You truely are a Frankenstein! And I mean that in a good way, although your monster looks even better than his. I like every part you've done with it. Especially the design of the alloy with the super smooth edges and the holes. Looks like some genuine expensive after market parts. Brilliant. I like how you used the Brat/Frog dogbones. It's funny. the original came with those horrible things and the re-release came with CVDs that bind. The best working fit and most durable is the Frog/Brat dogbones and none of the two Monster Beetles came with that :-) That's Tamiya in a nut shell. They work in mysterious ways. Your Tamiya history goes way back. Impressive. In 1986 nobody told me Tamiya or Monster Beetles existed so I got a Nikko Turbo Panther as my second RC in 1986. Well, I had LOADS of fun with that too. Thumbs up for your camera man too. I just found out it's your son. You got a real healthy father-son thing going with the RCs!
Thanks Mikael - I think they are the best comments I have ever had! Very much appreciated. I have a lot of experience with working with metal - but to be honest - it's not that difficult, just takes time and patience. I have passed on your words to my son Alf and he is very pleased - we have a lot of fun working with, driving and filming our Tamiyas and are so glad when other people appreciate it! Your RC history is impressive too - we have much in common =)
Well, you make alloy work look like an art form :-) I wouldn't call my RC history impressive. I think every young boy in my home town had a Turbo Panther in 1986 but I do not remember anyone having a Tamiya back then :-) It must truely be a pleasure spending time with your son and your passion for Tamiya at the same time. I got my son late in life so he is still very young. Maybe one day he will be holding the camera :-) He already takes a keen interest in my Tamiyas and likes to run his own RCs ... only one channel so far but it's all good. Here he is with his fourth RC, only two years old: ruclips.net/video/wjPvt3XXnRU/видео.html
thanks again Mikael - I started late too - Daughter (Elle) when I was 36 and son (Alfred) when I was 39 years young! Loved your holiday video, your son may be a future expert RC driver for sure! Our children are the future so we pass on what we can!
Sometimes the best cars come from DIY repairs and using the parts you have at hand. It’s like it starts to give them a bit of a personality all of their own. Looks great 👍🏻
Cheers RCKicks - agreed, just throwing money and off the shelf bling at an RC is not my way either - well I can't afford to do that anyway! I enjoy the fabrication process, as you say it adds your stamp to the rig - nice to have something totally individual as well. Thanks for the great comment bud! : )
Thanks for providing me the link to this video it is very helpful. Wow, you do such fantastic work creating your own parts to replace the damaged ones. Keep the videos coming, I love them!
You're very welcome, Felson. It's amazing what you can create from some alloy plate, a drill and a few hand tools, and a lot of spare time, of course! Take care!
Thanks, Fausto! Cool, you got a vintage Monster too!?!?! It will be a lot of fun restoring it, I bet you'll be so happy when those wheels start turning again! Good luck with the project! :)
Wow that’s amazing history of the 1986 monster beetle and can tell you have spend a lot of time fixing her back up truly amazing and she lives for another day 👍
Thanks, Kirk! Yeah, she lived in the loft for about 15 years! Glad I kept the old girl, it was great fun fixing her up and running again after all those years! Thanks for watching mate! : )
Thanks for the video, had this as a kid in the late 80s. The rear axil dogbone conversion was a must. The originals were these hexagonal shaped fitting ones, I striped them within the first 15 minutes of driving it. I bought another pair and the same thing happened, well lubricated too. I don't know what they were thinking with that design.
