Imthatguy experiments with an Ascender.

[imthatguy]

Out of the box, and assembled, there's some nice features, and some not so nice.

I like the miniature pumpkins on the axles. I don't like that the covers say "Vaterra".

I like the high steering angles. I don't like the link construction.

I like the adjustable chassis to accommodate multiple bodies. I don't like the link construction.

Thanks to GCM, and the Vaterra Ascender Combo kit, there's awesome changes afoot.



The kit upgrades the layout to make room for a full interior. Chris' stuff is incredible.



The transmission bit is awesome, and moves it where it should be. Helps with weight, and scale points.




Nice to have a GCM transfer case here too. The mount is amazing looking.



Chris also included the rear axle truss with helps fix the rear geometry. If you've got an Ascender, and feel like making it a Class 1 truck for maximum points, I'd definitely suggest you pick up this kit.



I've got some big plans for this, stay tuned.

[SteveC6R]

Nice start.

[Duuuuuuuude]

That GCM kit is the shizznit. I'm having a tough time talking myself out of buying one.

[jdmguy760]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

That GCM kit is the shizznit. I'm having a tough time talking myself out of buying one.

same here im just thinking where to mount servo winch

[new2rocks]

Glad to see you in here, Matt. Can't wait to see what you have in store.

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

That GCM kit is the shizznit. I'm having a tough time talking myself out of buying one.

Stop trying to talk yourself out of it and buy the damn thing already!

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by SteveC6R

Nice start.

Gotta start somewhere!

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

That GCM kit is the shizznit. I'm having a tough time talking myself out of buying one.

Originally Posted by jdmguy760

same here im just thinking where to mount servo winch

Chris really did his homework with this one. The only thing I'm not doing is putting a shifting servo in, but if you wanted to, he built a mount into the transfer case. See the pic below:

Originally Posted by new2rocks

Glad to see you in here, Matt. Can't wait to see what you have in store.

Stop trying to talk yourself out of it and buy the damn thing already!

Heh, I hope to have a bit of fun with this. Probably going with what I know and making a "Don't Scratch The Paint" competitor. I'm not sure that without some significant upgrading that the Ascender was built to perform in a typical SORRCA style event. That said, I know that GCM Chris and his partner in crime DtjClarke will be running them.

[WILLIE WILL]

Is that servo for the transfer case meaning it has high and low shifting capability.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by WILLIE WILL

Is that servo for the transfer case meaning it has high and low shifting capability.

Only if you're using the Vaterra Twin Hammers transmission.

[lsone]

My biggest complaint of the GCM setup is that it puts the motor on the wrong side. It compounds the torque twist on steep climbs. It looks rad and definitely adds scale points.

PS Im not one of those dick heads that complains about a product that he doesn't own lol.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by lsone

My biggest complaint of the GCM setup is that it puts the motor on the wrong side. It compounds the torque twist on steep climbs. It looks rad and definitely adds scale points.

PS Im not one of those dick heads that complains about a product that he doesn't own lol.

That's a lot of power you're running through that truck. I'm not surprised it's twisting!

Picked up some SSD's from GCM. Great looking wheels. Swapped out the super flimsy stock foams for some single stage ones that are a bit oversized. Much happier with the way they sit now.

[Natedog]

Very nice, love the SSD wheels too. UPdates man!

[microcrawlers]

what tires are those? i love them!

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by microcrawlers

what tires are those? i love them!

Pitbull MAD BEAST 1.9 SCALE RC TIRES W/2 STAGE FOAM - 2pcs
MAD BEAST 1.9 SCALE RC TIRES W/2 STAGE FOAM - 2pcs

[SMFtwstdHICK]

Originally Posted by new2rocks

Glad to see you in here, Matt. Can't wait to see what you have in store.



Stop trying to talk yourself out of it and buy the damn thing already!

No need for talking myself into it.. I done bought that kit just now.

[radendafox]

Originally Posted by imthatguy

Out of the box, and assembled, there's some nice features, and some not so nice.

I like the miniature pumpkins on the axles. I don't like that the covers say "Vaterra".

I didn't like the chrome or Vaterra lettering on the diff covers so I put on a few sprays a spray paint and now I have diffs that (nearly) match the axles and the paint covered up the words too.

[motakitty]

I'm thinking of shaving the letters off and painting em myself

[imthatguy]

Finally, an update!

Wow, almost a year later I finally get my self together and have decided this is Class 1 for the upcoming season. N00b and I have a friendly bet going that we're going to win all the everything with these.



Boy that stock steering throw is awesome.



To make sure it actually works properly and the suspension cycles, I've replaced the "shocks" that come with the Ascender from the "brilliant" people at Vaterra, with some shocks from Axial that, shockingly enough, actually do "something".

The fronts are stock, and the rears have a much stiffer upper spring from minimizing body roll.



And ooh la la, here's the body choice for this year. Equally top heavy and boxy, it's sure to get hung up on everything. But look good doing it. Going for NATO colours this year, because I have the paint already.



Don't tell anybody, but I'm modifying a New Bright JKU interior for this truck. Nobody will notice, they're actually very similar. And why would you expect anything less, I regularly cheat at tiny trucks.

[Natedog]

It's about time lol, very nice looking Mercedes will look brilliant in OD colors, interior looks like good match too. Can't wait to see what you and Pardonmynoob do with this C1 two-pronged assault!

[new2rocks]

Well done, sir. I've been abusing my Ascender for nearly a year with a very similar setup (stock front shocks and Dinky cantis in the rear, which I just replaced with the GCM shock relocation kit).
It's crazy how well the thing works without really trying to make it work well.

[Bananaclip]

Most excellent.