Moore's Ideal Products Hotshot Ball Differential Production Goal Reached!

From the MIP email newsletter:

MIP Starter Goal Reached!

#17160 & #17165 Super Ball Diff Tamiya Hotshot/BigWig

As of this month, we have officially reached our project order goal for the #1760 & #17165 MIP Super Ball Diff, Tamiya HotShot/ BigWig! Thank you to everyone who supported the project!

So what can you expect now?

Production has Started!

We have begun to manufacturer the #17160 (Pair), #17165 (Single Diff) and all other corresponding support parts.

Shipping Date Coming!

If you have already pre-ordered your ball diff, expect your order to ship by next month. Official ship date will be announced soon!

Price Increase Coming!

If you haven't had a chance to order your ball diff yet at this special MIP starter introductory price, order soon because a price increase is coming! 

No information regarding what the price increase will be, however.

Product links:

Order the #17160 Tamiya Diff (Pair)

Order the #17165 Tamiya Diff (Single)

Disclaimer:  I do not work for MIP and am not affiliated with them in any way.  This posting is to simply get the message out about this product to other Tamiya Hotshot, Super Hotshot and Bigwig owners.

Moore's Idea Products Hotshot Ball Differential Single Unit Pre-order

Moore's Ideal Products (MIP) is now offering pre-orders of the Hotshot ball differential in single units in addition to the dual unit offering.

This ball differential can be installed in either the front or rear gearcase of the Tamiya Hotshot, Super Hotshot or Bigwig.

Link to product page:  http://www.miponline.com/store/mip17165.html

MIP Hotshot Ball Diff.  Image Copyright (C) Moore's Ideal Products

Below text taken from MIP web site:

Please note that this is a pre-order product. MIP must receive a minimum of 250 pre-orders by February 16 before production on the product is started. If the Pre-order goal is met, products will begin shipping out March 1st. If the minimum amount of orders is not met by February 16, then the product will not be manufactured and we will refund the full amount back to your account.

#17165 MIP Super Ball Diff, Tamiya HotShot/ BigWig
MSRP: $55.00
MAP: Web Only, Dealer & Distributors please contact sales@miponline.com for ordering information
UPC: 691545171609

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Now Sold Individually! 

Upgrade your front or rear axle and bring your HotShot into the 21st Century without losing that old-school 1980’s feel with the MIP Super Ball Diff for the Hotshot and Bigwig! The kit includes a 2-piece, Steel outdrive, Ball Diff w/ MIP Thrust assembly and Diff Balls. Our Ball Diff is unique because ours is rebuild-able. No other Ball Diff is capable of that! Our Ball Diff is also adjustable and increases acceleration of your car and increases speed in turns! Slight modification will be needed on the gear case of your car in order to get the part to fit. Not to worry though! We include the hole saw necessary to make the hole in the case.

TARGET CUSTOMERS:
Hot Shot, Super HotShot, & BigWig (2017)

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Kit comes with parts to upgrade either rear or front axle
Rebuild-able 
Adjustable Traction
Increased Acceleration
Less Wear and Tear
Increase in Speed in Turns

COMPATIBILITY:
All Hotshots (remakes #58391, #84265) , Super Hotshot(#58517) & Bigwig (#47330)(2017)

Disclaimer:  I do not work for MIP and am not affiliated with them in any way.  This posting is to simply get the message out about this product to other Tamiya Hotshot, Super Hotshot and Bigwig owners.

Moore's Ideal Products Tamiya Hotshot Ball Differential Pre-Order is LIVE

Moore's Ideal Products (MIP) has begun the pre-order of the Tamiya Hotshot, Super Hotshot and Bigwig Super Ball Differential.

Link to product page:  www.miponline.com/store/mip17160.html

Below text taken from MIP web site (with some corrections to the Support Products section by me):

Please note that this is a pre-order product. MIP must receive a minimum of 250 pre-orders by January 26 before production on the product is started. If the Pre-order goal is met, products will begin shipping out February 16. If the minimum amount of orders is not met by January 26, then the product will not be manufactured and we will refund the full amount back to your account.


