since we start the new year with a new, technical layout, i decided to take the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and transform it to the undersold and quite obviously underestimated Lamborghini Countach LP500S. as a kid, i dreamed of one day owning or at least just getting to drive this car and at last, my dream would come true but in a ‘dNaNo’ sort of way. though i’m a collector and look forwarding to adding new dNaNo to my ‘fleet’, the LP640 just isn’t very easy to handle and has little glitches i’ve discussed before which make it my least favorite while others absolutely love it. on the new layout, it will also suffer as it isn’t as nimble as the LP500S. what makes dNaNo special is that each is a scale representation of its full size counterpart. below i’ve provided a table comparing the fitting parts data for both cars which should help define their differences:
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as you can see, these two models are technically very different. the LP640 is long and extremely wide while the LP500S is short with a medium width. the LP500S has a much shorter wheel travel due to its smaller diameter wheels and shorter wheelbase but will be much more agile in cornering due to its rear motor placement (RM) and shorter suspension travel. the LP640 would be excellent at high speed in long corners but on “Patchwork”, we don’t have any of those. the LP500S will have the definitive advantage in racing on the current layout. for detailed information on all available dNaNo models, visit the Kyosho dNaNo Support Page @ Kyosho.com to review the Optional Parts & Technical Data (PDF).
Changing Clothes in 45 Mins…
as you can see by the photos, i needed a few things to go from one model to the other. a new LP500S Auto Scale Body, a Fitting Parts Set (DNP305), an Aluminum Parts Combo, tires & wheels (cuz they look better than that wack ass, stock silver). the main frame chassis from the LP640 and all option parts that aren’t model specific will stay but my aluminum wheel hubs and front suspension plates will have to go. i’ll include those & other extra parts as a bonus in our ‘scratch & dent’ LP640 set we have for sale in the shop. there are only a few parts outside of the hubs & suspension plates that differ including the 1) Motor Case (RM), Body Mount (DNM305), Lower Plate Spacer (1mm), & Tie Rod (C) which are all included in the required fitting parts set. i then completely dismantled the LP640, storing all extra parts in neat zip-loc bag (i’m a clean freak). another advantage of the LP500S is its 17mm front tires (FRA) since Kyosho makes a multitude of tire compounds for this size. i chose the 20-degree compund since the Atomic 25′s have been best for F1R and Atomic 8R’s to complete the combo. it took about 45 mins to install the remaining parts & the LP500S was ready to make my childhood dreams come true.
i took a few solo practice laps to get my transmitter settings right and waited for the guys to show up. not long after, Azeez (14, IND), came in to rent a car followed by Calvin, Hugh & Ian. practice races gave us a chance to get familiar with the new layout & preview what the ‘fast lap’ would probably be. my best so far is 11.77 secs. which is a LOT slower than the last layout. i think its a good evolution and i’m betting we’ll have a very interesting club race this weekend. as usual, any questions or comments can be sent to qon@nanotrax.net or just post your comments here on the blog.
January 2nd, 2010 at 13:29
The LP500S was looking very quick and the new track is going to be a challenge for us all, I think you guys have done a great job the track looks fantastic, Im sure my 11.2 sec lap was all my work im just not able to do it again (15 secs is my pace), see you over the weekend for some much needed practice.