This video, your series on the Blackfoot, and finding a black edition Grasshopper 2 kit for cheap a few years ago really helped me get into the retro side of the RC hobby. Even though it was pretty when mine was first built, there’s no such thing as a shelf queen and slapped a dirt tuned motor in it. it’s been sending it for the last three years and hasn’t disappointed once
ha ha i went to school with the innovators of L.A Gear lol i at the time had a grass hopper n golden arrow n tyco turbo hopper n am still in need of a grass hopper cheers
Got a mad bull on stock electrics but ftx vantage shocks servo,also the motor a 550 15t on 17t pinion,8.4v 5000nimh all ball raced I love brushed motors.
At 13:24 you say "there's a lot better Tamiya kits out there..." What would you recommend for a first time RC car for a child as an alternative to the Grasshopper 2? Thanks in advance for any recommendations/suggestions!
12:16 you forgot the 3rd type of person who wants one: me; the 13yo kid who is way to young to get any nostalgia from this car, isn't a collector (all though I want to be one but don't have much money and ya' can't be a collector without a collection), bashes the living crap out of it on a daily basis, just restored it and will probably have to restore it again in a couple years. I personally think almost everyone will enjoy a GH or GH2, but only if they have experience with other RC cars first, or else fixing it will become 90% of your life because it is so unstable that despite being very good at surviving crashes, it will still break because it will end up doing doing accidental flips every 5 seconds, I have a 1st Gen Grasshopper not a GH2 and it's my pride and joy, this is coming from someone who also has a Traxxas Rustler, so you can't say my standards are low because I haven't driven anything that's not super dated.
You know I forgot about repairs. You bring up a good point in that there are other cars at this price that are way better but these can be fixed in a few minutes from even some of the worst breaks
I'm into the old tamiyas but also want something that will be somewhat race-able in an intermediate or novice class. Really like the look of the Grasshopper II/super hornet. I would like to be able to race something more "unconventional" than a typical race buggy. Us this a viable option? Doesn't have to be a good option, just a somewhat barely viable option. if not what would be? Will it take a 17.5 spec brushless or would that break the transmission? Can a hard case lipo fit in it? With a little stretching could modern standard buggy tires fit it?
Good job! Enjoyed it very much. I enjoy my own newly build GH2. Loved the looks of it when I put it in reverse for the first time. It actually made me laugh :-) Got some videos with it coming up. I do not like the stock shocks though. The rear stock are directly non-functional. The GH1 rear shocks work better. Looks good with your upgrades. What happened in the end? You normally edit it. Loved the sigh you gave :-)
Nordic RC Visions when it comes to running these vintage cars i normally have two shells. One for the shelf and another for bashing around. I think its the best way to go for full enjoyment
I wish I had bought one when Horizon and Omni Models has HUNDREDS of them for under $90.... Missed that Boat. If I could, it would absolutely get the AmPro Kits for it. Carmine ✈🚂🚙
They sure were!! Both Horizon and Omni Models had bought HUNDREDS Of them, anticipating huge sales... First they were $139.95. Then they kept dropping, until they were $89.95! Then they sold out quickly on Evilbay. Don't know if it was actually the same on their Store Websites.
The WL line is great. My friend has a couple Wltoys 18401 for his kids. They are well made, you can get parts for them easily on ebay and they are amazing value for money. Do not opt for the brushless version as it is disturbingly fast. The base brushed motor version is perfect.
I just picked up an original GH2 Super G for $25 bucks. Needs a chassis tub and gearbox case because I think it was run over while it was naked🤣. Body is perfect and everything works. Wish parts were cheaper for this
This is a very hard thing to answer. By todays standards, most older Tamiya kits are not good for kids today. Hornets and Grasshoppers are nostalgic but for the price, you want something that is actually good. The Neo Fighter is capable, strong and cheap. Even something in the Comical series is good for a small child as they are strong and work well on uneven terrain. Get something modern that has parts you can get at a local hobby shop. Stay away from anything vintage as they do not offer performance that is acceptable by todays standards. The last thing you want is to get your child a grasshopper when the neighbor has a Traxxas Bandit. Do not ever let a child us lithium polymer batteries. They are very, very dangerous to little ones that do not have the understanding of the needed care they require. Us NiMh packs only. Hope this helps. Perhaps a video on this is needed as I get this question asked a lot.
