Freetimes Team Eritex Berg (new pics)

[freetimecrawler]

Berg axles of course, clocked front
Custom Team Eritex chassis
Custom Eritex Berg offset wheels
Losi crawler shocks
Tekin FXR pro ESC
Novak Fifty-Five's
Micro switch dig
JR8711 steering
Panther Cougar's/Losi Claws
3s Lipo power
Spektrum control


Kevin (Nicklepimp) and I are just getting started on our build's, We're shooting to have them finished for the Battle Grounds 2.2 comp a week from this Saturday in Ohio, and an MNRCRC comp 7/27/08.
Here are some pic's of our Team Eritex chassis.
More pic's to come as the build progress's.
Look for Nicklepimp's Team Eritex build thread as well.

[redbaron]

Looks good! Better get to building!! :)

[EeePee]

I"m shooting to have this finished for the Battle Grounds 2.2 comp a week from this Saturday in Ohio.

Better hurry up and get some practice with it, too. :twisted:

[wrightcs77]

Troy.....You should have that done for Sunday's comp....get to it!

[THAT1GUY]

You brining any with to sell???? lol

[drumbeater]

Nice looking chassis Troy I'll be watching you build.

[Nicklepimp]

Looks very familiar.;-):lol:

[Stormin2u]

Looking really good Troy can't wait to see it in person.

[freetimecrawler]

The chassis plates have arrived "thumbsup"
The build will start tonight :)
The parts I don't have already, are in stock at my LHS :)
I will be picking them up tomorrow, and starting a marathon build session.
This thing will be done for the Battle Grounds 2.2 comp :roll:

[redbaron]

The build will start tonight :)
This thing will be done for the Battle Grounds 2.2 comp :roll:

And I thought I had alot to do this week just getting my rig ready!

Good luck and I hope to see it this weekend."thumbsup"

[Stormin2u]

Your brave Troy your going to be shaking your new Berg out in competion, your a wild man good luck. :lol:

[THAT1GUY]

Get Er Done !!

[tjb]

The chassis plates have arrived "thumbsup"
The build will start tonight :)
The parts I don't have already, are in stock at my LHS :)
I will be picking them up tomorrow, and starting a marathon build session.
This thing will be done for the Battle Grounds 2.2 comp :roll:


Nah, I will get it together for you as we drive down Friday :twisted:

[Stormin2u]

Get Er Done !!

Joe get a friggin avatar. :twisted:

[wrightcs77]

Troy, it should go together pretty easily. Make sure to loctite all screws. I put red loctite in the rear lockout screws, the front knuckle screws (switched those to cap heads instead of button heads) and the screws that hold the upper link mounts to the axles.

[Usmc8541]

The build will start tonight :)
I am watching and waiting. Looks to me your going to be using only the highest quality components from Eritex.

[freetimecrawler]

Yes sir, only the best for these Berg axles. And since this is a Team Eritex crawler, only quality Eritex parts will adorn it "thumbsup"

Just got back from the shop. The front axle is clocked, using Robbs method, (thanks Robb)
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111583 The rear lockouts are moved to the inside of the axle.

Tomorrow I pick up:
Novak Super Duty XR ESC It will handle up to a 4s lipo :)
2-55t integys
JR micro servo for dig switches
New set of Losi Claws Losi crawler shocks
Our Eritex Berg offsets should be arriving some time this week

Tomorrows plans are to cut a skid plate, some chassis cross braces, get my links measured and made, mount up motors, and hopefully get this thing a roller by the end of tomorrow night.
Did I mention I'm also working 12 hour work days this week :roll:

I also need mention, these chassis, and the wheels were custom made with short notice.
Gerame has gone out of his way to make sure I can get this ready for the Battle Grounds comp.
Thanks again Gerame!
Also thanks to Nicklepimp for helping make sure I get the truck ready in time!
And thanks to Wrightcs77 (MNRCRC's Berg OG) for the tips!

