1/10 Scale VX RC-Crawler

[ZEUS]

Since I have such a hard time finishing projects I decided to start another one!!! Haha!

I miss seeing, hearing, & driving my ol' VX, "ZEUS", but I can't afford or justify another VX right now. My only remaining (legal) option to feed the need is to scale it down. Years ago I bought two R/C VX's from "*Bear*" - he told me they were bigger than they really are. However, the bigger one is actually 1/10 scale so I am pretty excited about building this one! I need to cut down some chassis pieces to fit the 9.2" wheelbase, order some parts, & learn stuff along the way... typical of many full-scale builds as well! :yesgray:

First step - I removed the VX body from the toy chassis & peeled off all the stickers. I junked everything but the shell:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020318.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020319.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020320.JPG

[Ldub]

As shells go...that sucker is SWEET...very nice detail...:thumbup:

[ZEUS]

Agreed! The grill & the spoiler are lacking but everything else is pretty good!
Dub, did you get that multi-media message Wednesday night?

[JoFotoz]

My R/C Vx offering....

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/gfxc_001.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21615)

Drives the cat CRAZY :clap:

Jo

[ZEUS]

Haha! Nice, Jo! Is that the Tamiya 1/32 scale?

[JoFotoz]

Its a 1/16 I believe...

...and some random make I cant recall.
Its basically the "test' vehicle for stuff i want/think I want
to do to the ORW.

Jo

[44ficus44]

so when do I get mine? hajaha

[ZEUS]

I would love to take this shell to someone with a 3D scanner so that new shells or separate body panels could be made using a 3D printer! I don't see any other scale VX's coming to be otherwise...

[Ldub]

I would love to take this shell to someone with a 3D scanner so that new shells or separate body panels could be made using a 3D printer! I don't see any other scale VX's coming to be otherwise...

Unless, of course...some reptile owner, or fish scaler, makes one...out of scales...:rotate:

[ZEUS]

Unless, of course...some reptile owner, or fish scaler, makes one...out of scales...:rotate:I was wondering about the paint job choices... hmm... SCALES! :p

[Ldub]

I was wondering about the paint job choices... hmm... SCALES! :p

la-lA-La-LA-La-lA-la-la...

[ZEUS]

I did some clean up to the body & added some set screws for effect:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020323.JPG

Then I carved in the seam for the grille for some more realism (I think I did pretty good, especially for my first attempt at that kind of thing.):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020325.JPG

I cut the links down 22mm each to get my 9.2" wheelbase on this old chassis I had sitting around. I then drilled in new upper shock mount holes to match. That tire was an old experiment - 2.2" tire cut down to fit on a 1.9" rim. Outer diameter comes out to 3.7", down from 4.3":
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020327.JPG

I bottomed out the suspension to locate the body using these temp tires:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020335.JPG

I still need to cut down the driveshafts:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020337.JPG

I had to expand the wheel wells, front & rear:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020331.JPG

Here it is bottomed out for body mount mock up (Lego's help!):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020333.JPG

I ordered some cool tires &... a working scale Warn winch! Stay tuned...

[blacksambo]

My R/C Vx offering....

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/gfxc_001.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21615)

Drives the cat CRAZY :clap:

Jo

Looks a lot like your rock climber. One track mind?

[JoFotoz]

I used the model as a "test bed' for ideas/aesthetics etc...


Looks a lot like your rock climber. One track mind?

....then did it for real :smack:

Jo

[blacksambo]

I used the model as a "test bed' for ideas/aesthetics etc...



....then did it for real :smack:

Jo

Good thinking!

[JoFotoz]

Yea..it worked out pretty well I think.

I blacked out the rear side windows on the ORW...
cause I really like the panel van look on the model.

But HOLLY *^%$ ... from bad rear vis..to none.

So that idea was shelved for full scale!!

jo

[Scott Larson]

Holy crap Zeus, I've been into RC for years; if that's your first attempt, I'm doomed!!
Nice fricken work...Keep the pics comin'!

[nfpgasmask]

Dude, this is going to be awesome. I need to find a 1/10 scale VehiCROSS. Do you recall what make it was?

You totally need to do some awesome forced perspective wheeling vids. And you need to paint it just like Zeus, and find a 1/10 scale Menace to ride shotgun.

Edit: maybe this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-1-2-hard-plastic-resin-doberman-pincher-figure-removable-collar-says-George-/200908908454?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec71aa7a6

Bart

[ZEUS]

Holy crap Zeus, I've been into RC for years; if that's your first attempt, I'm doomed!!
Nice fricken work...Keep the pics comin'!
Thanks, Scott! It is not my first foray into RC but this is my first "scale" build. I have some other crawler projects but only one that is actually working... typical.


