Optima Mid Custom Build
 

Hi guys,

After the successful builds of the first three SWB models I thought it was time to look at the LWB ones. The Optima Mid Custom will be my first Optima Mid LWB ever :wink:

It was released as a budget Optima Mid with its Black Dumper shocks (instead of Gold or Platinum shocks) but it looks kind of good anyway.

Project has started and I'm now collecting some key parts for this model. Here is a link to the manual in Japanese. It has the part numbers in Exploded View section:
http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel...om-kyosho.html

Here you can see what I have collected so far.

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_001.jpg
Front wheels (OT-121), front tires (W5033).
Rear wheels (MA-17), rear tires (OT-66).


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_002.jpg
Alloy chassis (OT-122).


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_003.jpg
Radio plate (OTW-6).
Bumper (OT-93).
Rear plate (L) (OT-114).

That's all for now!

Nice collection of (immaculate) parts :) - Do you build your cars by collecting each individual part - or do you generally start with a good condition car & then replace any parts that are particularly worn or damaged?

I must admit the Mid Custom & Mid Custom & the rare Mid Special were my favourite of all the Optima cars - the extra wheelbase length gave great proportion the aggressive square bodyshell. I can remember thinking how cool & sleek the Mid Custom Special looked with its bubble canopy when it was first released but now I prefer the squarer shells of the previous models.

Hi Dan,

I started buying Optima Mid cars in February and collected maybe ten cars in different shape. Some cars had also extra parts with them so I have a lot of parts in total. As you may know I have just made three restored cars out of them yet. There has also been a lot of searching for N.I.P parts to replace certain key parts that I want to be in extra good shape, like chassis, bumpers, wheels, shocks and top deck etc :)

I agree with you on the body issue. The Mid Custom Special is a space ship compared to all the others. That car is probably the one I will restore last.

One can always save up for N.I.B Optimas on the evilbay dreamland but that's not my thing really. Making nice restorations out of misc cars is really fun! :wub

That must cost you silly money though....sourcing all those parts.

I mean those bumpers!!! I need one to complete my build and I don't care if its perfect either because I will run my car.

Anyhow, so far your builds have looked great! Keep it up.

Fantastic as always - keep it up, I watch with drool and interest :)

I agree.... there's a greater sense of satisfaction in finding the odd parts that you need to complete a rebuild or restoration - I quite enjoy the communication with like-minded enthusiasts from all over globe - My YZ10 rebuild involved parts sourced from literally all four corners of the globe.

Also, although a NIB kit is a nice thing to have, there's always that question of whether to build it or leave it un-touched in the box...

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: sourcing parts is the best:thumbsup:

Build em thats what they were made for:p

Wow nice work

Where did you manage to find the OT-66 tires, I need a pair for one of my projects

More like run them...not like a caged animal!

Maybe... but... there are way more expensive hobbies than this mate :)

Thank you! If you don't need original bumpers you can contact SANDSUPERSTORE at rc10talk.com. He makes OT-93 repro bumpers.

Good to have you here mate! :thumbsup:

You really nailed it there man. I have a Kyosho Triumph N.I.B that I will build some day. Probably with a repro body and repro decals and save the originals.

Thanks!

They were mounted on a Optima Mid a bought in used condition from Germany. One of many donor cars for my projects.

Have you compared the Marwan replicas side by side? I am wondering how close a replica they are

Marwan tires are missing the Kyosho logo and have Bridgestone misspelled. Other than that they are looking very similar.

And here is a thread update! :)

Today my local post office failed when giving me a notification about a package. It said they had it waiting for me but that wasn't true... so I'll get back there tomorrow and hope they have solved the issue.

Instead, I have been looking for plastic parts and differentials and found some that you can see in the pictures below. I disassembled them after the picture was taken and put the parts in a bath of "anti-grease" so I can remove all the grease in them easier tomorrow. Then I will look for the best parts.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_004.jpg
Mostly gear differentials... uncleaned.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_005.jpg
A set of OT-69.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_006.jpg
A set of OT-84.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_007.jpg
OT-16, OT-45, OT-55, OT-98.
Ignore the battery holders. Those are for SWB cars. Sorry :)

Sounds like I need to find a pair of the genuine OT-66
Are your front bumpers those Graupner ones that were on eBay recently? Are they just the Kyosho ones with a different name on the packet, it looks identical

Also, do you have a one-way front differential for an Optima Mid?

I needed six bumpers and found two original OT-93 and got four repro from the guy at RC10Talk I mentioned above. They look identical to me.

Haven't seen the Graupner ones but they should be the some product as Kyosho I think.

Most people who buy Marwan's OT-66 repros are painting the text with white so the spelling error is not that visible. Think it's a C that can be painted as a G instead. I'm not sure but I think he left the Kyosho logo so he won't get into trouble :wtf:

I think I would need to get the originals for my Turbo Optima Mid SP I am building I have the front W-5033 IIRC tyres brand new waiting for it so may as well hold out for genuine rear tyres

I have a pair of very good OT-66 Tyres on a Pair or Lazer ZX/Optima Mid Custom wheels however they have been glued on, is there anything I can use to break the glue down without damaging the tyre or the wheel?

Have you managed to find genuine LWB Mid belt covers or will you use the Marwan?

I have used Acetone for that purpose (reusing wheels when tires are worn out) many times. It may take a few days for the glue to release. It does not damage tires or wheels.

