RC Rock Crawling Gasssss.........

FL Knifemaker · #1 06-17-2008, 02:02 PM

I'm going to sell one of my nitro cars and build me a serious rock crawler

Damn bass and RC gas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zca7_...roducts_id=766

Rumzini · #2 06-17-2008, 06:41 PM

I almost sold all my stuff at one time to start a twin blade heli of sorts that would house a video cam of sorts in it.

peterbright · #3 06-17-2008, 06:51 PM

I've thought of getting back into RC (Electric Monster Trucks) but I'm spending too much on bass equipment.

FL Knifemaker · #4 06-18-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterbright

I've thought of getting back into RC (Electric Monster Trucks) but I'm spending too much on bass equipment.

I have a nitro truck and a 4wd electric buggy that are both ready to race and in the right hands, be very competitive. I just don't have time to practice to be competitive myself

I can run a rock crawler in the back yard.

peterbright · #5 06-18-2008, 04:50 PM

We have a public off road track down in Naples that I used to go to but was just playing around never really considered getting into real racing.

RWP · #6 06-18-2008, 05:02 PM

Funny my son and I got into RC crawling last summer. It's addicting.

Here is my home brew "stick" crawler. I am brazing up a tuber and should have it going soon. What chassis are you thinking about?

Slapp Addict · #7 06-18-2008, 05:39 PM

Man, this really makes me miss my RC Monster Truck. That thing was big but boy it could fly. All black too, looked awesome.

FL Knifemaker · #8 06-18-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP

Funny my son and I got into RC crawling last summer. It's addicting.

Here is my home brew "stick" crawler. I am brazing up a tuber and should have it going soon. What chassis are you thinking about?

Yeah!! That's what I'm talkin about!!

I was thinking about the Axial RTR to get started. Then, maybe build a custom one as I go. What do you recommend?? I have enough coupons from Hobbytown to get the Axial for about $120

RWP · #9 06-18-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Yeah!! That's what I'm talkin about!!

I was thinking about the Axial RTR to get started. Then, maybe build a custom one as I go. What do you recommend?? I have enough coupons from Hobbytown to get the Axial for about $120

Axials are cool but small, 2.2 class. However I KNOW with your MAD metal working skills you will be doing a tuber soon and you can use the the axles for that. Mine uses locked clod buster axles and I copied THIS chassis design. The stick chassis is super simple and easy to make at home. It will also go places you would NEVER think it could. Here is a great crawler forum. http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/index.php

FL Knifemaker · #10 06-18-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP

Axials are cool but small, 2.2 class. However I KNOW with your MAD metal working skills you will be doing a tuber soon and you can use the the axles for that. Mine uses locked clod buster axles and I copied THIS chassis design. The stick chassis is super simple and easy to make at home. It will also go places you would NEVER think it could. Here is a great crawler forum. http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/index.php

Is there a large size that comes in an RTR?? I can and will probably go crazy building something but I need somewhere to start. I'd like to make up a tube like frame but from flat stock. Welding up all that small tubing like I see them doing is crazy!!

RWP · #11 06-18-2008, 07:42 PM

I haven't been keeping up in the past few months but I do not believe there is a 'unlimited' class RTR rock crawler on the market. Frankly that is one aspect of the hobby I liked. The fact that you have to actually build something instead of buying it completely assembled. Seems like these days no one is willing to take the time to even assemble a kit let alone fabricate parts from scratch.

If you can get an Axial for $120 do it! That is a crazy price and a great starting point.

The tubers are made out of brake line brazed with map gas and Harris Safety-Silv 45T silver brazing rod. Really easy once you get the knack. Some guys are using solid aluminum rod TIG welded. Their stuff looks killer but you have to be able to TIG weld.

FL Knifemaker · #12 06-18-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP

I haven't been keeping up in the past few months but I do not believe there is a 'unlimited' class RTR rock crawler on the market. Frankly that is one aspect of the hobby I liked. The fact that you have to actually build something instead of buying it completely assembled. Seems like these days no one is willing to take the time to even assemble a kit let alone fabricate parts from scratch.

