My very first surface RC was the Tamiya Sand Scorcher, ordered from Tower Hobbies catalog around 1979 or 1980. It was built box stock and finished box art except that I replaced French Blue with Orange. Fitted to the headlights were micro incandescent bulbs borrowed from the model railroad hobby. It was winter in Illinois, sunset was around 5 PM and I really wanted to drive the car around the yard in the evening after work. Working headlights made it a little easier to avoid the trees.
I kept the car until the mid 1980's then I reckon I sold it to buy something else. Sadly, I don't even have photos of that car. 
Anyway, a few months back I picked up a Blitzer Beetle and while building that car, I got the idea to recreate the Scorcher from my early years. Of course, the 2010 Sand Scorcher re-release kits are available again but this time I want to build the car around a lighter and more modern chassis with A-arm suspension and a gear diff, etc. I want something that looks like a Scorcher but with better performance. After considering a few different chassis options, I landed on the DT-02 – or more specific, the Holiday Buggy version. Had I been aware of the differences, I’d chosen the Sand Viper version instead. For only 50 bucks more, the Viper comes with oil dampers, adjustable camber links, metal out-drives, axles and dogbones, a 540 motor, and full bearings. It also includes a lexan body and wing that likely will fit many different off-road buggies in the collection. However, completely ignorant of the differences, I went cheap and got the Holiday Buggy – well okay, so be it.
Some materials of construction:
So, the plan is to paint the Blitzer body similar to my old Scorcher (using TS-98 Pure Orange) and recreate the alternate livery shown in the back of the original SS manual using MCI’s reproduction decal sheets. The Blitzer chassis will be as standard – no mods.
For the Scorcher, the DT-02 chassis will receive new custom arms that will make the track width and wheelbase match the original Scorcher. The goal is to minimize chassis mods and alter the track and wb with arms alone. Of course, the body will be finished as close to box-art as possible using French Blue and MCI’s reproduction decals. I have a special modern 2.2 wheel and tire package in mind for this car that will pay homage to the vintage car (well, I think it’s special anyway
).The new DT-02 arms and rear guard assembly have been printed and the initial chassis mockup is nearly finished at this point. I’m just test fitting the printed parts, adjusting the "dampers" to get the ride height correct and sorting the body mounts. I’ll post more detailed info on that in a later update.
We’re approaching spring and with more moderate temps and low humidity, it’s time to get those bodies prepped and painted. Both will receive some body work, two colors plus clear and polish so this will take some time. I'd better get going.
