Thunder tiger S3 RTR

[alilchubz]

Hi all

I have been searching the forum theres not a lot on this buggy so i was wondering if any one has had one?

What are the parts the pro has that the RTR has because the RTR has 90% of all the pro parts?

Would this make a great car for a beginner in buggy racing?

dose this buggy have metal geared sevos

http://www.rchobbies.com.au/store/product_info.php?cPath=26_42&products_id=24736&osCsid=01bf1ca2910e092dc1ef2955819efaa4

[mauve]

I havent actually played with one but I would suggest getting either a major brand (Mugen, Losi, Hobao, Xray) or an OCM. At least that way you will have lots of support and resources at hand to help you out. As I have said in the past, if you ever need help with an OCM, drop me a PM.

Cheers

Mike

[RC_KAOS]

I would go with the OCM over the TT S3 or even the Hyper 7 or MP7.5 RTR's that are on that site :thumbs:

[RC_KAOS]

You could even look at this buggy

VRX 2-PRO RTR Nitro Buggy

The VRX-2 is a high quality 1/8th rally cross buggy that is feature packed. Many of the features that are included in the package you would have to pay extra for with other similar models. This is a race proven model and every part of the design has been carefully thought out to make it a winner. Not to be confused with entry level models or 1/10th scale buggies, the VRX-2 is a serious bit of kit. 3 shoe aluminium clutch, front CVD shafts, tough aluminium parts throughout, the list of features goes on and on. A very powerful GO .21 rear exhaust engine is installed which is from the newest engine manufacturer in Taiwan that already has an excellent race track record. As a race model it is highly adjustable for different track and driving style setup. It even comes with additional shock spacers, toe in adjustment blocks and castor adjustment blocks for fine tuning that winning setup, something that would need to be purchased as extras with other models.

Features:
Front Pivot Ball Suspension
Captured Arm Mounts
Front Universal Drive Shafts
Sealed Bevel Gear Diffs
Big Bore Racing Shocks
Complete Ball Bearings
Powerful .21 Pull Start Engine
44 Tooth Steel Spur Gear
Low CG Radio Tray
Fully Adjustable Suspension
3 Shoe Aluminium Clutch
150cc Fuel Tank w/ Filter
High Torque Steering Servo
Spiral Cut Steel Conical Gears
Heavy Duty Suspension Arms

Special Edition assembled with below high quality parts:
Carbon Fibre center Diff Upper plate
Carbon Fibre steering Upper plate
Carbon fibrre radio tray
Billet rear shock tower
Billet front shock tower
Billet front upper arm mount
Billet front lower reinforcement plate
Billet rear anti-squat Mount
Billet front chassis brace
Billet front arm mount
Billet rear chassis brace

*requires 12 x aa batteries, glowstarting equip and fuel .

http://www.ultrahobbies.com.au/store/image.php?type=P&id=17944

Not bad for only $499 AUS

[reddobe]

if u look in rc hobbies u will see that there are more parts 4 this buggy than nearly every other buggy, as 4 ttr not being major company it owns team associated so i dont think its to small,this buggy is also very popular in the us and is a roar championship winner,thunder tiger is heavily supported in australia and r imported by ace hobby austalia one of the biggest importers.plus i own one and it is tough as nails,the only reason im getting different buggy is to add to the collection.(no point in havin to of something)yeah the diffs take a beating if u put way too much power to them and neglect to sevice but i reckon any buggy would do that :thumbs:

[reddobe]

not havin go at u mauve just thought i would point a few things out lol

4 the price u realy cant beat it the only reason its so cheap well its gettin old now

[nitroRCs]

i would also go with the OCM over the other RTRs just because the OCM RTRs chassis are 7075! which is the same as pro and towers and all other stuff is 6065 which is awesome for a RTR and its fully upgradeable to pro


MiTcH

[alilchubz]

well i don't no which one to go with now because i have seen so many excellent RTR buggies in my budget

[RC_KAOS]

i would also go with the OCM over the other RTRs just because the OCM RTRs chassis are 7075! which is the same as pro and towers and all other stuff is 6065 which is awesome for a RTR and its fully upgradeable to pro


MiTcH

Would you know at all if the diffs are filled with Fluid or Grease?