Dude, this is going to be awesome. I need to find a 1/10 scale VehiCROSS. Do you recall what make it was?

You totally need to do some awesome forced perspective wheeling vids. And you need to paint it just like Zeus, and find a 1/10 scale Menace to ride shotgun.

Edit: maybe this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-1-2-hard-plastic-resin-doberman-pincher-figure-removable-collar-says-George-/200908908454?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec71aa7a6

BartHA! I've been looking at all those scale items, Bart. I thought about recreating Zeus, but when I decided against a chassis with IFS, (since I already had a usable solid axle chassis). That prompted some thinking about what I want this thing to look like. Scale builds look best when you add more & more detail yet black hides detail so I think black (gloss/satin/textured) is out. It crossed my mind to recreate, Jo's VX... but he already did! I think recreating Ldub's VX would be the most ambitious route to take with an IFS chassis... so much detail with all those stickers & skulls! :yeso: Buffy's VX would be a great route to take with a solid axle but I don't want to cut up the body (I may try to get it scanned & printed some day). Soo... I may go Proton! It's fitting as it's bright & an iconic VX color.

I have no idea what brand this may be. I have seen other people's pics of this toy on vx.info before tho.

[ZEUS]

Got the Mickey Thompson Claws mounted up on the temp rims! Fondled the winch... (the most action I get. :_shrug:) Modified the driveshafts to fit the short wheelbase so the drivetrain is all hooked up which means I've got myself a roller!

The body is not mounted yet tho; just placed there:
POSER!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020353.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020354.JPG

I cut out an opening for the winch - it is just taped in right now. Notice in this pic the pencil lines above the front bumper cladding. I need to move the cladding seam to this location to be more accurate:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020356.JPG

So 37" tires on essentially 20" rims. The rims will be swapped out at some point as they are not scale enough. Otherwise...
I don't like the shape of the headlights - too boxy.
Front bumper cladding looks pug-nosed.
Front bumper cladding seam is too low.
C-Pillar is shaped wrong.
Tailights are too big & squared off.
Hood line at windshield is wrong.
Mirrors look goofy.
Rear window is mis-shaped.
Door seam shapes are not accurate enough.
Fangs need some pizazz.
Gas filler door needs more detail.
Rockers need filler.

I also noticed it has JDM windshield wipers - on the opposite side than US.

Sooo.... I will be reworking the body to better resemble a VX. This will take quite some time but I feel it is worth it in order to create a nicely detailed & more accurate mold... Yup, I plan to make a slush mold of this reworked body & it's parts! One scale VX is just not enough! I hope to make at least 5 copies but it is not all that cheap due to the materials. I don't want a mis-shaped lexan body; I want a hard shell with detail. Add chassis, electronics, & parts - this is a $500 toy! But a very cool toy! If (when) there is a poor copy, if the doors end up usable enough to cut & graft, I could make a VX-4. If a copy ends up with a thin or warped roof, bam, VX-02 under way.

Here is what I think I am going to follow (Dub, you especially, should check out the woodwork at the start of this thread):
Slush_Mold (http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=65739&highlight=ton+dodge&page=10)
So wish me luck - I either finish or I don't. :o

[Ldub]

Look'n GREAT Bro, & thanx for the link...that feller has MAD molding skills!!!

A VERY interesting & informative read (all 27 pages)

FWIW, changing the cladding line @ the front of the hood will fubar the flow of that line on the other side (outermost) of the headlight(s)...will it not?

Just say'n...:smilewink

Keep up the good work!!!...:thumbup:

[Ldub]

Oh...as a testament to your mad modeling skillz, I show'd Patricia the most recent pics, & she thought it was a REAL VX!...until I pointed out your couch inna background...:laughing:

Of course, she was across the room...& NOT wearing her glasses...but still...:thumbup:

[evillecutter]

want.

[ZEUS]

FWIW, changing the cladding line @ the front of the hood will fubar the flow of that line on the other side (outermost) of the headlight(s)...will it not?

Just say'n...:smilewink

Keep up the good work!!!...:thumbup:
Thanks, Dub! You are right, but if you look really closely you can see I penciled in a line where you are talking about. You can really only see a sliver of that line at the edge of the light but it curves back to the cladding joint.

I was in talks with this guy who I wanted to help me with improving the shapes on this shell but for some reason he was not interested. He said he didn't want to be liable for such a rare piece! :bgwo: That's soo VehiCROSS!

