Tamiya RC The Bigwig (2017) 4WD 1/10 KIT

Product detailed description

The Bigwig is back! The 2017 version of the all-wheel drive buggy, which was released for the 10th anniversary of Tamiya RC models in 1986. It brings several improvements while maintaining the classic design of the original. The sleek bodywork, designed and shaped in 1986 by famous Japanese designer Takuya Yura, is still a classic today, thanks to his encyclopedic knowledge of design, which includes advanced aerodynamics. Updated markings retain the character of the original Bigwig and include the Mooncraft logo from Yura's design company.

The extremely stable shaft-driven 4WD drivetrain has excellent efficiency thanks to ball bearings, while differentials ensure smooth cornering. The four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension uses A-arms at the front and H-arms at the rear for excellent durability. Shocks are dampened by CVA oil-filled shock absorbers. The wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing and paired with grippy tires, but also practical on off-road surfaces.

Parameters:

Scale: 1/10
Length: 390mm
Width: 235mm
Height: 140mm
Weight: 1340g (Without RC accessories)
Wheelbase: 262mm
Wheel track (front/rear): 200mm/198mm
Width/diameter of tires: 30mm/88mm (front), 38mm/88mm (rear)
Gear ratio = 8.7:1 or 10.04:1

Package contents: RC buggy model kit, 540-Type Torque Tuned DC motor, ESC controller, Lexan body.

Additional items: 2-channel transmitter, steering servo, 7.2-7.4V battery with compatible charger, Tamiya PS spray paint.

Run-in of the new electric motor
New model with engine, needs to be run in first. Before starting to use the DC electric motor, it is definitely recommended to run it. Some manufacturers require it as a condition for recognizing a possible engine claim. The purpose of the run-in is to seat the rotating parts well, smooth the friction surfaces of the contacts, and grind the carbons into the correct shape. The current enters the motor on the commutator surfaces using the so-called carbons, which may not have a perfectly adapted shape from production. If the new motor is loaded to the maximum without a previous run-in, the commutator surface or the carbons may be damaged due to large "sparking". The run-in will allow the carbons to settle on the commutator as perfectly as possible. Thus, the carbons will wear out less and last longer.

Electric motor run-in procedure:
-If you have a new RC model car or boat in which the engine is already mounted, proceed as follows. Place the model on the mat so that the wheels rotate above the surface. Let the engine run at the lowest possible speed for at least 20-30 minutes. You can then drive the model for 20-30 minutes at a lower speed and gradually increase the speed. Drive the model at full power only after the run-in phase has passed.

-If you have a new engine that has not yet been installed in the model, you can do the run-in in the traditional, proven way by immersing it in water. Connect the motor to the ESC controller and lower it by the cables vertically down into a container of clean water. Start the engine at low speed and let it run for 10-15 minutes. Then you can gradually increase the speed for a few minutes up to the maximum. finally, take the motor out of the water and let it run for a while to blow the water out of the motor. You can mount a run-in engine in the model and you can immediately drive at full power. You don't have to worry about the engine submerged in water. It will work normally and the water will cool it during the run-in. In addition, it washes out carbon particles during grinding (the water visibly darkens).

Protection against overheating of the electric motor:
Since the stator is made up of permanent magnets, it is good to know that these magnets gradually lose their "power". However, temperature also has a big impact. Each electric motor heats up during operation and can reach a temperature of 60°C (therefore, the motor must never be touched with bare hands after driving!). However, if the engine is not cooled or cooled insufficiently, or if it is driven for a long time at maximum speed, it may overheat and thus weaken the magnets. Even after cooling down, the engine will no longer reach its previous performance. Of course, other parts of the engine can also be damaged by high heat. It is therefore advisable to change the load mode, or to drive with two smaller accumulators with a break for replacement and cooling, rather than with one large-capacity one for a long time at full power.

Electric motor replacement, tuning:
If you decide to replace the electric motor in this model, pay attention to the following recommendations.
The new motor should be of the same type (size), have the same number of turns and the same supply voltage value as the original one. That way, you will be sure that the model will retain its original driving characteristics.
If you are planning a tuning motor, first of all, check whether the original ESC controller in the model will be able to work with the tuning motor, in order not to burn the ESC controller, or to prevent the ESC-motor system from working. When tuning a motor, it is usually necessary to replace a pinion with a different number of teeth.

WARNING! This RC car is not a toy, but a more sophisticated, functional model that behaves very much like a real car. Due to its realistic parameters, if it is not properly assembled and operated, it can cause you injury, or injure the viewer, or damage property. The model is intended for driving in a large room or outside on a dry surface. Driving in water, in snow, in puddles, mud, sand, in tall grass without appropriate waterproof treatment can cause damage to the electronics of the model. Driving on public roads and other places (e.g. parking lots) with car traffic is prohibited. Do not drive in thick grass, you will overheat or burn the engine!
This model requires regular maintenance, by disassembling it correctly according to the service manual, you will not lose the warranty.