[BigBaller]

:roll:...so where is the completed build? Come on Troy, not enough Milk today?

Ryan

[freetimecrawler]

Never got it finished :-(
We opted to build Kevins First, since he had more time. I would of ran his in Ohio, but we didn't get it finished in time. I ran my AX10 to a 19th place.

I've been working on the Berg this week, but no pic's, progress has slowed because I'm waiting on much needed parts, (should of been here today :roll:)I may have to order from somewhere else soon though :-(
I hate waiting for mail :roll:
There is no big rush on this build now, the comp I wanted it done for is over.
I'll snap some pic's when my shit finally arrives :roll:
Overall the build has gone pretty easy, these are sweet axles to start off with. I guess I've just been a little dissapointed waiting on parts.
On the plus side, I have my AX10 dialed in pretty decent finally.

[Stormin2u]

That was to bad Troy but 19th uis good as long you had was fun. But then again you where traveling with tjb :roll: sometimes I guess you just have to do the best you can with what you have.

[tjb]

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/8170jay/worthless_thread_wo_pics.gif


WTF!? Just cuz you're a Mod don't mean you can hold out like this you know


Step it up a little!! :flipoff:

[dieselfuel]

come on troy! get to work! hell i don't even have my berg axles yet and at this rate ill have mine done first.

[Stormin2u]

Yeah what's the deal Troy this is a big chance to get the drop on all us shafty guys. "Get her done" the nats are coming. 8-)

[freetimecrawler]

Oh it'll be done, and tested before the big "3rd Annual Battle At The Border" comp coming up on 8/10.
I have it as a roller now, but Kevin and I were busy re-checking scores for this past weeks comp, and didn't have time to get any pic's last night.
I took the night off from the build tonight, to get laundry and house cleaning done (the life of a single guy).
I need to pick up some more rod ends tomorrow to finish the steering links. Since I have a bit of time now, I'm going to look at maybe making some kind of BTA steering for the front. My wheels came in yesterday :lol:
A big thank you to my sponsor Eritex Inc "thumbsup"
After the front steering links, it's on to the electronics, I have everything here to complete this rig, and will make time to finish and get some pic's by this weekend.

[dieselfuel]

this weekend? maybe you will beat me, it'll be close.

[FL Knifemaker]

Is that frame aluminum??

[freetimecrawler]

Is that frame aluminum??


Yes. Custom CNC'd by Eritex Inc.

[FL Knifemaker]

Yes. Custom CNC'd by Eritex Inc.

It's hard to tell in the pics but it looks a little THIN where holes are close the the frame sections??

[freetimecrawler]

Yeah, the very end holes are in a thin area, however, those are optional mounting holes, The chassis was drawn up to use the center holes, with the other holes for optional use. Also, I don't rock race this rig, it will be strickly a comp rig, driven with precise methodical movements, I suppose if you were careless, or stupid enough to drive it off a cliff, the outside holes could tear, but I've had several TVP chassis with holes in/near thin spots, and never had any issues.

[FL Knifemaker]

Yeah, the very end holes are in a thin area, however, those are optional mounting holes, The chassis was drawn up to use the center holes, with the other holes for optional use. Also, I don't rock race this rig, it will be strickly a comp rig, driven with precise methodical movements, I suppose if you were careless, or stupid enough to drive it off a cliff, the outside holes could tear, but I've had several TVP chassis with holes in/near thin spots, and never had any issues.

I understand. I was thinking more of frame torque breaking it. We've seen the modified Axial frames break that look like they have more meat around the holes. It's a good looking frame for sure!!

[dieselfuel]

I thought the same thing when I first saw that chassis design. Looks kinda thin... And there's a lot of times in competition that aren't exactly methodical. I'm sure it'll work fine though. I know there's been a few time I've been glad that my blackjack is titanium.

[FL Knifemaker]

I thought the same thing when I first saw that chassis design. Looks kinda thin... And there's a lot of times in competition that aren't exactly methodical. I'm sure it'll work fine though. I know there's been a few time I've been glad that my blackjack is titanium.

