Rustler Updates

After looking around at RC shops, I finally gave in and ordered the RPM bumper mount (Part # 80905) and motor protector (Part # 80915) that I was wanting for my Rustler.

Image from http://www.rpmrcproducts.com/

I bought a rear Slash bumper (Part # 5836)to mount on the RPM bumper mount, but it didn't come with the screws necessary to mount it and it can't mount with the RPM bumper mount, so for now it's just sitting in my toolbox as a spare.

I also picked up some extra body washers (Part # 1815), as I envision these getting lost and I was already picking some up for Mickey.

While we were picking up some parts for the Slash (see below), one of my dogs decided to chew up my antenna tube, cap, and wire. I ran back into the shop and picked up a new JR Parts receiver antenna (72/75MHz) (Part # JRPA170) and a new antenna tube and cap (I didn't get the details on this, but I'm assuming it's Part # ASC6338). I haven't installed it yet because it's working just fine. I'll wait until it gets a little more mangled (or eaten) before I replace it.

Slash Updates

On the Slash, I recently added the thickest and second thickets suspension shims to try to help with bottoming on landings. The extra weight on the Slash definitely impacts landings with the stock suspension settings.

Paxton bought some decals (Part # 9950) to decorate his Slash, although we haven't added them yet.

While we were in Idaho, we had an accidental collision between the two trucks, which resulted in a broken right rear bearing carrier on the Slash. I was surprised at this because the impact was relatively light. I suppose the bearing carrier could have already been damaged, but it seemed to be handling fine prior to this. Anyway, we picked up some replacement RPM rear bearing carriers (Part # 80382) and, while I was there, I also go the replacement RPM front bearing carriers (Part # 80372), because that will probably be the next piece to break, just like on the Rustler.

And thus concludes my OCD-driven RC parts update. Yes, I know no one reads this or cares. Yes, it's for my OCD-driven need to document every modification I make to these trucks.

While we were in Idaho Falls (and Chubbuck and Pocatello) recently, we met with my girlfriend's brother, Mickey, who has an RC rock crawler. I didn't know that he had one until we got there, but we brought the Rustler along with us, just for fun. On Saturday, March 21st, we met him in Chubbuck at Dapco Hobbies for an RC rock crawling exhibition.

Mickey has an Axial AX10 Scorpion (kit) that he had built around Christmastime, but hadn't yet tried in a real rock crawling situation. I have to admit that I didn't have much interest in RC rock crawling, but I thought it might be fun to check it out anyway. After watching some people take their turn at the course and watching Mickey's truck tackle the course, it seemed like it would be a lot more fun than I originally thought.

It was really interesting to see the sections that the taller trucks did well on versus the sections that the lower trucks did well on. The course was pretty difficult and it seemed that the bigger the tires, the better the truck handled.

I think Santa might need to bring us a rock crawler this year.

The rock crawling course is unsecured in the parking lot at Dapco Hobbies and can be found via the address on their site (linked above), or via these GPS coordinates: N42 54.970 W112 27.899.

In a moment of awesomeness that shocked me, as we were buying Pax's Slash, Dena asked if she could get an RC truck too. "Can you?! Why are you asking me?! Of course you can!!" She wanted something small, so she picked out a Losi Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) in red.

This little guy is really cool. It's very quick and pretty sturdy given its size. Supposedly, you can upgrade a lot of the parts in it too, including the battery and motor. It's perfect for Dena and she really likes it…when she gets a chance to play with it since Pax is usually racing it around the house. My only complaint so far is that charging mechanism uses a black box with 8 AA batteries in it and the connection/disconnection/reconnection that you have to make to charge it is a pain in the butt. It would be even better if they could redesign that interface.

Losi Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233)

Specifications

Type: 2WD Desert Truck RTR
Scale: 1/36
Length: 5.7 in (145mm)
Width: 3.5 in (89mm)
Wheelbase: 3.5 in (89mm)
Weight: 4.0 oz (112 g)
Chassis:Extended composite tub
Suspension: Independent
Drive Train: 3-Gear transmission with gear diff and slipper
Tire Type: Micro-Desert grip tires mounted on black, micro beadlock-style wheels
Motor or Engine: Micro electric
Speed Control: Electronic, fully proportional forward/reverse
Radio: Losi 27MHz AM pistol
Servos: Sub-micro
Batteries: 4.8V 150mAh NiMH (included)
Charger: Peak (included)
Wheel Size: 0.75 in (19mm) diameter
Kit/RTR: RTR
Shock Type: Coil-over friction dampers
Body: Factory-decorated Desert Truck (3 colors: red, blue and grey)
Ball Bearings: BB-Equipped transmission
Minimum Age Recommendation: 14 years
Experience Level: Beginner
Recommended Environment: Indoor
Is Assembly Required: No

Documents

• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Operations Guide
• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Brushless Conversion Guide v2
• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Price List

Gathered from http://www.losi.com/Products/Features.aspx?ProdID=LOSB0233

While we were Idaho, after seeing the RC rock crawling exhibition, Paxton got really jazzed about RC cars and trucks. We agreed to get him one, but Dapco Hobbies didn't have the one we were looking for. As it happened, nobody in Chubbuck or Idaho Falls had the one we were looking for. After a lot of looking, digging, disappointments, and negotiating with hobby shops, we finally settled on a Traxxas Slash XL5 (5805) for Pax at HobbyTown USA in Idaho Falls. We also picked up another pair of Team Orion Super Duty 2400 (Part # ORI10900) NiMH 7.2V batteries to power the Slash.