Many thanks for the comments, David. Yes, I had a lot of trouble with the driveshafts, like you I purchased new hexagonal ones and they lasted about 5 minutes! A very flawed design, Tamiya fitted the brat drivetrain on the re-released Monster Beetle so I just copied that - was a bit pricey though, about £38 if I remember correctly - but have had no problems since! Thanks again for watching! :-)
I've just found out that my brother mass produces every ball bearing you can think of at work, from little tiny ones you can hardly see too huge ones that need a forklift to move. I now have a never ending supply of stainless steel bearings for my kits, he even has titanium ones that are used in fighter jets. He's given me enough to last a lifetime. I'm even thinking about starting a little side hustle selling them and under cutting all the competitor's, after all I get them for free so any profits a win for me.😂
Well Nicola, that is going to save you a lot of money if you build a few kits! I like the sound of those titanium bearings! And I'm sure you could at least sell a few to your friends! 😎👍
@MarkBryanRC if you want to give me a address and what kit you want them for I'll send you a full set of titanium bearings. I'll pay for the postage as long as your in the UK,if not you'll have to stump up yourself. If you don't trust me I won't be offended, I know there's scammers everywhere.I'll pay and once you get the parcel you can reimburse me.
Awww that's so kind of you Nicola! Not often to get offered something for nothing! Many, many thanks but I haven't got anything coming up that need bearings at the moment! Cheers! 🍻😎👍
Great video Mark! Absolutely love the custom aluminum parts you made for it man. You brought back fond memories of my childhood there.I received my Blackfoot back in 86 for my birthday.. Wish I still had it :( Time to save up and get another!!
Thanks for the great comment Christopher! Glad you liked the custom alloy parts - they took a little time and patience to make and it's always nice when others appreciare your work! Yeah, also still love this Beetle because, as you say, it brings back those memories from the 80s - the Blackfoot is a classic Tamiya too! Definately a good idea to rekindle those memories and get yourself another - have fun mate :-)
Thanks StankoPerko - your comments are appreciated - glad you liked the custom parts - I know some people hate it when you change from standard Tamiya parts but I think a little variety makes things more interesting!
Mate, you are a BEAST with Aluminuminum Mods!!! 😎👌🍻 I can't believe I haven't seen this one before. 😳 Quite a story with that! And a nice transformation! About the Blitzer Beetle.... I had thought that it had a DT-02 Chassis. I just saw a Video from RC Hobby Shed (AMAZING modeler BTW!!). I took a good look at the Chassis, and it looks like the old Falcon!! 😳 Minus the coloured Chassis bits. If that's true, I've got some serious reinforcing to do!
Glad you enjoyed it my good friend! You know I love my aluminium fabrications! Such a nice material to work with, and pretty, too. Oh, yeah Mick is a good friend of mine, and a better fabricator than me, I think! Yeah, the Blitzer is on the Falcon chassis, mine has held up well so far in stock form. ATB, mate! :O)
@@MarkBryanRC ....... MAYBE the Hardbody helps hold the Chassis more firm. Falcons were NOTORIOUS for breaking off entire Front Suspensions, Arms, GEARBOXES!!! .... But then, you're quite rough with yours. Rougher than I will likely be, but I do plan some Desert blasts in the Winter - OUR Season! 😊 I realised that I have something UNIQUE here to share. Saguaro Cactus!! You know, THESE! 🌵 They ONLY grow in southern Arizona and northern Mexico, between 2400 and 3500ft elevation. So I should capture a few in upcoming running Videos..... If I can ever GET BACK TO WORK!! 😠😠😠 ATB my Brother! 👊
aye up mark, its me again,( Tamiya dt-02 nut,lol) beatties used to love going in there blackpool store near tower, when we had our annual year holiday there, so many memories of the place, spent hours in there drooling over original sand scorcher, n 00 train stuff, so sad the've all gone, kamtec do some good stuff ive got there 3 wheeler that's a laugh to run, just wants to wheeley off start, think I might change 540 for a brushless n c if it can fly !
aye up to you Scott! Many thanks for subbing - I'm trying hard to build up my channel so it's much appreciated. Yeah - same for me, spent many a Saturday wishing I could afford all those cool models, kits and trains (did eventually get a Flying Scotsman), not many local shops left and fleabay just isn't the same experience is it? The 3 wheeler sounds like fun - where do you run it? You should post a video of that - I'd watch it!
nah then, so far only managed to run plastic pig in local supermarket car parks, as due to work commitments, every time local indoor club open, ive ended up working, but will get there eventually on day off or holiday, not great with computer stuff, but will try n post vid, if not email me , always welcome to send you pics of builds, scott52@uwclub.net drop us a line
Hi Mark. Great Video! You're still helping and entertaining people years after you upload them 😎👍. Can I ask what thickness of aluminium plate did you use? I've got a re-re monster beetle and I'd like to strengthen the known weak points as you have. They do sell these alloy parts on ebay but when I added it up I was well into the £100's. Plus I think it's more special when we do it ourselves.
