Because it's a pic of the real car.

i knew that XD i did think it looked real but it looked weirldly unreal as well

How many people run the older style SWB Mini Cooper? After joining the Mini ranks with a M05 kit, I was quite dissappointed that the body comes in at the sides right up to the battery holder. So as soon as you put the battery in, it pushes the body out. Not only that, but it pushes the body to the side so that one wheel isn;t under the arch anymore and is rubbing on the body.

Any tips, or just ditch the body and get a "straight" one?

Photos below. Cheers, Ian

gruman - I appreciate the information. It's good to know that M-03 can be upgraded to a M-05. The cost of both kits are approximately the same. I look forward to meeting you this fall at the 'C'.

rccardr - I sure would appreciate your help. I'm comfortable with building the kit but the fine tuning/setup may be a potential problem. Speaking of problems I'm having a tough time locating the CVDs. Would you be able to refer me to a shop/site that have these in stock?

If all goes well I'll have my M-03R mini all built and ready to go for the start of the fall racing season.

The "C" may have them the CVD in stock

I'm heading up to the 'C' on Thursday. I'll make sure to check out their inventory of hop up parts for the mini.

I know this question has been asked before, I even went looking for it, but I'm going to ask it again.

Other than Tamiya and HPI, is anyone producing a FWD mini? I've got Tamiya covered and I just can't bring myself to buy an HPI.

I suppose another question is are there any other FWD RC cars at all anymore? The Yokomo and Kyosho ones seem to be out of production and very rare.

Either I find something cool and new, or I just build an FF-02, which is nothing more than a giant M-03. Anyone seen any FF-01 for sale?

Jim

How about the first mini M01 or RWD M04

If you don't find them in stock at the C, just type "tamiya 53597" in the ebay search. There's an ebay shop in California (Modelstation) selling them for $17.95 +$4.95 shipping. There's only 2 days left, though.

I have bought many hard to find items from Modelstation I find them to be a reputable dealer.

Like I said, I've got Tamiya covered for FWD minis. Looking for something new and interesting. Either I find another cool FWD project, or I spend my next batch o' dollars on a CC-01 scale off roader.

Jim

I think he meant REAR wheel drive.

Propulsion NOT by the front wheels. :P

I've got that (M-04) covered as well.

Jim

Thanks for the info. I'll make sure to use this dealer in the event that I can't find parts locally.

Sith Lord,

The battery leads pushing out the body on your mini, is normal. It is not going to change regardless which body you replace it with.

One way to minimise the leads pushing the body out is to place an elastic band or strap around the battery lead, battery and battery retainer.

The body being pushed out will not impair the cars handling or performance. I will try and post a picture after.

Regards,

Calvin.

Those contemplating running mini at next years TITC event in Bangkok, might want to get a copy of the rules. They are being formulated and some are very interesting.

I will wait until I see a full version, before I make comment.

Regards,

Calvin.