Trinity Itsy Bitsy Spider 1/18 [Archive]

gtkx80

12-06-2004, 08:33 PM

1/18 Itsy Bitsy Spyder

Well X-mas is now just around the corner and this thread needs to get the move on.

I deffinately look forward to anyones knowledge on this little guy, mainly due to the fact that its being produced by probably the most prestiege aftermarket manufacturer in R/C.

...how will it stack up to the masterminds behind the scenes at AE, the rc18t?? We shall soon be edumakated :D

I want both!

cheechthechi

12-06-2004, 09:35 PM

Get the mt 18, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and the RC18t .. that would be a heck of a combination.

gtkx80

12-06-2004, 10:08 PM

Now thats what im talkin about :)

I did notice that the spyder has plastic friction shocks versus the 18t's oil-filled. I do know that that the 18t is packed with ball-bearings and I might be mistaken, but I dont believe the spyder does...
Likewise, the spyder comes standard with adjustable turnbuckles and a "mini-monster" motor when the 18t is powered by a "performance 280"
...the 18t is slightly longer, as is wider, though a tad heavier at that...

Towers Prices are as follow:
Associated rc18t-$154.99
Trinity Spyder-$139.99

Baja-Destroyer

12-06-2004, 10:13 PM

the spyder pro kit is 85$ on tower

gtkx80

12-06-2004, 10:43 PM

true but it already comes pre-assembled...boo that

gtkx80

12-07-2004, 12:44 PM

...anybody have any opinions on this mini??

For some reason, I'm leaning more towards the 18t. Mainly because I have read up on most of the common problems (the dogbones/outdrives mainly). Which gives me a good starting point on what will need to be replaced.

BTW, I have found out that the spyder does NOT come equiped with bearings, in wheels/steering/or tranny. Ouch! :( Friction shocks. Double-Ouch! :( :(

cheechthechi

12-08-2004, 11:51 PM

gtkx80

12-09-2004, 12:07 AM

...yah it deff does..:( I think im going to stick with the 18t. But deff. keep the info coming on this car coming:)

cheechthechi

12-09-2004, 11:55 PM

Yea it seems like the 18t is much betterly planned.. it has a nice layout, and doesn't require the reciever to be mounted as high as the Itsy Bitsy Spider. However, I must say, they're both probably equals in performance.

gtkx80

12-10-2004, 03:03 AM

Very true...if anyone has one or knows any different, please respond :)

mikecasc

12-10-2004, 02:00 PM

I found one on ebay, looks like they are finally available. check it out item#5942468666

mistachubs

12-18-2004, 10:12 PM

haha those things are bitchin!!

gr8taz nitro

12-22-2004, 12:07 AM

I have a spyder and a friend of mine has the rc18t. They are both really well put together. The spyder does have bearings in everything but the axles. Those are on plastic bushings. The friction shocks kinda bite, but they have a softer spring than the mini t so they don't have the bounce like the mini.
The one thing that I wished trinity had done was seperate the reciever and the esc like associated did on the rc18. At least you can change out the servo and not have to change out all the other electronics.
The spyder is faster than the rc18 out of the box because it has the trinity monster motor installed. The motor mount is plastic so it does flex which means it's probably the first thing I'll upgrade besides the shocks and finishing out the bearings. All in all it's not a bad package considering it's about 20 to 30 bucks lower. :D

*Supreme Losi*

12-27-2004, 10:55 AM

I'm going to get mine today, you've got a Itsy Bitsy owner now!

gr8taz nitro

12-29-2004, 08:19 PM

Slammed into a shelf at full speed and broke the front left suspension arm today. Problem is nobody is gonna have the parts that I need for another month!!! I'm down for a month because of a $2.50 pack of parts. :mad:

Chewbacca

12-30-2004, 08:57 AM

Since the spyder is the only kit available without the crappy electronics, I am leaning towards this baby. BUT, I do trust AE, and Losi more when it comes to quality. I do believe the 4WD will be mor fun driving, although all of my 10th scale vehicles are 2 WD so far. Can any of the spyder owners here judge the impact of the geared diff opposed to a ball diff like the AE has? You currently can't beat the price of $80 at tower for the pro kit. I have enough old ESCs and should be able to find a decent receiver in my parts. 8 Bearrings won't kill me.

