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As some of you may know I've decided to briefly stretch the legs of most, if not all of my shelf queens - I built a simple astro track, soft surface so I can't see how I can scratch the chassis unless I smack into a wall which I don't plan to do!

The new OT-66's still look exactly the same after running a couple of laps - it's really nice to feel the differences in how the cars run.

So tonight was the turn of my 1986 Box Art Turbo Optima, it has the LeMans 240S motor fitted, an OLD Futaba MC8 ESC (brick!) and original RX and servo too....the buggy is still chain drive, no belt drive conversion here although my Optima Pro does have the conversion - that will be run as soon as I've finished mounting the body + install running gear.

I was actually really surprised with how well this near 30 year old buggy performed on the track, good pick-up, nice balance when gently jumping and responsive steering. I also used the original Futaba Magnum Junior pistol radio - I'm a sticks man personally sorry if that's apparent when I'm driving her round

I'm just uploading the video to YouTube now for you all to see, as soon as it's ready I'll add the linky

Dan

Looking forward to the vid link. I commend you for taking the ol' girls out for a drive, they deserve it once in a while instead of being cemented to a shelf their entire life. Heck, I test-drove my Gold Celebration Chassis Optima and it ran great--though the tires I had on it were terrible for traction on a gravel road.

[youtube]7jv-2dYfyQQ[/youtube]

Coelacanth wrote:Looking forward to the vid link. I commend you for taking the ol' girls out for a drive, they deserve it once in a while instead of being cemented to a shelf their entire life. Heck, I test-drove my Gold Celebration Chassis Optima and it ran great--though the tires I had on it were terrible for traction on a gravel road.

Nice one!

Here is the video It's 1986, not 1985 as I incorrectly say! Must have been the excitement

http://youtu.be/bmo2xjgNfM4

Nice video There's not too many vids of Turbo Optima's on youtube so it's nice to see one in box art appearence.

I'll probably get around to building my NIB when things are more organised.


Keith

Very cool cars and videos. It is great to see these running. Such a familiar old sound too!

I personally think it is sad to have these lovely buggies sat on a shelf. Buy a ton of spares and get them running people!

wydraz wrote:Here is the video It's 1986, not 1985 as I incorrectly say! Must have been the excitement

http://youtu.be/bmo2xjgNfM4

Nice vid, I finally was able to watch it (YouTube blocked at work, don't'cha know). Love the sound of those original chain-driven Optimas! I think I also had one of those same MC8 speed controllers back in the day...indeed, big as a brick. That's a beauty of a box-art, even if I'm not the box-art aficionado of the forum.