#17160 MIP Super Ball Diff, Tamiya HotShot/ BigWig
MSRP: $115.00
MAP: Web Only, Dealer & Distributors please contact sales@miponline.com for ordering information
UPC: 691545171609

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Upgrade both your front and rear axle with ease and bring your HotShot into the 21st Century without losing that old-school 1980’s feel with the MIP Super Ball Diff for the Hotshot and Bigwig! The kit includes a 2-piece, Steel outdrive, Ball Diff w/ MIP Thrust assembly and Diff Balls. Our Ball Diff is unique because ours is rebuild-able. No other Ball Diff is capable of that! Our Ball Diff is also adjustable and increases acceleration of your car and increases speed in turns! Slight modification will be needed on the gear case of your car in order to get the part to fit. Not to worry though! We include the hole saw necessary to make the hole in the case.

TARGET CUSTOMERS:
Hot Shot, Super HotShot, & BigWig (2017)

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Kit comes with parts to upgrade both rear and front axle
Rebuild-able 
Adjustable Traction
Increased Acceleration
Less Wear and Tear
Increase in Speed in Turns

INCLUDES:
2 - MIP Confetti Stickers 
1 - MIP Inst. Sheet
1 - MIP Thread Gel Safety Sheet 
1 - MIP Lube & Thread Cup
14 - Bearing, 3/32" Chrome Steel Balls
6 - Bearing, 5/64" Chrome Steel Balls
2 - Bearing, 10 x 15 x 4mm, Flanged
2 - Bearing, 10 x 15 x 4mm, Flanged
2 - Diff Ring, Slash
1 - Diff Spring, 1/4 x 9/32"
1 - Diff Screw, Shoulder, 2-56 x .925, Assoc
2 - Bearing, 5mm x 8mm x 2.5mm
1 - MIP T-Nut Housing, .250 Bore
1 - MIP T-Nut Insert, .250 Bore
2 - MIP Outdrive Male Tamiya HotShot
2 - MIP Outdrive Female, Tamiya HotShot
2 - MIP Diff Gear, 47T 32P, Tamiya HotShot
1 - MIP Hole Saw, Tamiya Hot Shot
4 - MIP Bone, Tamiya Hot Shot

COMPATIBILITY:
All Hotshots (remakes #58391, #84265) , Super Hotshot(#58517) & Bigwig (#47330)(2017) 

SUPPORT PRODUCTS: 
#16215 - MIP Super Ball Rebuild Kit, Tamiya Blackfoot/ Monster Beetle MSRP: $15.00 UPC:691545162157
#17161 - Super Ball Diff Outdrives MSRP: $32.00 UPC:691545162157
#17162 - Super Ball Diff 47T Diff Gear MSRP: $12.00 UPC:691545162157
#99061 - HW-BEARING/ 5 x 8 x 2.5mm (2) MSRP: $5.00 UPC: 691545990613
#99108 - HW-BEARING/ 5 x 8 x 2.5mm (2) MSRP: $5.00 UPC:691545990613
#99110 - HW-Bearing, 10mmx15mmx4mm Flanged (2) MSRP: $7.50 UPC:691545991108


I do not know if this differential will fit other Tamiya models, such as the Boomerang (vintage or re-re), Hotshot II (vintage), or Super Sabre (vintage).
 
Disclaimer:  I do not work for MIP and am not affiliated with them in any way.  This posting is to simply get the message out about this product to other Tamiya Hotshot, Super Hotshot and Bigwig owners.

Moore's Ideal Products Tamiya Hotshot Ball Differential Pre-Order Announcement

Moore's Ideal Products (MIP) is planning to offer a ball differential set for the Tamiya Hotshot family of models very soon (later this December, 2017).

Similar to last year when MIP offered the ORV chassis ball differential as a special test-the-waters pre-order, this Hotshot ball diff pre-order will need to sell a minimum of 250 units before it will be approved for production by MIP.   If they do not receive enough pre-orders, the project will be cancelled and future Tamiya products from MIP may be in jeopardy.

Last year the ORV ball differential pre-order was successful and the hope is that this pre-order will follow in the same footsteps.

