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.

Tamiya Madcap Number Three

This is the third Madcap I've rebuilt so far and it is also the second one of the batch of three I got earlier this year when I was on a Madcap shopping spree.  I call it Madcap #3.

Here is the car as I received it.  It came with an AM radio that was apparently modified to get power from an external battery pack (see wires).

Yeah, I know.  The wing decal is on backwards.  I didn't build it!

Damage was pretty standard issue as Madcaps go:  Rear chassis breakage/splitting around the gearbox mount (can't see it in the photos), a broken C3 rear gearbox mounting post (first time I'd seen that), but surprisingly no broken front chassis posts.  The motor was a stock Mabuchi RS540 with a broken wire tab that couldn't be repaired and it stunk like a piece of machinery that had been extremely hot at some point with that "hot oil" smell.  No visible damage, just smell.

I decided to install the optional metal motor plate in order to reduce flex caused by a (hopefully) more powerful motor and perhaps absorb a little bit of heat as well.  Ball bearings were used throughout, but I kept the stock gear set with a Robinson Racing 23T 0.6mod pinion and the standard 70T spur.  I figured I'd test whatever motor I chose with the standard ratio first and go from there.

I didn't take any pictures of the build, but it wasn't very eventful anyway since it was basically a standard stock build following the manual.  I used black CVA shocks again (50519 and 50520) like Madcap #2 since the performance is improved so much versus the stock friction shocks. 

The only interesting part of the build was the use of Avante aluminum posts as a drop-in replacement for the broken C3 gearbox mounting post.  I'd heard they could be used on the forums, so I bought a bag of parts from eBay to test the theory.  Each bag comes with three posts and a bunch of other junk, so two bags will refit three cars.  It turns out that the parts are exactly the same dimensions as C3.  Just the standard self tapping screws have to be swapped out for 3mm machine threaded ones and that's it.

Now for the motor choice. I wanted something with a bit more power and speed.  I have a small selection of motors that I purchased from others over the years, almost all well used.  Many of these motors are standard 27T stock variants which means the performance is fairly known and predictable within a certain range, which is to say rather boring.  But a few of the motors have an unknown number of turns on the armature, so it is fun to try them out to see what they are capable of.  The Demon Power motor that I used in Madcap #2 was one of the "unknown winds" that unfortunately turned out to be rather disappointing once I ran it, so this time I was determined to find a motor that had more power.  After looking at the various choices in my collection, I decided to use a Fantom motor with seemingly no other identifiable markings.  I did not even power it up to test before installation to see how fast it spun.  I mean, all of the used motors in my collection have been disassembled (if it is possible), cleaned and oiled before being put away, so I knew the Fantom was in good working condition, but I did not remember how fast it was when powered by the 4 AA pack that I use for motor testing.  Basically I was blind to what the motor was capable of.  It could be another slowpoke like the Demon Power or it could be a real powerhouse.  I figured it would be fun to find out and compare.  I forgot to take a picture of the motor by itself, so here it is fully installed with the label partially hidden by a heatsink.

Here are some more pictures of the finished chassis and original body.  The body actually cleaned up a little and got a bit whiter which was nice.  There is paint missing from a bunch of spots, but it is still usable.  The wheels and tires are from Carson Motor Sport in the UK.  The chrome rims are bright, but I think they go with the body color well enough.

I used a Futaba S28 servo for steering along with a G to J conversion cable to connect it to a Futaba R113ip receiver.  The speed control is a Futaba MC330CR.

Performance
With the stock 23T / 70T gearing and the Fantom motor, this car was a rocket ship!  Massive power and incredible speed.  In fact, it was almost too much speed.   It was hard to hit full throttle without running out of pavement.  Not only that, but just letting the car coast felt like the brakes were on because the motor magnets were so powerful.  After a few minutes of driving, I touched my finger to the motor can to feel how hot it was and I could tell that I needed to gear it down or I'd damage the motor.  I swapped the 70T spur gear for the 77T and also switched out the 23T pinion for a 21T pinion (the largest that could fit given the motor mounting screw slot size on the metal motor mounting plate).  This changed the pinion/spur ratio from 1:3.04 to 1:3.67.   The new ratio definitely reduced the heat output of the motor, but I felt that it needed one less tooth on the pinion, so I replaced the 21T with a 20T.  This changed the gear ratio to 1:3.85 and resulted in great motor temperatures while still providing incredible speed and amazing power.  I added a black vertical finned heatsink to help dissipate heat and I believe it does help a little.  Getting the heat to transfer through the motor label via a clip-on heatsink is not ideal, but I think it's worth it.  

Launching the car from a standstill or a slow forward roll results in the back end sinking down to help get more traction thanks to the black oil filled CVA shocks and their smooth movement.   Conversely, hitting the brakes actually lifts the rear end and drops the front down a bit.  The power provided by the Fantom motor is quite amazing considering it is a well-used example that might be over 15 years old and it's being powered by NiCd batteries that are probably close to 10 years old.  If I had to guess, I'd say the Fantom is a 9T or something simply because it is so fast and powerful. 

