Just Found an R/C Goldmine in the Loft!
Discussion
Hi everyone,
So lockdown had me clearing the loft out, lots of model cars up there from when I was a child, I'll need to sort through them at some point as when I move in with the future Mrs DanB she is going to flip if she sees them all.
But what really got me going today was an old tool chest that I recognized instantly. I thought I'd sold off my entire R/C collection years ago, but one box remained. I looked inside it contains:
a Tamiya F103 Sauber C12
a Tamiya F201 Ferrari
loads of spares for the F201 including a Williams bodyshell and poorly painted 2007 McLaren color scheme (16 year old me wasn't very skilled at painting it seems)
an Acoms Technisport 2.4GHz Transmitter and Receiver
and most intriguingly, a 1977 Tyrrell P34 chassis, which sadly is a bit battered as I guess I used it outdoors when I was a stupid kid with no idea how much the thing could be worth in a few year's time. But it is a complete rolling chassis and I have a brand new decal set for it.
Naturally as they've not been used in 10 years and would probably have sat in the loft for another 10 years, I'm wondering what they're worth. So I checked eBay, the F103 isn't worth much, the F201 might be, but I can't find anything about the Tyrrell. I'll try and get some photos later, but right now I'm trying to work out whether I should get them up and running or sell them on to someone who would have a better use for them.
So lockdown had me clearing the loft out, lots of model cars up there from when I was a child, I'll need to sort through them at some point as when I move in with the future Mrs DanB she is going to flip if she sees them all.
But what really got me going today was an old tool chest that I recognized instantly. I thought I'd sold off my entire R/C collection years ago, but one box remained. I looked inside it contains:
a Tamiya F103 Sauber C12
a Tamiya F201 Ferrari
loads of spares for the F201 including a Williams bodyshell and poorly painted 2007 McLaren color scheme (16 year old me wasn't very skilled at painting it seems)
an Acoms Technisport 2.4GHz Transmitter and Receiver
and most intriguingly, a 1977 Tyrrell P34 chassis, which sadly is a bit battered as I guess I used it outdoors when I was a stupid kid with no idea how much the thing could be worth in a few year's time. But it is a complete rolling chassis and I have a brand new decal set for it.
Naturally as they've not been used in 10 years and would probably have sat in the loft for another 10 years, I'm wondering what they're worth. So I checked eBay, the F103 isn't worth much, the F201 might be, but I can't find anything about the Tyrrell. I'll try and get some photos later, but right now I'm trying to work out whether I should get them up and running or sell them on to someone who would have a better use for them.
Tyre Smoke said:
The obvious answer is get them up and running and if the future Mrs DanB has issues with your new found hobby, you may want to revisit your priorities.
I like your thinking! I guess I could try and pass it off with the excuse "they'll be perfect for when we have kids, I'm just future planning, honest!"Got some photos taken!
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/NzaZHVbU.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/uQo5IlHS" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/uQo5IlHS.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/qcvMQDbF" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/qcvMQDbF.jpg)
generationx said:
They look good. I have an F201 Ferrari with a 3-racing carbon chassis and it’s a rocket! I believe the 6-wheeler was repopped faintly recently so you should be able to still find parts.
Nice! I remember as a kid wanting the 3Racing carbon upgrade but pocket money wouldn't stretch to it!
I've been looking for parts for the Tyrrell but not having much luck, the reproduction version used a modified F103 chassis, the chassis on my original is a big aluminum plate. Doing some research I have found the chassis was likely 58003/RA1003, and shared a lot of bits with the 4 wheeled Porsche chassis of the time, but still no luck finding bits. The main ones needed are to do with the body mounts, I'll get some more photos of it later but looks like 3 metal bits go through the bottom of the chassis (stuck to the body) and then a pin goes through, with a bit of metal raised on the chassis that helps hold it in. That bit of metal has sheared off on one side, and is twisted/almost sheared off the other. Would love to get it restored if I can as I finally found another one (albeit in better condition) on eBay and it's worth a fair whack, certainly more than enough to get the new road bike I've promised myself! But don't tell the Mrs!
When I used to race tenth touring cars one of the clubs had an f1 class, usually only half a dozen guys were racing. The track was indoors in a carpeted sports hall and the cars ran on foam tyres. Due to the completely smooth surface the f1s were in their element and were seriously rapid despite only being rear wheel drive.
I think in the early 2000s Tamiya brought out a 4wd f1 chassis?
I think in the early 2000s Tamiya brought out a 4wd f1 chassis?
I did love playing with the F201 as a child, however I remember as we raced on carpet the rubber tyres weren't very grippy and it slid around a lot. The F103 has foam tyres and it handled so much better. Part of me is saying keep these cars but then again they'd end up in the loft for another 10 years. Almost tempted to keep just the F103 and bring it up to modern standards!
Currently searching for parts for the Tyrrell but its proving difficult and the ones I can find are very expensive. £50 for the catch pin kit for the body mounts! It may just go on eBay and see how pricey it gets.
Currently searching for parts for the Tyrrell but its proving difficult and the ones I can find are very expensive. £50 for the catch pin kit for the body mounts! It may just go on eBay and see how pricey it gets.
I think you need to get them running and play with them in front of the future Mrs.
If she does go "mad" then take it as a red flag and gtfo.
You only get one life. Don't live an extension of someone else's. If she can't appreciate your hobbies and won't tolerate them than you shouldn't have to change either.
It's not like you just spent this months food budget on them, you've had them years and years.
I have a huge garage full of cars and an office with tons of models and lego and other stuff.
My Mrs of 20 years leaves me to it.
If she does go "mad" then take it as a red flag and gtfo.
You only get one life. Don't live an extension of someone else's. If she can't appreciate your hobbies and won't tolerate them than you shouldn't have to change either.
It's not like you just spent this months food budget on them, you've had them years and years.
I have a huge garage full of cars and an office with tons of models and lego and other stuff.
My Mrs of 20 years leaves me to it.
DanB7290 said:
I did love playing with the F201 as a child, however I remember as we raced on carpet the rubber tyres weren't very grippy and it slid around a lot. The F103 has foam tyres and it handled so much better. Part of me is saying keep these cars but then again they'd end up in the loft for another 10 years. Almost tempted to keep just the F103 and bring it up to modern standards!
Currently searching for parts for the Tyrrell but its proving difficult and the ones I can find are very expensive. £50 for the catch pin kit for the body mounts! It may just go on eBay and see how pricey it gets.
Get the 103 race ready and come and join us in the iconic cup. There a quite a few running and it is great fun and really friendly Currently searching for parts for the Tyrrell but its proving difficult and the ones I can find are very expensive. £50 for the catch pin kit for the body mounts! It may just go on eBay and see how pricey it gets.
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