Jump to content
Pintopower

Why do I hate the SRB chassis but love the Scorcher look?

Recommended Posts

I don’t know why this is but I seem to hate the SRB. Before you though your shoes or Kyosho Raiders at me, allow me to explain myself. I seem to love the Sand Scorcher. I have wanted to convert my original Ranger into one for years but every time I gather my list and start working on it, I develop and irrational hatred of it. The rear torsion bars on the Ranger seem to have been lifted from a full size car. They are ridiculously hard. The front springs feel odd to though it is hard to explain why. The stupid little electronics compartment can’t fit a standard battery in it unless I slide it into the serve stay are for the old MSC which I don’t mind but I refuse to buy a unique LiPo for this car. I don’t like LiPo’s at all. The lack of rear diff I don’t mind but I know I always hated the rear swing arm suspension THOUGH I think I hate it due to the fact that I have the ranger. For the SRB is completely accurate so I think I will like it with a beetle on it. I was pretty much all set to build a baja bodied Hornet when I was at the hobby shop and saw a rere Rough Rider. I was messing with it an saw how soft the torsion bar rear end was; I saw how nice the front suspension was; how stiff the chassis was; how nice the whole car felt. Why did I love that one but utterly HATE my Ranger? In fact I thought right then “Yup, I want one!” I found a rere scorcher on eBay, went home, picked up my Ranger, and then decided, “Nope, I hate this POS and don’t want one!”

You may be asking, whats wrong with your Ranger? Well the chassis on my Ranger, though missing a couple of rubber grommets which are contributing to the floppiness, is in near perfect shape. Full BB’s and runs as smooth as silk but there’s just something about it. The body was stripped years ago and is in great shape though I never painted it. I even have the original decals for it. There is no good reason that I have about why it isn't restored other than the rage I get when I look at it.

8642879555_df15fe5022_b.jpg

8643976244_14350d1a71_b.jpg

I know there are a lot of SRB lovers out there that can maybe help out with my decision here but there is one thing set in stone:

NO special batteries! Just a standard 6 cell NIMH that will still fit in my M02, TA02, Pumpkin, Hornet…etc.

In summary, In my mind I want a Rere Scorcher that I would like to make look as scale as possible. I currently have an original SRB Ranger that I have had since 1996 and run a total 43 seconds and hated every minute of it.

Thanks guys.

BTW, someone threw a Raider at me. Not cool

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well the Ranger is a pretty bizarre shell to have ever put on the SRB chassis - at least the Rough Rider and Sand Scorcher are fair representations of 1:1 cars.

You can buy 'hump pack' battery packs off ebay - Nimh packs with much higher capacity than the original 1200mah packs.

You can adjust the stiffness of the rear torsion bars by bending before assembly - I think the manual even shows how to do it? (I might have imagined that though)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The re re torsion bars are softer, and you can pick them up fairly cheap. I have a mutt (re-re and vintage parts) and recently picked a set as the originals were waaaaay too stiff. Buy the scorcher shell and build the car you really want.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Stop being so stubborn! Lipo's are the future- I have a $35 one in my SS and it hauls the mail!

SRB's are awesome! Buy a RE-RE Sand Scorcher kit I did and absolutely love it! Here is some insperation for you!

SS21_zpsfd0c88dd.jpg

SS20_zps15c1dc69.jpg

SS9_zps3f077cc3.jpg

SS10_zpsedd8b569.jpg

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was waiting for that Zac! I dont like them! Every time I go buy one the guy selling them tells me about the balancer I need and the ESC cut off and the little bag it has to be in so your house doesnt burn down. Then it wont fit in my TA02, or me FF01, or my M02 etc.

The question is, do I make mine what I want or sell it since I really dont like the ranger look to some one who does and get a rere Scorcher?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If someone threw a Raider at you, pick it up and run that instead - it's way more fun. (ducks as all the SRB fanboys throw things at me instead)

I picked up a re-re SRB (Buggy Champ now converted to Scorcher), and I also haven't run it much, but I do love looking at it up on the shelf, and occasionally pulling it down to play with the suspension. And, due to an expensive fiasco with a Kyosho Optima (which also never gets run), it is no longer the most expensive car on my shelf. So I'm content to have it just sit there and look awesome. For now, anyway.

