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Old 05-05-2020, 08:30 AM   #1
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Default Sawback for newbie military scale?

Just starting in rc trucks, working on an Element Trailwalker now for my main crawler. My main interest is building a military style jeep for scale work. I started to buy a Sawback years ago and never did. I saw some pictures of several on here like I have in mind building. I don't have much experience in painting but think I maybe able to get the olive drab look needed. Just wondering if the kit version needs as much work on the frame and suspension as the rc4wd trailfinder 2 does? I know the Sawback hardware will need to be changed and that's not a big deal but does the suspension need a bunch of mods just to be a trail jeep with a little crawling work thrown in? Been searching and reading as much as possible but want your guys opinion as I know you been there done that with the Sawback.
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Old 05-05-2020, 08:48 AM   #2
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

I have two Sawbacks and one TF2. In terms of quality and performance, the Sawbacks are better in every way. For a trail rig it will do just fine. The transmission is somewhat loud. I enjoy the squeak of the leaf springs as it bounces down the trail. It squeaks like an old truck should!

I'm not sure why you think the Sawback hardware needs to be replaced. It uses Phillips head screws, but the quality of the hardware is fine.

I would recommend the anti-wrap links if you plan on doing any crawling. I've bent a couple of sets of leaf springs before I got these, but I'm hard on my trucks. Other than that they have been rock solid.

https://www.rpphobby.com/product_p/gma30006.htm
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Old 05-05-2020, 09:12 AM   #3
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Thanks for the reply, and I only mentioned the hardware as I have seen complaints on the Phillips hardware. If it's quality hardware I have no problem with Phillips. I am new to kit building and mainly just going on others comments on here. I have never seen a Sawback in person just think its the best little leaf rig for the military scale i want to build. I maybe over my head building it as I don't have much experience but it will be a fall project with no rushing. Just want a start into building scale rc.
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Old 05-05-2020, 09:57 AM   #4
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

If you don't take your Sawback apart and put it back together a lot, the Phillips screws will be fine. Spoil yourself and get Peppe Musumeci's delrin leaf springs. He lives in Italy but ships worldwide and is happy to help (info@rc-crawler.it). His leaf springs will endure more abuse.
For the olive drab: I recently started using red "Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2x Ultracover Paint+Primer". Sticks to lexan and lets you use any other color on top (such as olive drab), if you paint the outside of the body.
Too bad, I lost all the pics of my Army Sawback and later changed it into a Bronco .

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Old 05-05-2020, 10:06 AM   #5
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

I enjoy GMade anyway, and my Sawback kit was just as enjoyable and build-friendly as my others. I changed nothing since I also had a military theme in mind. It trails and crawls just fine. I certainly had no issues with the hardware. They say you can't do it but I shot the paint on the outside using OD camo paint from Wally World, and it's held up just fine so far.

I wanted to go into more detail with the military concept but almost everything I found for decals and accessories was 1/6 GI Joe scale so I got kind of discouraged. This was the first rig I tried a coordinated, working steering wheel on, and it came out pretty well. I was able to downsize a Dragon 1/6 WWII figure to fit; had to replace his arms with cotton so he could turn the steering wheel. You can see it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8ucDAZBhgU&t=16s

Not sure where in NC you are...if you're not a million miles away, and if they ever open the parks again, I'd have no problem meeting up somewhere and letting you check it and take it for a run. Nothing beats hands-on experience to decide if something is right for you!
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Old 05-05-2020, 10:16 AM   #6
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2mtech View Post
This was the first rig I tried a coordinated, working steering wheel on, and it came out pretty well.
Like! And a good size driver too - most people use figures that are way too small. I did the same thing with mine - just had to in an open vehicle

I used that body later as an interior - you can still kinda see the Sawback in there:

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Old 05-05-2020, 10:24 AM   #7
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

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Originally Posted by fxman View Post
Like! And a good size driver too - most people use figures that are way too small. I did the same thing with mine - just had to in an open vehicle

I used that body later as an interior - you can still kinda see the Sawback in there:
Thanks! Nice job repurposing that interior!

Yeah, I tried using an Arnold 7" figure that's been waiting for something to drive, but he just didn't look right with the 24"-to-him steering wheel. I used to collect Dragon figures so it kind of hurt my feelings dismembering this one to make it fit, but at least it wasn't a limited release guy. If you're going to do a figure in an open body rig like a Sawback it for sure needs to look appropriate.
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Old 05-05-2020, 10:35 AM   #8
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Mine is "The Six Million Dollar Man" from Bif Bang Pow - 8" tall. Sitting, he doesn't even look that big. Originally I even used "Big Jim" figures for it, which are app. 10" tall and put their heads level with the top part of the windshield of the Sawback. The cool part about both of them is, that they have joints everywhere and clothes made from real cloth.
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Old 05-05-2020, 11:17 AM   #9
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxman View Post
Spoil yourself and get Peppe Musumeci's delrin leaf springs. He lives in Italy but ships worldwide and is happy to help (info@rc-crawler.it). His leaf springs will endure more abuse.
That's a great tip. I may have to try some of those. Thank you!
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Old 05-05-2020, 02:09 PM   #10
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