If you don't mind me asking, how much does a Blackjack frame cost?? If I ever make a frame, it will be from titanium for sure. I couldn't imagine selling them at much of a profit though, especially the way titanium is going in in price..........EVERYDAY :x

[tjb]

After seeing this chassis up close, and watching Nicklepimp's rig run this last weekend, I don't think there is anything going to tear out. This chassis looks sweeter in person, and is a lil beefier than it looks in the pics.

[Nicklepimp]

The frame is also .125" thick too. A little thicker than most TVP chassis I've used before.

[freetimecrawler]

Well, after 5 attempts to make a front servo mount, I finally have a workable one. I'm not really happy with it though, and after some testing, I think I'll attempt a new steering set-up.
Everything is mounted, and is ready for wiring.
Beer me :)
Time to start wiring, so I can go test tomorrow.
Kevin's coming over tonight, I'll have him bring his cam for some pic's.
Not like we all don't know what a Berg looks like anyway :flipoff:

[Stormin2u]

I'm just waiting to beat a Berg or a Bully with a shafty :flipoff::lol::D

[freetimecrawler]

I'm just waiting to beat a Berg or a Bully with a shafty :flipoff::lol::D


You feeling good enough for a whipping ;-)
Does this mean you'll be making it to the big "3rd annual Battle At The Border" a week from tomorrow?

[Stormin2u]

Knock on wood freetime I'm trying to be there but I had a bad fall and the recovery has been a beach. I'm currently at about 60% of my usual mobility which is as you know extremely compromised. I just returned to work part time last week. So I would love a whooping buddy it's gotta be better than where I've been. I have my old school rig in it's best condition ever and shes ready the question is am I. :shock:

[Racer4Life]

I'm just waiting to beat a Berg or a Bully with a shafty :flipoff::lol::D

Good luck. At BG....the top 5 were Bergs. Damn cheater trucks.

I ordered one.:lol:

Knock on wood freetime I'm trying to be there but I had a bad fall and the recovery has been a beach. I'm currently at about 60% of my usual mobility which is as you know extremely compromised. I just returned to work part time last week.

Glad to hear your getting better. Sorry to hear about the fall though!:-(

FTC...Where are some pics of this truck??

[freetimecrawler]

Good luck. At BG....the top 5 were Bergs. Damn cheater trucks.

I ordered one.:lol:



Glad to hear your getting better. Sorry to hear about the fall though!:-(

FTC...Where are some pics of this truck??

I finished the truck late last night, Nicklepimp was over, and wired it up for me. Thanks again Kevin"thumbsup" I did some late night livingroom crawling, and snapped a couple of pic's. I'm leaving shortly to go do some testing. I'll get lots of pic's today, and post some up tonight when I get home.
My first impression is, as much as I like my Axial after finally getting it dialed in the way I like it, I don't think I'm going to miss it :)
Off to charge batteries, and hit the rocks for a testing/tuning day.

[Stormin2u]

Well thanks Norm,

Been hanging out at rcfanatics.net and Scale4X4.org. Nice group of folks there.

I like those guys to. I frequent them once in awhile. I spend most of my web time here on RCC.

I kind of like what TJB and DirtyAl have been saying about us. It's all been good. I think they get it when it comes to promotion, and they sure have gone out of their way to get the ball rolling for TCF, so that has been cool.

Are we talking about Josh and Jay? :shock: Yeah their a blast and great guys. I keep telling them that I think there's something disturbing about the younger vets. :lol: (I'm a Vietnam guy)

Knoc, or Andy over at RC Fanatics, has been very forward thinking, and it's been real fun to work with him, and we are working on putting something together for Matt over at Scale4X4, so we have been busy.

Andy's a energetic guy he's got a lot happening and pretty sharp. He's a Minnesota boy and I've been trying to get him to a comp at Taylors Falls.
I'm sorry I don't know Matt but it's a great site especially for scale idea's.

