost so much, its now a hobby many more people can afford. Proper racing is probably less popular than the 80s and 90s but it's still very healthy, I couldn't say how much as I wasn't there back in the day. Regional events will have over 100 entries. Drones have recently been more restricted in the UK which will probably curb people's enthusiasm for them. Whether those restrictions are good is another conversation entirely. All the modern race cars in all classes are still kits that you build yourself, but yes many cars are now RTR, such is the way of things. All part of lowering the barrier to entry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted January 26, 2022 Author Share Posted January 26, 2022 Wow great to hear, vintage racing could be the way to go for sure! Lorrylemming, Thanks for taking the time to reply, you have been very helpful. Given me lots to think about. As for my old cars I can't believe how much they cost now. Seen rc10 golds going for stupid money on ebay. As for yokomo yz10 can't see anywhere. Must be highly sought after. Cheers Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kpowell911 Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 (edited) Id build up something “cheap” and fun for nostalgias sake, such as a Tamiya Lunchbox, itll rekindle the “magic” of RC how it used to be. Cause trust me, with all the performance increases, trucks been RTR etc, that magic has gone Then, if you enjoy that, you can look two ways. Get back into racing, or get a better “basher” with better performance. A Rustler 4x4/Arrma/Corally etc Edited January 28, 2022 by Kpowell911 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted January 31, 2022 Author Share Posted January 31, 2022 (edited) Thanks Kpowell, very good advice! I've decided to buy an Ultima 2019 re release, a tad more expensive than a Lunch Box. A car I never owned but wanted, I had its other half the optima back then. A very capable car in its day and a good starting point now I think, even if just a basher. And a good start for club racing if needed. Can go brushless later on maybe. But if I get the bug I will just keep for the nostalgia and buy a modern racer, then I also have it for any vintage race events. Mostly I'm looking forward to the build and having another hobby. Age is a strange thing, why after all these years I have this urge to do this again? ha ha Thanks for advice guys. Edited January 31, 2022 by Jamzy74 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kpowell911 Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 Sounds a great idea. Let us know how it goes 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted January 31, 2022 Author Share Posted January 31, 2022 I will do for sure, I will add some build pics. I'm getting excited like a kid at Xmas 🤗 My only concern is the transmitter, seems now the majority use the steering wheel type, will take some getting used to. I like a challenge 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kpowell911 Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 7 hours ago, Jamzy74 said: I will do for sure, I will add some build pics. I'm getting excited like a kid at Xmas 🤗 My only concern is the transmitter, seems now the majority use the steering wheel type, will take some getting used to. I like a challenge 😄 I felt the same but now I much prefer pistol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenGor Racing Posted March 13, 2022 Share Posted March 13, 2022 The ultima is a good choice and generally you’ll find that Kyosho’s build quality is supreme over Tamiya, however, Tamiya kits are fun to build and cool to look at. The re re Kyosho buggies have updated gearboxes so they can take faster modern motors compared to back in the day so you could race them quite comfortably at the vintage events and even fun club nights. I personally run and race the Kyosho Scorpions and Optimas. Feel free to checkout my website to see some of the vintage Kyosho racers I get up to: https://www.kengor.racing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertberr Posted March 13, 2022 Share Posted March 13, 2022 You've got some lovely cars on your website - very impressed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted March 13, 2022 Author Share Posted March 13, 2022 19 hours ago, KenGor Racing said: The ultima is a good choice and generally you’ll find that Kyosho’s build quality is supreme over Tamiya, however, Tamiya kits are fun to build and cool to look at. The re re Kyosho buggies have updated gearboxes so they can take faster modern motors compared to back in the day so you could race them quite comfortably at the vintage events and even fun club nights. I personally run and race the Kyosho Scorpions and Optimas. Feel free to checkout my website to see some of the vintage Kyosho racers I get up to: https://www.kengor.racing Hey thanks for that Kengor I will take a look at your website for sure. I bought an Ultima in the end and will be keeping it for vintage and rear motor events. I'm buying a Schumacher ld2 stock spec soon, Been to my local club for a chat and decided to get back into racing this summer. Excited after all these years!! Funny enough I follow you on Instagram, you have a great RC collection ( your cars are all white with black decals right?) My Insta is back2.rc where you can see my ultima build. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jamzy74 Posted March 13, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 13, 2022 Here it is, my Ultima. Forgot I said I'd add build pics.😅 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenGor Racing Posted March 14, 2022 Share Posted March 14, 2022 On 13/03/2022 at 19:15, bertberr said: You've got some lovely cars on your website - very impressed. cheers mate 😀👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenGor Racing Posted March 14, 2022 Share Posted March 14, 2022 On 13/03/2022 at 20:27, Jamzy74 said: Here it is, my Ultima. Forgot I said I'd add build pics.😅 your Ultima looks ace mate, kinda makes me wanna get mine out to restore too! you'll enjoy the car as it makes a great runner. you should try taking it out to the annual Iconic Revival Race weekend, you'll be hooked on vintage racing afterwards 😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 10 hours ago, KenGor Racing said: your Ultima looks ace mate, kinda makes me wanna get mine out to restore too! you'll enjoy the car as it makes a great runner. you should try taking it out to the annual Iconic Revival Race weekend, you'll be hooked on vintage racing afterwards 😁 Yes, I am very interested in the vintage racing and will for sure enter events like iconic once I'm up and racing again. I'm not far from robinhood raceway and will be one of my main club venues, hoping to be ready for this summer.😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yrkoon Posted March 17, 2022 Share Posted March 17, 2022 On 13/03/2022 at 20:27, Jamzy74 said: Here it is, my Ultima. Forgot I said I'd add build pics.😅 looks cracking bud 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamzy74 Posted March 23, 2022 Author Share Posted March 23, 2022 On 17/03/2022 at 22:15, Yrkoon said: looks cracking bud 🙂 Thankyou 👍 Decided on a Shumacher Ld2 stock spec in the end. Building soon, with upgrades like slipper, ball diff and some alloy parts for strength. I WILL crash a lot 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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