first time builder Vaterra Ascender 1986 Blazer

[prontozuk]

I am building my first kit.

I have had tamiya Porsche cayenne scalers and AX10 2.2 (which i first bought in 2009) i have losi 1/24 trail trekker, traxxas summit. But they have all been RTR. so this is my first Kit.

My list of items
Vaterra Ascender 1986 Blazer K-5 Rock Crawler Kit
Holmes Hobbies TrailMaster Sport 540 Brushed Motor (35T)
Hobbywing QuicRun Waterproof 1080 Brushed Crawling ESC
Power HD Waterproof 4.8-6.6V Super Torque Digital Servo
Axial JCROffroad Roof Rack
Austar 1.9" 100mm tires
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4Pcs-Aus...4AAOSw3Fpaoqmh
AUSTAR AX-616BK Beadlock rims
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4Pcs-AUS...IAAOSwusdaeWni






Looking for a look like. I know the following are not 1986 but earlier models but I like hte two tone.

[Natedog]

Congrats on your first kit, welcome to the Ascender section and looks like you’re off to a good start! I like the two tone paint also, the last picture grey and white or what ever colors you choose is nice.

[prontozuk]

Hi natedog, thanks. Yeah I am still tossing up between the two. I might do blue and white first as if i don't like it I can always get another clear body.

[M1tch]

Welcome and hope your enjoy the build. The two tone paint scheme looks good.

[prontozuk]

chassis built.. and body taped up... just for PS-16 metallic blue and PS-1 white paint job. I was struggling to tape up.

[Yeti.stealth]

Oh yeah! Another Aussie Ascender!!!!

Welcome to the forum.

[prontozuk]

thanks yeti

[wyd]

Congrats on your new kit. The Ascender really is an excellent crawler. Can't wait to see how you end up painting it.

[prontozuk]

this is first paint job and i have done my first coat and i realised there is a small crack in the tape... and it might have sprayed through.

[Natedog]

Not much to do now, but put another piece of tape, burnish all edges of tape and spray next coat. Can always outside paint later, even experienced painters make a booboo sometimes.

[prontozuk]

I took the tape off and the paint had got through a little in the rear corner above were the tail lights would be. Using nail polish remover and got 90% off.

[prontozuk]

two blue and white done. I taped off between blue and white as i did the blue one first and liked how deep it is so use a black plastic dip paint over the top to cover (but not to thick) just to keep it covered .

[Natedog]

I kinda forgot about the nail polish remover, mix it 50/50 with acetone for a bit more bite removing overspray and works best when paint has not fully cured. Nice blue and white!

[prontozuk]

to late... but next time i will note this.

[prontozuk]

thanks natedog.

[skinnyj]

Looks good for a first time body.

I feel your pain. When I painted mine, I hadn't painted a body in about 20+ years, so it was like starting from scratch. My problem was that I tried to get fancy and do the window trim in a "chrome-ish" color. Trying to mask those recesses and getting clean lines isn't easy. Also, the window masks that come with the kit don't seem to be well cut, at least in my experience...

If you look closely, you can see the bleed in the trim edges around the windshield and the rear window:

[prontozuk]

Originally Posted by skinnyj

Looks good for a first time body.

I feel your pain. When I painted mine, I hadn't painted a body in about 20+ years, so it was like starting from scratch. My problem was that I tried to get fancy and do the window trim in a "chrome-ish" color. Trying to mask those recesses and getting clean lines isn't easy. Also, the window masks that come with the kit don't seem to be well cut, at least in my experience...

If you look closely, you can see the bleed in the trim edges around the windshield and the rear window:

Yeah i am very happy with the end result. I was going to use the body trim stickers but I thought i might not try so hard my first attempt.

[prontozuk]

Originally Posted by Browneye

Looks good.

Thanks browneye

[prontozuk]

almost done....

still need some inner fender wheels.

[prontozuk]

Getting in some run time. A little flex shots.