Okay so Marc was kind enough to provide me with a new chain and 2 dogbones for the Beagle and here's the rebuild.
Had it all laid out and I actually have to give Great Vigor some credit. I just finished rebuilding a Turbo Optima and I'm not a big fan of the kyosho black screws, but I love the buggy. A couple of the components on the Beagle were definitely cheaper, such as the top radio deck (like a circuit board material) and the rear motor guard (thinner gage metal) BUT most of the other components, I found to be a higher quality material than Kyosho's, specifically the screws and how well the chassis rails went together.
The rear came together fairly well but I'm not 100% happy with the drive train. It doesn't feel smooth enough. When I used to race the optima, I had it where you could give the chain a tug and the wheels would spin for close to a minute. This one, not some much. Might have to tear it down again, but I wanted to get this build back up to post the pics.
Here it is coming along.
Like I said, I was really impressed with the chassis rails. They're a much brighter finish and frankly they feel stronger but not heavier than the Optima's. I was tempted on switching them, but I gotta keep the parts on the right buggy LOL.
Sorry for the clarity, my camera isn't great on close ups but here's what I meant about quality. Hardened Brass steering components versus the weaker aluminum on Kyosho's
Here she is put back together with a topless pic. The shocks are exact copies of Kyosho red but in silver...BUT again, the issue of going one step beyond Kyosho, notice the progressive springs on the rear.
Previous owner had a mechanical speed control and obviously had heat issues
but the radio plate is still in good shape except for the cigarette burn
Definitely a "Unique" body. Kinda grows on you, like a fungus.
Now the decision. Do I keep her or let her go LOL.
