e147: HG-P407 Metal 4x4 Pick Up Crawler Tamiya Bruiser Clone First Run

[@FordFan01]

Seems to be quite the truck! I died laughing at the “Genuine Tamiya” steering play statement! Not one truck I’ve bought from them didn’t need tremendous steering work to attempt to fix it.

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, their servo savers always been notoriously mushy+sloppy, most are an easy fix with a stiffer "C" put in or wrapping with a cut spring type hose clamp.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Right? You should see how bad the onroad cars are...omg...

[@FordFan01]

AMPRO Engineering They have like 3 different linkages on the High-Lift and my gosh, the steering is awful. It allows so much room for play.

[@josephsloppy6750]

Ford Fan01 yep Tamiya is good for steering issues. I used aluminum steering with bearing on my CC 01. So far fixed the steering issues.

[@josephsloppy6750]

AMPRO Engineering oh yeah there on road cars do have steering problems. Lol. Tamiya stuff is not all that bad. Still fun to drive.

[@TheRandomMechanic]

the shifting can only be adjusted by the shifting linkage on the truck , also the servo saver for the shift servo is trash , replace it with a traxxas servo saver and make sure the transmission is bolted down tight , the front bolts are the only ones holding it down , the rear screws are just guides for making sure the transmission stays centered but the grommets on those screws on the center cross member are trash so replace them with standard wiring rubber grommets from ace hardware they are made from a much firmer compound and will firm things up a bit , it will make it a lot better but not perfect , i have my shifting issue about 90% sorted out the rest of the issue lies in the massive amount of central frame flex , it will either need two rear transmission mounts to go from the frame to the rear ears of the trans or some sort of trans tunnel bridge that goes over the trans and connects to the frame on either side to stop the flexing ,

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah all good tweeks. It burned the stock steering in favor of the Ampro set up but the trans is still only as good as its source material

[@johnwindsor9069]

This truck looks, and performs exactly like the Tamiya Mountaineer re-release I had last year wobbly universals and all.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I looked at my vintage ones and they are just like it.

[@christolbert37]

I thought pins came with this truck so that you could lock the diffs? The rc sailors had some pins with theirs i think

[@AMPROEngineering]

It should have but mine did not.

[@trackpackgt877]

Yeah there suppose to come with tiny pins u remove the screw on top of the differential put the pen down in there and put the screw back in sucks his didn't come with one I'm going to order one and I really hope it comes with at least one pin to lock the rear

[@Freddie44utube]

My 2012 has got locking pins for the diffs I intend to use my truck once finished but not the the extent I will need pins... also I had a Tamiya 16T brushless tble 01 combo kicking about which I’ve installed into mine and I’ve one of those wonderful light kits you recommended... only thing holding me back is choosing a colour for the body work I’ve binned the sleeper cab in favour of a roll bar...!

[@AMPROEngineering]

I just saw them. I will try to install the pins from my High Lift and see how it goes.

[@erictucker98]

If you can put a locking pin in the diff. Traxxas has pins that come with 2wd stampede output yokes that work.

[@AMPROEngineering]

You should be able to but mine didnt seem to want to accept the pin.

[@toddbertram6556]

I still feel tamiya really needs to create a new design and step into the performance based scale world of rc. Tamiya has had some great vehicles and has a wonderful history in the hobby so it would be sad to see them left behind by today's more modern companies. Companies that do their r+d and produce nearly indestructible vehicles. Tamiya can no longer compete with current plastics found in other vehicles by other manufacturers. Tamiya often had funky cool designs but people want it all in this day and age. It now has to be cool as well as bombproof.

[@modelnutty6503]

yup, even some of the less expensive RTR's are shaming Tamiya now, is pretty sad for Tamiya unfortunately. they could have developed an inexpensive great performing crawler/bouncer kit easily enough by now too.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, just yes. They need something new that performs and look better than anything on the market. They used to be the innovator but not anymore.

