Ian, started at paranaque BF homes track back in 1983. I kinda help build the track near the clubhouse with the guy name Ed Batak and a hobby store owner named Roy. Glad to see a pinoy make it big like you[mag write up]. All Tamiya for me now. Sold my mtx3,yok sd and others. Racing 540 class and Tamiya mini cooper only and having so much fun. Racenut, my old mabuchi have plastic endbells. Not sure what mabuchi you got. The Kyosho sure was more powerful. Shhhh!! don't tell anyone.