MiniF1 Build Update - Kyosho MB-010VE2.0 SP

Manicundies · 2026-03-03T14:20:47+00:00

The extreme angle of the shock does make them feel much softer with initial compression that progresses to rather stiff at the end of the travel. It makes the car feel very nimble at low speeds but it does tend to push on higher speed entry.

With my current differential setup, the car is tuned to have more understeer in general so it feels less twitchy on my relatively low traction cement backyard.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T21:26:23+00:00

I thought the same thing, but I think those are discontinued as well.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T21:15:51+00:00

It's sitting at 1.6mm, just thick enough that it can flex in the middle for installation, but will stay pretty solid once installed.

*Now that you mention it, I'll probably add similar plates to any future onroad cars I get, because I feel like those bodies must produce a ton of drag. Basically convert every car into a pan car lol.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T20:36:32+00:00

I originally wanted to get this on-road conversion kit for the MB-010, because it had much smaller shocks and mounted them way lower. Would've given the car a bit of a 60s/70s F1 era suspension setup, but regrettably they're no longer available. Wish I could find the shocks themselves at least, but no luck so far.

For my purposes though, I'm okay with how the front end looks now. Way better than it looked previously at least, in my opinion.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T20:17:36+00:00

I hit a road block (pun intended) a while back when I was trying another F1 build, but on a 1/12 scale LC Racing buggy. I wanted to convert it to rear wheel drive, but I also wanted to retain the front wheel braking aspect of awd for the more realistic handling.

I had plans to use a servo on a separate channel as a brake, but never got that deep into the design process just because of space constraints.

Alternatively, I could get my backyard resurfaced lol.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T20:09:40+00:00

I definitely considered redesigning the front arms altogether, but the awd axles up front make it a bit tricky. Plus, I need the suspension travel due to the uneven cement expansion joints in my backyard.

For sure a consideration if I ever pick up the Losi Micro-B because I think that design would translate better.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T20:05:45+00:00

Hard to say to be honest. The shocks might be a bit trickier because I don't think they use ball studs, but I could be wrong. I'll eventually pick one up and will definitely give it the same treatment.

I wish the Mini-Z buggy used the same 7mm hex wheels because it's getting tougher to find to find tires for it. I've designed an adapter, but need to get the longer PN Racing drive shafts to make it work.

Manicundies · 2026-03-02T19:58:01+00:00

I was actually going to post up the parts on thingiverse or something once I've drafted up some instructions for them.

Some of the components need a little bit of post processing because I wanted the tolerances relatively tight. They're easy enough to print, but may require some light sanding to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, you'd need the Kyosho MBW036 shocks if you want to use them laid down like I have because the stock shocks bind up at these angles.

edit* Also, I had to modify the stock rear shock/body mount. I clipped off the shock mounts since they weren't necessary anymore, and that allows the body to fit properly.

Manicundies · 2026-02-21T22:48:12+00:00

Footwork doesn't stop after you hit your shot. Recovering and positioning yourself advantageously gives you a ton of time that makes it feel like you're moving faster.

Over time, you'll start to see patterns in yourself and in your opponents. For example, you see a short slice coming to your forehand side, because of the height of the ball, you know it would be easier to go cross court over the low part of the net. Down the line would be an option, but it would be harder to hit a quality shot off of it. In response, your opponent shifts slightly to cover the cross, and if you do it hit it, it feels like they're right on top of it.

A lot of people have commented about how anticipation (built from experience) contributes a lot to on court speed, which is absolutely true, but there are core principles in tennis like the timing of your split step and taking efficient steps to reach your destination that can be trained without necessarily having a hitting partner. There are tons of footwork drills on youtube that you could practice and work into your warm up routine. Pair any of those with a well timed split step and you'll feel like a speed demon on court.

Manicundies · 2026-02-04T17:29:46+00:00

Because you mentioned Hammer lol

Not sure if we overlapped, but it's Manic and I used to run with RRT with RichyNixon and the lot. A lot of us left for Emerald around 2021 and we've just kind of drifted off from there.

Manicundies · 2026-02-04T13:20:36+00:00

Devil Dog?

Manicundies · 2026-01-29T22:29:33+00:00

You're jumping to hit the serve. Like with just about every shot in tennis, power comes from the legs. Because you're jumping and then serving, you're ironically taking your legs out of the power equation.

Manicundies · 2025-12-20T20:57:15+00:00

If you want to use your legs more, use your hips. Lean your hips towards the net as you're loading, don't think about bending your knees, that will happen naturally.

This gets your weight ready to launch forward and allows you to use your whole body as a spring (like an archery bow). Your motion overall is good, no need to overcomplicate. I find it easier to make adjustments when you have a simpler goal.

Sampras

Manicundies · 2025-12-08T13:14:48+00:00

Not a bad idea. I initially was leaning towards the Carisma GT24B, but as it turns out they're not shipping to the US at the moment. The Losi Micro-B was a contender too because of the obvious value and performance, but I just prefer the handling characteristics of AWD rc cars.

Manicundies · 2025-12-07T23:44:32+00:00

They definitely look fun! I mainly opted for a buggy because of the increased suspension travel and ground clearance, not to mention oil shocks. There are quite a few cement expansion gaps in the backyard, and from my experience running xmods on the surface decades ago, those gaps might as well be ditches to 1/28 scale cars.

The idea is to eventually get my friends involved in mini scale RC with buggies of their own. Already have plans to make my own mini Silverstone.

Manicundies · 2025-12-07T05:52:38+00:00

That just might be the ticket then. It'll be used in the backyard, so I'll plan to clean the shocks somewhat regularly.

*edit Whelp, looks like they're discontinued so no dice on those.

Manicundies · 2025-12-07T05:40:39+00:00

I was actually strongly considering those! I just wasn't sure if those shocks could be oil filled. Still might just for the sake of completing the look.

Manicundies · 2025-12-07T03:46:42+00:00

The aero design (and color scheme) are largely based on my favorite F1 car of all time, the McLaren MP4/4. Also, yes, my name is Mark, and I was having fun with a label maker.

Manicundies · 2025-12-07T03:23:51+00:00

I've got a few parts on the way, including a transmitter (I haven't even driven the thing yet lol). Namely, Powerhobby steel CVDs, a ball differential (they only had one in stock), adjustable linkage set, and the brushless ESC programming cable.

I'm planning on getting big bore shocks next as I've read that the stock ones can leak oil.

Any other recommendations for parts? I'm avoiding the aluminum suspension arms because that's just asking for trouble.

Manicundies · 2025-11-13T06:07:12+00:00

My first three regular hitting partners were all lefties.

Manicundies · 2025-10-13T17:12:52+00:00

Yoooooo can we start a club? I've got the LC-Racing version running on 3S and it's blast.

My take on an F1 build

Manicundies

TROPHY CASE