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Where does the Beetle fall in the Scorpion-Tomahawk-Beetle spectrum? It wasn't on my radar at all, but a NIB re-re popped up for sale locally for a fair price.

Is it literally a Scorpion with a Beetle body? Were there changes and performance differences between the cars in that series? I know the Turbo Scorpion was superior to the rest of the line, but I am not familiar with the Beetle. Thanks in advance for any info.

If I get it, it will be a runner. My home track is pretty bumpy, so well suited to a trailing arm setup.

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:24 am Is it literally a Scorpion with a Beetle body?

Mechanically? Yes.

There are some cosmetic changes. Wheel design, plastic colors, etc.

As for the Turbo Scorpion, I don't think that there are many mechanical differences between them. At least, as far as the basics go. The 2.2 wheels are clearly different, as are the rear hexes. After that, I think it's mostly cosmetic.

juicedcoupe wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:45 am

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:24 am Is it literally a Scorpion with a Beetle body?

Mechanically? Yes.

There are some cosmetic changes. Wheel design, plastic colors, etc.

As for the Turbo Scorpion, I don't think that there are many mechanical differences between them. At least, as far as the basics go. The 2.2 wheels are clearly different, as are the rear hexes. After that, I think it's mostly cosmetic.

Turbo Scorpion has a wider front track and longer wheelbase as well IIRC.

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:24 am If I get it, it will be a runner. My home track is pretty bumpy, so well suited to a trailing arm setup.

Because of all the aluminum parts, I've been hesitant to run mine very much. It looks like it could easily be bent in a wreck.

Getting tangled up with something heavier (like a Bandit) might even mangle it.

From what I have found on the interweb, the Scorpion and Beetle are largely the same. The Tomahawk has better shocks (from the re-re Ultima/Optima) and a different steering servo location. The re-re chassis rails are much stronger than the original parts (now made of 6061 aluminum).

From this, it appears that there are no "good" or "bad" choices; it is really down to preference with the body.

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:00 pm From this, it appears that there are no "good" or "bad" choices; it is really down to preference with the body.

I went with the Beetle but I would have liked to have also gotten a Turbo Scorpion when they were available.

juicedcoupe wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 5:26 pm

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:00 pm From this, it appears that there are no "good" or "bad" choices; it is really down to preference with the body.

I went with the Beetle but I would have liked to have also gotten a Turbo Scorpion when they were available.

Screenshot_20231226_162335_Gallery.jpg

My local hobbyshop has one in stock if you're still looking. R/C Madness in Enfield CT. I think they ship.

RogueIV wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 12:28 pm

juicedcoupe wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:45 am

1911Colt wrote: ↑Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:24 am Is it literally a Scorpion with a Beetle body?

Mechanically? Yes.

There are some cosmetic changes. Wheel design, plastic colors, etc.

As for the Turbo Scorpion, I don't think that there are many mechanical differences between them. At least, as far as the basics go. The 2.2 wheels are clearly different, as are the rear hexes. After that, I think it's mostly cosmetic.

Turbo Scorpion has a wider front track and longer wheelbase as well IIRC.

And you forget the longer shocks which is the last technical difference. Another one is the wheel drivers friction based on Tomahawk, Scorpion and Beetle, and hex on the Turbo Scorpion...