If I were you, I'd sell the Ford, if it's all original, and use it to fund another build. Just an idea, but I have seen some amazing RC10s with Scorcher shells...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was waiting for that Zac! I dont like them! Every time I go buy one the guy selling them tells me about the balancer I need and the ESC cut off and the little bag it has to be in so your house doesnt burn down. Then it wont fit in my TA02, or me FF01, or my M02 etc.

The question is, do I make mine what I want or sell it since I really dont like the ranger look to some one who does and get a rere Scorcher?

The charger/ cut off is simple- upgrade your electronics - no need for a bag as it will not stop your house from burning down if one explodes - just be near it and check it often while charging.. plus don't charge it over the rated charge rate.

Most lipos fit many models with a bit of clearancing - I was the same as you didn't like them until I bought one for a Traxxas Slash (Venom 8000mah 7.4v) and I drove the truck for 45 minutes straight never stopped... since then I haven't looked back - only reason I got a Nimh with my recent Clod is for nostalgia/easy factor.. much like the Futaba Attack radio for it as well..

Lipo safe electronics for your runners is cheaper and easier than you think unless you're a I run Tamiya only guy.. which sorry but Tamiya don't make decent electronics - I run strictly Traxxas electronics on my racers/bashers (My current Clod build is a shelfer so it's void from this argument)

I use a Racers Edge SC1500 lipo/life charger- has a built in balance charger for up to 3S (3 cell= 11.1v) BUT if you run both battery styles you could get a Dynamite 4067 charger - then you only need 1 charger for all your batteries

It's your choice overall I'm not trying to push you into something you don't want just saying they're very nice - the benefits out weigh the pit falls of lipos

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lose the radio box, make a tray like SuperChamp

or reinforce the chassis plate; use waterproof

radio gear in any configuration you like.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

...Come to think the Subaru Brat body was first intended to sit on the odd Super Champ chassis! *facepalm :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was waiting for that Zac! I dont like them! Every time I go buy one the guy selling them tells me about the balancer I need and the ESC cut off and the little bag it has to be in so your house doesnt burn down. Then it wont fit in my TA02, or me FF01, or my M02 etc.

Sorry to burst your bubble there but in terms of fitting, there is no excuse. I have 7.4v 4000 mAh stickpack lipos that fit in every Tamiya car that fits your normal 7.2v NiMh. They did fit in my TA01 chassis, in my TA04 and even in my original Avante (which is know for being really tight, even on NiMh).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

8642879555_df15fe5022_b.jpg

Sorry to burst your bubble there but in terms of fitting, there is no excuse. I have 7.4v 4000 mAh stickpack lipos that fit in every Tamiya car that fits your normal 7.2v NiMh. They did fit in my TA01 chassis, in my TA04 and even in my original Avante (which is know for being really tight, even on NiMh).

SRB radio box is only 5cells wide... It uses a 6N humppack

You need either a Tyrrell shorty stickpack for nickel or a shorty lipo pack, lots available now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The rear torsion bars on the Ranger seem to have been lifted from a full size car. They are ridiculously hard. The front springs feel odd to though it is hard to explain why. The stupid little electronics compartment can’t fit a standard battery in it unless I slide it into the serve stay are for the old MSC which I don’t mind but I refuse to buy a unique LiPo for this car. I don’t like LiPo’s at all. The lack of rear diff I don’t mind but I know I always hated the rear swing arm suspension THOUGH I think I hate it due to the fact that I have the ranger. For the SRB is completely accurate so I think I will like it with a beetle on it.

All of which makes it fantastic that they still brought it back, regardless of the flaws. At the end of the day it's a 35 year old design, there is not much more you could realistically expect.