[@RC4X4]

You are right. Going back to the 80's when the first three speed trucks came out that was very unique for the time and advanced. Fast forward to 2017 when Traxxas releases the TRX-4. Tamiya should have made something similar but way before 2017. The Hilift series is just a bunch of left over parts put together to make some trucks. I love my 3 speeds from Tamiya, but they need to knock the socks off of us with something else. I love my TRX-4's as well.

[@allianceofsteel]

these actually have the locking pin for the diffs, i also thought about adapting the txr locking system to this truck so you could have locking on the fly..

[@AMPROEngineering]

Mine didnt have them and then i discovered that the holes for the pins in the axles werent even threaded!

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Wow love this truck. I think this truck for the price is going to go off the scale 😱 fantastic vid my friend well done 😁😊😁😊

[@AMPROEngineering]

I agree with you!

[@ShenRC]

😊👍Nice test it looks pretty good... could always lock the diffs if you want very easy.

[@andysmith5152]

how?

[@ShenRC]

+Andy Smith you can degrease the diff and use JB weld epoxy and fill it with the epoxy and it will lock the diff.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thats true but if the 2012 Bruiser could lock with a pin or something, this should be able to also I would imagine.

[@zackthebongripper7274]

Took apart the controller today and as I suspected the wire connections were poor. If you are going to use the controller please consider re-soldering all the connections.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Wow, ok will do! This is common for cheap electronics.

[@TheUsmc0802]

Very nice. The 2012 Rere Bruiser has locking differentials. I usually run mine open but it is alot of fun locked too.

[@AMPROEngineering]

How do you lock them? Does the axle need to be opened?

[@TheUsmc0802]

AMPRO Engineering There is an access hole on the pumpkin. If I remember correctly it's plugged with an Allen head screw. Align the hole with the screw in the diff. Tighten and you have a locked diff. I'll post a picture when I get home.

[@TheUsmc0802]

AMPRO Engineering ...check out page (27) on the Tamiya manual (which you can download) to see what I mean.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh cool! Just like the High-Lift then. Ill take a look!

[@TheUsmc0802]

AMPRO Engineering ....so did they lock like the rere? I really think this is the same truck. Still haven't ordered it yet. Really need to. Just ordered the Kingcab stealth mode!

[@manleys69]

In the instruction manual on the 2012 bruiser it does show a locking pin for the diff.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Correct, this one shows that also but it did not come with the pin and the 2012 Bruiser pin does not seem to work. Ill need to take apart the diff and see why.

[@blkft]

I ordered one recently, should be here soon. The price of the Tamiya Bruiser when it was $800 and now a Grand was and is not justifiable,,, especially by my accountant (Wife!). At $300 I can throw a few hop ups at it and not feel too bad about it. And the Accountant stays reasonably happy.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah it is hard to justify 800 let alone a grand on something that's not really that good of a car. This is a great compromise.

[@hammerhome7879]

Tower hobbies ... $1062 WTF?

[@blkft]

I know Right? And now the Clone is available as a kit(?) for $200-ish.

[@hammerhome7879]

I had an org Bruiser 100 years ago , I got exited when they re-released it , when I seen the price I said fuck it. $450 tops .... Kyosho didn't go crazy on it re-releases , Tamiya is out to lunch.

[@pocher69]

Yes the 2012 Bruiser has a locking diff I built one and working on the body now. I also have a Mountain Rider to built too. Love the 3 speeds but they really drive like crap lol. Its one of those trucks I always wanted so had money and bought it for Christmas for myself :) (Bruiser)

[@AMPROEngineering]

I agree. They are great but compared to anything new, they are awful. My Trailfinder 2 on the other hand is a masterpiece.

[@pocher69]

I have a TF 2 Love the truck to death but I had it custom painted with House of Kolor and it sits on a shelf looking pretty, Has full interior, full Tamiya led's, I have not had a battery in it in like 4 years

[@AMPROEngineering]

Ah I see. Can't fault you for that, the thing looks so good even stock.

[@electrohacker]

the axles use the same locking pin as the high lift and yes the 2012 did have this feature

[@AMPROEngineering]

So I tried last night and I cannot get them to work at all. They will not thread into the diff at all. More investigation is needed.