Hi there! Thanks for the great comment. Oh, I think most of the aluminium plate I used was only 1.2mm thick. Probably better if it was 1.5 or 2mm, but it was what I had at hand. However, it seems strong enough, still going strong today! I agree, it really is more special when you have hand crafted the parts yourself, much more satisfying than buying the parts. Cheers!
Amazing car. I really want one but the reviews of the gears is a worry. Would you say it’s ok with full bearing set and a standard motor or torque tuned without getting the MIP diff? I can go for that later as it’s a bit expensive right away. Thank you.
Agreed, it's a fantastic RC! Yes I have heard about others having issues with the diff but honestly, mine is still on the original gears from 1986!!! The MIP ball diff is very expensive. I think you are right, if you keep to a mild motor you should not have any trouble. All the best! 😎👍
So did someone really drive over this on purpose ? If so then I hope you got some sort of revenge ? Anyway, I'm really impressed with the aluminium parts you've made. Very professional. I've made the odd few aluminium bits but they are functional rather than decorative. I'm just using a hacksaw and usually injure myself in some way during the process. What kind of tools are you using ?
Thanks Pete - yeah it got run over in the street - my fault for taking it up the road but I saw a car coming and parked it in the curb. The young lads in the car saw it and swerved on purpose to run it over just for a laugh - I wasn't laughing as you can imagine, they sped off never to be seen again! Anyway thanks for the comments on the aluminium parts - I only use an old pair of tin snips, a Li-ion drill, a countersink tool and hand files. Sometimes use a hacksaw for thicker alloy but as you know that is a pain in the ars*! Generally I make a cardboard template and make sure the fit is right and then mark around that - cut about 1mm oversize and then spend ages getting it just-so with a hand file and emery paper. I copied the holes from the Tamiya alloy plates - makes a more professional look but is fiddly with a hand drill - make sure you clamp each part to a piece of wood and mark the centre with a punch before drilling. It gets easier with practice mate =)
Little b'stards ! Hope something unpleasant happened to them by way of karma. Thanks for the tips. I think the aluminium I'm using is 2mm thick and not sure if that's too thick for snips ? What we really need is a computer controlled laser cutter !
As a fellow Tamiya fan I can tell you felt my pain - still stings thinking of it now! Yeah - you will struggle with snips on 2mm alloy so its the saw for you I'm afraid - try using a fretsaw - much slimmer and you can cut around corners - best if you can hold the plate in a little bench vice to stop slipping and cutting your fingers to ribbons! Oh yeah mate - CNC cutter would be ace! Imagine the parts you could make =D
Thanks for the compliment - yeah - I always meant to rebuild it but never got round to it, even took parts like the reciever and servos off to put on another kit (tamiya TA02 Escort Turbo - brilliant car that I've rebuit recently - will make a video of that soon - has a Kamtec MK1 Escort shell on it now!). Got back into RC about 4 years ago when my son was old enough to build a Tamiya himself and we bought the two neo scorchers. He saw the beetle and badgered me to get it going! Trouble is, he's probably a better driver than me now!
You truely are a Frankenstein! And I mean that in a good way, although your monster looks even better than his. I like every part you've done with it. Especially the design of the alloy with the super smooth edges and the holes. Looks like some genuine expensive after market parts. Brilliant. I like how you used the Brat/Frog dogbones. It's funny. the original came with those horrible things and the re-release came with CVDs that bind. The best working fit and most durable is the Frog/Brat dogbones and none of the two Monster Beetles came with that :-) That's Tamiya in a nut shell. They work in mysterious ways. Your Tamiya history goes way back. Impressive. In 1986 nobody told me Tamiya or Monster Beetles existed so I got a Nikko Turbo Panther as my second RC in 1986. Well, I had LOADS of fun with that too. Thumbs up for your camera man too. I just found out it's your son. You got a real healthy father-son thing going with the RCs!
