Building an RC: Tamiya Avante (Time Lapse)

[@iandouglass9532]

I agree with the other comments that this is one of the most impressive "builds" on KZbin. As an industrial designer by trade, slot car and rc car racer as a hobby, and a lover of the 90s... You just ... this project is beyond words. I'm speechless.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Ian Douglass! I appreciate the comment and feedback! And thanks for watching.

[@budakbongas]

i think is an assembling.....imho

[@mrmagoo.3678]

I got My Son a Tamiya Avante, Egress and a Astute .. I loved watching that kid thrashing the hell out of those with a Huge grin on His face..lol.. He passed away at 13yo so I never got chance to enjoy the rest with Him.. But We had some kickass times destroying our Buggies!😝 Think I'm gonna try and get a Avante again.. Just as a Shelf Queen.. I doubt I could make it HALF as good as this beauty.. But these hold so much sentimental value that I wouldnt care how terrible it looked..id just stare and smile for days.. Anyways.. I'm sorry for going on.. You should be employed by Tamiya!.. Absolutely stunning!😍 great job!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for watching! Sorry for the late response. Thank you for sharing your memories and fun times doing RC things with your son. That’s very special. I agree, the kits don’t have to always look great when completed especially if it’s all about sentimental value. That’s more important! Thanks again!

[@edeszabo1977]

Sorry for your loss

[@scandinavianflickgd7331]

IMHO Tamiya has some of the most visually appealing RC cars. Beautiful build.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! I do agree, probably cars with a lot of character.

[@popsbmw]

I'm 43 and loved Tamiya kits when I was young having bear hawk and lunch box I loved watching this build wow the cars have come a long way very engineered and your attention to detail is amazing 👌

[@tomconnors8165]

After watching about half the video, and reading 3/4 of the descrption, I paused and searched for one of my own. I am back now four days later to finish the video and description as I open the box, First one since my original Big wig. Thanks

[@onthevergeofvani11a21]

I bought one back in 1988 and I was 10 years old at the time. The journey of building it is so rewarding to then drive it. Alot has changed, It had a full plastic under body. After 1 week I installed a superpowerful reedy electric motor and top range power server. The motor mounts would come loose and strip the pinion gear. Upgraded to better stiffer metal suspension.. It was super fast and mad fun. good ol days

[@WXSTANG]

That is awesome! Reedy motors! It was them and Trinity at the time. I remember saving up for a Trinity 12 turn in my Frog. It was mad fun.

[@K1lostream]

Awww - I used to lust after the Avante in the Tamiya catalogue! I never owned one (the best my paper round could afford me was the Thundershot) I spend my money on paying off the mortgage these days, and if I ever get any spare money, my boilers about done and I need a new bathroom! Oh for simpler times!

[@pixelpop9365]

When the Avante first came out some 35yrs ago...WOW incredible that it's been that long..... I was working for a hobby store that asked me to build the first one that came in and take it to the state RC car offroad finals the following week. With a Futaba radio and ESC added, all I did was set up the shocks for proper jounce on jumps. I really didn't have much time to practise with it but STILL managed to come 3rd overall in the 4wd open class. The trophy was put in the store on display next to the car and we managed to sell quite a few. What a great testament to a quality car even then!

[@clicko1231]

Man, when you put the ESC on the chasis for the first time, i said "wish they made the cables in all black what would look so much cleaner." You can't imagine how happy i was, when you started to swap cables with black ones. Thank you for your attention to detail.

[@michaeldholland3602]

In awe. Complete awe. The attention to detail. Patience. I have been into R/C since childhood. The care, concern, and love this model is receiving... I feel I have a Tyco Turbo Hopper to apologize too.

[@melvinandmichelle2584]

The Avante was my first RC car. I ordered this in early 1988. I was a novice and had never built anything like this. Took me about 2 weeks. Did not drive this very much as it was so labor intensive to assemble never wanted to damage the thing. I sold this for 3 times what I paid. Wish I would not have sold it now!

