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!
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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?Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Bart
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 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.
Btw, Bart, check out the new kid on the block - Deadbolt
It's kinda Trooper-esque - more than the Wraith anyway.
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. :(
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/da...9/P1020636.JPG
Stock & modified - Mounted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020635.JPG
Tall spoiler & stock rail:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020637.JPG
Modified spoiler & rail:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020643.JPG
Modified - Mounted:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020639.JPG
Here is the before:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020319.JPG
...And after:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020644.JPG
Its coming along!! You gonna mount a basket with spare?
Bart
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
Yeah, well, up top looks better than bolted to the tailgate! :rotate:
Bart
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/da...9/P1020646.JPG
After another round of sanding, they look like this:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020648.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020647.JPG
The body now looks like a VehiGHOST or VehiTRON - I have started using filler on the roof:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020650.JPG
So here is how everything is for now:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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.
Man, good progress. Gotta be careful with those harsh chemicals on that plastic. Have you tried just Mineral Spirits?
Bart
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.
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/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...9/P1020658.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020657.JPG
Here is a piece taped up against my on-screen template:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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
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
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/da...131217_001.jpg
Assembled chassis:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...131227_002.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...002_resize.jpg
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/da...140106_001.jpg
See, way too long:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...140106_002.jpg
I got to hacking 2" out of the middle & made a transformer:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...140109_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:
It's coming along good. Can't wait to see it in action! I still haven't ordered my electronics. No moneh. :(
Bart
Wow! Sweeeeeeeeet!
Peace.
Tom
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/da...9/P1020679.JPG
Another shot. Notice the bulk of the trans & also the funky shaped rod ends.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...9/P1020682.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/P1020684.JPG
Nice, how much longer until completion?
Bart
How much longer until parts come into stock? Haha they never give answers.
Whelp, I am having to get creative...
Here is my RC4WD R3 transmission with an old 540 motor:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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...-24ghz-rtr.jpg
Inside the rear wheel is a gyro that looks something like this:
http://www.duratrax.com/vehicles/mot...02-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/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...9/P1020751.JPG
I did some test fitting:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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... :(
Wow man, you're really going balls out!! I don't know how you make all this work!
Bart
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Bart
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. :oQuote:
Originally Posted by MSHardeman
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/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...140430_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/da...140430_016.jpg
Nice fit, aye?!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/P1020832.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/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/da...20881_copy.jpg
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
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.
Nice work Dude...:thumbup:.:_wrench:.:smack:.:yes:
And tell that skank Pocco to quit put'n ketchup & laundry soap on her corn flakes...:_wtf:
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/da...9/P1020916.JPG
As you can see, my 1951 Erector set is finally being put to good use!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/P1020913.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...9/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/da...9/P1020917.JPG
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:
Looks awesome. KMFDM FTW!
Bart
"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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ldub
Bart, U gave me that KMFDM sticker, U know... :yesgray:Quote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
I did? LOL Nice!Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Bart
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
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.
HAHA! Just throw that high-maintenance ho in the pool!Quote:
Originally Posted by JoFotoz
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:
I know what you mean but Pocco is so very unstable under stress... she falls apart all the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dumke
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
Here is his astounding build thread: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/scale...ms-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-s...trail-jag.html
LOL...thanx for tha laff(s)...:laughing:.:thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS