e244: Tamiya Brat - The Buyers Guide Series

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[@chibiskyrc]

An input I have for this video is I personally really like the sound of the RC in the running video rather than music as it gives a better sense of what the actual experience is like for driving the car

[@millboss1372]

Agreed

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes for all of my buyers guide videos I do like to have actual vehicle audio. I don’t understand at all how the new software I have didn’t pick up the audio at all. I was incredibly mad

[@chibiskyrc]

@@AMPROEngineering I thought something might've gone wrong. Seemed kinda unAMPRO to have overlayed music

[@Mikerumball]

I had one . The tyres squeal like a real car . One of my best memorys of it .

[@AMPROEngineering]

That is a good point! They do make a killer squeal!

[@johnellis7100]

I know I’m pretty late on this but, thank you so much for reminding me of that movie, The Manhattan project! I was a kid back then and when the Subaru driver transporting plutonium turned his head I was sold.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Man I love that movie! It's actually a good movie but man, the Brat is why I watched it!

[@squatchysplace8663]

@@AMPROEngineering Another movie that features Tamiya rc is "Malcolm" a 1986 Australian movie, features a Tamiya Sand Scorcher. Can't comment on how good the movie is but there is a Sand Scorcher in it.

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

I just ordered one of these. I think it will be fun to drive in the snow that is coming this winter. Lol

[@AMPROEngineering]

Never tried snow but these are always a great deal of fun

[@northwoodslife5964]

I'm sitting here in my house at 5 AM, watching your video. Thank you. Good job! I've been an RC car guy since the 70's. Heh, yeah, I'm an older guy. And I've got a newer rerelease Tamiya Brat kit that I'm considering building once I get well. The kit is sitting in my workshop just waiting for me. I bought it a couple years ago for down time. This is down time. I'm dealing with covid. Yeah, well it sucks. But I'm feeling better today/tonight. Your video, if nothing else, gives me a goal to tackle tomorrow. Thank You, It's going to be fun.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Awe man im sorry. I have had a lot of people i know get it very recently. We all had it about a year ago...no fun. Feel better and I am glad you enjoy the videos!

[@thestuffz]

I have one of these original release Brats. A friend gave it to me a few years ago. It was rode hard and put away.. in pieces... I was not able to re-use the frame rails as it had a kink on one side near the front suspension. I figured out the rear "non differential" differences myself after one wheel would not turn. The hex drives were stripped bad. The body was even worse.. hood, cab and part of the rear bed was all that was left. no grille, no fenders, no tailgate. Front body post was bent over and I ended up paying big money for a NOS body post off evilbay. It is on the shelf now and will be forever cherished.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Wow it definitely sounds like it was loved aggressively

[@SimonWard-qn1il]

I love the music running video, adds a sense of personality to the car. Also always have a person shoveling sand in the back ground.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I didnt realize they were working in the street until you mentioned it, haha! Yeah this is a really great little car.

[@bamabiker750]

Some fascinating info. I've always appreciated the Tamiya Brat and now I want one for the collection. Anyway, you sir are a walking encyclopedia of RC knowledge - sorta like the Jay Leno of RC. lol I really enjoy these brief trips back in time. thank you!!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh thank you very much. All the information just comes from Google searches, I wish I was that smart.

[@mad-beerc3818]

My first Tamiya back in the day and the tamiya that started my passion and love for this hobby! I still have a Brat but it's a rere but still love it! it's a runner so takes me right back to being a young lad full of amazement and joy each time l take it out for a spin! Great vid mate,👍

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah this thing always takes me back.

[@schuttrostig5729]

Great car, one of my classmates in 6th grade had one. Lots of quirks still pretty much operatable nowadays. I found the best thing is the "4WD" stickers that come with it, since its a RWS car. Always thought that is really entertaining.

[@AMPROEngineering]

That is a damn good point! It does say 4WD!

[@CamperNaTour]