[@dolucks1]

Who wishes he would post a build video every week?

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for watching, dolucks1! Haha! I wish I could ;)

[@bunbee2023]

Great video!! 👍🏾

[@Griso12008V]

I was approached by my local hobby shop owner way back in 1989 to build one of these for a customer. . Still one of the most beautifully complicated cars I have ever had the chance to build. The hobby shop owner tossed me a 1200 red SCR stick pack and said thanks man great work. I must have done something right! I had a list of builds to do after that. Clod, Double Dare, Hornet, Assault, Fox, Boomerang, Burns, Ultima, RC10, JRX2, and a few others. Was good money for my RC racing habit at 14 years old.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

That’s amazing! That was the golden era. Thanks for watching!

[@steveblackbird]

Absolutely gorgeous build. Well done! The Avante as you said is Iconic for a lot of reasons and although it was a flop on the track, it's a thing of beauty. so 80's. As many that are into RC's, I grew up in the mid 80's with a few Tamiya cars but never got the Avante. Was pure froth back then. My current list of RC's are from Traxxas, Arrma, Axial and their ilk. Looking at buying the 2011 Avante for some very light use and shelf queen duties. Been a while since I've built a Tamiya (lol 1990) Looking forward to finding an unbuilt Re-Re. Thank You for sharing this video... Some great ideas for someone that is so used to RTR's.

[@theoagrc]

Absolutely incredible! What you have done here is take a stunning RC and make it even better! Someone at Tamiya needs to get you onboard! Your designs and the attention to detail are next level! Please keep amazing us with your creativity 🙌🏻👍🏻

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks again, The OAG! Thanks for the wonderful comment. Haha! I don't know, I think Tamiya might not like the frankensteining approach ;)

[@theoagrc]

@@MechanicAfterHours their loss is our gain! Thanks again for the awesome content my friend. 👍🏻🙌🏻 Can’t wait to see what you are doing next

[@angelodedios8025]

@@MechanicAfterHours Not all Tamiya genuine products are best for their kits. They've also made some useless or flawed "upgrades/hop-ups". I also use some custom self made and aftermarket parts that I believe are better designed by other manufacturers. Surprisingly, some of them turn out to be even cheaper. Besides, it's your RC and not freebies/sponsored kits so you can do whatever you want with it bud. Once again, great job!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Angelo! That's true. I wish some of the aftermarket RC businesses from the golden era were still operational and then there would be more cool parts to choose from.

[@josesantiagosantiago9093]

Para cuando otro!!!

[@jhessieboy]

You think youre an ok builder then you see something like this. Attention to detail is an understatement.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, JC Perez! And thank you for watching.

[@Initialgs]

Superb work. Really took me back, I was lucky enough to own an original in ‘88. Picked it up from a local hobby shop in the UK with that years (modest) Christmas bonus from work. The kit had been sitting in the window for months so the box was faded, so the proprietor knocked £50 off the price, rather generous I thought… The build was great fun, and I ran it pretty hard (well, it was to be used… right)… there were weak points (especially where metal threaded barrels went into the rigid plastic turn knuckles), so an engineer buddy of mine milled me some metal ones to replace the plastic the threaded barrels went into. Made such a difference to the strength. Anyway, enjoy owning that piece of history!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Initialgs! Those '88 ones are the thing. Definitely back in the day people who had them ran them hard. Thanks for sharing your story and for watching!

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

This was my dream car when I was just a kid drooling over the Tamiya catalogue, so nice to see it given the attention it deserves. Just stunning

[@HenryDarr]

Thanks for a stroll down memory lane ! Took heaps of screen shots at the end to send off to my mate who had the QD version back in the day 🤙🏽

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Henry Darr! Glad it brought back some memories!

[@mazchen]

Ms. Mechanic's approach at your hobby is just adorable!