BUT what battery packs will fit?

Thanx for any help, Chewie.

*Supreme Losi*

12-31-2004, 09:42 AM

Chewbacca:No battery packs other than the ones clearly(On Towerhobbies.com)stating for Itsy Bitsy Spyder will fit.

As for ESC's, you'll need a micro speed control. Might I suggest the Novak Spy?

Chewbacca

12-31-2004, 11:25 AM

Well I was going to try to fit a standard size ESC (1:10) in there somewhere with a micro receiver. I prob. can get a limeted number of motors for free in the 300 size.

I work for a automobile locking system company. We have all kinds of sizes in stock. They're usually without bearrings, but for starters... :D

The Battery Packs are not in stock at tower, and no pic either...

Might go lipo once I get the ICE charger.

Thanx for the reply, Chewie.

Chewbacca

12-31-2004, 11:27 AM

Oh yeah, are you satisfied so far? Do you have any comparisons? Any pros or cons compared to RC18T, MiniQ, miniT ..... ?

gr8taz nitro

01-01-2005, 11:12 PM

Battery packs are commin but if you want to make your own, all you need is 6 2/3a cells to make your own. It's four cells on bottom and two cells on top.

00
0000

Other than breaking the suspension arm I am really happy with my purchase. Bought a trinity mass termination motor and put in after I epoxied the arm back together and it flat out screams. Only problem is stock speed control won't take the motor for long. Put a spy esc in and a jr rx and I'm good to go again. Can't jump or do anything really rough till I get the arm replaced, but still having a blast. :D

*Supreme Losi*

01-02-2005, 12:02 PM

Chewbacca

01-02-2005, 03:38 PM

I'm getting rid of mine.

Reason(s):

1.The first one I had had a bad servo, so I had to send it back.
2.The second one I had as of yesterday had a faulty motor that eventually went out.

I have to say this. I'm going for the RC18T. :(

Hey Supreme,

besides your bad luck, what was your impression of the car itself? I am only considering the Pro kit anyway.

Chewie.

r.c.dealer

01-04-2005, 01:55 PM

Why not just use a Futaba MC230 esc. Its almost as small as the Spy yet can handle heck of alot more motor than the Spy could ever dream to.

cbmadcow

01-10-2005, 04:56 PM

I have recently ot one of these mini spyders at X-mas, am someone happy and dissappointed with it.

The first one I got had only a foot of range, was able to return it and et new one.

Now this one I got my motor has stopped working, I checked to make sure voltage is getting to the motor and it is it just doesnt turn. Im going to be getting a new in the mail under warranty form trinity soon.

I am not very happy with the esc/reciever doesnt seem to work very well. First chance I get I will be replacing all electronics and motor and after that i believe is when you will truly see the performace of this little spyder.

Please any input on which aftermarket motor to use would be nice, I want to stick with the stock battery and get the novak spy esc (i think).

Ohh and plastic body seems to get cracks really easily

BY basher

01-19-2005, 11:10 PM

Trinity has had problems with the motor and Rx/esc, but they are replacing the parts when they fail. Dave Graboski of Trinity posted in the IBS forum at the one18th.com web site stating such.

While mine were running, they were fast and strong in the dirt. My first upgrade will be bearings at the wheels.

Be sure to use the included velcro to secure the batt. to the chassis. There is a retaining post at the front-inside of the chassis batt. area that broke on one of mine. It keeps the batt. from rubbing the driveshaft.

byb

cbmadcow

01-20-2005, 12:30 AM

thanks basher or the input.

I've just bought a bunch of uprades for my mini spyder, as soon as i get them in the mail and installed, i will post agian to give you an update on how it works. i purchased a novak spy esc, trynity mass termination motor, and 4 ball bearins (i know that i need for more).

