Hi all, Newbie

[Matt J]

Just thought i'd say hi, i'm from the UK and used to be into R/C cars a good few years ago, i'm looking to get back into it with a cheap electric Taimya that i've spotted in a 2nd hand shop near me.

Just looking for some information on tuning it up and if theres still any bits available for it? its the Ford Escort WRC (rally car) model.

What are you all using and what are the popular/fast models these days.
Cheers :)

[SteveK]

Is this the chassis that's under the Escort WRC?
http://www.tamiya.nl/pics/high/tl01.gif

If so, then that is the TL01 chassis, and the car is alive and well. There is a TL01 thread in the Electric On-Road forum about halfway down the main page, you will find a lot of info on hop-ups and tuning there.

Was the car assembled or did you build it yourself?

[Matt J]

Cheers Steve, yes TL01 does sound familiar, i havent bought it yet but i think i will now i know there's still stuff arround, thanks :D

[KTRTS]

Where abouts in the UK are you? :)

The TL-01 isn't a top-end race car, but is still a fun car and can be made pretty fast and there is plenty of spares/ hop-ups available pretty much everywhere :D

[ElectricThunder]

^Yup! Plus There are guys who have converted their TL-01 into buggies buy using longer A-arms, dog bones, shocks, etc. I was actually thinking of getting a TL-01B (4wd bugg version) just for some more bashing. Tamiya Baja King to be exact...or is that a TT-01? No matter, welcome back to the hobby!

[Hellbilly242]

The Baja Champ and Baja King use the TL01B chassis.

Even though TL01 is a great first car (i have one), it seems to be going out in favour of the TT01, which is a better and easier bathtub design. You might want to consider the TT01 instead which is also a great entry level car from Tamiya.

[Matt J]

Hi guys, thanks for the advice. I'm not really looking to get into it really serious yet, hence only buying something simple like the TL01 :cool:

I'll have a look at the TT01 though and see whats what. i've done some reading up about all the hop up parts that i can get so i have an idea on what i'd like to do. One thing that is doing my head in is the amount of motor's that are out there :eek: jesus, could they make it more difficult to choose one? does anybody have any links or has the time to explain to me the main difference's and what i should be looking for? stock? modified? amount of turns? what does it all mean, is the number of turns relative toi power/RPM?
thanks for your patience guys ;)

[dalejrfan8]

If you are new or in your case a little rusty then a stock motor would be the best way to start out. 19 turn would also be a good choice. They are a little faster than a stock.

[HYPA]

As far as motors go a stock would be good for you. Even better would be a brushless stock as there is almost no maintenace required with brushless motors. The only downside is that there is limited competition if you want to race but if you are only messing around then bl is the way to go imo.

[SteveK]

Yeah, and the ~$200 price tag for a brushless motor and ESC. Versus a $50 ESC and $20-25 stock or 19-turn conventional motor.

Will you brushless guys stop suggesting them for every person who just wants an inexpensive, fun car to run around with? Until they are available for the cost of a mid-range regular ESC and motor, and can be found in most hobby shops and internet stores, they aren't a viable option.

[Matt J]

How does it work then, is it lower amount of turns = more power or is it not that simple? i know i have to get an ESC suitable for the motor i intend to run, but prices here in the UK are ALOT steeper than the US, i think a 19 turn motor with suitable ESC would be about £70 which is the best part of $130 !!

[KTRTS]

Yeah the prices suck here :(
A stock motor is £27; a 19 turn is about £29
A suitable ESC would be £40/ £50

Basically, the lower amount of turns in a motor the faster it is. There are a few other factors though..

[Matt J]

Tell me about it! where are you from mate, i'm in Derby. are the low turn motor's high maintanence aswel or are they as reliable as stock ones?

[dalejrfan8]

The brushes have to be replaced very often and the comm trued to keep them in top shape.

[mwcet8k]

Here's the general rule regarding turns: lower turn motors generate higher RPMs, while higher turn motors generate more torque. However, the higher torque that a stock motor (27 turns in the States; 23 turns in Europe I think) develops isn't really noticeable compared to a low turn modified because the modified will more than make up the difference w/ high-end power and more conservative gearing. So in effect, a lower turn motor will be faster. That's why the pros run 7-8 turn motors in touring cars. The more power the better since the cars can handle it.

Regarding maintenance, a lower turn motor will run faster, use up more power (amp draw) and so will generally require more maitenance. However, most low turn motors are built with ball bearings, whereas nearly all stock motors are built with bushings. Bearings will usually outlast bushings by a long shot. There are some 19 turn motors (aka "spec class") that have ball bearings. Those would probably be the longest lasting motors, other than brushless.

[Matt J]

Excellent information that mate, you've answered no end of questions with that reply :cool:

[italiannitroman]

Well did you get the car?