[@mike_oe]

yes, she is certainly a keeper :)

[@airwolfie100]

Stunning end result! As a kid, I had enough money once for either the Clod Buster, or this. Some days I wished I got this, still one of my favourite Tamiya kits…..❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrExo_3D]

blast from my past. I had the original from the 80's loved it.. then broke it.. neglected it and eventually tossed it.. I miss it and wish I had another kit. Thank you for posting

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching! The original ones are sought after nowadays.

[@Rich77UK]

素晴らしい。 私が今まで見た中で最高のビルドの 1 つです。 AWESOME. One of the best builds I have EVER seen.

[@CraigOverend]

The suspension really blings on these. Love the driver cockpit you chose to match the out of this world body design. I'd like to see those wheels fold up horizontal, propellers deploy, and see this thing fly like a drone.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Craig! 😄 I thought about this thing flying with all the bling and cockpit design and how the designers maybe were inspired by a fighter plane's cockpit.

[@nerdicusx]

I did not even know this world existed!!! Mind blown! My wife will not be happy about this.

[@MattTee1975]

I totally forgot about that car. I never had any Tamiya stuff, but definitely remember at least one of my friends having an Avante. Cool!

[@chewy6942]

This Avante Was my first real RC when I was younger. I am 51 now and still remember it!

[@KennyGarland]

Wanted this car so bad as a kid, got the Kyosho Raider instead. Awesome to see this build in action.

[@vigilante351]

How the hell do you manage to make SUPERLATIVE examples of these cars?! So many custom, upgrade parts!!! Always tastefully done, looking way better than factory!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, vigilante351! And thanks for watching. I don't really know, I think it's just my way of expressing something. I also never had an RC car as a kid (save for one chassis hand me down without electronics haha) and so I just dreamt of what it would be like if I had some. Maybe that helps in some way-like still being a dreamer at heart.

[@ChristianTape-tq4gi]

My favorite rc build video I watch everyday to learn and to feel pleased

[@claptoned0]

The most clever the thing is, the less YT and FB have views and likes.... Great job!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Haha! Thanks claptoned0! And thanks for watching.

[@rhyansanpedro]

Such an aesthetic build! The original Avante was my first ever serious RC car, took me over a year to save up for this ,as a kid this was big money back in the 90's!

[@Dingle-Berries]

It's nice and refreshing to see somebody that has a lot of love and dedication for this hobby

[@thealliest]

Had this car when it first came out. I modded the crap out of it. It was a SOLID car but so complicated for a 13yo me. Most of the mods were for simplification. Like the steering and suspension layout. Man, these days with 3d printers, it would barely be the same car. Love to see it kicking around still. Beautiful work on it.

[@ShiftRPS13]

An absolute masterclass in design, build, and attention to detail. This is probably my 20th time back to this video just for the beautiful intro and B roll footage. My goodness, amazing job.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thank you!

[@kh40yr]

Tamiya Hotshot II 4x4(first released),then Schumacher Cat XLS(first released), 1991 Kyosho Inferno 4x4 Nitro 1/8 scale(smallish). The hook was truly set for 4x4 1/10th and 1/8th, to this day. Still have my Subaru Brat and bust it out for fun runs. Tamiya Subaru Brat, won me my first top step trophy ever. Felt like a King,,lol. Lots of models have come and gone, but I remember those the most. Nice build, with the attention to detail. Mom always said, "You have to have the patience of a Saint to get it right and look good doing it".

[@paulaugustine4252]

brings back memories from the 80's. you have awesome tools, an awesome build procedure, awesome 4wd

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Paul Augustine! I appreciate it and thanks for watching!

[@endgovernmentextremism]

Funny, I came here to say this thing looked so late 80s / early 90s and I loved it. Then I saw the date in the description.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Haha! Yeah, they definitely have that period look. Thanks for watching.

