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I have had this kit for many years now, as well as all of the hop parts that are being installed. Finally have some spare time to build this buggy. Yes, BUILD it.

First of all, I realize that the Tamiya Astute was an over/under engineered buggy that they hoped would be competitive. It has it's fair share of issues that hinders its performance. But I don't really care. I just want to build a fully optioned out Astute...

I'm doing a step build on this post. As I completed the steps, I got a pic.

Notes: Yes, ball bearings replace the bushings used in the pivot points in the suspension. Overkill? You bet.
Titanium turnbuckles where feasible.
Bearings throughout the rolling part of the buggy as well.

Notes: Yup, the A arm plastics are very flexible!
Bearings are keeping suspension tight and very free moving.

Notes: The rear hubs are a nightmare of linkage.
Had to skip ahead a little on the rear bulkhead, the trans got left at home in another box.
Universals in the rear drive.

Notes: Couldn't help myself, had to put the wheels on and check it out.
Ordinary Astute transmission? Nope.
Anybody who has ever run this car (or the Nissan Kingcab/Hilux Racer) knows the stock ball diff is crap. The TTC tranny uses a planetary gear diff instead, finer pitch teeth, and a slipper clutch. Bearings throughout the tranny.

The original transmission is the only part of the car that Tamiya supplied ball bearings. None in the front wheels or rear hubs.

Notes:

Notes: Dynatech Modified Motor, Tamiya 1400 SCR racing pack.
The Hi cap shocks are butter smooth. I played hell just getting the caps unscrewed off of the front bodies right out of the package. Way tight.

Notes: 30wt oil in front, 40wt in the rear, standard pistons in all 4.

Notes: Standard Tamiya servo and a CPR160F finish off the electronics.

I will get some better body off shots when the weather clears up. Natural light does wonders.

I can see one of the main problems with this car is weight. It's heavy. With no body, wing, or under tray, it's at 3lb, 7oz. or 1565g.

Lots of chassis flex too.

Having a dilemma with color choice. It will definitely be red, but not sure on what red. The boxart bright red always looks good. Tamiya has a metallic wine red that is very nice well. And there is always candy red. I have gotten that down and adds depth to the paint job. What do you guys think?

What do you guys think?

Do what you like, your cars always look killer.

Question; Did you really build that in less than an hour

Wow... awesome build! I love those cars I hope Tamiya re-releases it one day, I'd love to build one.

RC10resto wrote:Question; Did you really build that in less than an hour

Well, no. It took about 6 hours spread across 3 days. Went on a business trip and took it with me to eat up some idle hotel time.

I guess I should have said: When I completed the step, I took a pic....

Brandon G wrote:

RC10resto wrote:Question; Did you really build that in less than an hour

Well, no. It took about 6 hours spread across 3 days. Went on a business trip and took it with me to eat up some idle hotel time.

I guess I should have said: When I completed the step, I took a pic....

Just did the same exact thing when I went to Miami this week.

Brandon G wrote:Notes: Yes, ball bearings replace the bushings used in the pivot points in the suspension. Overkill? You bet.
Titanium turnbuckles where feasible.
Bearings throughout the rolling part of the buggy as well.

I must say I'm impressed by your overkill; bearings for suspension hinge pins?? Nice. You won't see that every day of the week, folks!