Freizeitprojekte

In this weeks works on the Dictator, I measure almost the entirety of the Dictator chassis tub. The Dictator platform consists of four main elements; the body, the chassis and two gearboxes. Each gearbox fits its suspension independently, then the gearbox is mounted to its respective end of the chassis. The body is then mounted to bosses on the upper cover on the chassis and a boss on the front gearbox. As covered by the previous posts, the entirety of the molded front suspension is complete in CAD, and all but one part of the rear suspension is complete. My next focus is the chassis, which contains the following fixtures: The upper cover for the chassis, enclosing the atrium containing the original main board. Part N17. This file was recently completed. The servo compartment cover, on the bottom of the chassis. Part N41. This was one of the files competed by the first post. The battery compartment door. Part N18. As completed in the previous post. The battery door pin retainer. Part N42. Which leaves us with just the chassis itself, part N17. I have measured up the main chassis before, but I didn't quite create a file for the original tub. Instead I constructed an assembly that replaces the original tub and its relevant appendages while fitting the original gearboxes and body. In particular, this concept uses sheet metal, with only simple 90 degree bends, and fits both gearboxes in their original locations relative to eachother, as well as the original bosses mounting the body via the red part. It also flips the servo mounting compared to the original, now using adjustable mounting, inspired by my Kyosho's fixtures. The servo model you see is not mine, it is the standard servo model by Ludvig Broomé used here for testing of fitment. The silhouettes seen are also matching to the original chassis. Apart from a lack of battery retaining measures, this would be a perfectly functional chassis if built. The intent was that you could mount the receiver and speed controller either on the baseplate in between the side plates, or on the sideplates themselves. In terms of batteries, I suspect you could stick a LiPo inbetween the plates with little difficulty, but I left a cutout in the original shape with the intent to design some printable TL-01 style standoffs for battery retainers held by a clip. This would allow control of the space for batteries lengthwise, and is similar to the approach used on my design for the equivalent DT-01 part. The is a shortcoming in this though. In regard to steering on my design, I do think that permitting slightly more bends, mounting the servo from the original orientation would then allow an exact match for the fitment of the original front bumper, but this would likely necessitate a larger printed part to adequately protect the servo, which would also make changing the servo more difficult. Anyway, I will create a file for the original chassis soon, but in lieu of that for the time being I suggest taking a look at this thread by GoMachV on RC10Talk, which shows the composite Factory Works Dictator chassis set, which meets a slightly different criteria. Instead of being a replacement for a Dictator chassis retaining shell and wheelbase, it instead uses Dictator gearboxes and makes a usable buggy of them, using dual bellcranks to improve the steering geometry, and replacing the damper towers which now fit the body shell.

The battery door is available here. https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/nikko-dictator-battery-door-n18 Please contact me if there are any issues.

I received the files. Thank you for uploading them, they will be greatly useful. I have good news; I've completed the test print of the battery door, part N18, and it fits perfectly. In this week's update on the Dictator parts, I've got the battery door (N18) CAD file printed and it works perfectly. I printed at 20% infill with a 0.16mm layer height, and it seems to be decently strong, with the tab holding well. It's pictured above alongside the original door, Radioshack branded in my case. I will post a link to the part tonight. You may notice that the rear arm prints appear to have been modified. That's because my first version stopped travel where the originals did, so I removed the geometry limiting rotation. Version 2 of the rear arms will be much like the front, allowing maximum travel to be determined by the choice of dampers.

I own one of these TL-01 clones, although I'm not sure which exactly since there seem to be a few different clones. I purchased it for some measurements and to investigate the differences between it and my legitimate Tamiya TL-01(s). What I've found is that while is that the molded plastic differs in shape for the suspension and chassis, the gearing is closer to the original Tamiya parts. The gears are compatible, the suspension compatible enough, but the chassis is distinct functionally. Note that the hardware and bearings are distinct from the Tamiya supplied ones. Production wise, I've noticed a lot of clones have more artifacts of molding, and the gear material is oddly rough (as confirmed by 3 clone diffs I have). Furthermore, inside the differential, the metal parts are more brittle, with a slight difference in locating tabs. I rectified this on one of the diffs by replacing it with genuine Tamiya innards, but I would recommend just using a Tamiya diff if possible. As a standalone vehicle, I have no clue how well they're meant to run as the clone I have has issues with the spacing of its gear axles, so it kind of just grinds the gears. Specific clones I suggest checking out this page for the Haiboxing Racing models on the RC Scrapyard site, https://www.rcscrapyard.net/hbx.htm, where as far as I find, these models are a TL-01 clone: HBX Max XT, https://www.rcscrapyard.net/hbx-max.htm, appearing like a TT-02B but on a TL-01 chassis, notable damper tower extension. HBX Max 4, https://www.rcscrapyard.net/hbx-max4.htm, the TL-01B clone (featuring similar shell). HBX Bonzer Cross Tiger, https://www.rcscrapyard.net/hbx-bonzer-cross-tiger.htm, a TL-01 chassis dressed to look like a Wild Dagger. HBX Post 5 series, https://www.rcscrapyard.net/hbx-post-5.htm, featuring foam bumpers and coming with a few shells, namely a Skyline or Skyline GTR going by the site. I would note that the majority of clones I see for sale are the Bonzer Cross tiger variant, but the electronics and molding marks seem to be a good indicator of these clones. Other references The following thread on Tamiyaclub noted that these were sold as the Cross Tiger or Bonzer, with the Wild Dagger esque shell, and a contemporary review of sorts. This thread on Scale Builder's Guild has a little more information on the clones as well, https://www.scalebuildersguild.com/forum/threads/tl01-hbx-escort-mk2-spare-parts-build-going-from-touring-size-to-m-chassis-size.33717/, and some pictures showing some of the clear differences.