Working also at putting the Firestone Brewery Team together since we got permission to use their stuff, so that's an ongoing effort. So there has been plenty to do. Sorry to hear about your fall, hope things are going to be ok for you.

Aw thanks Jack I'm on the mend but at my age it's been a slow recovery.

I also would love to see you become part of the TCF team.

Well that's very flattering indeed and thank you Jack. But I'm so not sure I'd be a very good candidate. I have a antisocial tendency.

Any interest there?

Good luck. At BG....the top 5 were Bergs. Damn cheater trucks.

Yup looks like we're living in the shadows of the shaft less truck.

I ordered one.:lol:

Traitor :shock:

Glad to hear your getting better. Sorry to hear about the fall though!:-(

Thanks Tom I appreciate your comment.

FTC...Where are some pics of this truck??

Quite frankly Troys a little photo challenged it took us until July this year to get him to change his winter avatar. :ror:

Sorry about the gangster post freetime

[freetimecrawler]

No problem Storm, been a boring build thread anyway with no pic's.
Nicklepimp was kind enough to get some pic's yesterday. We went and tested yesterday, needless to say, even though I have my AX10 dialed in to my liking (finally), I don't think it's going to take as long to dial in this truck. I took a nasty fall, and bent a "bent" link (even further) other then that, and the rain shortening our practice session, I love this truck. The electro dig worked flawlessly. The Eritex adjustable offsets have my width at 10.25 outside of tire to outside of tire running Losi Claws. As well as I like the Losi's, I think I'm going to go Panther, I'm used to them on my other comp rig, and have been very happy.
The wheel speed with this lipo power is awesome :)
Some new links, a checking over, and I'll be ready for the big debut at MNRCRC's big comp this coming Sunday "thumbsup"
As soon as Nicklepimp sends me the pic's, I'll post them.

[freetimecrawler]

Here are a few pic's finally.

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http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20003%20copy.JPG
Electro dig

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20004%20copy.JPG

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20005%20copy.JPG

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20006%20copy.JPG

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20009%20copy.JPG
This picture looks odd, the body doesn't really sit that high, must be an optical illusion because of the mirror.

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20010%20copy.JPG

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20013%20copy.JPG

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20014%20copy.JPG
Temporary steering set-up

http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20015%20copy.JPG
Eritex adjustable offsets
http://www.mn-rcrc.com/photos/members/Troy%20G/Troy%27s%20Berg%20017%20copy.JPG
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
bent this bent link even more while testing, time for some new Ones.<!-- / sig -->


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[Stormin2u]

That's looking good freetime, really like the new wheels and it's a nice build. Is that really heavy gage wire or is it just the photos? Good luck with your new ride I hope it serves you well. "thumbsup"

[freetimecrawler]

Thanks Stormin, It's heavy wire, it's that "wet noodle" stuff from the LHS.
I'm not very happy with the links right now, I'm going to run it tomorrow the way it is, but change out the links before Nats.

[Cob]

Looks good man but that chassis will never work...:roll:

[freetimecrawler]

Looks good man but that chassis will never work...:roll:

What makes you say that?

[666]

I can't tell, but isn't that a brushless ESC?

[freetimecrawler]

I can't tell, but isn't that a brushless ESC?

It's both. But I don't like it, it's temporary until I get my MM.

[666]

It's both. But I don't like it, it's temporary until I get my MM.

Ah, I learn more everyday!

Nice looking Burg anyways!"thumbsup"

[freetimecrawler]

Ah, I learn more everyday!

Nice looking Burg anyways!"thumbsup"

Really, the biggest problem with this ESC is, after you reverse, it has a slight forward delay, thats supposed to help you save your gears, but it's worthless when trying to rock a high centered rig off a rock.
It will be fine for my newest scaler.

[Cob]

What makes you say that?