He has a whole scale shop:
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj7/jheath2008/The%20Chop%20Shop%20JK-8%20-%20Brute/DSCF3553.jpg

[ZEUS]

Oh...as a testament to your mad modeling skillz, I show'd Patricia the most recent pics, & she thought it was a REAL VX!...until I pointed out your couch inna background...:laughing:

Of course, she was across the room...& NOT wearing her glasses...but still...:thumbup:
HAHA Tell TLMP hello for me!

[nfpgasmask]

J-dog, looks awesome! I've used that Smooth-On stuff before, good product. Back in the day, some friends of mine were heavy into garage kits (resin monster models). They were making recasts and stuff using this product and it really works.

Bart

[ZEUS]

Thanks, Bart. I have some love for those garage kits too - there are some really bizarre ones out there tho! Key The Metal Idol - I could never find that one, but it's my fave!

[ZEUS]

Well, I have made some tiny (get it?) progress. Then again, research is progress, it's just never seen with the eye. :yesgray:

Just for entertainment sake - here is my collection of RC crawler projects:
From right to left -
Wheely King base - Chassis was CAD modeled, built, & brazed by me - It works & is fun!
Axial AX10 - All green aluminum - I call it Mary Jane, The Cannibis Crawler. It just sits around. :smilewink
Kyosho Mad Force base - drill motor with 2-speed trans - work in progress.
(Behind VX) CEN Genesis-based axle parts inside custom-machined chunks designed by me - the project got too expensive to continue... for now.
THE VX!!! TLT axles, Stampede trans, K2-S Chassis... for mock up only
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020629.JPG

I ordered new wheels (which are the most inset beadlocks available) because they have been discontinued - you can see they still stick out with these TLT axles. They are RC4WD Enduros, based off KMC Enduros. I think they look great with the MT Claws! Notice the raised front bumper cladding edge I carved in last night...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020633.JPG

You can see in this pic why I am trying to improve the geometry of the shell to better match a 1:1 VX. Lots of carving & filling to do but the carving is coming along pretty well, I think.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020627.JPG

I picked up some Bondo filler & some Shoe Goo today. I've only had slow & steady progress over the last week, so that's it for now...

[nfpgasmask]

It works & is fun!

I can vouch for that! ;)

It looks good. I wonder if the VX shell could be scanned and 3d printed? Might have some (c) issues tho...but then again, it isn't exactly a VX. :rolleyes:

I still think some sort of mold would be best, but I think those things are most likely injection molded, and I was thinking about Smooth-On again, and how it is commonly used for resin model kits, I wonder how it would work with a thinner shell like this...

Bart

[ZEUS]

I actually talked to a guy about the 3D scan & print - $5,000! :disturbed
I laughed & said I am looking for something more realistic... so a slush mold it is like the process in that link I added a couple posts ago. As I was telling you yesterday I would prefer a black material as to white because if the cladding gets marred on the trail there would be some realism with black scuffs under some sprayed-on rubberized undercoating or plasti dip. Plus the cladding could just be sanded to make it look faded if someone wanted to do a Mad Max VX! :evil:

So far, I get the 1st body, Bart gets the 2nd, Jo gets the 3rd... assuming I actually get thru this with some good copies...

[nfpgasmask]

Well, with most resins, you just add dye to color it to whatever you want...

Still, however you end up doing it, will be cool. How's the backyard R/C wheeling park coming along?

Bart

[ZEUS]

HAHA! It's still sitting in the back yard - I did clean up the area tho so the whole thing is usable again!

[ZEUS]

Look what I just found:
COOL! (http://humster3d.com/2013/07/26/isuzu-vehicross-1999/)

[nfpgasmask]

Look what I just found:
COOL! (http://humster3d.com/2013/07/26/isuzu-vehicross-1999/)

Yeah, I post on my blog some of those model pics a few months back. That is cool, maybe you can use it somehow?

Bart

[ZEUS]

I could buy it & put it into my render scenes at work! That would be cool! Other than that, test paint job ideas... I wonder if they have an S-10 Blazer... :)

[JoFotoz]

SWEET!!


So far, I get the 1st body, Bart gets the 2nd, Jo gets the 3rd... assuming I actually get thru this with some good copies...

Looking fwd to putting together a 1:10 ORW!!

:thumbup:

Jo

[nfpgasmask]

I just wish there was more than a Micro Machine of a 1st gen Trooper. World renowned SUV with ZERO model kits EVER made for it. Weird.

