Trying to plan a good first Baja 5B purchase

[FSDraconis]

I really can not say I have had too much experience with using R/C since I was just a kid. Money as always has been short and I can not really say it isn't now. But, with a bit more room to move I have my eyes set on the Baja 5B SS. Not just for the enjoyment of tearing up some grass at a few different fields that I can go to. But also to learn and be able to say " I built this. "

I have been watching the tutorial video's and scouring so many websites for information or shops. I have lost track of the UK shops I came across only to see the listings in pounds. I have not even been to my local R/C hobby shop yet. This area here in Ny is rather limited.

But, to get to some points and the start of a number of questions.

What items are must haves to make a first build successful and fun with out killing the wallet?

I am looking to spend around 1200 to 1300'ish. Tower Hobbies has a nice combo package with the SS that includes an FM 3 channel radio, receiver and servo, batteries plus the selection of radio crystals to use at X frequency. Is there a good FM Freq to go with or is there a good radio in the 2.4 ghz range that is economically cost effective? Should I consider a used radio of some sort from Ebay? Any particular models or brands to avoid aside from sticks of course?

Additionally, I was planning on a charger, higher mah rating battery, Outerwears (both), tgn dual filter and a failsafe.

Is the power switch still a requirement? HPI does not list it nor does Tower Hobbies in the required parts list.

Well, for now I suppose I should catch some z's since I have been up all night long. But I'll close with something I imagine all of you have had the same moment I constantly think about. I was sitting here watching video's of R/C stuff when I came across the Baja 5B and watched the HPI video with the car on the freshly mowed grass and it just went boom "I want one!"

[HarleyDan]

Originally Posted by FSDraconis

What items are must haves to make a first build successful and fun with out killing the wallet?

Get a 3PM radio system ($200 US) (2.4GHz) www.amainhobbies.com
Hitec 5745MG (Replace the steering servo $72) www.amainhobbies.com
Ace DS1313 (throttle/brake servo $76) www.amainhobbies.com
ddm Hump battery ($45) (http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.88...t.A/id.3434/.f)

pb2themax failsafe/killswitch
I can't speak of the charger because the one I had was crap and I bought a new one that also does LiPos, not cheap...

Have fun with the build...........

[vito]

a kill switch is a must have it will pay for it in the long run

[ajw801]

hey,
Just finisheed the ss me self for the fisrt time. It is a sweet kit. I say get the DC Vision Peak Ultra Peak Charger it is a good charger for a low price. http://www.dynamiterc.com/Products/D...ProdID=DYN4057. Yet, if you don't have a computerized charger I would suggest getting that because if you want to charge lipos later you won't need another charger. With the kit you will also need a radio swich. As far as the remote kill switch I would get one from PB it is a must for safty and convinience. When it comes to the radio I got the DX3S but I don't love it it has it's problems. I would get the 3p if I was given a second chance. Don't skip here and get a 2 channel you will need the 3rd channel for the remote kill definitly get a 2.4.

[ajw801]

Hey,
I forgot you said covers too. I would get the outerwares but you don't need the dual stage also. I would save that money and get the shock wares from bad horsie. I think the stock steering is fine I hear most people run the stock. Hey when you get the kit done bring it up the hostile in June

[FSDraconis]

I'd like to thank everyone who has given suggestions and explanations. I am very excited with my future purchase. The horror of having to wait a month or so to order.

AJW - If everything works out in time I certainly do want to head over to Bajafest at Hostile. Heck, even if I was still building it I might bring it all out. Get to meet people, talk, have fun, drool on other people's car's at a distance. You know, all the fun stuff.

Would you happen to know if they allow camp fires when camping at the event?

[FSDraconis]

Would either of these be a good choice for a battery charger? If you have not noticed, I am trying to get as much as I can from one or two shops. I know I'll be getting stuff from ddm as well such as the Outerwears.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXUF43&P=7
or
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXTCJ9&P=7

[OneHump]

Charger are like underwear; everyone has a unique preference. I wouldnt worry too much about LIPO when selecting a charger. If you're using LIPOs, then you're probably going to want a decent balancing charger, though there are balancers that work too.

I use an AstroFlight 110D for my NICD/NIMH packs. I really, really like it. It's simple, accurate and gets the job done. That's just my preference. Tower has the newer model here: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDJN0&P=7

[HarleyDan]

I disagree, the dual stage tgn filter is a must and only $10..... If you want to make your engine last, spend the extra $10

[FSDraconis]

Alright! Thank you again everyone. I believe I have finalized my shopping list. It is a little more than I was expecting. But I think all in all the list seems sound. If you could give it a once over and comment on anything you feel like. I would greatly appreciate it.

ddm 1
ddm 2
DDM 3
DDM 4
DDM 5

TH 1
TH 2
TH 3
TH 4
TH 5
And of course the HPI Baja 5B SS kit car. No need to link that. heh

Thanks for taking the time to help out someone like me that is new to the hobby.

FS Draconis

[frumpy]

That's a nice start FS.You picked a great radio and kill switch too:)Once you start bashing you'll know more of what upgrades will work best for you:)

[FSDraconis]

Thanks! Now I just have to suffer waiting to save up a bit more cash on hand first. Then achingly wait for it to arrive like Christmas day all over again.

[ajw801]

hey,
You also need some lexan paint if you don't have that as well as some I think it is rubber cement. With the charger and batteries you picked out you also will need the right charger leads.

[FSDraconis]

Thanks! You are absolutely right. I am still trying to decide on a paint scheme. It should be fun though. I think I'll order one of ds's squids if I can get it from one of either location. That should take care of the job I think.

Is there perhaps any templates for the body to plan a paint scheme on?