Scale "Bragging Rights" September Scaler Safari
Location: Stone Mountain Park, parking lot at base of trail to the top of the mountain.
When: Sept 2015 (date TBA)
Objective: Taking scale rc vehicles to the top of the mountain and back down without human interference. Any 2.2, 1.9, or 1.55 vehicle built in a scale manner can compete. The more scale you are, the more fun you will have. The goal isn’t a time limit for this trip, it is completing the trip. It is simply about overcoming a challenge and the feeling of accomplishment in completing the trip.
The Suggested Guidelines:
- This is a safari trip, that means your truck does all the work. All the support equipment needed (tools/extra batteries/spare parts) are to be carried in/on/behind (in a trailer) the vehicle. You can carry your own support equipment that is non vehicle related like water/food/camera/etc…
- It is only going to be accomplished through the “buddy system”. There are a lot of obstacles that it will take two (or more) to get through. Winches, tow straps, bumpers, etc are all recommended. A good number for each group is about 3-4.
- No human interference is allowed besides fixing the vehicle. If it rolls, some one will need to recover you. If the obstacle looks like you can get in a bad situation, pick another line. In the real world, a mistake can end the whole trip. If something breaks, you can pick it up and fix it. However, it needs to be returned to its original position before the touch. No one will be baby sitting you, so if you cheat, you only cheat yourself. This is a gtg based on surviving a tough long trail with challenging “real world” type guidelines and rules.
The Reward is the bragging rights that you made it. It is the friendships built while you are out there. And the fun and stories that can only come from an event like this.
Common Questions:
How long?: Plan on about 3.5 to 4.0 hours on the trail.
How many batteries are needed?: It took me 3.5 1500 mah lipo batteries on my 2.2 scaler with a slash motor and fxr (I was driving it HARD). Chris did it in two 1500 mah lipo batteries with a Holmes 35 turn and mamba max. Rob did it in two batteries as well. My guess is it will take about 5000mah in capacity to make the trip. I would carry about 6500mah to 8000mah if you are heavy and/or drive hard. Better to bring more than less.
Do I need anything special on my truck?: First off, it needs to be reliable. If it breaks every 10 minutes at your house… chances are it will break on the trail. Driving habits and good line picking can make a big difference in the day’s outcome. This is not necessarily the time to try new stuff out. But the harder you make it, the more fun you will have. Also, find groups to run with that have similar vehicles as well. This will make it much more enjoyable for you. You will also need to retrofit your truck to carry its own support equipment. You will be a good bit heavier than normal so keep that in mind while driving and planning. Lastly, perform you maintenance before the run. If you start with a broken truck you are guaranteed to finish with one.
What tires?: You can run either 2.2’s, 1.9’s, or 1.55. I liked my 2.2’s, but in some cases 1.9’s did better. Pick a good tire with a good compound that looks scale on your rig.
Can you split support equipment between trucks in your group?: Yes, and it is recommended to share in your group so you are carrying less.
What is the terrain like?: Rocks (some slicker than snail snot, some are like sandpaper), dirt, no water crossings, pine straw, roots. It is very diverse terrain from steep climbs and descents to a bunch of off cambers. You need to have a very diverse rig to make the trip the easiest.
If you can’t recover a truck with other rc’s, what do you do?: Either start over if you want to play by the rules or keep going. But you can’t brag if you don’t play by the rules. LOL
If you have any more questions feel free to post them up. I will answer everything to the best of my ability