Bart

[ZEUS]

We can tackle that next, Bart! Making a Trooper would be cake!! The Rodeo that guy made is almost there! Haha really tho, it would be easy. I'd say choose the axles & wheels you want & scale the body off of the width they give you. There are 1.55, 1.7, 1.9, 2.2 size wheels & the tire sizes range from 2.6 to 6 - inches. You could probably even make the body from lexan because of how the Trooper is shaped.

You ever seen this one before? Tamiya (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAMIYA-1-10-RC-TRUCK-ISUZU-MU-TROOPER-SUV-58166-SEALED-/190617423025?pt=Radio_Control_Vehicles&hash=item2c61af0cb1)
It's so expensive because it's so rare - I think it's the rarest of the CC-01 chassis kit varieties. Next time you go to Japan, look for it!

[nfpgasmask]

We can tackle that next, Bart! Making a Trooper would be cake!!

Yeah, one of the Indonesian Trooper guys made this recently:
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43742&hilit=1st+gen+trooper+model&start=25

It's a pretty good effort. The basic shape is correct.


You ever seen this one before? Tamiya (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAMIYA-1-10-RC-TRUCK-ISUZU-MU-TROOPER-SUV-58166-SEALED-/190617423025?pt=Radio_Control_Vehicles&hash=item2c61af0cb1)
It's so expensive because it's so rare - I think it's the rarest of the CC-01 chassis kit varieties. Next time you go to Japan, look for it!

Yeah, I have seen it before. They also make a regular Mu model kit just like that. I went into several huge model shops in Tokyo and Osaka looking for a 1st gen Trooper kit, and all I could find was the Mu, the usual VX kit, and this 2nd gen Bighorn kit.

http://www.noppin.com/portal_ya_details/detail/?auctionUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fpage9.auctions.yahoo.co.j p%2Fjp%2Fauction%2Fk135118090

I even muddled through a conversation with the shop keeper, and he confirmed no such kit was ever made. Anyway, I was thinking the 2nd gen Bighorn kit could be sanded down and shaped into a 1st gen. You would just have to use a lot of filler, square it off and shape the rockers and you could get it pretty damn close.

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Whoa! I never saw this before!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8186053445_ee24734bb1_b.jpg

From: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-9-scale-rigs/405708-pardonmyn00bs-rc4wd-scaler-build-off-entry-sasd-isuzu-trooper.html

Bart

[ZEUS]

I just stumbled onto that Trooper thread myself! The shape is a little off but not too bad at all. I love all the details in it! Go Mittens!

[nfpgasmask]

I just stumbled onto that Trooper thread myself! The shape is a little off but not too bad at all. I love all the details in it! Go Mittens!
Yeah, its pretty damn close. The pillars need a little tightening up to be right, but it is definitely the best I have seen yet. What is he making it out of? Looks like some sort of polystyrene? Is it some sort of specific modelling stuff?

Bart

[ZEUS]

It is styrene - evidently hobby shops carry sheets of it. I read .040" - .060" is what gets used the most in this type of stuff. Here is a great thread (http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/paint-body/451892-chop-shop-what-glue-use-body-work-repairing-cracks-plastic-why.html) on how to work with the glues & other info when modding bodies.

I contacted Smooth-On today - just waiting to hear back about what product recommendations they have for what I hope to do. I'll keep you posted.

[ZEUS]

Btw, Bart, check out the new kid on the block - Deadbolt (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/Btw, Bart, check out the new kid on the block -)
It's kinda Trooper-esque - more than the Wraith anyway.

[nfpgasmask]

Cool, can't wait to see what you do! I've been slammed at work with a huge upgrade project, which should ultimately yield some overtime. I'm seriously thinking about ordering a crawler soon. Its just one of those things I need to do. :) Plus, it will be fun to have for the winter months.

Bart

PS - Your link to the Deadbolt didn't work. :(

[ZEUS]

Sorry about the link fail. :o

I took to work on the roof rails & spoiler today. I'm not finished but it looks much much better! Here is a comparo of the stock & modified:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020636.JPG

Stock & modified - Mounted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020635.JPG

Tall spoiler & stock rail:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020637.JPG

Modified spoiler & rail:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020643.JPG

Modified - Mounted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020639.JPG

Here is the before:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020319.JPG

...And after:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020644.JPG

[nfpgasmask]

Its coming along!! You gonna mount a basket with spare?

