2mtech's TF2 LWB LC70 build

[2mtech]

So I'd been engaging in some deep, philosophical introspection waiting for Big Brown...



When he finally showed up, yay!!



Man, better than Christmas! Finally my first 1.55 scaler, first hard body, first DTC, first 2-spd, first...well, you get the idea.



Got so excited I was inspired to shoot my first unboxing video. Don't watch it, it's horrible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seP7tfNpacI&t=16s

[2mtech]

If you chose to ignore me and watched the horrible video anyway, you already know I was impressed. Sorry, IMPRESSED. I was excited opening the Vaterra Ascender and CMX kits, but this was another dimension. Homage to RC4WD, we're not worthy.

Already had some other things in the mail and a few yet to be ordered, but just had to start building:





Gotta love how things fit together (perfectly). Have to confess I broke out the IPB from the CMX for the hardware chart...made it a lot easier finding the right size fasteners.



And after not too long there's a frame

[new2rocks]

Yeah, you! Looking forward to seeing your progress...

[2mtech]

Duplicate post

[2mtech]

After reading a lot on here, including the TF2 Guide to the Galaxy, and some more personal guidance from my new bestest buddy new2rocks, the upgrade list started:

- Gelande II front shock hoops
- RC4WD Old Man Emu 90mm shocks (going to be yellow out front, may as well be yellow out back too)
- BowHouse RC skidplate & coupler
- BowHouse RC rear shackle mounts
- r3designz interior (righthand drive, of course)

Only have the shocks on hand for now, but everything else is inbound



Found a Model Masters rattle can red that should be fairly close to the Toyota Merlot. I know, I know...I have all next weekend to be a Class B bachelor so I'm going to summon up some cerveza courage and actually unpackage the $150 air brush I bought a year ago. A POS Pactra specimen and a can of Propel and I had an ugly confrontation 30 years ago, culminating with said specimen and propellant in the dumpster after they won, but I've since painted 1:1 cars and trailers with an HVLP gun, so how hard could it be?

Would love to find some factory appearance wheels for the turk but I want to stay 1.55. Any of you gurus have any suggestions?

[2mtech]

Originally Posted by new2rocks

Yeah, you! Looking forward to seeing your progress...

It IS all largely your fault, of course...so thanks!!

[new2rocks]

Originally Posted by 2mtech

...I've since painted 1:1 cars and trailers with an HVLP gun, so how hard could it be?

We all know what happens every time Jeremy Clarkson asks that same question...

Originally Posted by 2mtech

Would love to find some factory appearance wheels for the turk but I want to stay 1.55. Any of you gurus have any suggestions?

How about one of these:
http://www.boomracingrc.com/index.ph...ch&search=1.55

And if you don't mind glue-one, these look sweet:
http://store.rc4wd.com/Cruiser-155-A...al_p_5480.html

Originally Posted by 2mtech

It IS all largely your fault, of course...so thanks!!

:-P

[2mtech]

Originally Posted by new2rocks

We all know what happens every time Jeremy Clarkson asks that same question...

Good point!

Originally Posted by new2rocks

How about one of these:
Search - 1.55

And if you don't mind glue-one, these look sweet:
Cruiser 1.55" Aluminum Wheels (Gun Metal)

I don't mind glue on for this application anyway, and those wheels are cool for Landy type...but the problem is the Killerbody is a GXL since it has the two-tone bumper, and they get the premium wheels:



I searched all the usual places, and a few unusual ones...may be too tall an order as 1.55 doesn't share near the popularity the 1.9's do. May have to suck it up.

[2mtech]

These aren't bad, just not terribly reflective of the LC wheels:

Vapor 1.55" Beadlock Wheels

[2mtech]

Sadly I had to let Steve & Mark go...



These idiots decided to press on with the build without reading all the way through BOTH manuals, the one for the chassis AND the one for the body. Come to find out, the TF2 LWB chassis has to be configured completely differently to accommodate the LC70 mount parts. So fortunately they didn't get too far before I caught their ignorant blunder. Some parts, like the rock sliders, aren't even used.

So word to the wise, especially if your contractor pool consists only of ex-wrestlers and you can't keep the foreman conscious, keep a close eye on them!

[Fatman489]

Not exactly the same but have you seen the rc4wd truckie wheels .. gearhead rc also makes a couple glue ons that look similar ... that body has a bunch tiny screws lol but 200% worth it in the end

[2mtech]

Originally Posted by Fatman489

Not exactly the same but have you seen the rc4wd truckie wheels .. gearhead rc also makes a couple glue ons that look similar ... that body has a bunch tiny screws lol but 200% worth it in the end

The Truckies are interesting to be sure...they look like the American Racing wheels I had on my '69 Chevelle back in the day

"Bunch" and "tiny" are good terms lol...glad I have the lit magnifier or I'd never get it together!

[Fatman489]

Yea the ones behind the headlights I had to get my ole lady to help me with because i have big ole gorilla hands and sausage fingers lol

[2mtech]

Originally Posted by Fatman489

Yea the ones behind the headlights I had to get my ole lady to help me with because i have big ole gorilla hands and sausage fingers lol

lol...trucker's curse

[2mtech]

What perfect timing...whole weekend to myself and the Shapeways box arrives yesterday with BowHouse goodies:



The build begins again...

[IVIaarten]

How much clearance do you gain with the BowHouse skid compared to the original?

[2mtech]

Originally Posted by IVIaarten

How much clearance do you gain with the BowHouse skid compared to the original?

It's a good 10mm height gain, and smoother geometry.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

[2mtech]

Well, it's been a long, long time, but this truck is finally put together. I can't say finished, because it's not really finished, I'm just finished with it.







I hate to have to admit that I just don't like this rig. I did not enjoy building it as I have other kits, I didn't enjoy test running it before assembling the body, I had a horrible painting experience (mostly because of inadequate lighting, poor choice of paint and my aging skills), and I did not enjoy assembling the body.

I'm not new to painting. Maybe a little rusty, but not rusty enough to account for the horrible result I got with Testor's Model Master rattle cans. I won't say any more about that. I have an airbrush and will use it from now on.

I know a lot of people love Trailfinders. I'm not one of them, so obviously it's just a personal thing.

That said, if anybody, especially localish, has an SCX10 II or a TRX-4 they want to trade, let me know ;)

[Levi]

That's too bad your not liking your truck. I think it looks great,.loving the red paint job. But like you said it's everyone has there own opionion. I'll take if off your hands for free that is, haha. I know it don't work that way. Im still building my tf2, think it's been about five or six months now and still not finished. If i build another rc4wd this truck it will be the landcruzier for sure. Hopefully you find a good trade out there close to you. Especially after this truck looks so nice.

[new2rocks]

Before you give up on the truck, give it a go at GCM Adventure Series this weekend. I'll even let you try my LWB for comparison. It really is a fun truck, and if that doesn't convince you, I'm sure you can find a buyer or trading partner there. "thumbs up"