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CharlesWA
14
Aug 2, 2016
This re-release checks pretty much all the boxes for me. I was tempted when I saw the 2015 Monster Beetle re-release but managed to hold off and am glad I did. A family friend had an original Blackfoot back in the 80's. I remember it having the usual issue of plastic bearings on the rear axle wearing out and the hexes on the half-shafts rounding off. Unfortunately this re-release still has some plastic bearings but also appears to have some ball bearings as well. I'd recommend that you pick up a set of inexpensive bearings before you start assembly. The good news is that the rear shafts have been significantly upgraded to "CVD" style joints outboard and traditional dog bone style inboard. Also, the shocks are Tamiya's standard plastic oil filled units which I believe is an upgrade to the original "friction" shocks on the Blackfoot (the Monster Beetle came standard with the oil shocks back in the day). Tamiya also includes a basic ESC which is a welcome addition to anybody that experienced 3-step resistor based speed controls back in the old days. The one thing I'm a little confused about is the inclusion of a "Torque Tuned" silver can motor. I'm not saying it's a bad thing (it's a good thing in the case of a truck like this), but that I didn't see any info on Tamiya's site indicating it's anything other than a standard silver can. It may be a "first run" bonus that Tamiya sometimes does (I've also seen them include additional bearings or an optional part or two so you never know...)
In an attempt to rein in this before it gets too much longer I'll share 2 links: Here is Tamiya's product page for this kit: http://www.tamiyausa.com/items/radio-control-kits-30/trucks-36500/rc-blackfoot-2016-58633 and here is a direct link to the manual in PDF format for anybody interested: http://www.tamiyausa.com/pdf/manuals/58633ml.pdf
And now for the inevitable price discussion. I checked the one big, long time on-line retailer that I've used off and on for years and their pre-order price is $175 with free shipping and I could knock another $10 or so off that with a current promo code. With almost 3 weeks left I'm pretty confident we'll see another couple buyers to push this down to $160 making it as good or better than anything but a "my buddy owns the hobby shop" deal. Can't fault either Massdrop or the reseller/distributor that they're working with from having to make a couple bucks per unit to keep their lights on and employees paid. :-)
DaveHoff
687
Aug 2, 2016
CharlesWAHi CharlesWA,
Thank you for your informational comment! The motor included is a 27T 540 can motor that is coming stock with most, if not all 1/10th scale Tamiya kits (they include a 370 for some on-roads). Tamiya is also including an ESC that will accept brushed or brushless motors (sensored or non-sensored) for more added value!