Hey... I'm thinking about buying the Tamiya Lightning. The "ready to run" model is painted goofy, and I heard it's hard to find the F150 body... so I'm probably going with the Kit.
A couple questions...
How fast does it go stock? Estimated "real" MPH...
Also... what Radio (controller) would you recommend?

 

I havent played with RC's in ten years, but its fast as chit for a cheap stock kit. I planned on modding it, and disconnecting the AWD, but it has mad traction problems right out of the box. AWD stays, I am looking for better tires, THEN maybe I'll start modding it. A pretty fun little truck. (like the real one!)

 

Just finished mine a few months ago!
Links to the threads:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=152605

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=153721


here it is without the body:


I got a AM radio that came with the servo and electronic speed control, and a couple of batteries at hobbytown to finish the kit.

Here's a video of the truck in action: http://www.superlightning.com/albums/album102/rccar.wmv


They both have blue stripes like the real lightning now.. lol

 

Mine isn't the L, but very close ( I would like to find an L body for mine though). Same size, slightly different chassis, but it's a lot of fun. I've been thinking about switching mine over to rear drive too, but with the slicks on it would be a problem. Need some better tires...

I've got a Futaba controller. Got it off ebay new, and really like it. I would recommend the electronic speed controller though. The mechanical one drains the battery faster, and can stick...

 

I'm no Clonetek , but I do have 5 R/Cs (4 Tamaya, 1 of the big ones)

 

You cant buy the tamiya lightning body separate

You can get an F150 body that is real close from HPI

Doug

 

www.hpiracing.com

It doesn't matter what brand, so long as it's the right size body.

 

here is the HPI body ( silver ) next to the Tamiya body ( black )

 

I've seen people mention speed controls. These are kind of pricey... is it needed? In the tower hobbies thing, it doesn't say it's one of the needed components. Any imput?

 

So any word on the speed control? Can I get by without buying one? What are the effects if I should do this? The kit doesn't say it requires one.

 

you have to have a speed control. you can get an electric or a mechanical. electric are better, but a lot more expensive.

-Kimball

 

How much can you get a Tamiya for, and where can you get them?

 

You have to have a speed control.. The kit I got came with a mechanical one, but you would have to buy another servo to control it. The electronic speed control is better.

 

Another question... this time about batteries. I see there's some bettery packs that use the word "Peak", and chargers that use the same word. What's the difference between these, and other battery packs?
Could I use "peak" batteries with a non-peak charger, or the the other way around?

 

Casey, you can try Tower Hobbies. Here's the kit that you have to put together and buy the radio and electronics: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGA59&P=7 and they have a Ready to Run kit with everything supplied: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXVZ15&P=7