Hello Ampro, Small introduction: At the beginning of the Covid time, I decided to revive my hobby from my childhood: RC Cars! Back then (I was 12-14 years) I fell in love with the Subaru Brat but didn't have the money. Back then it was only enough for a used Hornet. By the way: In Germany Tamiya models were worth their weight in gold back then (1985), Kyosho‘s in platinum. Now, almost a year ago, I bought the Brat as Re-Re and what can I say: I love him and my daughter (9) too. Big problem and tears: the problem concerns the steering knuckle. After a short time, the wheel shaft falls out of the steering knuckle. On both sides! At first I thought it was a manufacturing fault from Tamiya and bought a replacement from Tamico. Again after 3 battery packs. A wheel went happily straight on. I went to a precision mechanic and explained my problem to him. He suggested a solution with industrial glue. An adhesive that is also used on large CNC milling machines. That should work, I thought. Today I put the parts in and did a test drive. After 20 minutes I let my daughter drive, set the speed to 40%, and guess what happened. Yes ... the right front wheel made its own way again. She started crying in shock, thinking it was her fault. But I quickly take out the lunch box and the fun continued and everything was forgotten. Now my questions: I've been watching your videos and innovations for quite a while and appreciate your knowledge of RC models and Tamiya technology. Do you know the problem? If so, can you suggest a solution? Do steering knuckles of other models fit, e.g. Big Foot or Monster Beetle? Or can I easily modify them and make them fit? When I look around in forums or on You-Tube, I feel like I'm the only one on the planet whose wheels are falling off an ORV model. Nobody in my club can't help me, as they bash either 1: 8 models, are Traxxas fanboys or drive high-end machines. I drive everything stock, except for a few useful modifications, such as better dampers or ball bearings. Please excuse my English, my school English is 30 years old and that's why I use the Google Translator and don't know what it translates. We look forward to an answer. Keep it up and have fun. Greetings from Germany Frieda and Axel

[@AMPROEngineering]

Hello there, Thank you for the intro! My very good friend is in Frankfurt and I visit him from time to time. I am very surprised to hear this. I have 4 of these cars and never seen such a thing. Can you send some images to [e-mail]

[@robsgarage7022]

Great video. Really enjoy my re release Brat. Hard body sits in the box for a shelf build. Lexan takes a beating. Front stubs tend to come apart after some use. Loctite fixed that problem

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes those front stub axle is always annoy the heck out of me. That was why when I created a new front suspension I had those integrated

[@rickkings2071]

My first Tamiya was a Frog a very cool car. Then I bought a Blackfoot new. It was a great truck. I now have the rerelease Brat and its fast and fun. I found that it needed an upgraded servo saver and also the front wheels kept popping off the axle when I jumped it. Loctite 638 seemed to help but still need to test that further at the track. Its a nice RC to own even after all these years. Appreciate the video!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yeah that servo saver is trash for sure! Glad you liked the video

[@rodf73]

Love these Buyers Guide Videos

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you!

[@michaelandrew4488]

Nice video - I have the all chrome re-release, and there is luckily a spare lexan body included in the kit.

[@AMPROEngineering]

That was a good idea lol!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

One of my favorite ORVs! It amazes me that I never had one... Interesting bit about the locked Diff. I'm actually surprised it was never available separately for the Big Tire varieties, that REALLY could have used it!! Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah it’s odd that it wasn’t sold as a aftermarket upgrade

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

EXACTLY!

[@agevan6735]

Great vid, cheers mate

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thank you! I have FINALLY made a video on the Frog that will be up soon!

[@thedumpydustman6088]

As I have a king Blackfoot chassis, an old Blackfoot Ford shell and some Brat Sand Blaster tyres been thinking of doing a Ranger replica. So a differences guide between the orv models would be awesome!

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes my brat shown here usually is wearing the F150 body.

[@budbundy5021]

I remember this rc from the movie the Manhattan project. Paul used it to steal plutonium

[@AMPROEngineering]

I love that movie. That is a great scene!

[@wissamsaade3323]

Very informative thanks for the video

[@AMPROEngineering]

Glad it was helpful! Ill have more on the ORV chassis soon.

[@chibiskyrc]

I've been waiting for this! I wanted your opinion before I got one but as I waited for this video I somehow ended up with 3 ORVs

[@AMPROEngineering]

I do think These are fantastic cars and I really like the chassis. I’d like to chassis so much that I developed a completely unique front suspension for these as well as the double wishbone suspension for the rear because I knew that this chassis had more to give

[@chibiskyrc]

@@AMPROEngineering It'd be cool to see a rere of the King Blackfoot or Bush Devil

[@millboss1372]

There's something to be said about the vintage stuff.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah for sure

[@cloudburstrc1633]

gonna dowload and watch the manhattan project now. malcolm 1986 made me also fall in love with the sand scorcher and i now finnaly have one

[@AMPROEngineering]

I loved that movie, haha!

