"Stuck in Afghanistan" Build Log

Well. . .

After discussions with the command about customizing and enhancing the performance of the Honda ACTY they issued us fell thru, I have decided to get my "build" jones elseware. . .

Tamiya's re-release ("re-re") of their '79 classic Sand Scorcher.

Since I needed a radio anyway, also bought the RTR ("ready-to-run") Fast Attack Vehicle re-re:

XB ("expert-built") model so all details are finished and only cost a little more than the 2.4 GHz radio that came with it.

Tower Hobbies was having a good sale for members. Saved alot!

Also ordered from Tower three Duratrax Onyx NiMH 6-Cell 7.2V 5000mAh sticks and a Duratrax Onyx 100 AC/DC Peak Charger. Speed controll that comes with the FAV won't support LiPO but will take LiFE. Overall investment in NiMH is still cheaper and SAFER! 5000mAh per stick should make for some long rides.

Additionally I ordered Tamiya re-re tires:

BITD Sand Scorcher racers usually grabbed these from the Tamiya Super Champ kits because they offered better bite.

Off the 'bay I ordered a ball diff Hop Up and gearbox skidplate.

Further updates to follow after shipments hit the APO. . .

(edit: changed to hotlink happy .jpegs)

Pictures broken?

Fixed. Thanks RMD!

That's cool. A throwback to the days when Tamiya's RC cars were as much models as toys. I've always thought it was neat how they kept the Bug's trailing arm front suspension. I might have to get one.

I like the 'correct' placement of the bugs motor.

I had both of those when they first came out!

Hey, if you want to look up some friends of mine who are in Kabul, this is what they've been up to:

http://www.wheels.ca/feature/a-g-string-journey-from-kabul-to-cork/

Here's some of their build log, it was a bit overwhelming for non-car folks to learn how to restore a vintage bug, especially if it was going to be safe enough to take them up into the mountains.

http://gstringjourney.wordpress.com/2013/06/08/floored/

Awesome. I just finished up converting my dead Rustler to a working LCG slash, pics and all. I'm already thinking of my next build lol....

Shocks built and waiting for the air to collect to the seal.

Front trailing arms.

Shocks purged, mounted, beams attached. Assembly mounted to chassis along with front body mount/servo saver.

Side note. Here's some of the neat vehicles on base.

Nice! I had the Monster Beetle when I was a kid.

So have you broken any 4 Runners yet? A friend of mine and his troop broke seven or eight of them! http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/anyone-heard-of-foreign-market-4-runner-suspension/50235/page1/

Nice to see actual wheels and off road tires on a G-Wagen instead of bling bling 26 inch rims and rubber band tires..

Adjustable limited slip ball diff

assembled. . .

. . . and in the full ballraced gear box.

full frame

roller

with the "beater" body

Since we can't get shipped any decent spray paints, I'll do a better body when I get home.

Oh, and here's the FAV. New receivers do not need an antenna, so the antenna mast is now a flag holder.

Got a little distracted and have been working on a Slash 4x4 LCG conversion.

Now for the sad:

Was doing speed runs with newly installed telemetry. Had RPM rear bearing carriers with no extra toe-in and I think that contributed to getting a little squirrely on the top end. Replay of telemetry showed I topped out at 51 mph and was doing 41 mph at time of impact. Looks worse than it was. Rear shock tower, rear gear box and left rear shock shaft got replaced. Next phaze now has Castle Mamba Monster 2, STRC .5 rear hub carriers and MIP shafts. Waiting on more STRC pretty bits. . .

92dxman wrote: Nice to see actual wheels and off road tires on a G-Wagen instead of bling bling 26 inch rims and rubber band tires..

Got to drive one a couple of weeks ago to bring it back from the garage, who refuses to work on it due to expence of parts, to BTN. Only brakes were e-brakes, but aside from that it smoothed out the unkept roads on Bagram Airbase. Center dash looked like something out of an A10! So many different drive options.

Didn't know it was up armored until gate guard needed to see my ID and window only rolled down 4 inches and I could see the side glass was like an 1" and a half thick!

phaze1todd wrote: Now for the sad:

Good to see the cage did it's job.

50 mph = what scale mph to the car?

N Sperlo wrote:

phaze1todd wrote: Now for the sad:

Good to see the cage did it's job.

Ha! There is an aftermarket full cage available, but since my Slash is a LCG (Low Center Gravity) conversion, it doesn't fit!

There is a single hoop style that also ties in the front and rear suspension better for the LCG, but since I now run a 1/8 scale motor and esc, the relocation of my reciever interferes.