Looking at a Cross RC demon.

[Crawl_B4_I_Walk]

I've got my eye on a Cross SG4-C for a week or so, but every time I get ready to click the "checkout" button, I picture that clockwork transmission just exploding on the first outing. I've watched as many YT videos as I could find, but every one just ohs and ahs over the looks and the lights. That RC_Review guy said his broke when he "Gave it a little gas in a bind." I haven't been able to find much in the way of an "after a year with" type review. If any of you guys have any real world experience with one, could you chime in? How has it held up? I'm not expecting to dominate the competition, but I'd like it to be another reliable "trail truck" that my son and I can take hiking.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lkvisser]

“Clock work gearing”.., [emoji23]

So true..., I bought mine used, and I am also scared for the same reasons. I also figure if something does happen, I’ll probably find an alternative to replacement parts.
I also have a weird knock coming from somewhere and I haven’t tracked it down yet... I am also not rough with my rigs., don’t think I’ve broke anything on any rig except a servo or plastics from a fall. Most of my rigs are brushed..,
There is a bit of play in drivetrain.., fine for a trail rig. It’s also heavy, and top heavy
True North RC on Facebook has a beautiful build, and speaks highly of it. I’ve trailed with him and will have a vid out soon with his rig in it.
RC Trailblazer has quite a few vids on his YouTube channel..., he seems to have put it through its paces.

One of my favourite vids...
https://youtu.be/BWDYkSC997w

Another
https://youtu.be/kJ90cVR5Df0


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[ICHItheKILLER]

You have to baby it. Not good for bashing. Those clockwork gears will strip. I’m on my second transmission, it started out as a little clicking sound, and then went to grinding,then to striped gears. Easy to replace. Crawling is great for me with weight in tires and on axles. I would set the settings for forward and reverse on low, maybe help out?

 

[Crawl_B4_I_Walk]

I’ll probably find an alternative to replacement parts.

I'm wondering what options might be for different transmission though. Looks like they went with that thing to be able to have the full interior. Might be able to run a shaft and mount a more standard one elsewhere.

You have to baby it. Not good for bashing. Those clockwork gears will strip. I’m on my second transmission, it started out as a little clicking sound, and then went to grinding,then to striped gears. Easy to replace. Crawling is great for me with weight in tires and on axles. I would set the settings for forward and reverse on low, maybe help out?

Thanks for the info. I may have to pass. So hard to decide between scale and tough. I know that's a hard balance for a manufacturer to pull off also...

 

[lkvisser]

Regarding possible drivetrain changes...
I’m a big fan of GCMracing
Gcm forward facing mount for scx
Or
Gcm scale trans ($$$)

I’ve seen the trans replaced with tf2 overdrive case., possible tf2 motor would work...

Either way you probably couldn’t keep the faux engine cover


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[JacktheRipper]

I've got my eye on a Cross SG4-C for a week or so, but every time I get ready to click the "checkout" button, I picture that clockwork transmission just exploding on the first outing. I've watched as many YT videos as I could find, but every one just ohs and ahs over the looks and the lights. That RC_Review guy said his broke when he "Gave it a little gas in a bind." I haven't been able to find much in the way of an "after a year with" type review. If any of you guys have any real world experience with one, could you chime in? How has it held up? I'm not expecting to dominate the competition, but I'd like it to be another reliable "trail truck" that my son and I can take hiking.

Thanks in advance!

Ok so "ohs and ahs over the looks and the lights"

Well have you seen the rigs folks buy, install the extra lights, add the details picks, jacks , beer cans and so on. Post the pictures, what are they doing ..........ohs and ahs? And the forum ........... ohs and ahs?


It is very possible the ohs and ahs over the CROSS kits are because the add on's are unexpected and in the box .

The scale look of the CROSS kits cannot be denied, have not seen another equal other than a total one off scratch build.

Transmission exploding, abuse any mechanical device you can destroy it, even easier with toys. BTW drive train slop is very common, for many reasons.

Happy hunting

 

[Crawl_B4_I_Walk]

Ok so "ohs and ahs over the looks and the lights"

Well have you seen the rigs folks buy, install the extra lights, add the details picks, jacks , beer cans and so on. Post the pictures, what are they doing ..........ohs and ahs? And the forum ........... ohs and ahs?


It is very possible the ohs and ahs over the CROSS kits are because the add on's are unexpected and in the box .

The scale look of the CROSS kits cannot be denied, have not seen another equal other than a total one off scratch build.

Transmission exploding, abuse any mechanical device you can destroy it, even easier with toys. BTW drive train slop is very common, for many reasons.

Happy hunting

I think you misunderstood me, or maybe I misrepresented my point. The rig DEFINITELY deserves the "ohs and ahs". 100%. There is not another kit that can be made that completely scale out of the box. I just meant I wasn't able to find anyone talking about reliability in use. I just like to know as much as possible about something before I buy it. I've already ordered it yesterday, so I'm in.

 

[JacktheRipper]

To be clear i am no expert, looked quite a bit before I bought a rig. Had the same question you asked, cause I like scale & solid performance.

What I noticed regarding the touted performers, generally start in the same price rang. Plus side they have a plentiful selection of up gradable options. So true cost jumps quite a bit, all totaled.

I 'm not in the habit of taking time building a model, then go to bashing (crawler term) the thing, constantly replacing broken parts.

Of course the suppliers love it, and the time spent waiting, finding parts, not a regular event I want in my spare time.

My understanding of the term bashing, is not to destroy. Originally the term usage was, kit bashing....assemble different parts to create.


If you did decide on the Demon, you’ll be happy with the purchase. Have 2 CROSS trucks, 1 finished the other building for the wife.

Be sure to post the build as you go. Many are interested in seeing different model manufactured completed. With the individual influences an owner puts into its completion.

Cheers,
pep

 

[lkvisser]

To be clear i am no expert, looked quite a bit before I bought a rig. Had the same question you asked, cause I like scale & solid performance.

What I noticed regarding the touted performers, generally start in the same price rang. Plus side they have a plentiful selection of up gradable options. So true cost jumps quite a bit, all totaled.

I 'm not in the habit of taking time building a model, then go to bashing (crawler term) the thing, constantly replacing broken parts.

Of course the suppliers love it, and the time spent waiting, finding parts, not a regular event I want in my spare time.

My understanding of the term bashing, is not to destroy. Originally the term usage was, kit bashing....assemble different parts to create.


If you did decide on the Demon, you’ll be happy with the purchase. Have 2 CROSS trucks, 1 finished the other building for the wife.

Be sure to post the build as you go. Many are interested in seeing different model manufactured completed. With the individual influences an owner puts into its completion.

Cheers,
pep

Well said., and by supporting the company they’ll (hopefully) improve on what they already have. Competition in the field is great!


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[mv1985]

I purchased a Demon FR4 RTR last Christmas when flea bay had them for $280. Took it to USTE 2020, three Rock crawling comps and several gtg with buddies whenever we find some rocks. I've been pretty rough on it and so far it's holding up well. No tranny issues or any breakage of parts. Maybe I've just been lucky and after this post it will take a dump[emoji38]

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[mv1985]

This was right after the last comp.

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