trf501x

[viking252200]

Hello all,

Firstly, I'm a virgin to oOple so be gentle..

A couple of days ago, I went to my LHS to pick up a few things for my rally car.
We started talking about buggies and he mentioned that he had a NIB Tamiya trf501x just sitting there and if I wanted it, I could have for the equivalent of 70 euros...that sounded like a good deal, so I handed over the cash and went straight home and started building the car.

I have to say that it is a very beautiful car, it seems a shame to run it..nahh!

Now, I know that the 501 is an older car and it has be succeeded by the 511, so before I start spending money on it, I just wanted your opinions on it..

Is it still a viable choice for club level?
Any major problem areas I should be aware of?

Any information, help, hints or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely
Brian
Tokyo

[GRIFF55]

501 is still a great car! It's what I started back racing with straight out of the box quite happily.
Have a look at the car reviews on here and Jimmy has done a step by step build guide which is well worth following. Everything you will need to know is there
Looks like you found a bargain!

[qatmix]

the geometry is the same as the 511. The only real change is that its a tad lighter, and the diff access is easier.

The weight difference is mute now as we use lipos not cells, the diff access is also mute if you upgrade to the gear diffs once they are released.

I would get fredricks lipo tray and rear diff cover for the car, and the gear diffs and you will have a car that is as good as the 511.

[super__dan]

Seriously for 70 euros it's the bargain of the century, if he has any more will you pm me the details

[GRIFF55]

Hahahaaa, snap!
Would love a new in box 501

[pugs]

The 501x is a very good choice, super strong and handles very well, the only week spot i can think of offhand is if its an early kit (not worlds edition) the belts and pulleys are not quite as good as the worlds edition and the trf511.If you run them back to back the 511 is quicker and sharper, but the 501x is still a very very good all round car

[rc10fan]

I have a 501x worlds built but in box with all the hop ups it's in the for sale section : )

[viking252200]

I did read Jimmy's review on the 501, it was actually what made me buy it in the first place.

This is my first 4wd buggy in a loooong time..I'm usually more into rally.
So i will most likely crash a lot the first few times i run it

By the way it's not a WE edition, so I'll most likely upgrade the pulleys and belts.

[GRIFF55]

I preferred my STD car to the worlds edition, it did have a front one way installed mind.
Just get yourself some spare wishbones and pulleys, you'll be fine ;-))

[viking252200]

I did search for it, but I didn't find a conclusive answer, so I'll just ask you guys, if you don't mind..

How tight should the belts be?..I built the car as per instructions, but the belts seem a wee bit tight, I know they"ll loosen up within a few runs, still I wonder if I couldn't run them a notch looser?

Any thoughts?

[GRIFF55]

I usually run looser than manual, but put a pack of batteries through it first and see how they feel