[@haikuworkerbee]

What a work of art, both the car you made and the video, massively impressive. I just picked up an anniversary black edition in Tokyo, can't wait to build it, and will definitely be taking tips from this. Thank you for sharing this!

[@RCRoads]

Such a clean work flow. Multiple electric screw drivers, parts all organized and even a Tupperware dish to collect all the debit. The camera never moved and the work just kept on without a hitch. Hats off to you for producing such a great video. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not only that you are highly skilled throughout the entire process including the awesome paint job on the driver. 👍👍

[@sperrtechnik]

this mans OCD brings out the worlds best looking and really good functioning RC Cars. Just great

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Haste Gedacht! I appreciate the nice comment and thank you for watching.

[@necro_nemesis]

I bought one when it first released. I recall everything going together with impressive precision which made building it a rewarding experience.

[@CuriousPug12]

this build is so clean. so you are not just a mechanic but also an artist, builder and fabricator tip my hat to you, sir👏👏👏

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thank you

[@benjohnson964]

I wish my "Ms. Mechanic" was more like yours. Amazing build - love the cinematic intro. I had an original one of these as a kid and smashed it up. Probably sold it at a car boot sale for a few quid. This video has made me want another one!

[@benjohnson964]

Update. I've just bought one. Can't wait to build it. This channel is a bad influence on me.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Congrats! Have fun with the build

[@Townchild1]

This is a Car for a Century. Endless Production with Updates.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for watching, Townchild Berlin! Quite fascinating to imagine the first one came out 34 years ago.

[@kevinjhonson5925]

hands down the best looking rc car EVER!!!!!

[@THEGHOSTMAKER1]

Perfection. Who needs an air brush when you can detail like you have. Top marks

[@StandingUpForBetter]

MASTERFULLY done! That is a piece of art. Thank you for sharing! Subscribed!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for the sub!

[@del4189]

Back in the day I built a Thunder Shot and a Fire Dragon for me and my son, they were basically slapped together 😂 this build is on another level, totally impressed.

[@hollywood9119]

This was the buggy of my dreams back as a kid. You've renewed that desire with your masterpiece.

[@ollianddelphine]

This was the one everyone wanted when I was a Kid. It looks as good now as it did then.

[@Will2Paint]

Beautiful all around! The video. The model. The cinematography.

[@galactusgalan4233]

Amazing work as usual. Love the barely audible conversation with you and Ms. Mechanic. Adds to the mystique of what you are creating and who you are. Love it. Thank you!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Galactus Galan! I'll let her know-initially, she didn't know I was recording it our conversation 😅 . Thanks again for watching.

[@badhombrefishing]

@@MechanicAfterHours i also enjoyed the commentary. knowing she didn't know you were recording and her actually appreciating the box art makes it all very genuine.

[@darrenirwin]

I used to build cars for customers in my dadas shop, loved it so much.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

That must've been such a cool experience! Thanks for watching.

[@darrenirwin]

Certainly was, I just loved the process of building them and although didn't get paid much for it, it also meant we didn't have to deal with customers claiming stuff was faulty when they had all too often not assembled the kits properly. I think I charged a whole $30 for something that took about 5 hours at least. Painting was always extra. @@MechanicAfterHours

[@thatoneguy8459]

Your cars are not even cars anymore they are art keep up the amazing work

[@ruialmendarez7994]

I never own any tamiya rc, but watching your video makes me want to buy one.

[@VoltLover00]

This is the most beautiful RC car I've ever seen. Unbelievable

[@WXSTANG]

Still one of the coolest |RC buggies of all time! They don't make them like this anymore. When I was a kid, I wanted this buggy bad, but the price was cost prohibitive, so I bought the Tamiya Frog instead.

[@kps.77]

Similar, I was about 8-10 and really wanted the Hornet (purely on looks not spec), then this came out a couple years later and turned to this... But never got either due to price :-(

[@key2010]

DUDE, THAT FIRST 15 SECONDS WERE A MASTERPIECE !