[@electrohacker]

AMPRO Engineering flip the diff 180 inside the houseing. I had to take the axle apart to find it, but it's there. the hole being on top is not great. I wish it was on the side like the highlift

[@clintackerman6486]

Hi, great videos. i was just wondering if you had been able to find out how to lock up the diffs on this truck? Is it the same as the bruiser re release? With the extra long grub screws in the top of the diff housing. I can see there is a small screw in the same place as the re re bruiser. Cheers

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah it looks that way. I am going to try to use the locking pin in my Highlift in a video very soon!

[@clintackerman6486]

AMPRO Engineering cheers for the reply. If the diffs lock i think ill have to get one. Saves a few hundred dollars getting one of these instead of a bruiser. I can still paint it up the same. Cheers again. Looking forward to the trail video

[@AMPROEngineering]

I will confirm soon! Uploading a body comparison video right now. BTW, check out the RC4WD Trailfinder 2 with Mojave body. It is still the best of the lot.

[@clintackerman6486]

cheers. I know the rc4wds, sxc10 and so are better cars but i grew up in the 80s and being able to have a bruiser or clone is just me reliving my childhood. I could only dream about a bruiser back then.

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

Looking at picking one up but I enjoy beating the hell out of my RC’s so not sure it it will hold up to me. Great look into what the rig has going on for it. Doesn’t seem to be to bad just not sure if that’s it or not. So many rigs to choose from it’s hard to keep up.👍

[@AMPROEngineering]

Dont waste your money on this if you are going to be hard on it. Get a RC4WD Trailfinder 2.

[@OnlineAnand]

good

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, surprisingly...

[@jdpaslRC]

Cool clone truck. Would be cool if you paint the body.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I did! You will see the episode on that soon!

[@JedociderShou]

I know this model has a diff lock. There's a small screw/pin you need to put on a little hole with a grub screw on the axle.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I know but I cant get mine to thread in for some reason.

[@JedociderShou]

Oh so that's why

[@christopherlee3041]

Did you figure out the middle gear engagement issue? Mine was the same and I adjusted the tie rod length on the shifter rod. Was a litle better but not perfect. Still get inconsistent middle gear engagement. Sometimes the switch needs to be a touch up, sometimes a touch down, and other times right in the divot. Curious if you solved it.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I trimmed it but is no worse than my genuine one.

[@foachannel5749]

Hi, I like your video. you show how the all gear works. which 1 will you recommend? wltoys 10428b, remo hobby 1093st or this 1, HG P407 tamiya clone?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Well, the wltoys 10428b remo hobby 1093st are both capable rock crawlers. This is not. This is maybe a light trail truck but it is slow, fragile, has no upgrades and will never be a crawler. The Remo looks cool though also.

[@foachannel5749]

@@AMPROEngineering thank you, I found remo hobby 1093 also waterproof. is that right?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh boy, that I do not know. Sorry!

[@lusiusbest6691]

@@AMPROEngineering is really that bad compared to the remo hobby? I want to bulid a dakar truck is a good base for you?

[@luissimoes8106]

Has you said in the unboxing the unlock diferetials are the main concern and i wonder why they conceived like that because in 3rd gear the velocity doesn't "need" them.

[@AMPROEngineering]

You bring up a good point. That 3rd gear is stupidly fast and that may be a reason for the diffs since a spool would make it way less stable than it already is. I seriously have no idea why 3rd gear exists in these trucks. They are way too fragile to survive a crash at that speed.

[@Rex_Stuph]

There should be two blanking set screws either side of the diff pumpkins that allow access for CR01 style locking dowels, if it's a true rere Bruiser clone.

[@AMPROEngineering]

There is but I cannot get them to fit.

[@Rex_Stuph]

How weird. Selective cloning. Well, if you want to lock it up in a reversible way, if at least the gears are full clones, they diff centers are CC01 on the new Bruiser, so the little nylon locking plates that come with CC's should fit in there.

[@snap_fit8686]

Hey,, can i use this truck tyre wheel set to the trail finders ? Rather then buy another car maybe i just buy a wheel instead,, safe alot of space in my room

[@AMPROEngineering]

No they will not fit. They only fit this truck. You can get ones just like it with a hex drive though.

