Building an RC: Tamiya Super Astute (Time Lapse)

Описание: This is a time lapse build of a custom Tamiya Super Astute (2018 re-release Limited Edition kit #47381). In this video, I record my build in time lapse mode. At the end of the video I show the complete results.

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This ended up being an enjoyable build but perhaps it was due to the aftermarket components and stainless hex screws I used. I’m not sure how I would feel if I built it with the supplied parts. The Tamiya Super Astute originally came out in 1991 and was only produced for a few short years, and although this is the limited 2018 re released edition (has some upgraded components), it still uses a lot of old plastics, and I find it hard, brittle-like, not pretty, and not as durable. But to be fair, this was a design that came out 30 years ago!

My goal was to make it a bit more competitive and aggressive mechanically and visually (but with some fun colored livery). When it was first released it was developed as an improvement to the originally Astute, and was somewhat along the competitive lines of the Associated RC10, Kyosho Ultima series, Schumacher Cougar, and Losi Jrx-2 series. But looking at some of the components, I didn’t feel it was on that level. One of these components is the toy-like looking stock dampers. Of course there are other things too such as suspension tuning since the design doesn’t really permit much of that.

In addition, I wanted it to look/drive more like a proper track car. Not the toy-like stock kit we typically see from Tamiya. After all, this was one of Tamiya’s top end 2WD kits back in the day. I felt it needed some proper respect, especially on a mechanical level. When I think about the Super Astute, the appeal is a little low because it should’ve been on the same quality/parts level as the 4WD Egress and Avante. I think the Super Astute is like their other sibling, and if it was treated as such, it probably would’ve done better.

Most of the upgrades I used are meant to be functional, stronger and better, and aesthetically better. I used a brushed motor because for me, these re-res or vintage kits feel and look better with period correct motors. I initially looked at vintage Tamiya motors, pink in particular like the 2WD Acto and Special Edition, but it’s not worth the current asking price and so I decided to paint a Super Stock RZ motor, added ceramic bearings, and add some custom decals. Logically, a BZ motor is what should be in this kit but I wanted the red anodized end bell.

I’m not entirely a purist, I didn’t do the typical “Astute” look. I wanted something fun but also means business. Aside from the mechanical components, the exterior needed a more serious track look and stance (I think of Masami’s Yokomos and RC10s back in the day). The black dish wheels, delrin white arms, and clear Associated rear wing with custom made endplates is a giveaway that this kit could be properly raced. This includes the upgraded Tamiya Hi-Cap dampers, carbon fiber parts, stainless hex screws, and better electronics. I usually don’t like decking Tamiya kits out with all Tamiya blue or TRF parts because it ends up feeling too much like a Tamiya marketing vehicle.

As for the exterior, it still has to resemble a Super Astute so keeping the livery pattern is important. I had some custom colored decals done by MCI Racing. Other decals I made using a vinyl plotter. I wanted to incorporate Tamiya’s two mascots especially Rabbi-kun (rabbit). So I imagine that this is Moko-chan’s car (you’ll see the driver name “Easy Eddie” replaced with “Moko-chan”). I redrew Rabbi-kun clinging, being blown away and had a decal made. I was also aware of the color palette where most of it has to complement each other—from the motor, ESC, cables, decals, etc. The other little detail is the gold (painted the front bumper and used gold vinyl for the motor) so it’s just not all fun and it gives an idea that this thing is valuable.


Parts Used: Re-release Tamiya Super Astute 2018 Limited Edition #47381

Electronics:
Motor: Tamiya Super Stock RZ Brushed 23T (with custom paint/decals, Boca ceramic bearings)
ESC: Futaba MC330CR 13T
Receiver: KO Propo 211FH
Servo: KO Propo RSx-one10 Type-S Low Profile
Battery: 7.2v NiMH 5000mAH Gens Ace (added deans connector and Trinity decal)

Mechanical:
DS RC Classics Delrin Suspension Arms
Tamiya Hi-Cap Dampers
Lunsford Titanium Rods
Tamiya 5mm Reinforced Adjuster 
Square Strong Ball Ends White
Schumacher: Slim Rib 2.0 Front Tires, Full Spike 2.2. Rear Tires, Slim Front Hex Wheel, Rear Hex Wheels
GPM DT3010F-S Aluminum Front Wheel Hex Hubs AdapterKO Propo Carbon Fiber Horn
Stainless Hex Screws
Barracuda Machined Gear Support
Tamiya Aluminum Servo Stays
Xtra Speed Carbon Fiber Parts
Bearings: Tamiya, Avid Racing, Boca Ceramic

Exterior:
Tamiya PS-1 and PS-12 silver
AE Rear Wing (with custom end plates)
MCI Super Astute Decals
Custom decals