Thanks Mikael - I think they are the best comments I have ever had! Very much appreciated. I have a lot of experience with working with metal - but to be honest - it's not that difficult, just takes time and patience. I have passed on your words to my son Alf and he is very pleased - we have a lot of fun working with, driving and filming our Tamiyas and are so glad when other people appreciate it! Your RC history is impressive too - we have much in common =)
Well, you make alloy work look like an art form :-) I wouldn't call my RC history impressive. I think every young boy in my home town had a Turbo Panther in 1986 but I do not remember anyone having a Tamiya back then :-) It must truely be a pleasure spending time with your son and your passion for Tamiya at the same time. I got my son late in life so he is still very young. Maybe one day he will be holding the camera :-) He already takes a keen interest in my Tamiyas and likes to run his own RCs ... only one channel so far but it's all good. Here he is with his fourth RC, only two years old: ruclips.net/video/wjPvt3XXnRU/видео.html
thanks again Mikael - I started late too - Daughter (Elle) when I was 36 and son (Alfred) when I was 39 years young! Loved your holiday video, your son may be a future expert RC driver for sure! Our children are the future so we pass on what we can!
Mark Bryan RC Definitely! Well said.
Sometimes the best cars come from DIY repairs and using the parts you have at hand. It’s like it starts to give them a bit of a personality all of their own. Looks great 👍🏻
Cheers RCKicks - agreed, just throwing money and off the shelf bling at an RC is not my way either - well I can't afford to do that anyway! I enjoy the fabrication process, as you say it adds your stamp to the rig - nice to have something totally individual as well. Thanks for the great comment bud! : )
Thanks for providing me the link to this video it is very helpful. Wow, you do such fantastic work creating your own parts to replace the damaged ones. Keep the videos coming, I love them!
You're very welcome, Felson. It's amazing what you can create from some alloy plate, a drill and a few hand tools, and a lot of spare time, of course! Take care!
Fantastic job mate, I've just pulled out my old vintage Monster Beetle and I'll try to get it running again.
Thanks, Fausto! Cool, you got a vintage Monster too!?!?! It will be a lot of fun restoring it, I bet you'll be so happy when those wheels start turning again! Good luck with the project! :)
Wow that’s amazing history of the 1986 monster beetle and can tell you have spend a lot of time fixing her back up truly amazing and she lives for another day 👍
Thanks, Kirk! Yeah, she lived in the loft for about 15 years! Glad I kept the old girl, it was great fun fixing her up and running again after all those years! Thanks for watching mate! : )
That thing looks great. The aluminum parts look factory. Nice work Mark .
Thanks for the great comment, Peter! I appreciate that mention of the aluminium parts, I really took my time when making those! All the best, mate! 👍
Thanks for the video, had this as a kid in the late 80s. The rear axil dogbone conversion was a must. The originals were these hexagonal shaped fitting ones, I striped them within the first 15 minutes of driving it. I bought another pair and the same thing happened, well lubricated too. I don't know what they were thinking with that design.
Many thanks for the comments, David. Yes, I had a lot of trouble with the driveshafts, like you I purchased new hexagonal ones and they lasted about 5 minutes! A very flawed design, Tamiya fitted the brat drivetrain on the re-released Monster Beetle so I just copied that - was a bit pricey though, about £38 if I remember correctly - but have had no problems since! Thanks again for watching! :-)
I've just found out that my brother mass produces every ball bearing you can think of at work, from little tiny ones you can hardly see too huge ones that need a forklift to move.
I now have a never ending supply of stainless steel bearings for my kits, he even has titanium ones that are used in fighter jets.
He's given me enough to last a lifetime. I'm even thinking about starting a little side hustle selling them and under cutting all the competitor's, after all I get them for free so any profits a win for me.😂
Well Nicola, that is going to save you a lot of money if you build a few kits! I like the sound of those titanium bearings! And I'm sure you could at least sell a few to your friends! 😎👍
@MarkBryanRC if you want to give me a address and what kit you want them for I'll send you a full set of titanium bearings. I'll pay for the postage as long as your in the UK,if not you'll have to stump up yourself.