Hey, I had a grasshopper as a child, Along with a Rhino 10 & a few others!!! Tho, it has been over 20 years & I am not as involved in the R/C world & now, I am thrust back into the r/c world trying to build a car for my step child! I ordered a grasshopper & now I need a controller/transmitter, servo & battery & charger!!! I looked online(google I think) for around ($72-75 dollars) I saw 2 different controllers w/servo & I am interested in upgrading to the 580 motor & upgrading the ball bearings & whatever else I can to improve this car. CAN/ WILL YOU PLEASE HELP? Any recommendations will help! where do I get the 580 & upgraded bearings & the gear with the allen head set screw???
I think a nice 2.4Ghz radio, a 540 motor (stock but better than the original one) and bearings for sure! I would look on eBay. That is where I get everything!
So exactly how much benefits will I get from the double wish bone suspension? Because I would probably like to not mess with the car too much. Will it be ok if I just let Grasshoppers be Grasshoppers?
It makes a big difference in road holding and turning but they are weaker than the stock parts as they stock bits are super flexible abs plastic. A stock Hopper is still a great one though.
It was a car i made from scraps. The car is an old Rising Fighter chassis, super hornet rear sliders, a midnight pumpkin trans, super hornet lower shock mounts, rising fighter shocks all round, grass hopper wheels and tires and some misc 3d printed bits. The shell is a super hornet. Basically, the whole car is a super hornet made from junk from other cars since all these bits are essentially the same.
Well both the GH1 & 2 have the same 380 so they are slower so stock, the Hornet is since it has a 540 motor. Still, all three cars have the same gear box so technically they are all the same car so the same speed should they all be running the same pinion and motor.
AMPRO Engineering i wanted to ask was the boomerang the fastest back then I was young when my old man got it for me they told him the boomerang was the fastest lol hope to hear back had this on my mind for a very long time 😀
I run my Tamiya Rising Fighter and my TT-01 with a Flysky FS-i6X, it seems flysky are a good option for people on a budget but still offering all the fancy gadgets of more expensive radios
*I WANT ONE!!!* 😎👍😁 Obviously not for the Performance (it can't even SAY the word!). I remember getting one, and after being used to the G1, I thought it was MILES better!! You said it, "better driveability". I'll add - IF you keep the 380 motor! These aren't DESIGNED for blistering speed. I had my RC-10, Hotshot, and even my Avante (when it wasn't BROKEN!!!), if I had the need for speed. I REALLY want the re-re of this, hopefully before they're all gone. 😱😭 Carmine 🚂
I made that wing. You can see the installation on episode 113. As for the bracket, do you mean the trans brace? Sorry it has been so long since I made that video that I cant recall mentioning something else. That is also my design and is shown in episode 66
Ah the Grasshopper 2, my entry into the RC kits back when I was 8. Fond memories and shattered car parts have been had. My friend back then had a Manta Ray and I've always wanted one, how are the odds that Tamiya is going to ReRe that one?
This video, your series on the Blackfoot, and finding a black edition Grasshopper 2 kit for cheap a few years ago really helped me get into the retro side of the RC hobby. Even though it was pretty when mine was first built, there’s no such thing as a shelf queen and slapped a dirt tuned motor in it. it’s been sending it for the last three years and hasn’t disappointed once
Glad to hear it. Yeah, I dont like letting them rot of a shelf. RUN THEM!
Original Grasshopper was my first RC, around 1987. Fun to put together and drive.
Yeah they are awesome starter cars and so much fun.
Love the LA GEAR sticker. So Early 90’s.. another underrated car
I totally had to keep that!
