Wheel_Nut

Without decals the lines of the bodyshell look really clean. I'm about to apply decals though.

I spent a few hours this weekend cutting and trimming the body outline, and preparing for paint. I masked the roll cage hoops / roof structure of the body so I can paint them black. I'm pretty amateur at paint preparation, so I'd much prefer having the PC series of polycarbonate paints (discontinued item) and paint by hand with a brush. My masking job wasn't ideal, so there were places where the paint bled in the gaps of the masking tape. Luckily it was easy to remove the recently applied paint with methylated sprit (alcohol) and rubbing with a cotton bud. The body has now been cleaned up and I can spray the PS-63 body colour tomorrow.

What spur gear sizes are available for your transmission? The BBX seems to have short gearing, but I don't know about the TD2.

This is beautiful and looks like an extremely functional design. I also like the stock items such as the front bumper and grey CVA damper bodies from the kit. .

Looks awesome. The overall layout of suspension and transmission really suits the Grasshopper body. CAD modelling seems to have paid off, as it all seems to fit. Can we see the underside of the chassis? How long is the wheelbase now?

Not much to update yet, since I have been distracted with other things.. Easter seems like a good time for painting the polycarbonate body shell.

The front end looks pretty awesome. Especially the chassis brace and shock tower. The 25 degree kickback looks like it fits perfectly. I hope the suspension mounting is strong enough to absorb frontal impact. Did you consider a front suspension brace like Kyosho use on the Dirtmaster?

Very nice work on these changes. I had some doubts about the extra-wide suspension on the first build revision. It looks like you now have the best of performance, faithful design, and durability. I just wonder if the ride height needs to be slightly higher.

Typically lowering the ride height will lower the roll-centre. Lower rear roll-centre relative to the front should improve stability in theory. This approach is sometimes used in full size race cars. With RC models there are probably better ways to achieve the same outcome.

The 25 degree angle looks a lot more contemporary, but the Ultra G seemed already quite decent for what it was, judging from the video in the other thread. I think these Grasshopper style cars have a forward C.o.G compared to other buggies, so it probably affects the handling balance. Anyway it will be interesting to see how well these changes translate to on-track performance.

Nice to see the CAD 3D model. I definitely approve of the chassis reinforcement. I wondering how much caster angle is used compared to the Ultra G. Are all of the parts already on order?

I think it's better for aero to re-locate the rear shocks away from the rear wing. The mighty Frog had the right idea, so I guess this could be taking some inspiration from Tamiya.

I finally added the electronics: Tamiya Superstock BZ. 23-Turn. Hobbywing Quickrun 1060 ESC. Futaba R314SB Receiver The battery is 5000mAh NiMh from "Tornado RC". Next I will slowly start masking and painting the body shell. I'm aiming to have some more progress around the end of the month.

Are you in the USA?

I'd love to see an updated and stronger TA-02 drive line. Do you think its possible to make a M chassis TA-02 style car, but using XM-01 suspension?

I got a set of those XV-01 alloy bellcranks in preparation for my 2WD truck project. I think they are a bit shorter than the one you made for the earlier edition Ultra G with blue suspension arms. I wonder if there may be a compromise in precision for the servo linkage. Do you see any benefit in designing a custom bellcrank with revised geometry, instead of the alloy ones?

Are you still running the stock GH2 rear tyres?

I am wondering about the 4 gear transmission. Can you reduce the height of the transmission by changing to a 3 gear design? I admit I'm not a fan of 4 gear transmission because it increases gyroscopic and inertia reaction forces. I believe 3 gear is more popular because these forces will partially cancel between the rotation of the motor and the axles.

The front tires of the GH1 aren't up to much IMO. That contributes to the lack of steering and makes it easier to control. Let us know what you learn from the new tires.

I expect a BB-01 based 2WD truck at some point in the future. Personally I would rather see an updated version of The Super Hornet or The Striker (assuming the Striker chassis would not be as fragile as the original one).

Great idea. We always needed a Grasshopper 2 Ultra G Evo. I was hoping Tamiya would create a Super Hornet Evolution. I look forward to watching your build.

I also have fond memories of The Grasshopper H.P. Suspension kit which I recall is identical to The Hornet’s suspension. My 1984 Grasshopper is long gone.

I wouldn’t mind if one of the 3d print guys could come up with a spool centre that replaces the bevel gears in The Grasshopper differential. Perhaps it could be made in 2 pieces that sandwich the main gear. It would be interesting to try The Grasshopper with a spool rear axle, ie. completely locked.

Before spending cash on upgrading to Hornet suspension, I suggest to watch a video by “ vintage backyard rc” that evaluates some of the differences.

The Grasshopper has always had that type of single axis rear suspension. The sprue of “B parts” is different between The Grasshopper and The Hornet. The grasshopper B parts includes the single axis gearbox stays, 380 motor adapter and a slightly different gearbox case that seems to be the same as the vintage production kits. I have a theory about the purpose for the centre tab on the Grasshopper gearbox, but as far as I know it is redundant for all The Hornet and The Grasshopper kits produced since the beginning.