Pinion gear on a mini-t

[Karpouzian]

I bought a "rtr" (that wasn't) Mini-T a few months back because it was relatively inexpensive and came with a roller, besides...

My son and I have been bashing (well, mostly me) my RCs, and his toy-grade rc around the neighborhood... Now I know that a mini-t is still a HOBBY grade car, but what can I do to toddler-proof it? He is three, going on 4, and has front and back down, but has some issues with steering in general

I know I have asked similar questions about some of my other cars, but what can I do to make it so he has something to drive, or should I just have him stick with toy-grade stuff for now? He still has a ton of fun with the buggy he has, and it is zippy enough for a four-year old... I'm kind of answering my own question here, but what have other parents done?

[LowClassCC]

anything the kid can break on the mini-t is replaceable so that makes it pretty bulletproof right there. only replace stuff if you have to. don't just go and start buying upgrades because the vehicles value can go way up in value pretty quick.

the biggest issue i had with my son when he was that age was his hands. they were just too small to hold a controller while working the throttle and trigger at the same time. even though the mini-t is not a fast vehicle i would still try to slow it down to toy grade speeds. i have used a 65t lathe motor and small pinion large spur gear for this, but that was on a 10th scale not a mini. the slower vehicle helped add fun and run time and lowered the frustration level with my boy.

don't forget he is the perfect age to start to teach about rc cars. teach he now to not do things that would make him say "hey dad watch this!" you will be thankful you did later on. after he get the driving part down make him challenges by sitting up items and having hm drive around the obstacles without hitting anything. don't forget to have fun.

[Karpouzian]

the biggest issue i had with my son when he was that age was his hands. they were just too small to hold a controller while working the throttle and trigger at the same time. even though the mini-t is not a fast vehicle i would still try to slow it down to toy grade speeds.

Never thought about the controller being too big, but you are probably right.. As far as speed, it is a brushed motor, so that and keeping it with double a batteries should theoretically keep the speed in check pretty well for a little guy...

Thank you for your feedback... I know you mentioned no upgrades, but I'm thinking some stronger bumpers or at least more flexible may save mone in the lon run... Your thoughts?

[RC104ever]

Just put a front bumper on it and have a bunch of spare parts. He will get used to it quickly, kids are smart. Mine is now driving my B44 with a castle 7700 kv brushless setup with no problems.

[jamin]

I have a 3 year old son who will be 4 in March and has been using a spare mini-T for a while now. I have found the controller for the mini-t is just small enough for him hold, in fact he found it quite natural to hold and use.

As for speed, I slowed it down by using the stock motor and also by using 4 AA rechargables with the battery tray it came with. This takes the voltage down to 4.8V, adds loads of internal resistance and also adds some weight, so added bonus. I used 2000mAh batteries and the thing goes on forever too!

I would suggest a large front bumper if you can get one - he managed to snap the shock tower and chassis in one 'watch this' moment, I think that is the only weakness he has found so far.

Here's a pic of him with the controller, this was taken about a year ago, so he wasnt even 3, but his hands good grab it fine.

[Karpouzian]

Great picture, and good to know that it has enough power even with double a to go offroad

[Karpouzian]

Uh... Pinion gears in my VERY LIMITED experience are held on by grub/set screws. I took apart a mini-t in anticipation of rebuilding it for my toddler, and the pinion gear is on tight with no visible set screw. How is it held on? And this is the second pinion gear issue I've had, I am SERIOUSLY considering a gear puller...

[JK Racing]

yes, they are pressed on from the factory. they can be coaxed off with some pliers

[Karpouzian]

Yeah, the last "coaxing" with pliers I did ruined the pinion gear, so gear puller, here I come! Actually, I'll give it some dry silicone spray or wd40 first, then try, but I'm skeptical...

[Coelacanth]

Yeah, the last "coaxing" with pliers I did ruined the pinion gear, so gear puller, here I come! Actually, I'll give it some dry silicone spray or wd40 first, then try, but I'm skeptical...

How about some automotive penetrating oil? That might help too.

[Karpouzian]

Yeah, the last "coaxing" with pliers I did ruined the pinion gear, so gear puller, here I come! Actually, I'll give it some dry silicone spray or wd40 first, then try, but I'm skeptical...

How about some automotive penetrating oil? That might help too.

Well, I don't have any experience with automotive penetrating oil, neither do I own any I do have wd40, and a silicone spray. Do you think it will make a big difference over other lubricants? If so, I am willing to give it a try...

[scr8p]

how big is the armature shaft? how big is the motor compared to a slot car motor? maybe you can get a slot car gear puller. use a c-clamp to install new ones.