Monster Beetle

The model of my dreams! I spent hours dreaming about driving this model many years ago. For me this one is THE legendary model from Tamiya. Many fans think that other Tamiya models are emblematic (such as the SRB's: Sand Rover, Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider), that the Blackfoot (based on the same chassis) is more important in RC model history, and they are probably right. But for me, it is the Monster Beetle.

I got back into RC models recently with already this idea in mind: I wanted a Monster Beetle. Before I started such a project, I needed to gather a lot of information: to inventory common parts with other models (Blackfoot, Mud Blaster, Frog and Subaru Brat on one hand [same chassis] and Bush Devil, Super Blackfoot and King Blackfoot [almost the same chassis] on the other hand). Then, I had to find the manual (it's better), to check which parts of the re-released models were compatible (especially parts from the re-re Frog and the re-re Subaru Brat) and to list which parts are unique to this model. I also needed to list all the required screws and nuts, weaknesses or parts that would wear with time on this model and its brothers in order to anticipate problems. And why not, to anticipate custom changes to avoid these weaknesses.

The Monster Beetle family

Tamiya made buggy and "big wheels" versions of this chassis. Figures between brackets are the kits numbers. In order of release, we have the Subaru Brat (58038), the Lancia Rally (58040) and the Frog (58041) for off-road versions.

Then big wheels versions, still in order of release: the Blackfoot (58058), the Monster Beetle (58060) and the Mud Blaster (58077).

The puzzle

This project represents two bags full of parts among which a lot are in multiple copies as they came from different sources. Basically, we have three wrecks: two original Blackfoot and an original Frog featuring various re-released parts. Add a bunch of parts gathered from other sides and a brand new bodyshell that cost peanuts (and it is complete!). This project also represents hours of reading forums and documentation, hours of available and usable parts inventory (some are rusty or broken).

So I entirely disassembled my Beetle Frog project that was created with a first set or parts. It's time to start the assembly of a true state of the art Monster Beetle.

These are photos of some of the parts I used in this project: neither the Beetle Frog parts or electronics or screw sets are shown.

 

 

 

The chassis

I exhaustively rebuilt the whole chassis, either using parts from the BeetleFrog, or from a wrecked chassis (mix of Blackfoot and Monster Beetle), or by picking in my spare part stock.

I also installed the Team CRP chassis stiffener, as well as the damper mounts. Then I used the yellow hydraulic dampers (after "reviving" them), assembled the real bodyshell mounts (since I have the body) and replaced all plastic bearings with ball bearings. In fact, my Monster Beetle will be absolutely original (apart from the parts origin) with some exceptions: an electronic speed controller to replace the original mechanical speedo, the switch place (on the front tower and not on the chassis) and the rear dogbones (replaced par the re-re Frog's, but you won't notice them because of the joint boots).

Chassis overview:

   

You can see a light modification for the battery pack support. At that time, they used humped back battery packs: one of the cells was fitted on top of the other instead of being all in line like nowadays. So I simply made the battery pack support longer using the two red spacers on which you normally screw the mechanical speed controller. Because they are the same color as the chassis, you can hardly notice that change.

I made another change for the rear arms pivot: I replaced the plastic ones by metal ones that better hold them and that do not break.

Top and bottom views of the chassis:

 

The rear drive train is already fitted with the definitive tires (to be glued with caution not to damage the golden rims). They are still available since they are used in particular by the Blackfoot Xtreme. The front drive train still has original Blackfoot tires for the moment.

Update: I have worked again on the chassis, in particular on the switch. It is now placed on the right side of the chassis where the mechanical speed controller resistors took place. I preferred this side of the chassis (it should go on the left side) because there's more room for the battery pack plug.

I changed the switch place for a very simple reason: on the BeetleFrog project, the HPI bodyshell left an easy access to the front shock tower. With the Monster Beetle shell on, you can't reach it anymore. The front wheels now have their definitive tires. On the below photo, can can notice some (voluntary) mistakes on the chassis: I left the rear Blackfoot body mounts Blackfoot (the vertical ones). This way, I can fit the BeetleFrog body for running. Same thing for the front body mounts (folded).