Your R/C vids are simply the best , the only thing I wish they had was a hand so I could high five them after I had watched them!
hahaha! Thanks!
fond memories from way back when.......thank you!
My pleasure.
ha ha i went to school with the innovators of L.A Gear lol
i at the time had a grass hopper n golden arrow n tyco turbo hopper n am still in need of a grass hopper
cheers
Haha! No kidding? Glad you like it!
As always an informative video.I can't wait until you do a rear suspension upgrade for the Grasshopper 2.
Thanks!
My first tamiya in the 80s, and when the re-release is available in August I'm getting it
Oh they are doing a second re-release run?
@@AMPROEngineering either that or it's more stock from previous
literally just received my '17 re release and super stoked to get started...after I finish the other two projects currently working on. Great video!
Very cool. This is a good car to build
This is classic! I had it when I was 12!
Neat little car!
Whybi love the mad bull it has the motor snap mount.
Oh that's no good!
Yes!!! Keep these awesome series going!💪🏼💪🏼✊🏼
Thank you!
AMPRO Engineering thank you as well!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Awesome Hopper II❤👍👍👍👊✌😎
Thank you!
Got a mad bull on stock electrics but ftx vantage shocks servo,also the motor a 550 15t on 17t pinion,8.4v 5000nimh all ball raced I love brushed motors.
Yeah I am a brushed fan too!
Nice overview , I like your sidewalk jump you have =)
Thank you! That is my neighbors yard. His kids are constantly out there on their bikes launching over it.
At 13:24 you say "there's a lot better Tamiya kits out there..." What would you recommend for a first time RC car for a child as an alternative to the Grasshopper 2? Thanks in advance for any recommendations/suggestions!
The Tamiya DT02 and 03 are rock solid, basic, capable and cheap. A lot of parts are available for them also.
Thanks!
I put a super stock Rz in my grasshopper, not the fastest or the best car I have but definitely a ton of fun
That is a great motor for the Hopper and Hornet.
@@AMPROEngineering it is! The stock 380 was still fun but it struggled in the back yard, was good for driving in the house though
12:16 you forgot the 3rd type of person who wants one: me; the 13yo kid who is way to young to get any nostalgia from this car, isn't a collector (all though I want to be one but don't have much money and ya' can't be a collector without a collection), bashes the living crap out of it on a daily basis, just restored it and will probably have to restore it again in a couple years. I personally think almost everyone will enjoy a GH or GH2, but only if they have experience with other RC cars first, or else fixing it will become 90% of your life because it is so unstable that despite being very good at surviving crashes, it will still break because it will end up doing doing accidental flips every 5 seconds, I have a 1st Gen Grasshopper not a GH2 and it's my pride and joy, this is coming from someone who also has a Traxxas Rustler, so you can't say my standards are low because I haven't driven anything that's not super dated.
You know I forgot about repairs. You bring up a good point in that there are other cars at this price that are way better but these can be fixed in a few minutes from even some of the worst breaks
I'm into the old tamiyas but also want something that will be somewhat race-able in an intermediate or novice class. Really like the look of the Grasshopper II/super hornet. I would like to be able to race something more "unconventional" than a typical race buggy. Us this a viable option? Doesn't have to be a good option, just a somewhat barely viable option. if not what would be? Will it take a 17.5 spec brushless or would that break the transmission? Can a hard case lipo fit in it? With a little stretching could modern standard buggy tires fit it?
A frog is the best option with an MIP diff. No the hard case will not fit.
Good job! Enjoyed it very much. I enjoy my own newly build GH2. Loved the looks of it when I put it in reverse for the first time. It actually made me laugh :-) Got some videos with it coming up. I do not like the stock shocks though. The rear stock are directly non-functional. The GH1 rear shocks work better. Looks good with your upgrades. What happened in the end? You normally edit it. Loved the sigh you gave :-)
Oh jeez....haha! Well I mean that is part of the charm. LOL yeah I think I miss that bit! Glad there was no profanity!
