My Monster Beetle is restored!
This project has now come true, and no doubt this one is my favorite.
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 condition of this model is good. Tires are not original, but 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.
First runs with my Monster Beetle
I had the opportunity to run this long-desired model several times. Of course, its almost brand new state and rarity (it is not -yet?- re-released by the time I write) imply I drive it very carefully.
The overall handling of this model is pretty interesting even if the front suspension is pretty hard. It is mostly an old dream came true and I don't want to push this model to its limits to see what it can handle.
Promotional video of the Monster Beetle (© Tamiya)
My Monster Beetle in action
April 2010 update: I finally sold my second Monster Beetle and all my spare part stock for this model. I only kept the purple bodyshell (fitted on my King Blackfoot) and several parts known to be weaknesses in case it would suffer breaks.
Related articles
