RCCrawler Forums - OptimusV6's WK build and first impressions.

There are some amazing builds in these site, and this may not get to be one of them (not trying to build the ultimate comp crawler or the ultimate scale crawler), but I want to try to answer all the questions I had before deciding to buy my Wheely King. On the plus side, I have some nice picture for everyone to see.

I decided to buy the Wheely King for two reasons, first, the kit is just $130! Very good price... and I wanted to use all the extra Traxxas parts I had (servos, radios, speed controls...)! And second, I didn't want a slow crawler, but something I could bash with and crawl at the same time (like a 1:1 off-road truck). I just love speed...

First impression: If you have driven a traxxas slash, believe me, you will find the wheely king SLOW for a basher... even with a 2S.... If you want a 4x4 basher, be prepared to buy a brushless motor or change the esc and use a 12t brushed motor.

For the crawling part, I knew I wanted to extend the chassis with the HPI kit, but I wanted to be able to pop a wheelie with the nimh battery, at least in an small incline. So, off the bat, battery tray will remain in the back. Some pics:

Stock

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/...c5c3fa7597.jpg

Starting the build

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/...ecd8cffb5f.jpg

I really hate these!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/...69bc3fd845.jpg

Extended wheelbase and locked differentials...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/...41937b1ffe.jpg

Proline beadlocks and tires... really, wheels are the best upgrade... after that, locked differentials and extended wheelbase.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/...c687dd2539.jpg

Over the axle servo.... and of course, a Dremel is your best friend (also, the servo saver of the WK sucks!)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...e815a761ae.jpg

Finally, you can see the battery location for crawling, the 2S lipo lets me have plenty of torque and power...a 3S would be great, but the xl-5 esc will not handle that voltage. If I am going in reverse in a small incline, I can hit forward and the WK will wheely, not a full "I need the wheely bar" wheely, but enough to impress people and have fun. With a 7 cell nihm in the stock location, it is a "I am vertical" wheely!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/...25e108ed0e.jpg

For electronics and motor, I am currently runing traxxas servo, esc and radio, and stock motor and gearing (21/90 right?)

I have a 93t spur and a 45t Integy lathe motor, but haven't install them yet. Future mods (meaning, thing are on the mail) are MG946R servo with aluminum horn, DNA chassis and Rubicon body.

Final thought: as a trail runner, non comp crawler.... its great (just extend the chassis, lock diffs and get crawling wheels and tires)! If you really want to compete, just understand that a lot of mods will be necessary (but definitely possible, just look at Rottenbelly's or Stampedeproject's rigs!). Anyway, I don't regret my purchase at all... half the fun is tinkering with your rig (except painting, I hate painting)!

I will post action pics later... I need to get back to work :?

Cheers,

Joe