Some of you may remember my Mugen MBX5T build sharing the "Race Inspired" title from a couple years ago. Here's a link if you haven't seen it or want to see it again:
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23207
I'm using many of the same principles for this build, using a Tamiya TRF 801XT platform. I bought a scratch and dent kit direct from Tamiya. The updated kits have a slightly narrower suspension design and updated shock mounts. This provides tighter turning and the shock mounts are beefier. Many people run buggy knuckles for more steering and that's most likely the route I'll go if I want more steering.
As the title implies, this is my race inspired build. Supposedly there will be a large track opening near me and this will be the truck I'll use to be even faster than my Mugen.
First things first, I have to build the kit. I'll be honest, this project will be much slower than my other builds. I'm only building the kit right now, the conversion will come later. I have to head out for training again but only for about 6 weeks this time. I'll collect parts and begin the actual conversion at that time, but for now I thought it would be cool to track progress on the actual build.
For the conversion, just to give some of you a taste of what I'll be doing:
dual battery layout again
5s setup from Neu Energy 45C cells
battery boxes will be much closer to the center, RCM boxes
Tekno lightweight motor mount
RC Monster Rx box (probably a D8 box or similar)
Tekin 1700 Rx8/T8 combo
Hitec 7955
Airtronics 2.4Ghz
I want to use a mount from Mike, but he doesn't make them for TRF and I would want to have a custom chassis made. This would take a long time and it's just too much work for me to ask of him for only one car. He could do it, obviously, but I'd have to wait. So, I'll be cutting into my brand new chassis to make holes for the Tekno mount, just like I did on the Mugen chassis. I loved that setup since it allowed me to remove the motor without changing the gear mesh.
Enough talking, now, onto the pics!

Don't think I'll need that fuel tank
tons of bags

in more bags