Race Inspired Tamiya TRF 801XT build

[gtxracer]

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

[gtxracer]

I found this little gem in one of the bags

Started building one of the diffs


Then the other

[gtxracer]

Last of the pics for tonight

[florianz]

wow, that is already looking good. finally a build, that not everybody owns... looks very delicate. cool!

lookin' forward to some more!

[gtxracer]

Thanks, it's tougher than it looks, but I think I know what you mean by delicate. I love how much detail is in a Tamiya kit!

Hopefully I'll get a lot done this weekend, perhaps the entire rig.

[nastety92]

The truggy looks great so far. I can't wait to see your opinion compared to your D8T once you have it up and running and have spend some time using it.

Keep up the good work, it looks like you have a nice place to sit, relax and build the truggy.

Nick

[Hyper-5]

hey, really nice buggy you've got there, hope is goes graet, just a quick one if anyone knows, lm looking at buying a trf buggy, either the TRF501X or TRF502X, lm not to sure which one would be better because the 501X is belt driven and the 502X is shaft driven, which one is better and why? (there are also more parts for the 501X than the 502X)

[gtxracer]

Originally Posted by nastety92

The truggy looks great so far. I can't wait to see your opinion compared to your D8T once you have it up and running and have spend some time using it.

Keep up the good work, it looks like you have a nice place to sit, relax and build the truggy.

Nick

Thanks Nick! I can't wait either, Tamiya kits are a lot of fun to build. They're very well thought out and the instructions are easy to read and follow. That's the backyard you see in the pics, on a good day in Washington state. I had to get outside and enjoy the weather!

Originally Posted by Hyper-5

hey, really nice buggy you've got there, hope is goes graet, just a quick one if anyone knows, lm looking at buying a trf buggy, either the TRF501X or TRF502X, lm not to sure which one would be better because the 501X is belt driven and the 502X is shaft driven, which one is better and why? (there are also more parts for the 501X than the 502X)

Thanks!

I'll have another update in a few minutes...

[gtxracer]

Small little update...

Got these all twisted together


I think I need these


Built these little guys


put it all together


Love all the quality I get with this kit

[el tomaso]

I love the look of tamiya stuff! Keep the pictures coming.

TG

[gtxracer]

Thanks Tg! I might be able to knock out a few more assemblies tonight.

[gtxracer]

Man I haven't updated this in a while, sorry guys!

put those crazy sway bars on


WHAT?!?! Chassis time??!






Added some stuff




Threw it on the chassis




Sneak peek at what's to come

[gtxracer]

More progress since I'm back...hope to sell my d8t so I can fund some new parts!

[gtxracer]

Started putting these things together


These o rings...make it impossible for me to thread on the spring collars so I took them out.


put in some seals, some spacers, some seals, some shafts


add a few more


Fill em up and cap em off


Add some boots and some springs

[gtxracer]

For anyone that wants to know, these are the updated shock mounts


put em on