Also, I must be one of the few people who thinks the Ranger XLT shell looks great on the SRB chassis!

  • Like 3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Also, I must be one of the few people who thinks the Ranger XLT shell looks great on the SRB chassis!

I'm also one of the few mate ;)
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Haters don't deserve a cool buggy like the SRB. You're complaining about a car manufacturered during the infancy of off road vehicles. That's like saying a ford model T sucks compared to what's out today. You have to know and appreciate your past to realize how far we have gotten today

  • Like 6

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did it... I bought a Scorcher. Weirdly, I love it!

Then I went to sit my Ranger next to it, and once again, was full of profound hatred of the Ranger.

I pushed it away...saw just the Scorcher...Love. Rolled the Ranger back....hate.

Ok, the Ranger has to go. I guess its off to ebay for you. You were a worthy adversary and deserve someone that will love you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Don't ditch the Ranger,if you dislike the stiff torsion bars go for the RC Channel conversion as i did for my SS,the tyres sit alot more evenly on the ground and it does'nt look like someones stuck a stick up it's ar#e!

2s7gho2.jpg

29273t1.jpg

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I remember TC member zakspeed did the same thing for his Ranger, and it worked well. I am unsure if the RC Channel conversion is truly a double-wishbone setup, but it does eliminate significant camber changes through suspension compression.

... though recently I decided my SRB was more authentic with the swing-axle rear suspension and so did not save for the parts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How to put this into words ? The Scorcher is a work of art . Not only is the Body so correct for a Baja Bug but the chassis is so close to the real thing . Same applies to the Rough Rider / Buggy Champ . As for the Ranger - ermmmmm . Its like dressing up a ugly fat chick in a designer dress . She's still a ugly fat lass .

For heavens sake what where Tamiya thinking of putting a Truck body on a VW chassis ? Its just wrong . Maybe that's why you hate the SRB Ranger?

I'd just re use the Body and put it on a live axel frame and make a silk purse out of a sow's ear .

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

+1 I've long said the Ranger was all wrong on the SRB chassis, just like the Brat is all wrong on the ORV chassis. I keep feeling like the Ranger body was originally intended for the 3-speed Hilux chassis (it has a kit number next to the Hilux and Blazer that shows it could have been originally planned as a 3-speed release), but possibly Tamiya changed their minds because they thought 2 different expensive 3-speed kits to choose from was enough, and they could sell more as a cheaper SRB chassis option?

58027: Ford F150 Ranger XLT
58028: Toyota 4x4 Pick Up
58029: 4x4 Blazing Blazer

- James

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Another hater here, I'm with you on the Brat/ORV HunterZero. I bought a vintage new build recently for the bargain sum of £30 because it was so cheap. I don't think I would have bought it otherwise and I'm about to sell it too as I just can't make myself like it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't help but love the Ford Ranger,absolutely not interested in chassis mismatches or the like but a pure nostalgia thing.The Ranger was the first Tamiya rc car i ever laid eyes on,it was when i was 11 years old i think and on holiday at Benllech beach on Anglesey,north Wales and i was totally gobsmacked by this thing zooming around and splashing through the puddles in the damp sand.The only rc car i had had before seeing this was a crappy cheap Chinese Lambo which could barely drag itself across the living room carpet so to see this thing in action was a revelation! I love the box art colours and have a blackfoot shell waiting to be converted one day.Okay maybe through the eyes of an adult and scale modeller the shell does look a little awkward sat on the srb chassis but it's not that bad,just leave it on the shelf and admire it,go out and have some fun with a re re scorcher! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How can you not love one of these :)

IMG_0290.jpg

I now have 6 SRB's and counting, but the Ranger still eludes me and I need one. I hear what everyone is saying about the chassis not being correct, but I agree, there is something amazing about how it looks.

Pintopower. You can get 2 cell Lipo that comes in the same round cell shape as a standard battery pack, I know that doesn't help you getting one to fit into an SRB unless you dump the radio box. BUT once you go Lipo, you won't go back :)

James.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...