If you can get an Axial for $120 do it! That is a crazy price and a great starting point.

The tubers are made out of brake line brazed with map gas and Harris Safety-Silv 45T silver brazing rod. Really easy once you get the knack. Some guys are using solid aluminum rod TIG welded. Their stuff looks killer but you have to be able to TIG weld.

I have a tig welder in my shop but would still rather make up a frame and "tube" body from flat stock, probably titanium. Notch and groove construction with just tiny tack welds required. There is a reason for the all the credit coupons at Hobbytown, it's from buying tons of gear from my Nitro truck

I have a Losi 8ight T and it's a beast. I guess I could look at the unlimited class specs, buy the driveline and wheels and go from there.

RWP · #13 06-18-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

I have a tig welder in my shop but would still rather make up a frame and "tube" body from flat stock, probably titanium. Notch and groove construction with just tiny tack welds required. There is a reason for the all the credit coupons at Hobbytown, it's from buying tons of gear from my Nitro truck

I have a Losi 8ight T and it's a beast. I guess I could look at the unlimited class specs, buy the driveline and wheels and go from there.

Heck with your talent I bet we'll be seeing your stuff on the cover of Crawler magazine this Fall.

Nobody I know of is working with titanium.

FL Knifemaker · #14 06-18-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP

Heck with your talent I bet we'll be seeing your stuff on the cover of Crawler magazine this Fall.

Nobody I know of is working with titanium.

Ha! It would take a lot of spare time. Making everything as light as possible would allow the weight to be put where needed. I can't get over the CNC'd axles and transmissions they are making. They are expensive but considering the work involved, the prices aren't that bad. I signed up on the forum so I'll be doing some snooping and spying

I'm going to pick up an Axial over the next few days. At least I can practice my driving!

peterbright · #15 06-18-2008, 09:05 PM

Traxxas E-Maxx is fun to play with (30 mph)

peterbright · #16 06-18-2008, 09:06 PM

The brushless Traxxas Stampede will do 65!

FL Knifemaker · #17 06-18-2008, 09:52 PM

I have no idea how fast my 8ight T will go but it's the fastest Nitro powered thing I've ever driven. Honestly, I cannot run it up to a top speed anywhere I run it. It will shred it's tires if the gluing isn't perfect and I'm not careful with the throttle. It's really more truck than I can handle on my local track, I'm much better with my AWD Electric.

As far as the unlimited rock crawling classs, I just did some reading. It's unlimited alright and if you want to go with a rear steer that's the class. I'm still going to buy the Axial but I can see myself aquiring parts for an unimited class rig. No basses this summer

Ericman197 · #18 06-18-2008, 10:42 PM

Traxxas? Word.

I used to build kits and stuff when I was younger, but I don't have time for that now. Actually I do, but I'm just lazy... haven't run R/C cars in years. Gave em all away

Personally I think Traxxas has the best deals going. I used to run one of the first brushless Emaxx conversions, I had a single brushless motor from an R/C airplane. With some minor modifications it was hauling incredible amounts of ass. It would do backflips with all the torque, as well as hit 40+ mph. The cool thing about brushless motors is that as long as you're not stopping a lot, you can really overload the motor. Plenty of people were running 16 cells on motors designed for 8 to 12, without problems (other than twisting drive shafts

).

I still prefer nitro though. Messy, yeah... but batteries are such a pain in the neck. I'm sure nowadays they have better brushless setups from the factory, and chargers that are designed for multiple packs at the same time... but I love a real engine.

I hear they have posis too now. Back in the day (like a couple years ago lol) it was open or locked.

RWP · #19 06-19-2008, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Ha! It would take a lot of spare time. Making everything as light as possible would allow the weight to be put where needed. I can't get over the CNC'd axles and transmissions they are making. They are expensive but considering the work involved, the prices aren't that bad. I signed up on the forum so I'll be doing some snooping and spying

I'm going to pick up an Axial over the next few days. At least I can practice my driving!

You are right about the CNC'd parts. They are awesome looking and strong. Heavier than the plastic but don't break. Years ago I put this together but it's a shelf queen.