Marwan LWB Mid belt covers are my choice for now and then replace them in the future if I find the originals.

Turbo Optima Mid SP did not use OT-66. It should have W-5034 in front and W-5031 as rears. The rears are really hard to find. I'm preparing myself mentally for that future project.

Todays mini update will show you some stuff I just got in the mailbox. Was N.I.B but not anymore :thumbsup:

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_008.jpg
OTW-2 Special Damper Set


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_009.jpg
FD-37 Black Dumper (S)

Thanks for the tip I will have to try the acetone out

I believe the OT-66 was an optional wheel for the Mid special, they came with two sets of tyres and wheels they weren't both the same were they?

Sorry that I misguided you there. Yes, the other pair of wheels seems to be the W-5033 and OT-66. They are included in the exploded view :)

I've always thought it was shipped with two sets of the same wheel type but different compound (soft/hard).

Mini update!

I've been cleaning/rebuilding two gear differentials, a layshaft with parts and a counter gear. Found a N.I.B LWB belt (OTW-7) in my Optima pile. It seems that I've already started to upgrade this model (ball bearings). Just can't use bushings (mentally) so I save them for a future "stock option" :lol:

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_010.jpg

Nice:thumbsup:

No problem it can get a bit confusing trying to get exact details on some of these vintage machines

I have a brand new pair of front Mid SP Wheels and W-5034 tyres that I would be willing to sell if you are interested for a future project

Another small update.

Here is a few parts I found in the mailbox today... wohooo! Build start is getting closer... all N.I.B "black gold" shocks have now finally found their new home!

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_011.jpg
OTW-9 Plastic Parts (battery holders & body posts etc)


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_012.jpg
FD-38 Black Dumper (L) Damper Set

My Optima mid custom is ready!
Trimming and painting of the body shell is pending.:thumbdown:
PS: Love your quality of pictures mate, very professional!:thumbsup:

http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105471

Where do you guys find all these cool parts!

Wonderful! I now have a reference build to follow :drool:

Ebay (.com/.de/.co.uk) and helpful forum members :lol:

Baby steps... :lol:

This evening I got time to start the build. The parts I have used so far has been shown earlier in this thread so nothing new yet. Just put them together :)

My brand new shocks have also been put together and feels very smooth.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_014.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_013.jpg

Could not resist building even more today so here we go! :)


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_015.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_016.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_017.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_018.jpg


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_019.jpg

LOL You are a freak like me.....:thumbsup:

My restoration of the Optima Mid Custom is completed.
Here you can see the final result ==> http://www.oople.com/forums/showthre...755#post675755

Thanks!

Now I have a few more images to show :thumbsup:

Hope you like it!

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_020.jpg
Steering mechanism and chassis posts.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_021.jpg
Front suspension almost done. Dogbones, hubs, steering nuckles, rods etc.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_022.jpg
Rear suspension almost done.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_023.jpg
Bumper in place.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_024.jpg
Battery trays and posts. As this will be a shelf queen I have both mounted the trays for using a stick pack and the posts for using individual cells. On a runner you choose one of those types.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_025.jpg
Body posts fitted.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_026.jpg
Shocks in place.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_027.jpg
Close up on front shocks.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_028.jpg
Close up on rear shocks.

Stunning :)

you use different shocks for front and rear?? you have adjustable ones by turning a ring and than you have shocks where you have to use spacers....

if i see on the manual you need the shocks with the spacers .

i prefer the ones with the adjustable ring that is easier and more adjustable in my opinion.

But otherwise GREAT JOB !!!

Thank you, Dan the Man!

Hey, eagle eye Kenios :)

It's the same shock type but I don't know why my front shocks ( N.I.B FD-37) were packaged with the adjustable rings instead of spacers. Kyosho must have reused the part numbers between slightly different setups. These kind of shocks were used on so many other models. There were also shocks using spacers in different thickness that you could snap on.

Next time you will get an update showing:

- Spur gear etc.
- Last parts for the battery holders.
- Top deck.
- Wheels and tires.

Build update for today! :lol:

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_029.jpg
Outer gearbox.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_030.jpg
Last parts in place for the battery holders.

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_031.jpg
Wheel hexes fitted.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_032.jpg
Top deck.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_033.jpg
Wheels and tires! Front shot.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_034.jpg
Rear shot.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_035.jpg
Front pose.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_036.jpg
Rear pose.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_037.jpg
Side shot.


http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_038.jpg
Upside down shot.

A pleasure to see...:)

Tiny update...

I received a package from Marwan recently with the body, wing, undertray, decals and belt protectors. This means I can start on the painting and body trimming soon! :lol:

See ya!

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Yeah, almost there! Finally some clothes on! I really like how it turned out. Not that I'm a good painter (I still use brushes) but for my painting standards it's good :)

Like my SWB cars this also needs white marked text on the tires. Will be sorted out sooner or later.

http://joppis.dyndns.org/optima_mid_..._parts_039.jpg

That turned out great!
I think it looks just fine without the white lettering on the tires, in fact I don't plan to put the white lettering on the tires of my SP

Out of interest guys what white marker do you use on the tyres for detailing? Any good buys on eBay?

Thanks HKS_TRD!

I will probably wait a little until I do the white lettering because I don't trust my shaky hands :lol:

I've actually never done it before and don't know any good technique. Probably that's why I've left the tyres as they are for so long :eh?: Maybe a new thread about this so we can figure it out? :)