[@TraxEnnoxas]

Hey, which radio control do you use for this? Great Vid! Greetings from Germany

[@AMPROEngineering]

Hello there, I use the stock one. it came with.

[@snap_fit8686]

sory, when i see your driveway i cant help to wander where do you put all of your 1,1 project cars,.. lol.? As my self have one in the driveway colecting bug

[@AMPROEngineering]

I have a garage where the fleet is stacked thankfully.

[@rampantfpv8386]

I just bought one rtr for $199 Couldn't resist. One question though. Can that ridiculous chrome extend cab portion be removed?

[@AMPROEngineering]

YES! I never installed it on mine. If you see the painting videos I have you can see it there.

[@LukesVintageRC]

Great video sir 👍

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you!

[@hammerhome7879]

I would kill for a front axle as wide as the rear ... and not an offset hub that compromises the steering and strength ... I had the org Bruiser back in the day , I'm glad that they made the knuckle stronger , but I can't believe they kept that stupid narrow front axle that I always hated..

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah me too. I am making an extension for the front actually.

[@hammerhome7879]

Please don't put out an extended hex... the steering axis is already way off center from the factory. I think that cutting off the ends of the axle housing/tubes (next to the pivot ball at the outsides) and building a clamp-on machined axle tube extenders and knuckle (with a bearing on the top and bottom for the pivot mounts/knuckle would be a nice touch) and of course you would need extended dog bone's as well... I was going to suggest this to RC4wd or ESP...

[@astridsactionrc545]

The Tamiya Bruiser and the RC4WD TF2 are ridiculously expensive in my book. This is a decent truck at a price that is a bit more wallet friendly.

[@AMPROEngineering]

The TF2 is around $550 right? But the Bruiser sells for $1000 in most places! That is insane.

[@jamesoldebeken3625]

Rc4wd is junk I found that out 800 plus dollars later

[@BowlleuxMobile]

my truck have come with 2 pin to lock front and rear diff HG-P407 From banggood

[@AMPROEngineering]

Interesting. Yeah, they were missing on mine and the ones in my Tamiya Hilux dont fit.

[@josephsloppy6750]

Looks like you are having way to much fun. Driver figure pn# 54416/op1416. Hope that helps. Tamiya did charge alot for the release of the bruser and mountian rider. That is the reason I did not buy one.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yeah I have a few of those guys. I didn't buy one because the RC4wd Trailfinder 2 is superior and costs half as much. I wish Tamiya would wake up.

[@josephsloppy6750]

AMPRO Engineering Tamiya should drop the price on some kits. I would not mind Tamiya bringing back the bullfrog buggy

[@keithblood560]

Im 43 n watched all kinds of videos on rc vehicles. Was at walmart n bought a Newbright Gravedigger monster truck its a 2 wheel drive wich kinda sucks..paid 80 bucks and its for indoor use so i drive the hall out of in the house..the front tires are wobbly but still driveable..the other i bought was from Jada its the fast n furious charger..this thing is powerful n fast paid 80 for that too n was way superior to the Newbright.

[@keithblood560]

After all the snow is gone im gonna get a Traxxis or Arrma n realy fly around.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yeah those will be a big difference for you!

[@DENSUTUBE2008]

If you take the chrome cap off does the cab have a rear window?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Hmmm, I don't recall. I took the whole thing off.

[@DENSUTUBE2008]

When you took the chrome cap off was the passenger cab open in the back or do you need to buy a piece to close up the back of the passenger cabin?

[@AMPROEngineering]

OH! No it was closed with the window opening.

[@raulfrias6487]

I had bought this one last month and I felt bad because of its bad performance and also lots of parts that need to be checked and be repaired.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Poor performance? How so? The original bruiser is pretty terrible by today's standards. I found that this one was much better than my original.

[@steveclough6794]

alberto is there a easy way to lock the diff on this model otherwise very impresive

[@AMPROEngineering]

Stephen, a few have mentioned that on the 2012 Bruiser, it can easily be locked with a pin. If this is the same design then I suspect yes. I need to look at the 2012 bruiser manual to see how that truck does it!

