Proline 1/18 tyres

[plfrench]

I am struggling to get hold of any of these from a UK stockist. Specfically looking for the Bow-tie 1114 or Dirt Hawg 1116. I understand they fit onto the standard Tamiya Mini wheels, and would like something with a more dirt orientated tread pattern than the standard fit jobbies.

I've spent most of the morning googling and I really had better get on with some work now, so I thought I'd ask you guys.

Thanks,

Paul.

[vdubbin]

Tower have 'em:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&amp...

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&amp...

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&amp...

Full list of tyres at: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&amp...

They may not be UK-based, but with the dollar in the state it's in, there's not a lot of difference after shipping. I've been looking for soemthing similar for my rally project, I don't want to have to cut down a set of rally blocks.

Edited by vdubbin on Monday 13th October 14:22

[plfrench]

Cheers for that, I'll give them a go.

When you say cutting down the rally blocks, do you mean you have to cut some of the side wall away to make them bigger in internal diametre to fit the wheels?? If so, that sounds a bit fiddly! I reckon the dirt hawgs would be a better bet.

I'm thinking the bow-ties will offer the best traction advantage on the mini, as they look quite a bit wider, and will "balloon" on the standard width wheels.

[vdubbin]

As the Tamiya and HPI rally tyres are intended for 1:10 touring car wheels, you need to cut and shut them to fit the smaller diameter Mini wheels.
Grahoo shows how it's done here:
http://www.tam.ne.jp/nic/tires/tires_01e.html

Bow ties are the most popular tyre as they're lighter than the dirt hogs.

I presume you've already read these?
http://www.rc-mini.net/MiniWeb_Online/Rally_M03.ht...
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333
The world's biggest Mini thread, lots of Rally stuff in there as well:
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?...
A few of the tamiyaclub lads have video up as well
http://www.tamiyaclub.com/moviecomment.asp?id=1629...
I've my Tamiyas listed here: http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom.asp?id=5109

Edited by vdubbin on Monday 13th October 16:40

[plfrench]

The Bow-Ties arrived yesterday. Good call recommending Tower, cheers!

They are very light, and a pretty "sticky" compound. They really seem to grab the ground well, definitely will be a big improvement for off road use over the standard issue Tamiya ones that come with the kit.

The only thing is that they seem a little "underinflated"... I know this will improve traction on soft surfaces, but I think a slightly firmer / thicker foam insert would help.

It's the lads car really, but us Dad's can't help having a play

Out of interest what is the best way to raise the ride height a smidge on the Mini. The RC-net site talks about this, but I'm not clear. Is it just a case of having a spring/spacer combo that pushes the wishbones down to their maximum drop when sitting loaded at rest, ie with no extra droop available?

[vdubbin]

I've found that wrapping a thick cable tie above the spring on the shock tower and shoving the spring below it is the easiest way to get some more height, as it adds preload to the springs. There are touring cars shocks that are longer and will fit as well.

http://www.rc-mini.net/MiniWeb_Online/Rally_M03.ht...

Edited by vdubbin on Monday 27th October 11:13

[plfrench]

Ran it properly for the first time with the new tyres at the weekend, and they make an amazing difference. It really soaks up the bumps now, and finds a lot more grip. I'll try the cable tie idea, although with the new tyres, the bouncing off course problem seems to be much less of an issue.

I think bearings could be a good idea for him to spend his pocket money on next, as there seems to be a fair amound of friction with the standard plastic ones.