[@andrewah15]

Credit to you for taking time out to putting together a painstakingly detailed RC car. 🙌🏾👏🏾

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Andrew! I appreciate the kind words and thank you for watching.

[@seancook4317]

"when you take a break , come and see me" that there is a lucky man, what an awesome video, your skills and hard work shine in this video, i really liked it, very well done! such a beautiful RC

[@marcussho]

Reminds me of my Yokomo YZ-10 I had way back when. Classy work.

[@davedavila7020]

I’ve had my eye on an Avante for the last 2 years. Watching you build yours finally led me to pull the trigger and order one :) KZbin algorithm was on point today! Excellent job Mr.Mechanic!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for watching! Congrats on getting one! Might've been a really good move as these are not as easy to come by lately. And it'll just go up in price once they stop producing them. Good luck and have fun with the build!

[@DaraghsTube]

BTW, sealing the CF plate edges with CA glue then sanding and using a black Sharpie is a nice touch and keeps the chassis from splitting in case of a crash. I ordered a 1/4" chuck after seeing you tap for the stainless.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks again for watching! That’s true on the cf edges. My older cars have CA on them and I polish it to a shine. For these newer classic builds, I don’t do the ca edges anymore as I don’t take them to the track or run them hard. The cf on these re-releases are better too.

[@carson668]

I've 1988 Avante and I love this RC. Thanks for your video.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! The 1988 is the real deal :)

[@TheKiman2]

Incredible build and artistry. Can we just appreciate how clean and tidy the workspace is?

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! And thank you for the nice words and watching.

[@Mr.Titanium1911]

Great build. I admire your work ethics. Hopefully many youngsters watching this can learn from your ways.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! I appreciate the comment and thank you for watching

[@willowwillow7112]

Built a hornet when I was a kid. Great memories of building it with my dad. This is on a level many times advanced from that. Great video

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! The Hornet is a fun one! And thank you for watching

[@TaichiTakedaJPN]

I love your great work! メカニック and アバンテ sticker is very nice! Thank you from Japan.

[@MatB999]

Clearly an awesome artist but also a psycho of cleanliness 😅😊. I cannot show you my table with my current Kyosho project 😁

[@tomchamberlain4329]

Such a sick looking car man. I remember being obsessed with the Tamiya catalogues from the early 90s, all the cars looked amazing. I wish real cars looked that good. Always wanted one as a kid, could never afford it.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Tom! I remember those catalogues! I wish they still made them as good as those back in the day.

[@davidsais6384]

I wanted one before, but now.... just amazing! Can't wait to build one!

[@UNKA757]

You are truly a passionate R/C Enthusiast and R/C Mechanic, Indeed. Awesome Video. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Christopher! I appreciate the kind and nice words. And thank you for watching and the support!

[@catxls1835]

Excellent video from start to finish. I love the ball differential on the prop shaft, to split the power. I, like many others like me am a big fan of the Avante, but yours is the best I have ever seen, mechanically and cosmetically. Love it! Thumbs up!!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment and thank you for watching!

[@allangrant1326]

I’m not really into RC cars but that is a thing of beauty

[@lowbucksracing3579]

That buggy is Twisted!!!! Dude amazing work

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thank you!

[@robsmall6466]

Avante was always one of the best designs. Well done

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks! And thank you for watching.

[@meltdown78]

I always ask myself how the RC builders on YT keep their workbenches so clean. Everything looks spotless and brand new. My workbench is covered in dirt, grime, random screws, shafts, bearings and other parts, half-broken equipment and worn tools. And in the middle of all that a car where I can only guess what color it once was...

[@MechanicAfterHours]

I think that is just as cool as any other workbench. Sounds like a true tinkerer and enthusiast ;)

[@thlee3]

the intro music is so well mastered in this video ... incredible

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks

[@SANDSCORCHER]

The effort you put into the body and the driver figure alone is enough to give me head pain.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, SANDSCORCHER! Haha! Yes, I tell myself to ignore the driver but I still end up working on it.