Once again it is Alberto (Pintopower on TamiyaClub and TamiyaBase forums) who is leading the effort to get MIP to make these products.

Here is a link to his post on TamiyaBase regarding this pre-order:  https://tamiyabase.com/forum/16-anything-else/19333-mip-prepared-to-build-ball-diff-for-hotshot-family

For convenience, here is a direct copy-and-paste from Alberto's first post in the thread on TamiyaBase linked above:

I wanted to let all the Hotshot owners in on the MIP ball diff update. MIP has the design completed for the Hotshot Ball diff! Here is where we are tentatively.

1. This will be moving forward with the presales campaign just like the ORV unit did.

2. The presales campaign will be discounted and include BOTH diffs for the Hotshot

3. The trans case will need a modification to work due to simplification of the diff. Without the mod, the diff cost would have been many times more than the projected cost.

4. Cost not finalized but will include the tools needed to make the modification

5. The is be focusing on the Rerelease version

6. The diff itself is compatible with all cars that use the HS diff but it is unknown what would be needed on a car like the Bigwig

7. This will not be sold through a distributor

8. Presales are planned to start the week before xmas and units are scheduled for shipment in mid February 2018 (recall that the orv units shipped early)

Cars that this should fit in are here (note that rere axles are different and therefore the cars will need updated units to work):

58047: Hotshot
58054: Super Shot
58055: The Boomerang
58057: The Bigwig
58062: Hotshot II
58066: Super Sabre
58391: Hotshot
58418: The Boomerang
57330: The Bigwig

We are using a rere and an original HS for these builds. Should you have a concern or feel there is an error with any statements I have said, it is critical that you let me know.

Please remember that these parts are designed, engineered, manufactured and mailed form Southern California. These are not trash parts. MIP is the last RC Car manufacturer that makes products in the USA.

This is what I need from you all. If you want this to come to fruition, I need everyone to splatter this information all over the web. Every forum, every FB page and every Instagram post. Remember, if you speak a different language, translate this! This is how we got the ORV diff into production.

In order to build this, MIP will need 250 orders in their presales campaign. You will need to pay for the units as before and when we hit 250, you will get yours as soon as production starts and units are completed. If this is a success, MIP is looking at other parts for the ORV (like telescopic driveshafts) and machined arms for the Hotshots. The only reason MIP is moving forward with this is the fact that the Blackfoot Diff was a massive hit. If we fail here, say good bye to anything else from MIP.

Remember, 250 units and we get some ball diffs for the Hotshot Line!

Like before, this will not succeed without you all. I will i keep you updated as I get more info.

As of this post, pre-order pricing does not appear to be known yet, so I would recommend checking the TamiyaBase forum thread regularly for more information as it becomes available.  I will try to check for updates and post them, but I could miss important, timely information due to the holidays.

MIP Super Ball Diff for Tamiya Blackfoot and Monster Beetle

Here it is!  The MIP Super Ball Diff (#16210) for the Tamiya Blackfoot (58633) and Monster Beetle (58618).  Here are the pictures of the final product as I received it yesterday.

48 tooth diff gear

Two kinds of grease: clear silicone and MIP

I have not built one of these diffs to try yet, mostly because I do not have a Blackfoot or Monster Beetle to put it in.  My plan is to use them in the Frog and Subaru Brat by switching the internal gears to Blackfoot ones and using the Frog universal joints as I mentioned in the compatibility section of a previous post.

Since the overall design is based on MIP's tried and true ball diff layout used in their other products, the strength and durability of these diffs is not in question.  Over on TamiyaClub, initial testing results from one member indicate that it is indeed tough and has none of the problems found in the stock gear diff (clicking, grinding) even from a backward rolling start at full throttle.  With the MIP ball diff there is no longer a need to have bracing on the outside of the gearbox side plates or a bolt going through the gearbox to try to stop the plates from bending outward under high acceleration.

These diffs are available now by going to this link: http://www.miponline.com/store/miptamiyainfo.html
MSRP is US $60+ shipping.  Not exactly cheap (it's made in the USA), but certainly less than a vintage Thorp diff from eBay.

Note: I am not affiliated with MIP in any way.  I'm just happy that they made this product.

