Turbo Optima?

[colreid]

Hi Guys,

I've always wanted an Optima since I first started out with R/C cars; and I've finally managed to get hold of one, with the intention of restoring and rebuilding it.

I think it's a Turbo Optima, is there anything to look out for, other than the Gold shocks and anti-roll bars to help identify it properly?

Thanks, Colin

[keithrc]

Hey Colin, It looks like a Turbo Optima to me, it has the guard under the chassis. What motor does it have? It could be a Salute, they were pretty much the same car but with a different body and they didn't come with a motor in the kit.


Keith

[colreid]

Hi Keith, Thanks for the reply. It has come with an aftermarket motor, not sure about which one as the label is badly damaged. I'll try and get a better look for you during the tear down. It has also come with an aftermarket bodyshell, not even sure it's a Kyosho shell, so that doesn't help identify it either.

That's a good thought on the Salute, did that have a chain or belt drive? I know that this has a belt drive.

Colin

[j0pp3]

If it has a belt the it's converted. I don't think any kit came with that stock. The arms where also reinforced on the Turbo Optima.

Scans are always nice inspiration. Here's the Turbo from the Kyosho Catalog back in 1987.

[keithrc]

Man I gotta get me some of the old Kyosho catalogs, awesome pics.

As Joel said, the belt drive was an upgrade offered by Option House. All the rear motor version Optima's from the original Optima up to the Optima Pro came as chain drives.

I have a nearly complete Turbo Optima project myself as well as a NIB one, seeing those pics makes me wanna get my project's body painted.

Keep us updated with the strip down and rebuild.


Keith

[colreid]

Hi Joel,

Thanks for the scans, you're right they do give some inspiration for the re-build. I had a feeling that the belt drive was an option, so I seem to have fallen lucky there.

When you mentioned the arms being reinforced, do you mean with ribs or the material itself?

Keith, will gladly keep you updated. I've not raced for a couple of seasons now, and wanted to do this as a way to keep interested in the hobby. The Optima does seem in pretty good condition (if a little grubby), the only part that seems to be missing is the front bumper.

I did have an old Le Mans 600E motor, but I think i gave it away! But I do have an old HPI UNO motor that may get fitted.

I may be back on to question you guys regarding part numbers and issues I may have if that's ok?

Colin

[terry.sc]

Originally Posted by keithrc

Man I gotta get me some of the old Kyosho catalogs, awesome pics.

Plenty of old Kyosho catalogues to browse through on Retromodelisme.
http://www.retromodelisme.com/liste_doc.html