Given all of that power, I know what you're thinking.  The poor Madcap ball diff cannot possibly stand up to such a powerful motor without disintegrating.  Maybe this is true, maybe it isn't.  All I can say is that the diff has not even given me a whimper through over 8 battery packs of running.  No squealing, no loss of power, just great power delivery and the awesome whine of the Madcap gearbox.  I also purposely do not thrash on any of my cars and try to deliver smooth power commands.  Also, since I'm not really doing much off-roading or jumps, drivetrain shock is minimal.  I did use the optional shims when building the diff because they certainly do help.  I know because when I first built the diff without the shims and tested the car, it squealed a bit under high acceleration.  I added the shims and it's been great ever since.  I should mention that I used Tamiya ball diff grease, not just any old grease when rebuilding the diff.  Ball diff grease is specially designed to not let the balls slip whereas other greases would allow slippage.  This is a key thing to remember.  Also, I made sure all diff parts were thoroughly clean before rebuilding it.  All parts went into a motor cleaner bath until everything was clean and then the rebuild was started.  All it takes is a single grain of grit or sand and the diff can be ruined.

Of the three Madcaps I've rebuilt so far, this is my favorite one to run.  But I still have one more Madcap rebuild left, so stay tuned!

Love the Tamiya Madcap

I really do.  It's a great car.  I missed it when it was originally released in 1989 because I was just starting college and had no money for RC.  It isn't a particularly spectacular car and certainly has some weaknesses, but it's fun to drive and work on.  

My first introduction to the Tamiya Madcap chassis was actually a Saint Dragon that I bought on eBay.  The chassis was too nice to use as a runner since it was never really completely finished by the original owner, so I decided to purchase a Madcap to use as a runner.  Even though the chassis was well-used, it was in good enough condition to warrant purchasing a reproduction body and original decals.

After restoring the first Madcap, I wanted more.  I wanted to try the chassis with different motors to see how it behaved.  I wanted to try some Thorp hop-ups such as the 48P gear conversion kit including the Thorp ball differential.

At the beginning of this year I bought three well-used Madcaps to go along with my box art restoration runner and give me choices of which to run.  This is the first one of the three, and I call it Madcap #2. 

The below pictures show the dis-assembly sequence.

Major damage was limited to one of the posts that holds the top front brace.  These posts are molded into the chassis tub itself and are long and thin, making them susceptible to cracking and damage.  This one broke midway up the post.  You can see the broken post still attached to the brace.

None of the Madcaps I've bought so far have had ball bearings.  Back in 1989, ball bearings were still a luxury for most people, so plastic bearings reigned supreme.

A Reedy ES motor was mounted.  The wind is unknown.  The gray substance to the left of the motor is the foam cover that has disintegrated into dust particles.

The ball differential, another of the Madcap's weaknesses, was in good condition.  Wear was minimal.

I cleaned all of the metal parts using motor cleaner.  The plastic parts were washed in the sink with hot water, dishwashing liquid and an old toothbrush.  After the parts completely dried, the chassis was rebuilt by following the Madcap manual.  Ball bearings were used throughout, and the stock blue friction shocks were replaced with black CVA shocks (50519 and 50520).  The stock soft aluminum 23T pinion was replaced with a Robinson Racing #1123 steel 23T metric (0.6mod) pinion.  The Robinson Racing 11xx series of pinions are highly recommended for 0.6mod purposes due to their high quality machining and strength.

Rebuilding the chassis was uneventful except for the front brace posts.  Attempting to glue the broken front chassis post would never work because it is simply too thin to offer any strength.  In the past I have tried CA glue and epoxy, but the joint never withstands the strain of screwing down the front brace or ultimately gives way while driving.  A very strong repair is available, however, if you are careful.  The post can be completely removed all the way down flush with the bottom of the chassis tub. The length of the original molded-in post is 25mm.  RC4WD sells aluminum links in varying lengths, including 25mm anodized in black.  These links are internally threaded to accept a 3mm machine screw on both ends.  Once the post has been removed and the plastic webbing brace structure cleared, the 25mm aluminum link can be mounted in its place.  This provides a very strong mounting point for the front brace.  Use 3mm washers with the screws on the bottom in order to widen the screw's contact area with the chassis and provide a strong foundation for the post.  I removed both plastic molded-in posts from this chassis and replaced them with the aluminum RC4WD links.  It is very stealth.  Only the space between the plastic ribbing and the post give it away.

A package shot of the RC4WD 25mm black anodized aluminum link with 3mm internal threads (part #Z-S0880).

For the motor, rather than use the Reedy, I decided to install a well-used "Demon Power" brushed motor with reflective red label.  I had gotten it as part of a used motor lot a few years ago.  I figured I'd give it a try to see if it earned its name.  As it turned out, it was not very impressive.  Maybe the magnets are weak due to abuse it received before it came into my possession but I think it barely has more power than a stock RS540 motor and certainly doesn't spin any faster.  I'll keep it in this chassis until it dies or I get bored with it.

Here is Madcap #2 finished. For radio gear, I used an old S28 servo with G to J conversion for steering (it still works perfectly, so why not?), a Futaba MC230CR ESC and a Futaba R113ip 75MHz receiver. 

The wing has seen better days for sure.  It's been reduced to just a curved flat surface by the original owner.

I am using the original body for now because it is in OK shape and is functional even if it isn't concours-worthy.

The wheels and tires are made by Carson Model Sport in the UK.  They are great for 2WD buggies that use ball bearings in the front wheels instead of hex mounts.  The tread design gives good traction and the wear is decent.  I always balance the rear tires to reduce vibration and improve smoothness.