Bart

[ZEUS]

Not sure... if I did, I would probly try to make my own Thule/Zeus style one. The utilitarian baskets on the market are too big or too small for the VX roof but something could be made out of brass rod easily enough. The 37" TIRE BARELY FITS ON THE ROOF WITHOUT A BASKET - oops didn't mean to yell. To me, a VX with a giant basket full of tire looks like a British woman with one of those goofy hats! Haha

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, well, up top looks better than bolted to the tailgate! :rotate:

Bart

[ZEUS]

Made some more progress this week. In one night (Wednesday) I had three issues develop. I was filling & sanding the roof rails & started noticing hairline fractures in each of them. Added some CA glue in between the cracks & some more filler & seem to be back on track. Then while I was using brake fluid on the body to remove the paint (read it was a viable option) I broke the rear spoiler in two. Glue & sanding was making the spoiler look great... and then it cracked in another spot! More glue, more sanding... it looks good again. Then because the brake fluid yielded poor results, I gave the body a good washing & tried using the graffiti remover that's for my vinyl fence. I think the brake fluid made the spoiler brittle & the graffiti remover made the body soft. I found a few spots where it looks like the plastic started to bubble! AGH! I gave it a good washing again really fast. So... instead I made the decision to sand the entire body... so far, it has taken several hours over three days... I'm using 80, 100, 120, 180, 220, & 320 grit sanding sponges & small hobby files.

This weeks progress:

Several passes of filler & sanding looks like this midway:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020646.JPG

After another round of sanding, they look like this:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020648.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020647.JPG

The body now looks like a VehiGHOST or VehiTRON - I have started using filler on the roof:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020650.JPG

So here is how everything is for now:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020649.JPG

I picked up some styrene & could start cutting out pieces in order to reshape portions of the body this week... but I am still adjusting some of the seam lines here & there too... I have a tough decision to make on that & will explain that in more detail later.

[nfpgasmask]

Man, good progress. Gotta be careful with those harsh chemicals on that plastic. Have you tried just Mineral Spirits?

Bart

[ZEUS]

I'm sure I have mineral spirits somewhere but can't find it - you know how my house is! Haha I'm glad I sanded the whole thing anyway because I got rid of some high spots & pointed out some low spots. The windows were the toughest parts to get thru. They had the blue paint & then the black paint on top so there was quite a bit of color on there. I truthfully think sanding did not take much more time than using chemicals would have being that I still would have needed to sand before & after primer anyway.

[ZEUS]

Not a whole lot of progress this week - lots of research though!
With the styrene I acquired I got to measuring, sketching, transferring, cutting, & filing something I find important for the project design.
I clamped down my Dremel & then clamped down a make-shift cutting table:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020653.JPG

I cut out a few blanks, just in case I come across another VX body from across the pond one day:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020656.JPG

The first pieces didn't come out quite up to my standards so I started again & nailed it:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020658.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020657.JPG

Here is a piece taped up against my on-screen template:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020659.JPG

Much better, right?! I am not going to glue them on just yet. I am contemplating cutting this body into three pieces to adjust the wheelbase by 10 mm. The wheelbase is spot on 1:10 scale as it stands but the overall length is 20 mm too short (based on schematics I have been viewing). A 10 mm stretch would better even out proportions in the rear side windows, front fenders/hood, wheelbase, & overall length. Besides, +10 mm would also bring me to the wheelbase of the chassis kit I have been thinking of using for the future copies... If I do end up cutting it apart I will also dove-tail the rear end a little bit because that fat butt is killing me. As Joe Isuzu said, "Go Farther." It might be time to order that IFS chassis to help me make these decisions before I go... "Too far." :rolleyesg

[nfpgasmask]

Back window looks good. It's a shame these VX toys are difficult to find now. If you had like 4 or 5 of them, you could really do some engineering to make a perfect scale VX.

Bart

[ZEUS]

It continues...
I ordered a Tamiya CC01 chassis in the "Landfreeder" variety as it is the cheapest option & includes the tires in a 31" size. If I were to recreate some RC VX's for others, this is the chassis I would build upon. It took me about 5 hours to assemble & comes with a motor & esc. It just so happens that the included rims are very similar to what I put on Zeus too!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20131217_001.jpg

Assembled chassis:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020665.JPG

I already knew the stock CC01 wheelbase was 10mm too long for the VX body & here is how much of a difference that is.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020666.JPG

I did not take any pics as I was working on it but I picked up (2) 2.25" long all-thread & screwed on some rod ends to make the shorter lower links. I also took an upper V link from an HPI Wheely King, cut it down, drilled some holes, & screwed in two rod ends there too. I need to make shock brackets on the axle side & cut the driveshaft down. I also figured out a way to lift the chassis-side mount of the lower links for better looks & ground clearance. At least now I have an idea of what is involved to merge VX shell to this chassis if I end up making more of them.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020668.JPG

