Imthatguy's RC4WD Gelände II w/Cruiser Body Build

[imthatguy]

RC4WD has released a new variant for the G2 - now with an incredible Cruiser body, designed to look very similar to the Tiyote Frand Bruiser EFFJAY40. I've pegged this as a very close reproduction of what would be a 197 model.

I'm very excited to be one of the first people to have one of these new kits and would like to thank them for providing me with an opportunity to buy a pre-release kit. In a word, it's "Amazing".

The basis for the kit is the very successful Gelande II chassis. There's not much new here, except for the mounting points, and both front and rear bumpers. It comes with a standard single speed R3 transmission, Yota II scale axles, transfer case, fuel cell electronics box, 1.9 wagon wheels and Dirt Grabber tires in the sticky compound. RC4WD's dual spring shocks, all metal links, 32p spur gear help complete the package. In my humble opinion, this is their best chassis to date. It's a great platform for all kinds of builds, and this new body helps take it to a whole new level.

NOTE: These are uncompleted model photos. All the scale details are included (mirrors, windows, wipers, etc), but I didn't get around to putting them on before photography.




Because Frand Bruiser. I'm a Tiyote fan, so it's nice to see a new hard Tiyote shell. Doing some quick math, n00b and I determined this to be around 1/8.3th scale. Everything's better in Threeths. The detail level is really crisp. I noticed only two small areas with mould lines that would need to be sanded out. Which I've already done. All the details are there, side markers, metal mesh grille, nearly accurate bezel, fender mounted turn signals, bumper with mount points for a winch and included Jammer Tow Hooks AND A FULL INTERIOR!!!




ZOMG the details are so darn crisp. Wow. I'm super impressed with the tooling here. There hasn't been a body of this quality from anybody in a very long time. Seats, jump seats for the rear, full dash, lots of room for a driver (with legs), mirrors, wipers, everything. There's so many pieces to really set this off. Only thing I've found missing, is a radio antenna. WAIT, DIDN"T YOU JUST NOTICE THE HOOD COMES OFF LIKE A LEGIT REAL ONE WOULD WTFZOMGGTFO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111ONE

One thing to note, and not shown in any pictures, be very careful when removing the mould sprues, you don't want to force it and crack a piece you're not supposed to.

Rather than do a complete build video, I thought I'd do a unboxing/build time lapse. Follow along very carefully, there's a lot of very important steps. There will be a test afterwards.



That was fun.

Rather than go with the stock wheels and tires, I've started auditioning new alternatives. My first try starts here (and looks way better than stock):



1.9 Pit Dogs and 1.9 GMade Cruiser Bead Locks. Somewhere in my kit of junk, I've got n00b hubcaps that will fit quite nicely here.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a timeless beauty of a scale truck, you can't do too much better than this one. RC4WD knocked this one out of the park. My only disappointment is that it's not on a leafed chassis for the ultimate in realism, but who knows where I'll take this. I expect that there's going to be a lot of aftermarket support from RC4WD for this body, I can't wait to see what they come up with. Stay tuned, much more to come. :luv:

Get yours here:Gelande II Truck Kit w/Cruiser Body Set

[pardonmyn00b]

Needs more dog.

[imthatguy]

Agreed, not nearly enough Dog.

[tokdl]

Truly in love with that basic interior design! Tons of potential. I agree, I would have liked to see it leafed, but an excellent product no matter.

[Katan]

Would have been better on the TF2 Toyota style chassis.

[Reflektr]

Hot diggity-dog. I fancy that Tiyote cwalrer!

[joe122]

Great product review. Love this body, the crisp details will make for a great scale build! May have just found my next project!

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by tokdl

Truly in love with that basic interior design! Tons of potential. I agree, I would have liked to see it leafed, but an excellent product no matter.

I'm thinking I may throw this body kit on a Fracture chassis just to see what it looks like.

Originally Posted by Katan

Would have been better on the TF2 Toyota style chassis.

I don't know where I stand on that. I'll see what it looks like.

Originally Posted by Reflektr

Hot diggity-dog. I fancy that Tiyote cwalrer!

CWALRER!

Originally Posted by joe122

Great product review. Love this body, the crisp details will make for a great scale build! May have just found my next project!

You and about a million others! This body does rock.

[scale4x4]

This build needs more hats and celery.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by scale4x4

This build needs more hats and celery.

Sorry! I only had one celery!

I can't stress enough how awesome this body is.

[JasonS9]

That body is amazing, Leafs would be more scale for sure, but the 3 / 4 link setup is great for trail performance.

Thanks for posting this so fast

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by JasonS9

That body is amazing, Leafs would be more scale for sure, but the 3 / 4 link setup is great for trail performance.

Thanks for posting this so fast

I have very little else to do.

[Reflektr]

Speaking of performance, how do the Gelande IIs rate as far as capability? Our lhs has one nib just collecting dust because everyone around here has Axial blinders on... I've been thinking about picking one up...

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by Reflektr

Speaking of performance, how do the Gelande IIs rate as far as capability? Our lhs has one nib just collecting dust because everyone around here has Axial blinders on... I've been thinking about picking one up...

I think with a few choice upgrades - driveshafts, helical gear sets for the diffs, XVD's, better shocks, this truck could be an excellent Class 1 performer, maybe with not such a heavy, tall body, but something lower, or roofless.

[Reflektr]

Awesome. Thanks for the input. Next time I'm in there I may see if I can save them some shelf space. Will a Hilux body fit one without murdering it? ...I have an OG Bruiser body that needs a home...

[Tossedman]

Cool! Gotta get me one o' them. Now I just need a pile o' cash too.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by Reflektr

Awesome. Thanks for the input. Next time I'm in there I may see if I can save them some shelf space. Will a Hilux body fit one without murdering it? ...I have an OG Bruiser body that needs a home...

Wheelbases are different, so not without some major butchering of the links.

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Originally Posted by Reflektr

Awesome. Thanks for the input. Next time I'm in there I may see if I can save them some shelf space. Will a Hilux body fit one without murdering it? ...I have an OG Bruiser body that needs a home...

wheel base is 10.8 so it would be to short of a wheel base... Unless you decided to comp cut and axle stretch the cruiser set up...then ya might be able to make it work

[Reflektr]

Ahhh...I see. Thanks 1bjb! Well I'd hate to go butchering a sweet body and chassis like that when it's supposed to be nice and scale. I appreciate the info guys!

[fr8cture]

Is it possible to fit leafs onto the G2 chassis? Thats one thing I really think it's missing besides that looks great.