[RC_KAOS]

If I had a choice in that price range I would either go with the OCM or the Kyosho MP7.5 Sports 3 w/.21. Did you plan on buying online or from LHS?
Here are a few online hobby shops in Australia
- http://www.rchobbies.com.au
- http://www.ultrahobbies.com.au
- http://www.radiomodels.com.au
- http://www.modelflight.com.au
- http://www.frontlinehobbies.com.au
- http://www.hobbyone.com.au
- http://www.hobbystation.com.au
- http://www.perthrc.com.au
- http://www.rcaddict.com.au
- http://www.onlinerc.com.au
- http://rcgarage.com/shop

There is plenty more out there but there pretty much the most common online shops

[alilchubz]

i was planing on buying online

[alilchubz]

http://ultrahobbies.com.au/store/product.php?productid=17944&cat=453&page=1

http://ultrahobbies.com.au/store/product.php?productid=17310&cat=453&page=1

these look pretty good and are differently in my budget

[alilchubz]

its the two i posted and the thunder tiger and the VRX 2-PRO RTR Nitro Buggy i think its come down to

[scoobie]

The first thing you need to consider with any brand of car you are interested in, is local parts support. You need to be able to get parts, and preferably without ordering them, so that you dont need to bring a whole car worth of parts with you to race.

I didnt spend a bunch of time going through those links, but of all the budget buggys they carry this is the one I would lean towards. Its a little cheaper than the other cars you mentioned, and is a newer platform than the Hyper7 or TTR. Its also a proven brand, unlike the VXR.
http://ultrahobbies.com.au/store/product.php?productid=17534&cat=453&page=1

The TTR is a good car, and so is the H7...either would be a good platform to get you started racing.

[cbonner99]

Parts support is a BIG deal. WHEN you break something it is much more satisfying to replace the part and continue racing than going home, ordering the part and hoping that it comes in before you race again.

[nitroRCs]

so alilchubz the car u posted is a hyper 7 RTR which means it is more a bashing car because it has a .28 engine get something like the OCM with the .21 ...by the way are you still getting the OCM?

[alilchubz]

probably not Mitch as i can buy a buggy for 499$ and save $100 on a buggy just as good

[nitroRCs]

i wouldnt say that but hey its your choice im sticking with the OCM RTR hey ill send u a PM about comething after school this arvo

[reddobe]

The first thing you need to consider with any brand of car you are interested in, is local parts support. You need to be able to get parts, and preferably without ordering them, so that you dont need to bring a whole car worth of parts with you to race.

I didnt spend a bunch of time going through those links, but of all the budget buggys they carry this is the one I would lean towards. Its a little cheaper than the other cars you mentioned, and is a newer platform than the Hyper7 or TTR. Its also a proven brand, unlike the VXR.
http://ultrahobbies.com.au/store/product.php?productid=17534&cat=453&page=1

The TTR is a good car, and so is the H7...either would be a good platform to get you started racing.


the gs storm is very poular at my local hobby shop,they just got the new ansman range a big giant ocean of ugly green lol ansman vapour is $500 im little bit sus on this company coz ive bought there nasty wheels b4

[nitroRCs]

im still sticking with my OCM anyway... i can get a discount so it takes my down in $$$ with extra things also!

[RC_KAOS]

Brad at Ultra Hobbies is very helpful but like what others have said, being able to get parts quick and easy is the best thing. An advantage from RC Hobbies.com.au is that if you spend over $500 they will pay the freight. The VRX-2 looks pretty good but seems to be hard to find parts and info online.

[mauve]

Scoobie is right, it depends what you can buy locally, get parts for easily, and have people around you that have these to help you with. I suggested the Mugen, Xray, Hobao, Losi, AE and OCM because these are the names that keep reappearing on the podium in race circles. With out playing with the Thunder Tiger or GS, I just can't make a call on it. I don't think about the ones not appearing on the podiums all that much.