After driving the Slash, I was quite surprised at how differently it handled. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised given the size difference. It's much more stable at speed, but that speed is slightly less than the Rustler…well, it's a lot less zippy, anyway, and it's not as nimble for turning and jumping. That makes sense though, because it's a larger scale body with the same motor and speed control as the Rustler.

Getting used to the battery life difference has been interesting. Or rather, it's been very nice for the Slash, and not so nice for the Rustler. The Slash's batteries last a good 5 minutes longer than the Rustler due to the weight and size of the Slash not allowing the motor to wind up as much. That means that it's not as zippy as the Rustler, but you can drive it for longer, which is great for Pax. Still, it's a lot of fun to jump because it flies like a trophy truck, and cornering is a blast!

Traxxas Slash (5805)

Traxxas Slash (5805)

Specifications

• ProGraphix® multi-colored painted body is available in red and blue themes as well as two officially licensed (paint and graphics) race replica versions: Scott Douglas/Mike Oberg Edition (Amsoil®) & Rick Huseman Edition (Fabtech®)
• Scale dimensions and looks of actual short course off-road race trucks
• The Slash reaches speeds in excess of 30mph using the included optional 23-tooth pinion gear*
• Powerful Titan® 12T 550 modified motor with internal cooling fan
• Race in dirt, mud, water, and snow thanks to Traxxas’ innovative water-sealed electronics
• XL-5 Waterproof Electronic Speed Control
  • Innovative watersealed design
  • High current handling
  • Forward/reverse/brake
  • Smooth high-frequency control
  • EZ-Set® push-button setup
  • Thermal shutdown protection
  • Integrated on-off button
  • Three easy-to-program drive profiles
  • High efficiency MOSFET transistors
  • Equipped with Traxxas High-Current Connectors
  • Backed by the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty
• Traxxas High-Current Connector
• Digital high-torque waterproof steering servo
  • 125 oz-in of torque and 0.16-second speed
• O-ring sealed watertight receiver box keeps the micro receiver dry
• Speed control and receiver are securely fastened to chassis
• Long-wheelbase fiber-composite monocoque chassis
  • 13.2 inch wheelbase
  • Over 3.5 inches of ground clearance
• Easy access battery compartment
• Adjustable battery hold down accepts 6- and 7-cell flat packs and 7-cell hump packs
• Chassis nerf bars absorb impact and support the body
• Scale front and rear tube-style bumpers
• New body mounts incorporate reinforced washers for additional body support
• Efficient Magnum 272™ metal-gear transmission with ball bearings
• Sealed gearbox protects the transmission with beefed up motor guard for extra protection
• Revo®-Spec Torque-Control™ slipper clutch system
• External gear cover with easy slipper access
• Reliable composite planetary gear differential with a steel ring gear
• Heavy-duty telescoping U-joint driveshafts and yokes
• Adjustable steel Jato®-Style turnbuckles and captured rod ends
• Captured rod ends won't pop off for superior durability
• Precision hex hardware throughout
• Efficient rubber-sealed ball bearings
• Fully adjustable Ultra Shocks™ with X-ring technology
• Progressive rate white powder coated shock springs feature a race-tuned responsive spring rate
• Scale all-terrain front and rear tires offer superior on- and off-road traction
• The tires include performance foam inserts and they come pre-glued on satin-finish 2.2" Slash wheels
• TQ Radio System
  • Two-channels
  • Four-channel micro receiver
  • High-power output
  • Special comfort grip
  • Excellent balance
  • Retractable antenna
  • Up to a quarter mile range
  • Servo reversing
  • Low-battery indicator
  • Electronic trim controls
• Slash is backed by unparalleled Traxxas support and parts availability

Documents

• Slash (5805) Owners Manual
• Slash (5805) Chassis Assembly
• Slash (5805) Front Assembly
• Slash (5805) Rear Assembly
• Slash (5805) Transmission Assembly
• Slash (5805) Parts List
• Slash (5805) Hardware Parts List
• Slash (5805) Box Panels
• Traxxas Radio Systems Parts List
• Traxxas Retail Order Form

Gathered from http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/5805/trx_5805.htm

I picked up an RPM wide front bumper in blue today (Part # 81165) to help protect the front suspension from front impact damage. The quality and design on the piece is really good and, so far, it seems to be doing its job well.

Image from http://www.rpmrcproducts.com/

I was also able to try out the new suspension settings some more tonight. I tested it using two skate ramps back to back and spaced out about 4-6 feet which allowed or a smoother landing…when I was able to hit it just right. The new adjusted preload definitely seems to help with big landings, as does having a smoother transition with the landing ramp. I'm definitely getting better control of the car, although I certainly did my share of roof-skidding. D'oh!