This is my Wraith, there are many like it, but this one is mine...

[MetalNut]

I'm finally ready to show you my build. Despite my rather old age, this is my first kit build and only my second "real" RC (the other being the MiniQuake you'll see in the pictures). Needless to say, I love my Wraith.

Being an engineer, I have some OCD issues, plan and replan, and pay attention to details. As such, the build took me a few weeks, since I wanted to get everything just the way I envisioned. It's nothing revolutionary, but I had some ideas in mind and worked towards implementing them.

What you see is a rather standard kit build, but with a number of upgrades and a few modifications. A bunch of Vanquish parts, and many other upgrades from Harley's Bulletproof Wraith thread. The drive train is completely upgraded, except for the axle housings and transmission housing. Those upgrades are next, I just need another pay check

I relocated the battery up front, but reused the stock electronics box for the RX and the Axial LED controller. The BEC is in the back (in the Radio Shack box), and the ESC is in the back as well. I spent a lot of time waterproofing everything, which is why you see all the liquid electrical tape. I also spent a lot of time routing and zip-tying all of the wires, trying to get a neat but also flexible (and easy to take apart) wiring job.

I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out so far. Like I said, VP axle housings are next, along with a bed cover I've hand-sown, better top shock mounts (kit on the way), and a rear window cage to mount the guns.

You can't tell, but the body paint is actually black metallic and shimmers in the sunlight. I'm not a fan of flashy colors or stickers, hence the very plain and subdued look. Red on black is my favorite color combination, so I kept that in mind while painting.

Let me know what you think. I'll have some more pictures and some action shots soon

I can also provide a parts list if anyone is interested

[crawlpak]

looks good.Nice work

[Grumpytruck 909]

Nice build, I'm surprised your using velcro to hold down your box in the back. Lots of options there.

[MetalNut]

Originally Posted by Grumpytruck 909

Nice build, I'm surprised your using velcro to hold down your box in the back. Lots of options there.

There is a reason to my madness :-) I'm not sure if I'll keep the box there, as I'd like a rear servo winch. I didn't want to shoe goo the box down, and I couldn't find a better way without drilling the chassis. If you have other ideas I'm all ears.

[jkustomz28]

looks really good

[Pau Hana]

Looking good!!

[Postclanker]

Really looks nice
Wheel and tire combo are killer as are your color choices.
You can tell you're an engineer...everything in it's place seriously, looks terrific

[Yotapane]

well done sir...very clean and great wheel and tire combo looks sweet blacked out and those wheels really pop

[MetalNut]

Well, finally had a chance to run my Wraith in the wild. Couple of observations

1. Holy hell, I love it!
2. It moves lighter on its wheels than its actual weight would suggest.
3. I had no idea how long a Lipo can last!

Here are some action shots, sorry about the cell phone quality

[BigGuyJT]

Sweet ride MN!!!! I have been wanting to build a Wraith and you got me all worked about about it.

[MetalNut]

Originally Posted by BigGuyJT

Sweet ride MN!!!! I have been wanting to build a Wraith and you got me all worked about about it.

You should totally go for it dude, it's everything it has been talked up to be. I love it

[BigGuyJT]

Originally Posted by MetalNut

You should totally go for it dude, it's everything it has been talked up to be. I love it

I sure will. I work part time at my LHS for store credit and employee discount so I need together some more time in!

[RiderZ]

That's a sweet looking ride.Love the red seats with the black.Good job!!!

[RcScott]

Very nice Wraith. Tastefully done.

[Bansh88]

Awesome truck. Might be my favorite I've seen.

I've been meaning to ask about receiver antennas. They dont need to be put up verticasl through the good? We dont really get too far away from our rigs.

[MetalNut]

Originally Posted by Bansh88

Awesome truck. Might be my favorite I've seen.

I've been meaning to ask about receiver antennas. They dont need to be put up verticasl through the good? We dont really get too far away from our rigs.

This is my first 2.4 GHz system, so I'm far from an expert. My previous systems were AM, so antenna placement mattered. I have two Futaba receivers, one micro with no antenna at all, and the other one that's in the Wraith with an antenna. All I did was get the antenna away from other wires and electronics, to minimize interference. But I don't believe a layer of lexan or an any other plastic would make any difference, so I left it under the hood. As I said, my other micro receiver has no antenna at all, and that works without a problem.

Technology is getting crazy

[Bansh88]

Whats the box in the rear?

[BodiBuilt]

Clean and simple, I like it

[Charel]

Very nice and clean looking rig there bud, well done!

[throttlejock27]

I like it, what wheels are those?