I just see a cheap price and start to wonder about quality of some components like servos etc. I see a lot of these cheaper ones with plastic gear servos, radios with no adjustment like EPA or D/R in them, and big engines (makes me think that the buggy is heavy and needs a bigger engine to be competative), not those particular brands as I have never seen them in the flesh. This is why I suggest, go to your local track and ask the veterans and racers. Make up your mind from there.

There is no doubt that I am biased about the OCM, as I drive them and have invested large amounts of love, time and money into them. Also I know the new OCM Rtr is a great product with no expence spared on making it that way, thats why its a wee little bit more expensive than a lot of other RTRs.

Do what is right for you and have fun with the buggy. No matter what you buy, there will be blokes on here and at the track that will be more than happy to help you out, myself included.

Cheers

Mike

PS. from memory the OCM RTR diffs come filled with silicone fluid, thats why they are being shipped to australia by boat. If the diff is full of silcone oil and transported by air, the air pressure in the cargo hold drops and the diffs seem to leak in transit. Not cool. Pro kit comes by air as it is a kit vehicle designed for those that are a little more experienced and will pick their own silcone fluids to put in the buggy, and doesn't come with silicone in the diffs. A number of manufacturers do this for these reasons.

[alilchubz]

http://www.rchobbies.com.au/store/product_info.php?cPath=26_42&products_id=24736&osCsid=90736d81edab66050f2edb57c3f4d586

read this it says it shares parts from the roar winner

[nitroRCs]

look dude if u love this car soo much just get it lol!

[alilchubz]

Getng it in about 3 weeks

[nitroRCs]

are you getting it? or another car by now?

[RC_KAOS]

Sweet, don't forget that RC Hobbies does free freight australia wide if you spend over $500 so I would look at getting maybe spare glow plugs, fuel bottle, after run oil etc.

[nitroRCs]

mmm... im still getting the RTR OCM it looks alot more race spec then the TT man and it also looks alot stronger but hey u have changed your mind like 20 times so beware we could go back to a OCM ...because it was ... OCM RTR then mugen then TT then OCM RTR the mugen then TT???... im just telling you what i think as i have drove it and trust me they break and dont handle good at all..also there very bulky i think that the extra $50 on the OCM RTR im spending is going to be well worth it.

p.s i have only seen TT on the podium like 2 and ask all the guys u know what is the best brands and they will say Xray AE losi OCM kyosho and mugen. ...and there is no TT in there???

[reddobe]

with all the hop ups chubz is gettin with it, it will basicly be a pro anyway so it wont be weak not that it was b4,on other forums there r lots of people that own race and luv this buggy:nono:


444

[nitroRCs]

arrrrrrghh yuk! lol im getting my OCM sooo soon cant wait i will post pics and vids and stuff up in ere when i have it and i know that it will be better then TT.

[reddobe]

yeah bit dirty:thumbs:

[nitroRCs]

lol i didnt mean dirty i meant yuk its a TT!!! all good though OCM should be here soon!

[alilchubz]

alright everyone i want to no the positive and the negative things about this buggy.

Mitch i have only look into getting ethire EB-4 or the OCM

[nitroRCs]

OCM-all the way bro!...thats ALL i can say!! :D

[RnRRacing]

:thumbs:Go to ace hobby rc, this buggy is from them, you should find out more on this car if you surf around the sit :D I sell alot of there digital servos, it probley comes with a 1015 steering & 1313 thottle servo allready, but i would want to find out first,, its a great place to get parts for that brand of buggy.

[nitroRCs]

I Doubt that the RTR EB4 will come with ACE 1015 servos!...Thats like $90 for one servo! So thats $180 for the two servos and the whole car is $500...I DOUBT IT...

I WILL be suprised if they are!

[alilchubz]

i was just on the thunder tiger site they come with metal geared servos but what type i dont no

[scoobie]

finally, something I can agree with nitro on...that buggy will not come with a 1015/1313 combo.

[nitroRCs]

HAHA, thanks scoob!

Im sure there is some other stuff that u can agree, BUT i can now REALLY feel myself learning A LOT more about RC cars!...SO hopefully there will be some more stuff u can agree with me about :D!!!!!!!!