This does..."thumbsup""thumbsup"

http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn467/Elpasocrawler/Berg026.jpg

[freetimecrawler]

I figured you were just fawking around, I thought I'd seen you posting in the Neb section.
I'm just about to install One of those CC BEC's after I have some supper.
I have 2 trucks to put them in before our big comp tomorrow.

[Stormin2u]

Hey Troy have a good day tomorrow I hope your new ride takes you to a whole new level. "thumbsup" I'm going to have to miss it again dam it.
Although I'm getting better I'm not quite good enough for a big outing yet and I was looking forward to seeing all the out of town characters as well as our local characters you included. :-(

[freetimecrawler]

Hey Troy have a good day tomorrow I hope your new ride takes you to a whole new level. "thumbsup" I'm going to have to miss it again dam it.
Although I'm getting better I'm not quite good enough for a big outing yet and I was looking forward to seeing all the out of town characters as well as our local characters you included. :-(


Thanks Stormin, I need to cut the mistakes out of my runs, and that alone would help my scores more then this truck.
Sorry to hear you're not going to make it :-(
The most important thing though is to get well ASAP

[Stormin2u]

Yup thanks have some fun looks like the rocks at Taylors Falls will be at their best for you guys tomorrow. "thumbsup"

[freetimecrawler]

Well Stormin, it was a great day on the rocks in Mn, the turnout was excellent, and I had a blast as usual "thumbsup"

But......
I wasn't all that happy with the truck.
It's going to get torn down, and totally re-built.
The front didn't seem to stay planted enough for me in the very steep vertical climbs.
I'm going to take Mike's suggestion to Kevin about his Berg, since we have very similar set-ups, and widen the truck by about 1/2". This should help the link geometry, and give me more options with mounting the links.
I'll post up as I make the changes. First I'm going to do a little more testing, and experimenting with the current truck, before I tear it down, so I can better tell what helps and what doesn't as I re-build. I haven't had a lot of time to run this truck yet.
I have my Ax10 dialed in pretty much how I like it, so I still have a comp rig to run. I think I'll plan on using this Berg for my '09' comp rig, and use the rest of this season to get it dialed in.
While the steering worked very well, and I had no clearance issues, I liked the set-up that I saw on Mnster's Berg yesterday, and may try and make something similar.

[Stormin2u]

Troy I'm sorry it didn't give you a good ride yesterday :-( I was hoping it would give you a nice result, you deserve it. "thumbsup" Yeah you should take your time and get your Berg set up just the way you like it. Maybe you can have it ready for Moab if not you've got your AX-10. What ever you decide you'll have a good time.

I bet the weather was excellent for you, it doesn't get much better than that. :D

[freetimecrawler]

Spent about 5 hours in the shop today, re-working the Berg.
I widened it to 2.5" outside of Plate to outside of plate.
Made new bent links with less bend, I'd say about 20 degrees, and stronger material. I'm right at 12.5" WB now, I was at 12.25" before the re-build.
I also lowered the Lipo down onto the skid plate from the front links, and changed out the ESC to a Tekin FXR Pro. However, when trying to program the new ESC, I found out the input button is not working :-(
I'm going to contact Tekin of course, but with Nats less then 3 weeks away, you can say I'm pretty fawking dissapointed.
I need to get this dialed in, and some wheel time on it before Nats.
I can't afford to sit and wait for Tekin to take care of this B.S.
I shyed away from the MM, because I haven't had any luck at all with Castle products.
Needless to say, I'm not a happy Tekin owner right now either :roll:
I might have to get the Tekin "Hotwire" to program this on the PC so I don't have to wait. Now the search to find One :-(
I took a few pic's of the new layout today, I'll get them resized and posted tonight.

[Eritex Inc.]

Not to jack your thread Troy, but here is a WK using the same chassis....

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/ShyGecko/RD400/picturesfromtheshop033.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/ShyGecko/RD400/picturesfromtheshop035.jpg

[AKRCC]

Looks good Troy. I really like your build. That chassis/axle combo looks like a performer. Great job "thumbsup"