Advice - Kid just starting out
 

Well, having given my 8 year old Nephew a go with my 501 last week (ran a 6.5 motor on 50% EPA and -60% exponential) he now is desperate for a car and it's not allowed to be slower power wise!

Myself and my dad were thinking start with a 2wd, he'll have fun with the lower traction and it's all simpler etc, Tamiya wise this means the DT02 doesn't it?

Was thinking of the prebuilt one, but couple of questions:

1. It comes with a wheel tranny I think, will it be compatible with an old acoms stick one? I have a spare!

2. Will it be ok speed wise? And are there still some ok 27t motors available if we decide to give him more power?

3. Ideally would want him to be able to run ages between charges so was thinking of getting a cheap 2nd hand lipo if they'll fit? Can I get a cutoff to put in the car for it, and will a tamiya esc handle a lipo?

4. Would it make more sense in terms of removing maintenance to just get a kit then look for some 2nd hand reversing brushless esc/17.5 motor, cheap receiver etc?

Any other ideas/tips?

I'm pretty sure that the Tamiya Speedo will only work with Silver Can or Sport Tuned motors,

At the club I use, I've tried running 27T Monsters in the stock class and the speedo overheats and cuts out!

If you want to use a faster motor then an ESC change will be needed!

1) Why not let him try the steerwheel first, if he gets on with it great if not then the acoms should be compatible as 27mhz seems to be more forgiving with mix'n'matches!
2) It'd be fine to start with, but once he's used to it the Tamiya esc doesn't give you much in the way of upgrade options
3) Most lipos should fit and you can get a lipo cutoff like the Novak SmartStop which will let you use the standard esc (amongst others)
4) Sounds to be the best option to me, you can build it together so he understands it and can do his own basic maintenance, plus getting a s/h esc that can cope with the upgraded motors in future is a good idea (again a lipo cutoff can be added to any esc if required)
5) Have you thought about looking at secondhand B4s as you should get one for a similar price to a new DT02kit? Reasoning being that if he gets bored it's easier to sell/retains value, parts are easy to come by and if he wants to start racing he's got a suitable car. The slipper clutch would be a bonus too as the DT02 doesn't have one and the gearing options are restricted.

Ignoring the esc would a dt02 drivetrain be able to handle a 10.5 say?

It can handle a 10.5, I've driven one with a 17t (brushed) motor so a 10.5 would be fine.

There is no slipper available for the dt02, but it doesnt really mater in my opinion the cars are tough and the drivetrain is simple.

You could look for a DT02ms, these can still be bought from local model shops and have all of the hop-ups and cost about £85/90. For an esc / brushless combo get a ez-run of ebay. Fast reliable speedos and motor (the 9t is very quick for a beginner, maybe one of the 11/12t combos)

I have an old acoms sticks transmitter if you wanted it instead of the wheel I could send it to you just pm me.

Cheers mate but I have a spare acoms stick so am sorted! Maybe. Should have kept that dyna for him!?:woot:

Think I'll suggest a Dt02 (he likes the Neo Falcon colours) kit, cheap esc like the Orion and a 2nd hand 10.5. I'll give him the tranny and servo and try and sort a 2nd hand lipo (I have a none brca legal tp3200 saddle he can have if it would fit) and go from there! The reason behind a 10.5 is if he gets bored of it all I can nick all the electrics back and go touring racing myself:thumbsup:

Anyone got a dt02 which they can measure the battery box on? Also know where may have a dt02ms in stock??

I'm a beginner so this may be really off the mark but would it be possible for your nephew to go with say a DB01 and just don't install the front belt? That way, he can play a bit in 2WD and not have to get another for 4WD? Or is it not possible, I'll let the one's that know more chime in now. :)

Hmmm. Just given your suggestion a go on my Durga seeing as there's naff all on telly :thumbdown:. To make a proper job of it I also removed the front CVD's and reinstated the kit dogbone front axles minus the shafts to cut down on unnecessary friction and rotational weight. The finished result isn't going to challenge an X6 but it's not bad. A bit understeery and generally "lazy" but to be honest that could be down to my (crap) setup so it's highly likely it could be tuned to turn in much better. It's certainly worth considering over a DT02 as the DB01 chassis has much more potential in it.

If you buy a Durga why bother with making it 2WD?:confused:

If you get him to a racetrack it is likely he will prefer 4WD anyway.

If your after another Dyna Storm then check out eBay item number 200337943528.

Its used but at $299 ( approx £180 ) it's worth a punt!!!!

Give him the hand-me-down 501, so you can get a 511! :wub