Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Look what arrived yesterday! I was able to get my hands on an early release of this new kit and I jumped right in and got to work.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...1bd4bdca5891c5


Nicole sent me these pictures while I was at work, so blame her for the photobombing feline.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...4afce4c95eb7d8

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Videos

Episode 1
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1I0KDkjo0IA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 2
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xsXoYpdKgXs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 3
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1klAK2FJHe8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 4
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fOMVaT560gE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 5
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aLZFNZVLGac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 6
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WLkcFc-6R00" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Extra: Fender Welding
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wlGjDnlXamU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 7
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m80tT18E5dc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Episode 8
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZIFA546hno" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Current Setup

• Vaterra HD Pinion Gears
• Vaterra Aluminum Knuckles
• Vaterra Aluminum C-hubs
• Vaterra Knuckle Weights
• Vaterra Rear Axle adapters
• Vaterra Aluminum Shocks
• RC4x4 Performance Stainless Links
• GCM Front Mounted Transmission
• GCM Transfer Case
• GCM Rear Upper Link Riser
• MIP Driveshafts
• Vanquish Products OMF Wheels
• Pitbull 1.55 Growlers
• Holmes Hobbies BRXL
• Holmes Hobbies 13t Crawlmaster
• Futaba S9157 Servo
• Castle BEC

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

I jumped into the build last night and started wrenching away. My hands literally hurt today from spinning wrenches since the TSA took my power driver the last time I flew to Utah :evil:

First thing I did was take a look at this body. It's BIG :shock:

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...36&oe=549E38C2

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...2c&oe=5486A80F

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...9f1aed6f8db127

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

The first step in the assembly of the kit is the transmission. The assembly was quite easy, although a few more parts compared to the traditional Axial.

Here is a side by side. Remember that this new trans is capable of housing a 2 speed gear set inside (not included). Sorry these aren't Badger quality photos, but you get my awesome commentary instead of his snarky replies! :mrgreen:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...33fc1429f9c8fa


https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...f7&oe=54A14289


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...8d3dfb84e78106

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Subscribed - watching with mucho interest

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Next up was the axle housings! The part everyone is most excited about.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...ba029be92dc0f9


The gear set is much smaller than an Axial, roughly half the diameter. Now this is great for scale appearance and under diff clearance. However it also means a higher gear ratio which will cause more torque twist that we need to battle. Everything comes at a price.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...5effa3ff09b107


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...06cd6124fd1dd1

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...85a9796910699a


The diff cover is what retains the ring gear in place. This is one area of slight concern. Depending on the horsepower you try and run I may worry that this could be an area of weakness. I'll watch for an aluminum option here in the future. For now though, that's just a theory and only testing will tell if it's actually an issue.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...416749c6d7570d


The included CVD's seem to be nice and stout.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...64776960c2a246

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

The assembly was easy and straightforward. Steering stops are molded into the inner C, this should be a big factor in keeping the axle shafts alive. Don't worry though, there is still a massive amount of steering for a box stock kit.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...f1aafcefe1d919


The hex to hex dimension of the axle is basically the same as an Axial axle.

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...31&oe=5492F9EC


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...59ce60092c0237

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Moving along to the chassis. This thing is very stout. Much heavier when comparing to an SCX chassis.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...07845684ad3884


All of the braces and mounts feel sturdy. One thing to note that I didn't get a picture of yet is the skid plate is very busy. The chassis is straight from front to back, there is no taper in the middle. So to fit the motor and trans as low as possible to achieve some link separation, they rotated the transmission. By doing this it caused the need to rotate the mounting points. This causes some deep pockets to be needed in the skid. These could be possible hang points when in the rocks. I will get a picture of this later.

Overall, this is a sturdy and beefy chassis.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...da2ffa7850430b

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Moving right along.

The chassis mounted servo mount is a simple and effective method of getting the job done.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...31339098ca8bf5


The angle of the drag link is a little steep, and the link is also shorter than the panhard mount. So there is some bump steer, but it is not excessive. I have a video of this that will be included in the in-depth video breakdown of the kit.

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...fd&oe=54CF4158

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

The stopping point for last night was when I got it to a roller. It was getting late and I needed to get up early still.

Now while the included Super Swampers are a nice looking tire and they feel sticky enough, I can't just leave things alone. I threw on my new Vanquish 8-hole wheels and Gladiator tires.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...73b1c793b71d87


https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...eb&oe=54CCBE39


The suspension cycles great and feels stable. The shocks are pretty similar to a SCX shock. Nothing much to hit on there.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...88ec724a91c51c




MORE SOON!!!

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Thanks for the build pics mang!

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

I can't frickin wait for mine to get here "thumbsup"

So I shall stalk this thread til it gets here :lmao:

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Thanks for the build pics!!!!!! I think this thread just made my mind up for me"thumbsup"

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

I think you have sold me on an Ascender.... I look forward to the remainder of the build up.


It's amazing how much that Vaterra body swallows up the JK body, and we thought that the JK body was bigger than average.

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Agreed looking good. I'm gonna wait for some durability reports though.

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

First RC I've been kinda interested in lately.

Isn't the drag link technically from the servo arm pivot point to where the combined two steering linkages pivot at the knuckle arm? That's ultimately where it's pushing against.


And, is the picture deceiving or is the castor going the wrong way? As in, the knuckles are on the wrong side, which would raise the steering arm and then there's your better angle.

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...fd&oe=54CF4158

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

I wondered the same thing about the castor

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

There is an error in the manual and I installed the 66mm upper link as opposed to the 61mm upper link. Rich posted that known error correction in his other thread, but I forgot to fix that when I assembled it.

Re: Harley's Vaterra Ascender Build
 

Are you referring to the "effective" length of the drag link? While that would be the force path, such as referring to the geometry of a bent link, the way the drag link functions in relation to the panhard is still based on the attachment point to the axle, which on this axle is on the tie rod.

OR am I missing what you are referring to?