Nordic RC Visions when it comes to running these vintage cars i normally have two shells. One for the shelf and another for bashing around. I think its the best way to go for full enjoyment
Got a ftx tracer hybrid bezgar 6,7,8 all metal ballraced on 3s lipo all stock motor 390 and electrical esc servo.and kiddy 2.7 transmitter.
That is a solid set up
I wish I had bought one when Horizon and Omni Models has HUNDREDS of them for under $90....
Missed that Boat.
If I could, it would absolutely get the AmPro Kits for it.
Carmine ✈🚂🚙
They were under 90? You can get used ones for a good prince. This was around $50
They sure were!! Both Horizon and Omni Models had bought HUNDREDS Of them, anticipating huge sales...
First they were $139.95. Then they kept dropping, until they were $89.95! Then they sold out quickly on Evilbay.
Don't know if it was actually the same on their Store Websites.
I wish they would re release the Tamiya Falcon. I have my original one but I dont want to run it now that its old. A new one would be great.
Yeah it is odd that they havent. I do suspect that they wont make any updates to some of those flawed and weak designs like I did.
Hi I have just bought one of these and I was just wondering does yours have the standard motor? As I want to be a torque tuned one in. Thanks
this version was the "Super G" and came with the 540 stock silver can. I ended up putting the 380 in it since I thought it was more interesting.
very good , but there is some strange silence which lasts for several seconds in the last part of the video, I don't know why.
Oh this is an older video, maybe i forgot to chop it off.
You said there better/cheaper build kits for a child. Can you list a couple you recommended? I like Tamika…
The Neo Fighter is cheap and light years better than these solid axles cars. They are hugely upgradeable too!
What is cheaper but still build ready for me and my 9yr old? Right now we don't even know if he will play with it beyond a few times.
The WL line is great. My friend has a couple Wltoys 18401 for his kids. They are well made, you can get parts for them easily on ebay and they are amazing value for money. Do not opt for the brushless version as it is disturbingly fast. The base brushed motor version is perfect.
@@AMPROEngineering I haven't found any that are not RTR. The purpose is to build it together.
I just picked up an original GH2 Super G for $25 bucks. Needs a chassis tub and gearbox case because I think it was run over while it was naked🤣. Body is perfect and everything works. Wish parts were cheaper for this
Wow thats a good price even with the damage!
What size shock does it take if I wanted to put oil filled ones on myself?
I believe, but don’t quote me, that the readers are the small CVA shots and the fronts are the mini CVA shots
Which Tamiya kit do you recommend for young children?
This is a very hard thing to answer. By todays standards, most older Tamiya kits are not good for kids today. Hornets and Grasshoppers are nostalgic but for the price, you want something that is actually good. The Neo Fighter is capable, strong and cheap. Even something in the Comical series is good for a small child as they are strong and work well on uneven terrain. Get something modern that has parts you can get at a local hobby shop. Stay away from anything vintage as they do not offer performance that is acceptable by todays standards. The last thing you want is to get your child a grasshopper when the neighbor has a Traxxas Bandit. Do not ever let a child us lithium polymer batteries. They are very, very dangerous to little ones that do not have the understanding of the needed care they require. Us NiMh packs only. Hope this helps. Perhaps a video on this is needed as I get this question asked a lot.
@@AMPROEngineering I will check out the Neo Fighter. Thanks. :)
Hey, I had a grasshopper as a child, Along with a Rhino 10 & a few others!!! Tho, it has been over 20 years & I am not as involved in the R/C world & now, I am thrust back into the r/c world trying to build a car for my step child! I ordered a grasshopper & now I need a controller/transmitter, servo & battery & charger!!! I looked online(google I think) for around ($72-75 dollars) I saw 2 different controllers w/servo & I am interested in upgrading to the 580 motor & upgrading the ball bearings & whatever else I can to improve this car. CAN/ WILL YOU PLEASE HELP? Any recommendations will help! where do I get the 580 & upgraded bearings & the gear with the allen head set screw???
I think a nice 2.4Ghz radio, a 540 motor (stock but better than the original one) and bearings for sure! I would look on eBay. That is where I get everything!