[@steveclough6794]

AMPRO Engineering thanks Alberto look forward to seeing your findings also could you hive a link to purchase this truck if possible thanks

[@AMPROEngineering]

Sorry man, this was picked up at a supplier in Hong Kong but I say look on eBay.

[@zackthebongripper7274]

Just got mine and there is a BIG difference in the shock body. Reference the re-release and original Bruiser manual and you will see that the exit area for the shock piston is different in shape. There is also the addition of a spring on the piston that is not present on the genuine articles. Interesting. . .There are also differences on the grill, body and switch hole, some are omitted for "Toyota" copyright. I will keep looking for differences. I think this is not a ripoff per se. I think the Chinese company that Tamiya outsourced the mold and production to had an agreement with Tamiya. Tamiya would have it's run first, and only after discontinuing the Bruiser and Mountain Rider could the Chinese company then release their clone. So far we have not heard anything from Tamiya, and I suspect this is the case. This is good news because it would indicate that Tamiya will never re-release a Bruiser or Mounty chassis ever again, making them almost as collectable as the originals. Those kits are gone forever. The only option will likely be to buy the clone and convert it, not to hard really.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I just did a video comparing the bodies and there are differences. Gates are all the same but ejector pins are all different. This is definitely a copy but I did compare the High Lift and not the Bruiser though I cannot imagine they would change it for that. I actually hope they do not release them again too, I want something new.

[@krowe33]

@@AMPROEngineering For them to have made the changes they have made in the body, the chinese HAVE to be using completely new molds. The details being removed like the Toyota logos would have meant they would have added to the mold. Which would be a major pain. And yeah, working in the machining/engineering field, I have seen this a lot... Chinese are contracted to make your parts... then they sell knockoffs of your designs. What is good though is the Chinese have really been stepping up their game and producing high quality profucts.

[@mrk1075]

At 1:39 What scale is that red car across the street?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Sure looks about half!

[@BudiSetiawan-id9en]

Is it work if we replace remote and reciever with fs gt5? It has gyro also

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yeah that is not a problem.

[@wolffin100]

Another great video ,so close to the classic tamiya , stiff,bulky , clumsy and a bit floppy, none the less the classics we all love , we don't buy them because they are the most capable but because they look bad arse . And we all wanted one as a kid . Keep the vids coming 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thanks man. I have a lot on the way!

[@SMGPERFORMANCE16]

I’d love to see a shiftable transfer case and remote locking diffs that would be awesome.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Not on this guy, haha, go for the Traxxas TRX4.

[@SMGPERFORMANCE16]

AMPRO Engineering I’ve got a TRX4, just be cool to have selectable 4wd/ hi/low and diff locks

[@rubenreyes1360]

Does it go any faster then that

[@AMPROEngineering]

No this is not a fast model and shouldn't be driven as such. It is a scaler so it is very slow. Even the high gear is way to fast for it!

[@crashsoome]

Can you run this on a 3-cell?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Not with the stock electronics. Plus, this style of truck would not handle it, not because it is a copy but because the whole design is 30 years old.

[@crashsoome]

Are u leaving the shell white?

[@jamesdash7349]

Where are you guys getting these at ?????

[@jamesdash7349]

Thank you very much.I found it

[@AMPROEngineering]

BangGood too.

[@thestuffz]

holding out for blazing blazer lol

[@AMPROEngineering]

Now that would be something if they rere'd the lid on a ultra detailed and scale chassis...

[@tonyr1963]

I’ve got an original Blazing Blazer. I’m thinking of buying a pair of HG axles and seeing if I can fit them to it. They are only about £25 each. Pre owned original axles are £100 a pair on eBay. The original front hubs are weak at the steering knuckle and a heavy landing can break them so a source of available cheap spares would great to keep it running.

[@crashsoome]

Yeah too late I already squeeze the trigger and bought it lol

[@AMPROEngineering]

Haha, at least I didnt have bad news in this video!

[@PortCharmers]

It would look a lot better with some paint on

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh it's going to get some!

