Well it's actually my Tamiya TLT-1 with a new shell on it. I used a Losi 1/18th Grappler body, painted it white, and dressed it up with some spider flames and a spider. Turned out pretty good. To get it running, I had to relocate some electronics. So right now it has the following gear on:
2 Towardpro MG946R servos for 4WS
Futaba MC230CR ESC
Tactic TR654 receiver
Tamiya stock motor (was not being used)
Onyx 3000mAh 7.2v NiMH battery
Tactic TTX650 transmitter
with it all together and setup to drive, I finally took it out for a drive in the front yard. This little truck moves decent. Here is the video:
I already have some updates in the works. A new body has been trimmed, painted, decorated, and mounted. This time I used a Team Associated SC18 Short Course Truck body. It actually fits much better than the Grappler, and looks better too. I painted it white and black, and used an old sticker set from another body. I'm also working on getting some lights installed on it. Problem is i have to make some custom light bucket mounts, so it may be a few months before I get them on. In the meantime, I'll try to take out in the next coming weekends. I may make one change and switch it over to the Spektrum DX3C gear. I'll loose the on-demand front and rear steering, but the Tactic is going to the Honcho for some upcoming upgrades (more on that another time).
E-Maxx:
I was able to successfully get my E-Maxx 90% disassembled. The only things not taken apart were the front/rear diffs and the transmission. Everything came apart quite easily. Here is the E-Maxx in pieces, minus the wheels/tires:
Lots of parts. During the disassemble process, I came across some bent screws. So I ordered up replacements along with some shock rebuild kits. All the parts came in and it was time to reassemble. Using the manufacturers exploded views, I was able to get it back together. There were a few screws that I got mixed up, but was able to get them all in their proper places. During this process I missed a bent screw. Well I got the screw back in with little effort, but decided this was a good time to buy a RPM upgrade part that came with screws. I received it but have yet to get it in. The E-Maxx is all together, mostly cleaned up, and waiting to hit the road and rocks. Time for some more E-Maxx videos. This has been a very good, fun, and durable R/C truck. Many thanks to Traxxas for such a good product. I have had it since 2004/2005 (can't remember which one), and only 3 bent screws so far. And I consider myself a moderate basher. So if you're getting into hobby-grade R/C, Traxxas is a great brand to start with. Even though their models are already put together, it's always a good idea to do a complete tear down and rebuild every so often. You will not always see the damage that happens during crashes and tumbles.
SCX10 Dingo:
Well the Dingo is finally out of the garage after doing an upgrade that I planned on for a later time. I got in the extra parts to make the Dingo a 4-link rear suspension. But after getting everything back together, there was some binding in the rear drive-train that went away as the rear axle got closer to the frame. Not good. After some thinking and looking at the spare parts I have, I was able to remove the binding. I ended up using longer ball links on the ends of the upper links. This ended up clocking the rear axle back, thus decreasing the angle of the axle input shaft to the rear drive shaft, which in turn eliminated the binding. And since the rear was now 4-link, I decided to upgrade the front to 4-link. Ordered the parts, got them in, and upgraded the front. With the DIG and links done, time to get the lights in order. For the body set, I'll keep the G.T Power RC lights (bought from Team Integy R/C). I did have 2 of the lights going to the front bumper, but decided to remove them. I also did some rearranging for better power connector access. I also redid the Great Planes ElectriFly Flylites green light tube on the chassis. I also finally got my R/C Lights light set together and installed on the chassis. Part of the light rewiring project included power switches for each set of lights. This way I can turn them on and off as needed. All lights are installed, routed as cleanly as I can, and working. The R/C lights set runs off of the receiver, and the other 2 use 4 AA batteries each. While I was at it, I decided to add some additional details: window wipers and side mirrors. Now I just need to hit the rocks with it. Speaking of hitting rocks, there is the Dingo 1st run video:
TLT-1:
The TLT-1 is back together, set up on electronics, and has a new body. I took it out for a drive today, and it's a good little truck still. A run video should hopefully be up before the end of this year.
Speaking of the end of this year, Merry Christmas people!