I may make another change later: the servo skid plate (see the bottom view of the chassis) can be replaced by the Frog' (or the Subaru Brat's). The good effects: first, the steering servo is better protected, second is to reinforce the front bumper.

The bodyshell

The chassis is now finished and i is time to go for the bodyshell which is amazing: many parts needs to be glued (yes!). The driver (to glue on the door), the driver's head, the sun roof, the body nose, the light glasses, the wipers and the VW logo. So many parts that will have great pleasure to detach while running. I better understand why complete Monster Beetle bodyshells reach so crazy prices. In fact, this bodyshell seems to come from a static model, but it is hard to believe that is is meant for an off road vehicle that may suffer vibrations and rolls.

It also has many details to be fitted: rear lights, plate light holder (still at the rear) and manual painting has to be done for other details. I decided to reproduce the box art scheme with an "Italian" red.

Of course, the first step is paint workshop. I placed the rear light onto the body and painted all. The lights themselves are tapped with mask because they will later be painted. In the small pictures, you can see the body nose (to be glue and fitted with two lateral small screws) and the sun roof (to be painted).

I do like the color, which is probably very shiny thanks to the white plastic it is made of: when it is black, the red is a little bit darker as I could test it on a spare part. that's pure luck because Tamiya sold this model with either white plastic bodies, or red plastic (rare) or even black plastic (probably when they released the Blitzer Beetle which color scheme is black).

Then the decoration part: cutting and applying the stickers takes some time. It is also time to glue different parts like the wipers, the VW logo, license plates and front light glasses. It is also time to manually paint the pilot and other details. By the way, the taping mask of the rear lights didn't work at all: for the moment, they are red all over, waiting for orange and white paint to detail the different lights.

 

I didn't glue the body nose so it it only fitted by screws. The reason is that this part has to be inserted into the main body and that the glue would have gone over the paint and damaged it. The sun roof is not glued either. I will use scotch tape from the inside of the bodyshell to fit it if I run it.

Conclusion: Glue every single parts on the bodyshell before painting. Except the wipers, the VW logo and the front and rear lights.

As you can see on the doors and the wipers, I painted some details. But my skills being what they are, I preferred not to risk on other details like windows.

My Monster Beetle is finished!

This project has now come true, and no doubt this one is my preferred.

 

It is also the project on which I spent most time, either for preparation or for assembling. It is also the most expensive so far, but not that much: the overall cost is just a little superior to the Blackfoot Xtreme's or the Baja King's. The complete brand new bodyshell is my best deal: it costs peanuts, less than the radio set (yes, be jealous ). The rest is the assembly of parts coming from two wrecked Blackfoot, an original Frog with re-re parts and a bunch of other parts bought in a shoe box(!). The Blackfoot wrecks also had non original parts like blue uprights (from a Bush Devil) that you can see on the second photo of the puzzle. But overall, apart from being very dirty, the parts were in relative good shape.

Now, I have a consequent stock of parts left. I am going to inventory it and select some parts that will be used as spare for the Monster Beetle. Don't be fool: this model was meant to run, it will run. Not too fast to preserve it and the bodyshell (unless I get a lexan reproduction).

For all the remaining, I still wonder if I try to assemble a chassis or if I sell it to others who need them to restore their Beetle.

Anyway, The final cost of this model is by far inferior to the prices you can find because of speculation. Efforts, time and a good preparation let you avoid giving your bank account to some indelicate persons.

Another Monster Beetle!

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist to this splendid offer. This one is almost complete and the missing parts are among my spares. Just a few hours and this one will also run.

Photos when it arrived and before I start working on it.

 

The overall shape of this model is good. Tires are not original, and this is not a problem. The rear guard and antenna pipe support are missing, as well as the front projector ramp and all the electronics. The big question is: how does the gearbox which is the well-known weakness on this model.

Bonus: the promotional video of the Monster Beetle when it was released back in 1986 (© Tamiya)

More photos on the gallery.

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First publication: april 14, 2008 Last modified: august 5, 2009

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