The RC Deep Dive

HOW-TO: Add a Driver Figure to the Neo Fighter Buggy DT-03

The Neo Fighter Buggy DT-03 (DT stands for Dirt Two-Wheel-Drive) a.k.a. the Neo Frog famously comes without a driver figure, as with the stock setup it cannot fit in the chassis. However there are several ways to make one work and we give you these details in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

The Lineage of the Fighter Series of R/C Buggies

From the vintage Fighter Buggy (a.k.a. Super Champ) to the modern Fighter NX Gen, Tamiya has loved its elite fighting buggies. We go over each of these fighting buggies including the spiritual predecessors of many of them. We put on our boxing gloves, step in the ring, and get ready for a buggy champ fight in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

What is the Proper Tool for Removing the Nylock Nut Off a Broken Axle?

While it seems like a Tamiya hobbyist craft tools needlenose pliers are the right job to hold an axle (that's fallen out of the knuckle in the upright), but it absolutely won't work, no matter how strong you are. Why? We give you the applied physics and point you to the correct tool (that you likely already have) to fix your emergency situation. We also give you several alternate solutions to your problems, as usual, in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.

No, Grasshopper Gears Do Not Work Properly in the Grasshopper II Gearbox

While you may find errant suggestions on some Tamiya R/C club forums that the GH1 (original Grasshopper) gears are a perfect replacement to GH2 (Grasshopper II) gears, this is a fatal error. In fact it will cause gear stripping and end your bashing session quickly. Why is this? We remove the bad advice from the gearbox and advise you properly, giving you the actual truth and the whys behind it in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.

Why and How Does the MIP Super Ball Diff Improves Steering so Much?

Many people install a MIP Super Ball Diff in their R/C model vehicle to prevent the gearbox from flexing, to help fix the problem of dog-bones popping out, or to enable the use of more powerful electronics, especially motors. However, one of the biggest improvements that this must-have hop-up give is improved steering. Why? How? We gear up to answer that question in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

MIP Greases vs AE/FT Stealth Diff Lube and Black Grease

MIP makes a must-have hop-up for ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) Chassis R/C model vehicles like the Frog, Brat, Blackfoot, Super Beetle, etc. in the Super Ball Diff as well as ball differentials for other radio controlled model vehicles. However, are the included Silicon Diff Grease and Thrust Grease the best lubricant for this significant upgrade? We get into the grime and compare them to the AE (Associated Electronics) FT (Factory Team) Stealth Diff Lube and Black Grease in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Why are ORV Chassis Front Axles Wider Than the Rear Axle?

One thing many R/C model hobbyists notice when building an ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) chassis radio controlled model vehicle is the disparity in the axle lengths. Why did Tamiya do this? Did they do this on other radio control model vehicles too? We measure our these decisions and give you the reasons in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

What is the Best Way to Manage Your R/C Electronics Wiring?

Once you complete building your radio controlled model vehicle, you have wires all over the place. How to you get them in an organized fashion? What's the easiest way for beginners? What's the best way for pros? We unwind this cord of answers in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.

The Tamiya Family Legacy at Tamiya Corporation

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the repose of Tamiya Chairman of the Board Shunsaku Tamiya at the age of 90 years old on 18 July 2025 . Our condolences go out to the entire Tamiya family during this time of their loss.
What is the history of the Tamiya corporation? How have they managed to stay family owned and stayed true to their vision while being flexible and pivoting when necessary? We untangle the roots of the family tree and point out all the Tamiyas running the Tamiya Corporation in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

ReRe Fail Point: The Frog, the BRAT, and the Front Axle

You are out bashing your Tamiya Frog 1/10th scale radio controlled buggy and your axle just falls off, with the bearings, wheels, and nylock nut all together in one piece on the ground. What causes this, how can you fix it, and how can you prevent it from happening in the future? We look at various options to repair this rere (re-release) failure point in the Frog and BRAT in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.