[@SANDSCORCHER]

Mine is still sat in my loft... unbuilt. Bought lots of nice things for it. Just can’t get the motivation to build the damn thing. So congratulations on not only getting motivated to build yours, but to build it to this extent AND make a cool film of it all too😎👍🏻 Many thanks for sharing the wealth😎

[@shadow7037932]

The classic Avante is such a beautiful car.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Yes it is :)!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Just absolutely incredible again my friend 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Glenn! Thank you for the nice feedback! I really appreciate it.

[@1csearle]

The work on that cockpit mind blown 🤯

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Chris Searle! And thank you for watching

[@knappRC]

I can't count how many times I have watched this video already. Just awesome. I want a 10 minute video of you just driving it!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, retro | reborn! And thank you for watching! I wish I could but one day when I can get someone to help me film the drives.

[@Willybrordus]

Absolutely beautiful! Greetings from Antwerp!

[@_jasonj_]

Had the original as a kid. Great vid!

[@LassoKid7777]

Wow that's the coolest RC I've ever seen

[@dsoupashis]

Your work to detail method is simply stunning, each car you make is an Art piece. Stunning work 👍🏻

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, dsoupashis! Thank you for the nice words and watching!

[@stephaneneron]

Every aspect of that video is just beyond the top notch rating !!! The attention to microscopic details, the way you works you stuff and the results is just amazing. Thanks for sharing :)

[@VeloVadim]

This is now my #1 channel to keep playing on the 2nd monitor while sketching machines and stuff. Well done mate!

[@cramalnig]

Jeez, fair play, that really looks the mutts nuts!! A top class achievement there well done.

[@markcalhoun8219]

Made the thing look like some kinda offroad F1 car. Amazing work.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks again, Mark!

[@SWFabrication.]

What an awesome video. Man, remember when you'd go to the Hobby Shop, and you'd see a wall of cars that you'd have to build. My first was a Cox Ultra Stock, that'll tell how old I could be ;) Have always loved the Avante, what a unique design and layout so cool. Awesome man just awesome.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, 992 dr! I miss those days of the archetypal hobby shop. Although I didn't but anything, just window shopped haha. The Cox Ultra Stock is cool one! Not too familiar with it but it reminds me of a Kyosho Pegasus.

[@shade_x7752]

Love the build I still have my original 1988 released one in the attic somewhere.. Been a few decades since I outgrew my RC cars/boats/planes.

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Shade_ X! Those 88 original ones are quite coveted!

[@DavidToyotaHead13]

This should be trending. Beautiful job

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Gearhead Garage! And thank you for watching.

[@skywalker9048]

You work of art inspired me for re building my rc vintage again. Thanks!!!

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Sky Walker! Good luck re building your vintage RC cars and hope you'll enjoy it again!

[@RC4TheWay]

This channel is rocking. Some of the best looking rc cars builds I have seen. The work is being done down to the fingernails. Kudos. 👍

[@brucejimenez833]

Beautiful rig! Attention to detail and style is amazing! Best build I've seen in a long time. Keep the builds coming

[@RickyD1968]

Awesome Build and Paint !!!!

[@akinaspeedstar8872]

The best looking build of the best looking r/c automobile. Your bespoke touches are truly extraordinary 👏

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks, Akina Speedstar! I like the Initial D handle you have.

[@cpg8000]

Lovely video, thank you! This car had kick ass engineering! Seems so much more advanced than much of what was available at the time. How come this was never really race worthy??? Man, it looks awesome

[@MechanicAfterHours]

Thanks for watching! I've seen it race with other cars back in the day and yes, it was somewhat lacking against others. It wasn't as stable/predictable as a 870c or Cat XL, or even a Kyosho Optima Mid. Probably has to do with the suspension geometry. And it wasn't as easy to tune/work on once out in the field. But it was an art piece.