Update: MIP Ball Diff for Tamiya ORV Chassis Pre-Order Campaign is a Success!

According to the latest email newsletter from MIP, the Tamiya ORV chassis ball differential pre-order campaign has met the minimum quantity needed for production to start! 

Congratulations to all that pre-ordered to make this happen!

Production of the differentials will begin almost immediately according to Alberto (Pintopower on Tamiyclub) who contacted MIP directly and received a reply that manufacturing will start on Dec 2, 2016 at 8am.  The first shipments of the new diffs are expected some time in January, 2017.

If you are reading this post before Dec 5, 2016, there is still time to pre-order now and save 10% off the $60 retail price.  See details below.

While nothing specific has been said about retail production for these diffs, I think it is reasonable to assume that MIP will manufacturer a certain quantity of units that will reach the normal retail and distributor outlets and see how they sell.  

If you missed out on the pre-order campaign and want to purchase one of these differentials, keep an eye out for them at your MIP dealer starting in early 2017.  Also, be sure to ask for them so your dealer knows there is a demand. Part #16210 MIP Super Ball Diff.

When I first saw the MIP newsletter email, my eyes immediately focused on the chart showing only 82.4% sold with 4 days left before the end of the campaign (Dec 5, 2016).  Some quick math told me that there were still 44 units left to reach the minimum pre-order quantity of 250.  I was disappointed.  There was no way 44 units would be sold in 4 days.

But, a sharp-eyed reader on TamiyaClub (thanks, Dangerseeker!) noticed that there was this sentence hiding in the text above the chart: "MIP goal has been reached, so production has now started."   I totally overlooked that sentence, and so did others.

So, while the goal was to have 250 units pre-ordered, the actual minimum "go" quantity must have been 200 (just guessing here).  (250 x 82.4% = 206)

Here is the email:

WEB ONLY
NEW DISCOUNTED PRE-PURCHASE CAMPAIGN

#16210 MIP Super Ball Diff,

(click image to purchase)

 

MIP is honored to offer the Tamiya Vintage Community our

MIP Super Ball Diff for the Tamiya Blackfoot, Monster Beetle,
Subaru Brat, Lancia Rally  and Frog series of cars. 

MIP goal has been reached, so production has now started .
Buy now thru 12/5/16 and save $6

This is your last week to save 10% off the MIP Super Diff 

Only 5 more days to SAVE 10% off
of MIP Super Ball Diff
Ends Monday 12/5/16 at midnight 

Blackfoot
Monster Beetle
Brat 
 Frog 
(re-release kits)
MSRP: $60.00

---

LAST WEEK TO SAVE 10%

(NO FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEK)

WITH CODE - "late10" FROM 11/29/16 TO 12/5/16

   

---

(click image to purchase)

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with MIP or Tamiya or TamiyaUSA in any way.  All logos are copyrighted and/or trademarked by their respective owners.

Moore's Ideal Products Tamiya ORV Ball Differential Pre-Order Announcement

Moore's Ideal Products, commonly known as MIP to most RCer's, is testing the waters of vintage upgrades with the announcement of a special pre-order for a ball differential for the Tamiya ORV chassis.

Unfortunately I missed the original announcement of this product on November 14th, 2016 so I missed out on the deepest pre-order discount, however there are still a couple days left (as of Nov 26, 2016) to save 20% and get free shipping in continental US.  Details are below.

What is the Tamiya ORV chassis and why would you care?  Rather than repeat everything that has been said before, I'll post some of what Alberto (Pintopower on TamiyaClub) posted on the TamiyaClub forum and add some of my own comments.

Original TamiyaClub forum link from Pintopower: http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?/topic/81019-mip-super-ball-diff-for-tamiya-orv-cars-now-on-sale/&page=1

MIP Part Page (where you will add to cart)
http://www.miponline.com/store/mip16210.html

MIP Pre-sales Page (where you will find the promo codes)
http://www.miponline.com/store/miptamiyainfo.html

The following video from AMPRO Engineering (also from Alberto/Pintopower) explains everything:

Here is some information from Alberto:
This is how it is going to work. The pre-sale will go on for 3 weeks [starting Nov 15th, 2016]. In those 3 weeks, a minimum order quantity of 250 must be reached. You will place your order with MIP and your credit card will be charged. When that happens, the diff goes on to full on production as soon as they reach their goal. It will be manufactured in house and then mailed from their facility in Covina, California to you directly. Shipping is estimated to start early January 2017. Once this milestone has been hit, MIP has many more upgrades planned for Tamiya cars. This diff is just the start.