[@josephsloppy6750]

I wish i kept my brat. I never used it. I did recieve a wpl kit for christmas. C24. Mine came with metal gears not plastic. Once again great video

[@AMPROEngineering]

They came with a replaceable metal gear on the counter so that the size of the counter gear could change based on a Pinion

[@josephsloppy6750]

@@AMPROEngineering yeah the pinion and ring gear are metal. The transmission now has the shafts flat on one side not splined

[@AntsPlants]

Great video

[@AMPROEngineering]

Thanks

[@treyfixes884]

This is my favorite chassis. I’m working on a stretched on with a clod buster body

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh very good. I also love this chassis which was why I redesigned the front suspension and created a double wishbone rear suspension. I’ve always felt that it had more to give

[@treyfixes884]

I have wanted to get your rear suspension and now the front for a while now. By the way I emailed you a week or so ago just wondered if you’d seen it?

[@tecnica2001]

Had one, enjoyed it, marveled at it’s beauty, then got rid of it......now I want another.....😁

[@AMPROEngineering]

Marveling at its beauty is definitely one of those things it’s good at

[@askoseppanen3779]

Sweet car, I like old👍🏻

[@AMPROEngineering]

I agree

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

I built one last year b/c it was my dream Tamiya as a kid, and yes Manhattan Project is why I wanted one. The worst part about driving the BRAT is it is rollover happy - at high speeds. The handling is terrible cornering. I've been looking for ways to lower the center of gravity.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Seriously, the suspension is bad. I may install my double wishbone rear end on this soon.

[@gogotrololo]

So i have this rejected Frog sitting under a table waiting to be sold, and watching this i had the thought.... i wonder if my sand scorcher body would fit on it? and... it does! I have to figure out how i want to mount it, but i could make use of that ORV chassis in a way that doesnt hurt me to own, and the DT02 shell i have the sand scorcher on can go back to being a dirt track buggy basher! I think your ORV videos may bring new life to the frog in 2020 >:D maybe i try and buy some of your parts too! ahhhhhhhhhh there goes saving my spring budget haha

[@AMPROEngineering]

Oh yes I’ve seen a lot of sand scorcher bodies on these old brats and I think it works fantastic

[@gogotrololo]

@@AMPROEngineering kind of a non-monstery monster beetle, eh? Hah

[@GTMatukka]

Blue Edition is waiting for the build 😊

[@AMPROEngineering]

Nice!

[@LawrenceB-t-fl1zh]

I’ve got an original 1983 one that still has its original box! But the shell got damaged after I ramped it over a curb and it cracked the roof 😢

[@AMPROEngineering]

These bodies are so fragile....I have a lot of tamiyas but for some reason the Brat just feels like glass.

[@NordicRC]

Good overview, my friend. Yeah, better than the Hornet/GH. Yours look amazing. Amazing that you drive it still and it keeps itself together 🙂 Think I would go with the re-release if getting one. Wonder how the driver fits to the polycarbonate body, if there is a driver. I bought a Blackfoot driver for my son’s Mud Blaster II (think the body is identical to the re-release lexan Brat body). But not sure how to fit unless I go with tape/glue. Which driver would you fit to the polycarbonate body if you had one and how? Have you ever done it? Seen it done in a good way? Uhh, and off topic: got a request for you if you ever get a WT-01/WR-01 chassis 🙂

[@AMPROEngineering]

Well the reason it still drives is the fact that all the gears are from the black foot as well as the pinion so it has a top speed of walking. You know me, I’m a pretty boring driver. I am designing the mud blaster rear body mounts but I’ve never thought about how to add the pc Body to the or the chassis. If you give me a height differential I could make taller ones

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes I may have to look into those chassis as well!

[@wadecaton4017]

I had an original blue brat. No t-tops. No painting required. It was molded in blue. Full assembly kit with the manual speed controller and 9.6volt nicad hump battery. The chassis was a tub chassis though not like the one shown. Not sure of model number. I also had the frog which had a chassis like the one shown here. Both were fun. Wish I still had them.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Wow, no idea who made that blue one. Sounds cool though

[@wadecaton4017]

@@AMPROEngineering I bought it around '83-'84 sometime at a place called leisure time hobby in Corpus Christ, TX. I also purchased the FROG at the same time. My brother-in-law purchased the Wild Willy and some type of buggy. Can't remember which one. All were kits and cheap by today's standards. I have recently purchased the Sand Viper. Nice RC. Thanks for listening.

[@tomcook5813]

My dad had a brand new one, from the dealer. It had two seats facing rear in the bed and the seats had “oh shit!l handles.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Super cool. I love these!

[@treyfixes884]

Zero dislikes. Nice. Did you see the last email I sent you man about the truck body?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Emailed!