Does anyone know a good site that has replacement chassis parts for sale, everywhere I look they say they are pending order(even at towerhobbies).

Thanks for anyhelp

minijosh

01-20-2005, 04:57 PM

Just read a review about this truck and it blows away the duratrax. I want to know how it adds up to the rc18

CooLJoE8

01-22-2005, 04:04 AM

Just read a review about this truck and it blows away the duratrax. I want to know how it adds up to the rc18

What review said this? I'm very curious.

Duster_360

01-23-2005, 12:15 PM

Me too - the only thing I've seen on one of these was a guys post about all the trouble he had with his and his lhs taking it back.

BY basher

02-02-2005, 06:24 AM

Finally got my replacement motors and esc's. Haven't run them yet since it is raining. (Four plus weeks in the boxes waiting on parts have kept them looking good though.) :p

Still not sure what to think about Trinity. Not looking forward to the kids busting something and needing parts.

When we get them in the dirt, I'll post more.

byb

*Supreme Losi*

02-02-2005, 07:45 PM

Hey Supreme,

besides your bad luck, what was your impression of the car itself? I am only considering the Pro kit anyway.

Chewie.

My impression: Crappy

No bearings in the steering and rear hubs
Hard to find battery packs
NO other bodies than the Itsy Bitsy Spyder will fit

cbmadcow

02-04-2005, 07:13 PM

Got my replacement parts for my spyder, new novak spy esc, and mass termanation motor. hooked it all up ran it inside the house, didnt realize how much faster it was and sent it straight into a wooden post. Cracked the front end right off and broke some steering components. Really sux, now have to order about 6 parts to get it running again.

Going to use it outside for now on in a big open area or dirt track!!! :)

tripple

02-04-2005, 09:11 PM

I run the reedy motor in my spyder with a associated 18t...15t pinion on gp1100 & it rip's...will flip over in the house from the start on carpet..& ha very good top end...just as fast as the 18t running the same set up...

hyperstang

02-11-2005, 08:22 PM

Well,
Like eveyone, I just added my own electronics to my rolling Spyder that I got off a friend. He bought himself a RC18T and I got a roller from him. I added a WILD trinity motor and futaba ESC, running 7.4 Li Poly batteries. This Sunday I will bring it to the Local track and race in the 18th scale race. I will be the only one running the Spyder. I personally wouldn't buy one, I will wait for the XRAY M18T, but a free roller...C'mon, I'll gladly take it.

Put the other stuff in that I all ready had and I also put on the RC18T 15T pinion and this thing is a little rocket. Very fast and I like it. I also swapped out the stock servo and added a HiTec 81MG in there with Shoe Goo. A must if I will be racing this thing. Well see how this does on Sunday...

Race on....

aus jd 2703

02-15-2005, 04:02 AM

hey which is better itsy bitsy spider or the mini t and why the seem simmilar? has any one broke their spider???
how bad any help would be great

phatBOY69

02-18-2005, 08:32 PM

Very true...if anyone has one or knows any different, please respond :)
My friend got a spider and we cant get the motor to keep place :confused:

hyperstang

02-21-2005, 11:26 PM

Well...

guys here is my IBS competition truck. With all the hopups installed, I currently run a Trinity Wild, Associated 15T, bearings through out truck, Proline tires, Futaba ESC and HiTec 81MG. The power behind the truck is a Li Poly 7.4V battery. Also installed front and rear associated RC18T shocks. this thing rocks big time. Was a real competitor at my local track when I raced again 8 other RC18T. I came in 3rd in all my qualifyings, but I lost a spring that holds in the brushes so I couldn't finish the main.

Just installed the oil filled shocks and will compete again this Sunday. Anyway here are some pics..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/TritonDRIFT/ibs.jpg

Here is a pic of my motor and servo set up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/TritonDRIFT/ibs2.jpg

I run the polymer at the top and ESC at the top. Jumps great with no problems..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/TritonDRIFT/ibs5.jpg

Rear with RC18T oil filled shocks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/TritonDRIFT/ibs3.jpg

Front with RC18T shocks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/TritonDRIFT/ibs4.jpg

Race on...