So Zeus Mini is coming along! Check out the similarity of the wheels & the tire size. Close enough for me!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20131227_002.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_-_Coating_002_resize.jpg

[ZEUS]

So then... back to the solid axle chassis! The mock up chassis & setup has served it's purpose but is on its way out for a true frame rail-type chassis. I ordered the frame kit for an Axial SCX-10 crawler to start from. I also ordered a zinc-coated hex-head hardware kit for that extra touch of realism. The problem is the VX wheelbase is so short compared to everything else out there! Jamming everything into a 9.2" wheelbase versus the 11.5-12.5" norm is a bit tight to work with! Here we go:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20140106_001.jpg

See, way too long:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20140106_002.jpg

I got to hacking 2" out of the middle & made a transformer:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020678.JPG

That cut made the frame fit just right within the underside of the shell & it put the shock mounts in a usable location for this wheelbase.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20140109_001.jpg

The next obstacle is driveshaft lengths & angles... I need the most narrow transfer case or transmission I can find in order to have usable driveshafts. So far it seems to be the HPI Wheely King transmission which I just happen to have an extra of! It will not allow me to create an interior though so if I use it, it will be temporary. The new axles I ordered are on backorder with no eta but they cost $300 for the pair! Ouch. The planetary trans I think I want to use is also on backorder, as is the t-case I thought I could use. The t-case may be too thick tho. Fun fun... OH YEAH! ...A driver is also on the way... :yeso:

[nfpgasmask]

It's coming along good. Can't wait to see it in action! I still haven't ordered my electronics. No moneh. :(

Bart

[tomdietrying]

Wow! Sweeeeeeeeet!
Peace.
Tom

[ZEUS]

Hello again. So this is what a stock Axial SCX-10 / AX-10 transmission & motor mount look like bolted to an SCX-10 skid & frame...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020679.JPG

Another shot. Notice the bulk of the trans & also the funky shaped rod ends.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020680.JPG

NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Luckily, or unluckily, I already decided while this trans was in shipping that I was probably going to be disappointed. So $35 out...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020681.JPG

...I went for it... I bought the beauty pieces... the extra touch of scale sensuality... ehem... what was I saying?
Right, the the scale t-case, driveshafts, aluminum links, & stainless rod ends are ... "Oh myyy..." :yeso:
I got notice that the steel rod ends I wanted had come into stock & since I was buying something I might as well buy a sheet tonne of stuff.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020682.JPG


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020683.JPG

Not shown yet is the transmission that connects to this t-case. I'm working on mounting ideas.
I wanted a certain planetary but got tired of longing for items on back order.
The axles & the shocks are all that I am waiting for now before I fab up & braze together
a new skid/t-case mount/link mount, shock mounts, & crossmembers on the frame. Look how cool tho!!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020684.JPG

[nfpgasmask]

Nice, how much longer until completion?

Bart

[ZEUS]

How much longer until parts come into stock? Haha they never give answers.

[ZEUS]

Whelp, I am having to get creative...
Here is my RC4WD R3 transmission with an old 540 motor:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020727.JPG

The problem is it is too tall in stock form to clear the hood unless I move the body higher than what would look scale/good.
So... I started a search for an internal gear to replace my standard spur gear...
I found some stuff in Australia for $200+ but that was about it until I searched for "48 planetary gear" on eBay... I found this:
http://www.unlimitedrchobbies.com/99-277-thickbox/duratrax-1-5-dx450-brushless-on-off-road-24ghz-rtr.jpg
Inside the rear wheel is a gyro that looks something like this:
http://www.duratrax.com/vehicles/motorcycles/dtxd02-dx450/dtxd02-gyro-lg.jpg
I wondered if just maybe the planetary gear for that system would work for me... then I found it in metal on eBay for $15 shipped.
It was 48 tooth versus my 64 tooth spur but I could not tell how big it really was. Nor could I tell what the gear pitch was.
So I gambled $15 on it, hoping for a 2" outer diameter & 48 pitch to match my current spur/pinon combo.

BEHOLD!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020740.JPG
2" outside diameter, 48 pitch, 48 tooth! Even the hole diameter was something I could work with.

Here is the slipper that needs to be grafter to the internal gear:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020741.JPG

So I got to work. I had to remove the shoulder around the center bore & then sand it all flat & then drill out the center with a 3/8" drill bit.
The larger opening is not quite circular; it looks as if a one-way bearing is supposed to go in there but most of that material was removed so it's not a problem.
I then drilled the (3) 9/64" holes for the screws:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020751.JPG

I did some test fitting:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020753.JPG

You can see the one problem at the lower right of the above image...
When I had it clamped in my vise multiple times I must have missed the disc portion & clamped right onto the ring only... it looks to have cracked!
I assumed it was hardened steel like what I am used to seeing, but as I looked closer, I think it is just a cut above pot metal. A gyro would not require hardened steel.
I have to order another gear since I learned on this one. I'm nervous because this will TOTALLY work if the gear can handle the torque of the motor.