[@UlisesBatalla]

I had a question on how many versions were there of the Subaru brat I’m only asking because I took the Blackfoot red O RV chassis and I donated that to my daughters brand new Tamaya frog. Instead of white and pink, she chose pearl, white and metallic rose. I think it’s the color it’s pink, but it’s metallic and a little darker on top of the red chassis and that’s how we built the frog and then I took the gray frog chassis and brought that back to the Blackfoot and it is incredible. The other day I was looking online and there was a blue version with dark gray chassis? There was also a Chrome edition??? If this is true, then those are the real collector items and the chrome addition, was it complete chrome meaning the chassis and all its components, including the shell if that is the case my goodness no wonder we can’t find any of those chassis anywhere, I wonder if someone somewhere has one of those chrome chassis stored away, squirreled away and they’re waiting for the right opportunity to unveil it? I also had one more question for you do you owned the Porsche 959. Still to this day, everyone says, and everyone mentions and anyone who knows Tamiya , they make it a point to say that is the one car that you wanna have, that the Porsche 959 if you were able to find it in kit form new in box, you wouldn’t want to build it, and you would leave it in that form . So I ask you do you own one? Because everyone that does on one all they do is complain. This is bench and didn’t work right the arms of the suspension are incorrect. The brittleness of that shell where you actually insert your battery it just goes on and on how bad it was and that that time they had a new technique for molding the body, and being able to actually round the bottom of the front bumper and rear body where the shell the poly carbonate is actually rounded and pulled in. Just curious about what you have to say about the different versions and how many different versions of the Subaru brat exist.

[@AMPROEngineering]

There are a number of version of the brat that came with different chassis. The ORV in general has a number also. I have the blue chassis from the Bush Devil which is impossible to get now. The chrome version included a chrome body and is worth a mint now. You also had the dark grey from the King Blackfoot which may be what the new black monster beetle has. I do not have a 959 as I am not a Porsche fan. I think the chassis is interesting and I have a video coming soon from a NOS one that a friend of mine has. I think that is is an amazing part of history but the design is a disaster. This is why so many people make fully 3D printed versions of these.

[@jonthomas8487]

I’ve heard the re re gearboxes aren’t very durable but folks speak of the MIP ball dif working well. Thoughts on that?

[@red7fifty]

In another video, you have to change counter spur, and rear shafts to CVDs. I'd just shim the diff.

[@AMPROEngineering]

The reason people think the release of your boxes are worse than the originals is because they are putting hotter motors in them now then they would have 30 years ago. As for trying to get them to work better, I have done the screw assembly trick, they have been shimmed, different Greases have been applied but ultimately it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. If you want to fix it once and for all you need to have the MIP differential. I have a video covering the installation of the MIP unit as well as what is required to install it into a brat. I have designed a telescopic constant velocity joint axle system that I’m hoping they also put in to Production

[@darthnagus5457]

@@AMPROEngineering How fall do think you push the rere gearbox before installing MIP differential; for example can I run a tamiya RS 540 sport tuned motor on my Brat.

[@ilikejelloyay208]

Is there a 380 motor mount available for the modern ones? I recently built a reissue with ball bearings, an MIP ball diff and a Superstock RZ that I rigged with ball bearings. Runs great, but too hilariously fast for its configuration, so I’d rather have a LRP Fusion HT 380 in it as an old-school callback to its 380 origins, but with a bit more punch. Also, any thoughts on making rear mounts that can accommodate the ABS body AND the polycarbonate body that comes with the new ones? The poly body uses different body mounts than the shelf ABS body.

[@AMPROEngineering]

I do not know of any mounts for the 380. I think I should look into one given how I like that motor. Mine are the old versions with the built in mount. As for body mounts, Given the differences in the bodies (i think, i do not own the lexan version), i do not know if the hard body would have the clearance for the lexan without cutting holes in it. I may need to look into this.

[@ilikejelloyay208]

@@AMPROEngineering I can point you in a direction on the body mounts if you want to get new parts off ebay retailers as reference pieces. The Brat’s “C” parts sprue and “F” parts sprue have the standard ABS and poly body mounts respectively. (Parts C15, F2, and F3 in the manual) They mount in the same spot: the main difference is the F-mounts are longer to reach the higher body contact of the poly. I am surprised Tamiya went with the either-or design on this. I would think some kind of locking hinged mount to switch sizes back and forth would be fairly cheap and easy for them to do.

[@red7fifty]

FYI, upsidedown shocks don't work better, they are worse. More Unsprung weight, and if air pockets develop, the piston rides in air before it hits oil.

[@AMPROEngineering]

With something upside down here?

[@maverick744]

If you choose to place the receiver under battery compartment better make sure it’s waterproof..

[@AMPROEngineering]

Na these things never see water.