Dink McStink

02-23-2005, 04:11 AM

very nice ibs, i have one coming to me from tower later this week...can't wait to get a mamba in there, hopefully I won't have too much trouble with the motor mount.

T-EVO RACER

02-24-2005, 10:55 PM

myfriend is getting a itsy and I'll let him him use my stock oiled filled shocks with 30wt for the itsy rtr is that all he really needs to get that thang race ready???

Chewbacca

02-25-2005, 06:22 AM

I just bought one off ebay. The Pro vers. new, with trinity oil dampers for $90 shipped. I have enough electrics to get me started. I am not sure, if the version I bought has all bearrings included.

myfriend is getting a itsy and I'll let him him use my stock oiled filled shocks with 30wt for the itsy rtr is that all he really needs to get that thang race ready???

To get race ready I'd definatly get bearrings throughout the car.

Dink McStink

02-25-2005, 11:56 AM

Chewbacca, I ordered the pro version too...it hasn't arrived yet but I think it has bearings except for the 8 needed in the wheels.....not positive tho.

Chewbacca

02-26-2005, 12:07 PM

Yup, bearrings in tranny, bot not in the wheels. Will be the first thin I order ASAI get my Spyder.

T-EVO RACER

03-02-2005, 11:10 PM

hey can you put a straight in-line pack in spyder, or does the packs have to be stacked??

T-EVO RACER

03-02-2005, 11:11 PM

bearings, and how much does that cost??

Chewbacca

03-15-2005, 07:42 AM

bearings, and how much does that cost??

Check ebay. I've seen quite a few offerings for a set of mini t bearrings for less than $8 shipped, AFAI can remember.

Just got mine. It is true, the shocks are crap. But I did order with trinity oil shocks. Just made 2 aluminium motor mounts, just have to install my speed 300, electronics, and paint the body.

I'll post pics when it's all ready.

Dink McStink

03-18-2005, 12:49 AM

Chew, I'd love to see pics of your homemade motor mounts. I received mine too and am very impressed for the price. I put crc front shocks and associated rc18t shocks in the rear. I also ordered some Mini-T bearings off of ebay for 8 bux shipped. They fit great. I put in a mamba 8000 and the little truck flies. My 6cell pack sux though. I have 14 gp1100 cells coming so I can build a couple 7cell packs. That should be better.

Chewbacca

03-19-2005, 04:24 PM

Here's a pic of my custom motor mount. Nothing special, but it works.

Hey Hyperstang, is the (your new) RC18T really superior to the IBS?

Chewie.

Chewbacca

04-13-2005, 03:31 AM

Well, I've only rode my IBS Indoors so far, and must say I like it. I did order the street wheels for the mini T and will install them this weekend. Europe's (or just Germany's ?) biggest RC fair starts today. I'll be going on Friday, and maybe sunday. Will try to find cheap bearings for the wheels, maybe LiPo, and MAYBE brushless. I still have mountTrinity's alu oil shocks.

antichip2000

08-13-2005, 09:22 PM

glowhead777

08-26-2005, 01:17 PM

I bought one of these for my daughters 8th birthday today. Almost off the bat it would ack as though it was binding up a little or something on forwards. It woul haul in reverse. Well now it is acting as though the motor is fried. The hobby store also sold me a body that is not for the spyder I have read it will not fit. I have not tried yet, but all in all I think my daughter got screwed.