More low-profile (Before & after):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/B4AFTR.jpg

It dropped the motor about 3/8" which is all I needed. Remember tho that is actually 3-3/4" in 1:1 scale! :yeso:
I just have my doubts the gear teeth will hold up... :(

[nfpgasmask]

Wow man, you're really going balls out!! I don't know how you make all this work!

Bart

[ZEUS]

Easy, I'm a lucky genius! Haha! I really don't know what I am going to do if those teeth don't hold up... the whole package depends on this setup. Eek!

[nfpgasmask]

Easy, I'm a lucky genius! Haha! I really don't know what I am going to do if those teeth don't hold up... the whole package depends on this setup. Eek!

Yeah man, you are. I however, am totally lost with this stuff. I really wanted to have my Gelande done but with all of my recent developments, I just don't see it happening for a while. I have to many financial obligations that need tending to!

Bart

[MSHardeman]

Justin, seeing your motor assembly on the LEGO's reminded me of the fact that I have always wanted to build a VX out of LEGO's. I'll have to get on that.

The R/C is looking great. Do you think it will be done in time to reveal it in Moab?

[ZEUS]

Justin, seeing your motor assembly on the LEGO's reminded me of the fact that I have always wanted to build a VX out of LEGO's. I'll have to get on that.

The R/C is looking great. Do you think it will be done in time to reveal it in Moab?
Thx, Mark! Like I always tell Bart, "'Done' is such a strong word." :) It will not be done but it may be operational in time for the 'Zoo! Maybe. I am waiting on the motor which is on back order. The shocks are on back order too. I ordered a new radio & receiver (with a new rc monster truck haha) & I am hopeful that will be here by the end of the month. I still need to pick out a servo , speed control, & battery. The axles have arrived & they are stellar! I need to fab up & braze the cross members & shock hoops & of course mounts for everything. My maybe is a bit large. :o

[ZEUS]

It has been a while since I have posted an update.

I have been toying :rolleyesg with the idea of cutting up an RC nitro engine block to use as a scale-appearing trans for a while.
I'm not sure I am going to keep it or come up with something better yet.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020827.JPG

My new axles are freaking awesome! Made of machined aluminum. These axles are 4 mm more narrow than the TLT axles I was mocking up with. Perfect!
All others out there were too wide but these cost $300 for the pair! ;ooo; So because of that, I had to buy jack stands!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020845.JPG

The most scale-appearing shocks I could find were these King units! 80mm in the front & 70 mm in the rear.
Not a lot of flex available in these lengths but I think I am fine with it. The Brembo brakes I ordered fit for pics but will not work for operation...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20140430_005.jpg

Here Pocco checks clearances & starts to devise a plan of attack to get the brakes to mount up right.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/WP_20140430_016.jpg

Nice fit, aye?!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020798.JPG

I loaded up the chassis with enough items to gauge finished-project weight to see how things were working out...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020832.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020836.JPG

You can see here how I modified the rotors & calipers on the left - stock on the right. The rears will require a custom mount for the caliper though.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020857.JPG

I have ended up buying a few "little things" while out-&-about, just for fun! Not sure I have the drive to create a diorama but it is fun to acquire these little doodads!
Also picked up a few items I figured were about to go on back-order or have hit discontinued status.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020881_copy.jpg

[nfpgasmask]

Dude, looks awesome. I am digging the photos too! Maybe you will have it done come October? I am going to try and have my D90 completed soon. It would be nice if we had a couple to play with during a camping trip!

Bart

[ZEUS]

Gracias, Amigo. I need to get off my butt & get to fabbin! I have hit that stage where most of the acquisition is behind me. Still need a motor, ESC, & waterproof servo. I think I have the bulk of everything else. Next step is to weld the frame back together & start creating steel crossmembers.

[Ldub]

Nice work Dude...:thumbup:.:_wrench:.:smack:.:yes:

And tell that skank Pocco to quit put'n ketchup & laundry soap on her corn flakes...:_wtf:

[ZEUS]

Dub, Pocco has been having trouble adjusting to American food so she tries some jacked-up stuff!
Plus, she drinks too much & doesn't realize what she is doing half the time.