2mtech that is an awesome video and the driver with working steering wheel is something I wanted as well. The scale guns are great as well, and the trail you ran is about what I had mind nothing major but still a working jeep. I saw someone posted a picture of one that was weathered and the frame and suspension was as well. With plating on the rails and other parts I may be over my head on that effect. I enjoy the building and working on the equipment more that actually driving them, just a weird thing about stress relief from day job I guess. I need to look into so much more for this project, as I am a true beginner. Scale is something interests me but haven't researched enough yet for the appropriate items needed. Just an old man who has found a new hobby. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old 05-05-2020, 02:12 PM   #11
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxman View Post
If you don't take your Sawback apart and put it back together a lot, the Phillips screws will be fine. Spoil yourself and get Peppe Musumeci's delrin leaf springs. He lives in Italy but ships worldwide and is happy to help (info@rc-crawler.it). His leaf springs will endure more abuse.

For the olive drab: I recently started using red "Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2x Ultracover Paint+Primer". Sticks to lexan and lets you use any other color on top (such as olive drab), if you paint the outside of the body.

Too bad, I lost all the pics of my Army Sawback and later changed it into a Bronco .



Attachment 389143
Thanks for the information on the leaf springs and I will look into this as well. The paint information is just what I needed as I don't air brush stuff yet.
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Old 05-05-2020, 06:54 PM   #12
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Sent an email inquiring about the delrin leaf springs. Also looking to see where I can purchase a kit from a vendor who can actually deliver it in this crazy time we are in.
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Old 05-11-2020, 07:07 AM   #13
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Got the Sawback kit in and was a little surprised with the size. Good looking kit so far but man that nickel is bright. Got to do something about that before its done. Got axials put together as well as tranny. Got the leafs installed as kit option 1 with long and medium spring setup. Got the anti-wrap bars coming later this week. I think I am going to use HW-1080 with Trailmaster sport 540 35t. Never used the HW so im sure it will be learning experience. Planning on using 2s only. Will the 540 fit without issues with the body? Also is the frame servo mount preferred over the axial mount for performance or is it just for scale looks? Trying to decide on electronics is hard for a beginner, as well as the body painting. Got a lot to do before any updates.
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Old 05-11-2020, 09:26 AM   #14
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

you'll get better performance with axle mounted servo, but i prefer frame mounted for "scaleness".

axle mounted servo
Pros:
1 no movement between servo and steering knuckle.
2 left and right steering angle easier to adjust

cons:
1 big blocky servo on axle
2 in some cases servo can hit frame/chassis in full compression

frame mounted servo
Pros:
1 hides big servo and looks more scale for "standard" vehicle builds
2 cause its cool?

cons:
1 multiple directions of movement between servo and axle causing bumpsteer (can be mitigated with 3 link and panhard setup)
2 side to side axle movement translates to lost steering angle (caused by link or spring mounts slop)

there's other issues that i missed i'm sure.

in the end this is your truck, build it the way that gives you satisfaction.
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Old 05-11-2020, 09:29 AM   #15
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxman View Post
Like! And a good size driver too - most people use figures that are way too small. I did the same thing with mine - just had to in an open vehicle

I used that body later as an interior - you can still kinda see the Sawback in there:

Attachment 389144
i like.

are the inner front fender wells "Tupperware" containers?

nice work.
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Old 05-11-2020, 10:50 AM   #16
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Thanks for that information since I am totally new to all this I will just stick with axial mount right now. I was not able to view the attachment for some reason? One thing for sure this forum is great and I'm learning so much from all you pros.
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Old 05-12-2020, 07:33 PM   #17
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Got the Sawback kit together and waiting on electronics. Had a few issues but got it all figured out. Got to paint body next and that will be this weekend due to work schedule. Agree on the suspension doesn't have much flex built stock. Not a concern right now though as got to get the look I want first. What is the recommended upgrade on the front and rear drive shafts since folks are saying that is the weak part of the sawback?
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Old 05-19-2020, 06:31 PM   #18
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

I know everyone has seen this before just a picture to let you know its built stock. I have installed the anti wrap bars and painted the body but don't have an updated picture. I am working on stock Willys look and want to try building inner fenders as well as some additional body extras from plastic. So will be a learning experience as I have never attempted working with plastic sheets before. I know this is not an interesting new kit but its a good learning experience for a newbie.
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Old 05-19-2020, 07:10 PM   #19
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Congrats! It's still exciting to me because I love this truck!
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Old 05-19-2020, 07:41 PM   #20
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Default Re: Sawback for newbie military scale?

Good to hear that somebody still likes the older kits. I got to figure out this scale stuff and how to work with styrene sheets. Also want to try the working steering wheel mod and I know this is all old stuff to the pros on here but I got to start somewhere. Thanks Jato
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