Any idea whether an OG Grasshopper body will fit a Grasshopper 2?
Nope. Completely different chassis and mounting.
Ooo, the ending was tough for you
Very
I like the paint better then the stickers. It makes it look like a grasshopper.
Thank you. I never liked the stock stickers. It was always weird looking to me.
So exactly how much benefits will I get from the double wish bone suspension? Because I would probably like to not mess with the car too much. Will it be ok if I just let Grasshoppers be Grasshoppers?
It makes a big difference in road holding and turning but they are weaker than the stock parts as they stock bits are super flexible abs plastic. A stock Hopper is still a great one though.
what was the blue car that you did the "friction shock" test on?
It was a car i made from scraps. The car is an old Rising Fighter chassis, super hornet rear sliders, a midnight pumpkin trans, super hornet lower shock mounts, rising fighter shocks all round, grass hopper wheels and tires and some misc 3d printed bits. The shell is a super hornet. Basically, the whole car is a super hornet made from junk from other cars since all these bits are essentially the same.
Which one is faster, grasshopper, grasshopper 2 or a Hornet?
Well both the GH1 & 2 have the same 380 so they are slower so stock, the Hornet is since it has a 540 motor. Still, all three cars have the same gear box so technically they are all the same car so the same speed should they all be running the same pinion and motor.
AMPRO Engineering i wanted to ask was the boomerang the fastest back then I was young when my old man got it for me they told him the boomerang was the fastest lol hope to hear back had this on my mind for a very long time 😀
can you get road tyres so i don't ware the nobbles out
Oh....that is a hard one....I really do not think you can for those rims. You will need aftermarket wheels and tires.
Could you recommend a RC controller for this rc car
Yes I can. The Flysky gt3b is what I have been using for years. Receivers are dirt cheap and they are really good radios.
AMPRO Engineering thank you for replying . Was hopping to purchase the grass hopper soon,
I run my Tamiya Rising Fighter and my TT-01 with a Flysky FS-i6X, it seems flysky are a good option for people on a budget but still offering all the fancy gadgets of more expensive radios
Must have been tired when editing this video Mass.... Awesome though as always..!
Very Likely! Thanks!
@@AMPROEngineering it proves you must be human haha...
Wow! I love that body. Where can I get one?
I think you can still find them on eBay
*I WANT ONE!!!* 😎👍😁
Obviously not for the Performance (it can't even SAY the word!). I remember getting one, and after being used to the G1, I thought it was MILES better!! You said it, "better driveability". I'll add - IF you keep the 380 motor!
These aren't DESIGNED for blistering speed. I had my RC-10, Hotshot, and even my Avante (when it wasn't BROKEN!!!), if I had the need for speed.
I REALLY want the re-re of this, hopefully before they're all gone. 😱😭
Carmine 🚂
Yeah I hear you. The GH2 is a toy, and nothing more.
Where did you get that extra wing. Looks great, and that litle bracket, do you make that?
I made that wing. You can see the installation on episode 113. As for the bracket, do you mean the trans brace? Sorry it has been so long since I made that video that I cant recall mentioning something else. That is also my design and is shown in episode 66
lol
I always wanted the Super G in neon green.
I liked those green wheels too.
Ah the Grasshopper 2, my entry into the RC kits back when I was 8. Fond memories and shattered car parts have been had.
My friend back then had a Manta Ray and I've always wanted one, how are the odds that Tamiya is going to ReRe that one?
That is a good question. there is no way to tell but I cannot imagine what would stop them.
Tamiya stock kits are realy slow :(
Some are. This one definitely is but with a 540 it's quite a bit more lively
i like the first one better
Yeah most do. It is very iconic.
This sidewalk tho.
Yeah, my neighbor is fixing it. I will miss it.
Pro tip. Swap the motor out with a 4.5T Maclan brushless for increased performance.
Yeah...that is a bit much. Most of my cars are running stockers.
L.A. Gear 😂🤣😂🤣😂
I know, I could not take that sticker off!