If you don't trust me I won't be offended, I know there's scammers everywhere.I'll pay and once you get the parcel you can reimburse me.
Awww that's so kind of you Nicola! Not often to get offered something for nothing! Many, many thanks but I haven't got anything coming up that need bearings at the moment! Cheers! 🍻😎👍
Great video Mark! Absolutely love the custom aluminum parts you made for it man. You brought back fond memories of my childhood there.I received my Blackfoot back in 86 for my birthday.. Wish I still had it :( Time to save up and get another!!
Thanks for the great comment Christopher! Glad you liked the custom alloy parts - they took a little time and patience to make and it's always nice when others appreciare your work! Yeah, also still love this Beetle because, as you say, it brings back those memories from the 80s - the Blackfoot is a classic Tamiya too! Definately a good idea to rekindle those memories and get yourself another - have fun mate :-)
Really good work on custom parts.
Thanks StankoPerko - your comments are appreciated - glad you liked the custom parts - I know some people hate it when you change from standard Tamiya parts but I think a little variety makes things more interesting!
Mate, you are a BEAST with Aluminuminum Mods!!! 😎👌🍻 I can't believe I haven't seen this one before. 😳
Quite a story with that! And a nice transformation!
About the Blitzer Beetle.... I had thought that it had a DT-02 Chassis. I just saw a Video from RC Hobby Shed (AMAZING modeler BTW!!). I took a good look at the Chassis, and it looks like the old Falcon!! 😳 Minus the coloured Chassis bits. If that's true, I've got some serious reinforcing to do!
Glad you enjoyed it my good friend! You know I love my aluminium fabrications! Such a nice material to work with, and pretty, too. Oh, yeah Mick is a good friend of mine, and a better fabricator than me, I think! Yeah, the Blitzer is on the Falcon chassis, mine has held up well so far in stock form. ATB, mate! :O)
@@MarkBryanRC
....... MAYBE the Hardbody helps hold the Chassis more firm. Falcons were NOTORIOUS for breaking off entire Front Suspensions, Arms, GEARBOXES!!!
.... But then, you're quite rough with yours. Rougher than I will likely be, but I do plan some Desert blasts in the Winter - OUR Season! 😊
I realised that I have something UNIQUE here to share. Saguaro Cactus!! You know, THESE! 🌵
They ONLY grow in southern Arizona and northern Mexico, between 2400 and 3500ft elevation. So I should capture a few in upcoming running Videos.....
If I can ever GET BACK TO WORK!! 😠😠😠
ATB my Brother! 👊
@@CarminesRCTipsandTricks Oh yes, we wanna see those cacti, Carmine!!! :O)
Nice job buddy
Many thanks for the comment, buddy! I'm really pleased I kept this Tamiya for all those years, still fun to run in 2019! All the best from Mark! :-)
aye up mark, its me again,( Tamiya dt-02 nut,lol) beatties used to love going in there blackpool store near tower, when we had our annual year holiday there, so many memories of the place, spent hours in there drooling over original sand scorcher, n 00 train stuff, so sad the've all gone, kamtec do some good stuff ive got there 3 wheeler that's a laugh to run, just wants to wheeley off start, think I might change 540 for a brushless n c if it can fly !
aye up to you Scott! Many thanks for subbing - I'm trying hard to build up my channel so it's much appreciated. Yeah - same for me, spent many a Saturday wishing I could afford all those cool models, kits and trains (did eventually get a Flying Scotsman), not many local shops left and fleabay just isn't the same experience is it? The 3 wheeler sounds like fun - where do you run it? You should post a video of that - I'd watch it!
nah then, so far only managed to run plastic pig in local supermarket car parks, as due to work commitments, every time local indoor club open, ive ended up working, but will get there eventually on day off or holiday, not great with computer stuff, but will try n post vid, if not email me , always welcome to send you pics of builds, scott52@uwclub.net drop us a line
Hi Mark. Great Video! You're still helping and entertaining people years after you upload them 😎👍. Can I ask what thickness of aluminium plate did you use? I've got a re-re monster beetle and I'd like to strengthen the known weak points as you have. They do sell these alloy parts on ebay but when I added it up I was well into the £100's. Plus I think it's more special when we do it ourselves.