We decided to step up the presentation level of the build process!
...aaannnddd Pocco wanted her own room.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020916.JPG

As you can see, my 1951 Erector set is finally being put to good use!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020913.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020912.JPG

100 bucks plus in foam board, glue, tape, zip-ties, & lighting got me here. There is, of course, some detail work still needed.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3309/P1020917.JPG

[Ldub]

AWESOME Dude...:thumbup:

L:heart:VE'n tha new shop !

Don't go too far down tha rabbit hole, & become a mini you.

Even though it would seem like fun to whirrrrr (motor, not engine) off into tha sunset with that skank Pocco...

We need you too much in this world... :dan_ban:

[nfpgasmask]

Looks awesome. KMFDM FTW!

Bart

[ZEUS]

AWESOME Dude...:thumbup:

L:heart:VE'n tha new shop !

Don't go too far down tha rabbit hole, & become a mini you.

Even though it would seem like fun to whirrrrr (motor, not engine) off into tha sunset with that skank Pocco...

We need you too much in this world... :dan_ban:

"Life in plastic, it's fantastic!" :p ...too late, I prefer this tactile fantasy world to the real one but I just can't seem to shrink.


Looks awesome. KMFDM FTW!

Bart
Bart, U gave me that KMFDM sticker, U know... :yesgray:

[nfpgasmask]

"Life in plastic, it's fantastic!" :p ...too late, I prefer this tactile fantasy world to the real one but I just can't seem to shrink.


Bart, U gave me that KMFDM sticker, U know... :yesgray:
I did? LOL Nice!

Bart

[JoFotoz]

SHHHHEEESh Justin...

The ORW saw this...

...now all I get is:-

"Build me a room Jo".... "I want a Health Spa retreat room Jo"


''Thanks man''... a whiny ORW is no fun.

:_mecker:


jo

[Dumke]

Admiring your pictures Justin I showed a car guy at work them. He suggested you should make a little stop motion youtube with Pocco and her goings on. Which I totally agree.

[ZEUS]

SHHHHEEESh Justin...

The ORW saw this...

...now all I get is:-

"Build me a room Jo".... "I want a Health Spa retreat room Jo"


''Thanks man''... a whiny ORW is no fun.

:_mecker:


jo
HAHA! Just throw that high-maintenance ho in the pool!
To her credit tho, she follows U around whilst riding atop the roof... she smells worse than a hairy hippie...
I'm sure she could use a spa day at the very least. :luck:


Admiring your pictures Justin I showed a car guy at work them. He suggested you should make a little stop motion youtube with Pocco and her goings on. Which I totally agree.
I know what you mean but Pocco is so very unstable under stress... she falls apart all the time.
Seriously, her left arm & left leg are always falling off. I was warned in video reviews to expect it.
It can already get aggravating setting up for one or two poses.
Hundreds of poses would be unbearable - besides, even if she were to stay intact that is a 15 hour process!
HOWEVER! Check out one of the stop-motion vids this guy did (much better than I could ever do):

SAM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_IozgGhRMc&list=UUrsxY9Hm8-6IFk1cz3ZY0Zw)

Here is his astounding build thread: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/scale-accessories/444260-sams-garage.html

I do not have the patience nor energy to go to the lengths some of these guys can! :o
Comparatively, I am more sane than you may realize (see below).

Dumke, Jo, & Ldub would probably get a kick out of this build thread, but everyone else should heed my warning... this is full of messed up content:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/2-2-scale-rigs/422546-freaky-dollhouse-garage-presents-trail-jag.html

[Ldub]

Dumke, Jo, & Ldub would probably get a kick out of this build thread, but everyone else should heed my warning... this is full of messed up content:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/2-2-scale-rigs/422546-freaky-dollhouse-garage-presents-trail-jag.html

LOL...thanx for tha laff(s)...:laughing:.:thumbup:

[HuzpazA]

ZEUS, get ahold of me eh? i talked with u a little on fb awhile back but ive been so busy lately and havent had a chance to get anything done. i have two scx10's (dingo and rubicon) that i want to transform into VX's and would like a bit of guidance along the way.. that or maybe u could do it for me if the price iz right =)

[ZEUS]

"havent had a chance to get anything done." Story of my life! I am in the middle of a move out of state so I will not be working on this for a few months. I do aim to reproduce a few bodies at some point but like I was telling you before - this body is pretty small for an SCX setup. As you can see, I cut out 2" from the frame & my links are a bit shorter. I am not sure how much you can narrow Axial axles but unless you are going to do a VX Megatruck they are just too wide. I'd be happy to help answer questions & offer advice tho for sure. My inbox here will be full until I can upgrade to supporting member status but feel free to message me on FB...