[@martinneps9387]

Does this RC car do wheelies add stuff like the king Blackfoot or does it stay on the road please comment back just wondering Please let me know thank you

[@AMPROEngineering]

No, no wheelies. These transmissions are trash and could not handle those forces.

[@martinneps9387]

@@AMPROEngineering OK so I will not waste my money on getting one

[@AntsPlants]

I have the blue version nib. I should look to see if it runs dog bones

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes I would love to know. It should have the dog bones and not the constant velocity drive axles

[@schuttrostig5729]

@@AMPROEngineering i have the blue one since yesterday and it has dogbones. Also i noticed it has the RS540SH with the grey endbell and the engraved type nr etc, not the one with the black endbell and the RS540SH sticker which i think was in the normal subaru brat box.

[@bestamerica]

' i still have one tamiya brat car... no put kit together and still white plastic body... all same ORVs are all blackfoot / brat / frog / lancia / monster beetle... i homemade half tamiya and half traxxas together one car... frog car with 2 traxxas shocks and 4 traxxas wheels

[@AMPROEngineering]

Wow that seems like a heck of a build!

[@TheJohnnySaunders]

anyone know if there is any headlight kits for these .... im building an fpv version and i want it to have headlights light bars n tail lights ... cheers chaps

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yup, I make one but it is in pre-production. Ill have it ready in a couple months. It will replace all the light housings.

[@TheJohnnySaunders]

Fantastic cheers bud !

[@seanhuke8260]

I’m a collector, I’m surprised I don’t have one yet

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yes Sean you should be ashamed of yourself! Haha!

[@PetterAstrom]

How long can you run on that battery and what ah is it?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Most of mine are 2200 mAh and will usually get 30 min or so but I am a slow driver. When I take it on walks, it can go 2 hours easy.

[@brucebenner7606]

the brat (6:32) the steering arm from the servo is on the wrong way around how can u get that wrong the brat came out with the 380 motor when people put the 540 in it then the body will brake more the amp part on the rear arm on it why?? i never had a problem with it come stock i got the original frog i jump the hell out of it never had a problem with the rear arms ever its i still use the msc on her too

[@AMPROEngineering]

I am developing an interior and the servo arm in the other orientation is in the way. I don't know that the 540 will directly caused the body to break more often but a higher power motor will definitely cause more accidents and thusly damage the body. As for the rear arms, every single one on every single one of my ORV's is cracked at the shock mount.

[@brucebenner7606]

@@AMPROEngineering yes i bet the shock u have are not stock am i right yes the motor will make the car faster is what i'm saying make it more like to crash

[@martinneps9387]

When did they come out with this I am looking for one of these please comment back thank you

[@AMPROEngineering]

1984? They have new releases out now.

[@martinneps9387]

@@AMPROEngineering Do you know who is selling on is tower hobby selling them

[@martinneps9387]

@@AMPROEngineering Who has the new releases out can you please comment back and tell me thank you very much

[@GTMatukka]

Yo! Any possibilities you to design light buckets for the BRAT?

[@AMPROEngineering]

YES! They are designed and need to be fitted soon! Stay tuned

[@GTMatukka]

@@AMPROEngineering Yum yum.. this is some gooooooooood news :) Not leaving this channel until you're done with them ;D lol

[@GTMatukka]

@@AMPROEngineering Any news regarding the light buckets?

[@GTMatukka]

Any..?

[@ericzajac5237]

Still the best looking.

[@AMPROEngineering]

Absolutely

[@sheb5799]

are the wheels 1.55 inch?

[@AMPROEngineering]

I think they are around there.

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

how do you drive and film? head mounted go pro?

[@AMPROEngineering]

Weirdly no, I used the DJI Osmo Mobile 3

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

@@AMPROEngineering damn both hands occupied? that's crazy.

[@CommiePinko101]

Strange gearbox behaviour is why I'm reluctant to buy any Tamiya with that chassis and gearbox.

[@AMPROEngineering]

It is a weird design but you need to take into account when it was made. I am not a fan of that trans at all and the only "solution" is the MIP super ball diff. That does not alleviate the weird axle design but.....I guess all you can say is 1983.

[@daz1975ify]

Got an original but not the body. I have a original monster beetle body on it. Great fun but rubbish suspension

[@AMPROEngineering]

Yeah the suspension is terrible. That was why I redesigned the front suspension in a fairly recent video and did that ridiculously over designed double wishbone rear suspension for the rear. Now my frog is unbelievable off-road

[@Chevy4Life]

It’s a toy play with them all

[@AMPROEngineering]

hell yes! Toys are fun, in all sizes.