[alilchubz]

check this out a ttr eb4 S3 driven by steve conway smashes the A-main
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ILwLW8wG-c

[scoobie]

Ive always said, the TTR buggies aren't horrible cars, like many make them out to be. They had some kinks when they first came out, but they got them worked out, and not too long ago, Ryan Maifield won the ROAR buggy nats with it. Now, the car is a little bit dated, but its a durable car that IMO is a great choice for beginners...

[nitroRCs]

Yea, I think the TTR are ok...But IMO I would rather get the other cars for the same price that are A LOT more "newer".

Ohh by the way, that was great driving :D

[alilchubz]

i have to agree with scoobie with that they would be good for a beginners buggy and i also agree with mitch about steve conways driving

[alilchubz]

here is another vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTD9kLB_kZY

[Dave D]

The owner of one of the local Hobby Shops here raced the EB S3 last year Iand I took it for a heat race and I really didn't like the way it handles. it was way too stiff and with the way the chasis is made you really can't soften it up and get any flex out of it. Very hard to drive in the rough stuff but now he got a sponsorship from them and got the truggy so I'll try that one next week and see how it does.

[nitroRCs]

Yer, i find them very BULKY...

Well its his decision, he has the chance to get a better bugg for the same price, so we will see what he gets eventually...

[alilchubz]

Yer, i find them very BULKY...

Well its his decision, he has the chance to get a better bugg for the same price, so we will see what he gets eventually...

would a hyper 7 be the better choice the ttr is $479 and the hyper is $499

[nitroRCs]

Umm, Rion, to tell you the truth, they would just about be the same really...

[alilchubz]

i think both the ttr and the hyper 7 are the best for under $500

[nitroRCs]

Hyper 7 are GREAT dude dont get me wrong, i was gonna buy one...But dont expect no breakages big hits and a REALLY ast car...there getting fairly old now...

[alilchubz]

why go for a newer bug?
Expecialy when i am just beginning to race and learning how to setup a buggy for my driving style and for the track i will be racing on.

like any rcer will tell you EVERY BUGGY will have a weakpoint some wher

[nitroRCs]

Yea i know, A WEAK POINT! Not a old buggy!
The Hyper 7 is old, thats why here is 3 makes more modern then the 7.

You would be better to run a new/good buggy strait from the start, so you can use the latest things, as in the old buggies have different stuff in them...

[alilchubz]

mate like eveyone will tell you its not how much you spend or how old it is its comes down to your driving style and what suits your likings

[nitroRCs]

You can get pretty much any car to suit your likings, thats why they invented SET UPS!

...Just hurry up and get the TT!...Thats what u like and dont stop tlkin about soo..

[pantera nitro]

like any rcer will tell you EVERY BUGGY will have a weakpoint some wher

unfortunately the weak point usually has a remote control in its hand!!! lol

as they are both "older buggies" i would honestly make my desiscion based upon which parts i could get my hands on.

[nitroRCs]

Mike, HAHAHAHAHA...too true LOL!!...Mikes right man, you sid that theres heaps of guys near you that run TTs and have there parts ect. So that sounds like your choice...

[Grasshopper]

Look at a (slightly) outdated high end race machine if you want the best deal.

You can find such rigs as the Mugen MBX5R - which was a true race winning high end top shelf buggy until the MBX6 came out.

Or the Losi 8, which was arguably the best buggy out there until the Losi 8- 2.0 came out.

Or the Kyosho buggies.

I would take any one of those over a brand new TTR ride.


There are still full parts availability on those rigs, and they are Most Certainly Still Outstanding performers. The thing is, they have been updated by the manufacturer, so the big $ dudes who used to race ( and win ) with those rigs now have the latest-greatest and are unloading yesterdays rig for hella cheap! Usually with tons of spare parts and stuff.


Just my .02$

[nitroRCs]

GrassHopper, i have been trying to tell him this the whole time! the TTR is old, i would rather get a hiher toop end racer...like

Mbx5R
OCM KAOS DT-19 RTR
Kyosho MP777
Losi 8ight (is very expensive still)
RC8 RTR

Any of them buggies and you will be fine!

Or if you have more money:

XRAY 808
OCM KAOS DT-19 Pro EVO
Mugen MBX6
Hyper 9
Losi 2.0