My 7-yr old son bought an IBS with his Christmas $$ in January. First time we plugged in the batt and turned it on, the speed control completely melted down, along with all of the wires and battery leads - sparks and smoke flying everywhere. I understand Trinity had a bad batch of motors and/or ESC's. It took about four weeks, and multiple calls to Trinity by me and my LHS to get it replaced. Have since replaced the motor/ESC with the Mamba-25 brushless - great decision. However, this car can't handle even small jumps or bumps without the ball cups popping off the front end and the dogbones falling out. We're relegated to running it on pavement, I guess.

antichip2000

08-26-2005, 05:23 PM

I guess I should of updated this thread. I took the itsy back the next day with my daughter in tow. I told the clerk what was up and that I wanted to trade it up. To my utter suprise he did not even flinch. He knew it was ***** when he sold it too me. Anywho I did my research this time and we got her the AE rc18t and that little thing is the best. The controller in itself is 3X as good as the spyder. Plus it has seperates, can we say bonus? I did have to kick in another 25 for the AE. Spyder+extra bat+25=AErc18t=smartest move I made all year. :D

later all

GT Freak

02-14-2006, 11:46 PM

im interested in one of these to beat around the front room...are they worth it :confused:

glowhead777

02-15-2006, 10:26 AM

Knowing what I know now (slow stock motor, poor quality, very poor customer service from Trinity), I would avoid the IBS and go with an RC18 or Losi Mini-T. Replacement parts are easy to find, and loads of after-market hop-ups are available. Check e-bay - I found lots of micros with $400+ worth of hop-ups, plus accessories, going for under $250.

X-Ray just came out with a micro truck too (it was reviewed last month in R/C Car Action). There are a few companies making 1/18 scale 4WD buggies. My son bought a Duratrax Vendetta, and we're very happy with it - only $165, and it's very fast out of the box.

GT Freak

02-16-2006, 09:05 AM

welll,just got a ibs pr for $55.21 off ebay....now i gotta wait till it gets here to check it out :cool:

GT Freak

02-22-2006, 04:11 PM

got her today..neat truck...now to find what motors and esc will work in it

heres a pic

glowhead777

02-22-2006, 05:25 PM

Go with the Mamba - the 6800kv is PLENTY fast. The 8000 probably has too much power - unusable power, and it will probably damage the diff gears and other drive components. Not only is it fast, but you'll get very long run times - the motor is very efficient.

GT Freak

02-22-2006, 07:04 PM

what else(besides brushless) :confused:

i know of these:
hpi micro
trinity line
stock 180
any others??

also, what esc can/do i use/need :confused:

heres a pic of the 2nd body i got with it, after a idea...

glowhead777

02-23-2006, 10:43 AM

Several companies offer hop-up brushed micro motors, including Trinity. However, brushless is by far the better technology - faster and much more efficient (= longer runtimes). If you have to buy a speed control anyway, why not go brushless?

GT Freak

02-23-2006, 12:11 PM

Cant afford it right now. So ive picked out the following:
esc: spy
receiver:hitec 27mhz
motor :confused:

GT Freak

03-05-2006, 11:45 AM

Well, just got my new graphite chassis. nice, eay to asemble. nice fit of parts too. Even came with a aluminum motor mount, drive shaft,and body. extends the wheel base by a bit too. :) heres a pic of it.

GT Freak

03-05-2006, 11:46 AM

Well, as some of u know, im a fan of perm markers as a paint source. well, heres my latest! enjoy

GT Freak

03-14-2006, 03:19 AM

well, got my 2nd spyder up and runing today. :)
esc:futaba 230
motor: stock
recfutaba micro receiver
servo: kit stock
batts: kit

took out the front dogbones so id have a 2wd truck...this is WAYYYY faster then my old mini-t...looks like this truck is staying put :p

GT Freak

03-15-2006, 02:24 AM

heres a pic of my 2nd "bloody spyder"

GT Freak

03-15-2006, 02:26 AM

chassis shot.. red was done with perm marker...made it look...well..bloody! :p

GT Freak

03-15-2006, 02:26 AM

another shot

GT Freak

03-15-2006, 02:28 AM

what do ya think :confused:

GT Freak

03-24-2006, 11:38 AM

Well, thanks to another spyder owner, i fixed the "cliking prob"...Found the rear tranny, has 3 bearings, but it only came with 2.... :confused: also, its a AWSOME basher.. ive jumped it 15ft(distance) off my neighbors driveway...this is 1 tough truck..