Hi there! Thanks for the great comment. Oh, I think most of the aluminium plate I used was only 1.2mm thick. Probably better if it was 1.5 or 2mm, but it was what I had at hand. However, it seems strong enough, still going strong today! I agree, it really is more special when you have hand crafted the parts yourself, much more satisfying than buying the parts. Cheers!
Amazing car. I really want one but the reviews of the gears is a worry. Would you say it’s ok with full bearing set and a standard motor or torque tuned without getting the MIP diff? I can go for that later as it’s a bit expensive right away. Thank you.
Agreed, it's a fantastic RC! Yes I have heard about others having issues with the diff but honestly, mine is still on the original gears from 1986!!! The MIP ball diff is very expensive. I think you are right, if you keep to a mild motor you should not have any trouble. All the best! 😎👍
@@MarkBryanRC I just ordered one this afternoon from Howes lol thank you for the reply, great channel and has been extremely helpful.
Cool! Many thanks, I'm really glad you enjoy the channel! Enjoy the Monster Beetle! 😎👍
What shell is this?
Hi Chaz, it's a Kamtec Beetle reproduction body shell in Lexan - great body at a great price!
So did someone really drive over this on purpose ? If so then I hope you got some sort of revenge ? Anyway, I'm really impressed with the aluminium parts you've made. Very professional. I've made the odd few aluminium bits but they are functional rather than decorative. I'm just using a hacksaw and usually injure myself in some way during the process. What kind of tools are you using ?
Thanks Pete - yeah it got run over in the street - my fault for taking it up the road but I saw a car coming and parked it in the curb. The young lads in the car saw it and swerved on purpose to run it over just for a laugh - I wasn't laughing as you can imagine, they sped off never to be seen again!
Anyway thanks for the comments on the aluminium parts - I only use an old pair of tin snips, a Li-ion drill, a countersink tool and hand files. Sometimes use a hacksaw for thicker alloy but as you know that is a pain in the ars*! Generally I make a cardboard template and make sure the fit is right and then mark around that - cut about 1mm oversize and then spend ages getting it just-so with a hand file and emery paper. I copied the holes from the Tamiya alloy plates - makes a more professional look but is fiddly with a hand drill - make sure you clamp each part to a piece of wood and mark the centre with a punch before drilling. It gets easier with practice mate =)
Little b'stards ! Hope something unpleasant happened to them by way of karma. Thanks for the tips. I think the aluminium I'm using is 2mm thick and not sure if that's too thick for snips ? What we really need is a computer controlled laser cutter !
As a fellow Tamiya fan I can tell you felt my pain - still stings thinking of it now!
Yeah - you will struggle with snips on 2mm alloy so its the saw for you I'm afraid - try using a fretsaw - much slimmer and you can cut around corners - best if you can hold the plate in a little bench vice to stop slipping and cutting your fingers to ribbons! Oh yeah mate - CNC cutter would be ace! Imagine the parts you could make =D
brilliant job by the way, bet your glad you didn't bin it,
Thanks for the compliment - yeah - I always meant to rebuild it but never got round to it, even took parts like the reciever and servos off to put on another kit (tamiya TA02 Escort Turbo - brilliant car that I've rebuit recently - will make a video of that soon - has a Kamtec MK1 Escort shell on it now!). Got back into RC about 4 years ago when my son was old enough to build a Tamiya himself and we bought the two neo scorchers. He saw the beetle and badgered me to get it going! Trouble is, he's probably a better driver than me now!
y like monster bettle and find monster bettle for me.
Thank you very much for you comment Marcos Pagan! I hope you find a Monster Beetle - they are great fun - Thank you for watching :-)