Some comparisons of the beagle and optima parts

[GoMachV]

I stumbled across a front and rear gearbox housing at the LHS, so I decided to snag them for comparisons sake

Both look to be completely compatible, they are shaped a bit different but close enough that they will interlock into each other. The plastic is noticeably worse of course

Just thought I would document it with pics

Front:

[GoMachV]

Rear:
(Note the optima housing is for the belt conversion)

[rccars4sal]

No pics from me, but I can confirm that beagle and optima side plates are interchangeable as well. They are made slightly different, softer metal, poorly finished edges, different cut outs. I dont have any arms to compare, but beagle arms are really thin. Pretty sure optima arms are quite a bit beefier. knuckles and hubs are exact fit between the 2.

[Coelacanth]

Ahh...that shiny look of ABS plastic instead of glass-filled nylon...

[rccars4sal]

On my beagles they make the plastic look pretty good. Its got a texture, like the fiber reinforced plastic. I actually thought it was frp. Not sure that it isnt. LHS is clearing out pactra paints, so I should have a genuine beagle body shell done up in a little while! Just a matter of picking colors. Then,, I will put those plastics to the test!