[@thebigfut]

To me, Tamiya has ZERO products out today that hold a candle to RC4WD, Axial, or any of the other modern brands out there. You just have to shop in your price point and know what the end goal is for the rig you're buying. Sometimes that does mean buying a used roller, but that gives you a chance to build it all as you want it to be built first time around.

[@AMPROEngineering]

You are sadly correct. They created that scene and handed the keys over to everyone else. It would be like Ford still selling the Model T...

[@electrohacker]

I think hg should go ahead and make a different body like a ranger or something. I bet they would sell like hot cakes

[@AMPROEngineering]

I totally agree.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I totally agree!

[@sophie28ize]

I bought one and did not receive a battery. I didn't read the description fully, I have to check the description again. Did not try it yet but it looks good. The suspension is so stiff. I really did not even want but i bid 10.00 Dollars less and figured they would have denied my bid. but they accepted it. I should have tried 20 or 30 off. They probably want to get rid of them quick. I received it so quick i was shocked. It was about 6 days. I don't care if it is a clone, copy, ripoff, whatever. Because i am never going to buy tamiya again. Not at what they are selling their kits for now. The bruser is selling for over a 1.000 dollars at tower now. Also the sand scorcher is almost 500 bucks. If they came with bearings and better parts and you don't have put so much money into their kit then maybe. I hope someone copy's all their kits. They are going to louse a lot of customers. I really don't know what they are thinking. It makes me mad!!

[@AMPROEngineering]

It is possible that the battery was removed for air transport. You cannot ship a lipo battery easily and they need to have under 30% charge. They are a pain. The suspension is softer than my original but that is how these always were. I also hate to say it but I feel your pain. Right now, Tamiya is doing weird stuff..

[@sophie28ize]

Your right, They did ship it separate. Plus they said they shipped me a free gift. A battery tester, That's a first, More company's should do that. at the least throw in some decals. Thanks for Responding and Thanks for a great channel!!!

[@skyhawk21]

Where did u buy who from on eBay?

[@sophie28ize]

toucanhobby Try to get 15 or 20 dollars off

[@artieaudio77]

Haha just got mine today. I put a 260 offer thinking he wouldn't take it but he haha. Its a great looking truck so far

[@user-frond-end_dev]

тачка просто бомба, хочу себе такую! жаль, что в моей стране курс доллара сумасшедший, а то я бы взял себе

[@AMPROEngineering]

О, это позор. Это действительно хорошая машина.

[@RC-ty5ym]

@@AMPROEngineering you speak Russian or did Google translate do the job?

[@brianfisher3774]

That is made for rock climbing

[@AMPROEngineering]

Going to need some soft tires but you may be right.

[@thedumpydustman6088]

Nice looking truck for sure and a BIG fan of all things Tamiya but think will be sticking with my trusty old Emaxx. Far from being a speed freak but that is too slow even for me I would get bored with it in no time. Wanted one since being a child but can put that to bed now, the Bruiser is definitely not for me

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yea, this is a crawler for sure. On top of that, it is not even a good crawler. To be honest, for some it could just be a huge static model but that is not for me either.

[@The-Warm-voice1359]

this is not original from tamiya ...tamiya never come ready to run like this car she always come kit i have bruiser from tamiya 2012 i make diff luck on her he is very strong ih yea there 1 more thing tamiya never bring this car with li po battery lol anyway awesome video i hope see more from you wonderful channal 👍 good luck👌 peace✋

[@AMPROEngineering]

Well they do make many RTR kits now but the Bruiser isn't one of them. You are right about no LiPo either! Thanks man.

[@The-Warm-voice1359]

this is chinese car ...yea in this time china can made anything see that wassup😉

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes, they are making seriously high quality products. We must all remember how good Apple and Google products are. All made in China.

[@jmaclaren4147]

transmission is junk, inferior metal on the gears and planetary gears

[@AMPROEngineering]

Interesting. Mine has been fine but I run the stock motor.

[@jmaclaren4147]

@@AMPROEngineering Stock motor is the only one that should be used or a 35 turn.

[@geneticcanvasexotics9365]

😂😂😂😂😂👎🏿

[@AMPROEngineering]

Well said.