If we do not hit 250 in 3 weeks, the project is cancelled. Your credit cards will be completely refunded and there will continue to be nothing for the ORV.

I [Alberto/Pintopower] have been working with them for years to try and convince them of the market for these vintage cars. You may recall my early post about this and sadly, a number of “patches” for the ORV as well as early production cost estimates made the project lose steam. With the advent of the 2016 BF and many, many nagging meetings with them, they decided to create the single greatest needed part for any RC car ever.

Compatibility Information 

Find your ORV chassis below to see what required parts are needed to use this new MIP differential.

Subaru Brat: 58038 (original) & 58384 (rere)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.
• Requires Tamiya 9335026 RC Diff Spur & C. Gear: 58060 - X9954.
• Requires 16 tooth pinion.

Lancia Rally: 58040 (original)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.
• Requires Tamiya 9335026 RC Diff Spur & C. Gear: 58060 - X9954.
• Requires 16 tooth pinion.

Frog: 58041 (original) & 58354 (rere)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.
• Requires Tamiya 9335026 RC Diff Spur & C. Gear: 58060 - X9954.
• Requires 16 tooth pinion.

 Blackfoot: 58058 (original)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.

Monster Beetle: 58060 (original)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.

Mudblaster: 58077 (original)

• Requires Tamiya 53908 RC Frog 2005 Assem Univ. Shaft.

Monster Beetle: 58618 (rere)

• Direct drop-in.  No additional parts required.

Blackfoot: 58633 (rere)

• Direct drop-in.  No additional parts required.

Pricing:

Week one: $42 + Free Shipping in Continental USA, Flat Rate worldwide with Code “oldskool30”.  This discount has now expired.
Week two: $48 + Free Shipping in Continental USA, Flat Rate worldwide with Code “vintage20”.  Continental US buyers can enter Code "orvshipping" to get free shipping.
Week three: $54 + Shipping in Continental USA, Flat Rate worldwide with Code “late10”

If this pre-order succeeds with over 250 orders, then the normal production retail price will be $60 + shipping.

Remember to type in promo codes before you check out to get the discounts.
Continental USA gets free shipping for weeks 1 and 2 (Enter Code "orvshipping" after entering Code "vintage20").  Continental US shipping is not free for week 3.
Global shipping is flat rate so if you order more than one, it is the same cost.

Some more information from Alberto:
You might be asking who is this “MIP”?. Moores Innovative Products was founded in 1978 and is no stranger to upgraded Tamiya parts. Anyone remember the 4WD SRB? That was them. They were around through the golden age of RC, survived the late 90’s and is one of the last companies that designs, engineers, tests, manufactures and ships from their facility in Southern California. They make upgraded and OEM parts for buggies as large as 1/5th for many of the manufacturer of high end RC cars today. In summary, they make the best stuff you can get and it is all made in the USA.

As you can imagine, I am very excited about this and I hope you are as well. I really need your help getting the word out so that we can make this an unmitigated success. I will post links to the info page as well as the presales page as soon as they are finished. I also requested some updated model pictures from them and will post soon. Please let me know if you have any questions and I know we will hit our minimum goal.

I don’t know about you but I have been wanting a solution to this diff since I put my monster beetle away in 1996 with a ruined gearbox. 

Just so you know, I do not work for them, I have simply been working to have them better understand the vintage RC car owners better and create a solution that would benefit the most people while giving them the best options for the driveline on the ORV. Remember, this is just the beginning. I know what is next, and it is awesome.

Alberto 

Many thanks to Alberto for pursuing this project with MIP and dogging them into offering this pre-order. I am hopeful that it will be successful and lead to many more hop-ups for both vintage and re-re Tamiya vehicles.