I might have a solution to that broken tab. I've completed my file for the battery door (part N18). It should match the fitment of the original part, though I haven't done my test print yet, so below is a render. I've also completed part N42, the retainer for the pin on the door. That I have done a test print of, and it's tight, but fits. I did alter the depth for the mounting tab to ensure the part doesn't immediately snap away due to any weakness of the 3D print compared to the molded part. The standard hardware can still be used. Speaking of standard hardware, the standard servo in the Dictator is not hobby grade. Let's consider it to be in a very small subset of standard size servos, in particular, those lacking mounting tabs. I have completed the CAD file, and test print, for part N41, the servo cover on the tub. I've seen some modify this part to mount a hobby grade servo, and my version omits some particular locator extrusions to permit more than just tabless servos to fit while leaving the original mounting points intact. In my testing, I was able to fit some modern servos in the Dictator via a tight fitment (as opposed to fixed mounting), although both old Futaba and Acoms servos I had on hand would not. Theoretically, the most ideal arrangement would be finding a way to fit the majority of standard servos in, but I think that necessitates removal of material from the main tub, unless I'm mistaken. For a quick rundown, these are the suspension parts currently complete in CAD: The front damper tower (part N39) and rear damper tower (part (N40). I've designed replacements matching the same part fitment, but a little stronger as 3D printed parts can be weak. The lower arms for the front suspension (part N52) and rear suspension (part N53). First I did the standard parts, lacking only the thinned center, then I designed my custom arms which have damper mounts, and both fit well. The front steering knuckles (parts N256 and N257). I have actually done the test print, confirming fitment. When I did that, I also printed a version fitting Tamiya TL-01 outer drive cups, and that worked, thus originated my solution for fitting arbitrary wheels to a Dictator. In theory, I can match the fitment of a more common or universal outer drive cup by considering the offset of the shaft and the bearing size. The C-brackets on the front suspension (parts N258 and N259). I can also print this without the damper mount, as with my custom arms, it is superfluous. The metal plate that rotates with each knuckle. I would greatly appreciate a scan of the exploded view with the part nomenclature if you can as I think this part labelling is consistent between the Dictator models, and, I could slowly build this image as a digital rendering, part by part. In my recent adventures researching the Dictator and its releases, I investigated the Black Phantom, the variant I own. I found it within the Radioshack catalogue alongside some familiar vehicles. This pinpointed the Black Phantom as being sold at least from 1991 to 1993 unless I'm mistaken, although I'm not sure when or where mine comes from as there seems to have been a few variations of outer livery and mine has nothing left. I also found out that the shell is shared with the Nikko Boss Cat, another Dictator release. As far as I'm aware, the wheels are unique to the Phantom though. If ever searching for information on a Black Phantom, searching by the Tandy Black Phantom will net more results. I read a article on this site about a member's Dictator, https://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom_model.asp?cid=117352&id=163, and they noted that the original Nikko Dictator shell is shared with the Nikko Flashback. I have made a 3D model for the original Dictator shell, but I think I need better reference to make an accurate and worthwhile printable file. I suggest checking out the Radioshack catalogues, https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/, as if you have owned products in there (vehicles or otherwise), it can be useful to truncate the years they were sold, adjacent platforms, and identify obscure items. Date: 2025/05/14

Greetings everyone. A little while ago, I acquired a Radioshack Black Phantom, one of the Nikko Dictator platform vehicles. Although, when I purchased this specimen, it was somewhat less black than its name would suggest. Missing its controller, the vehicle arrived, partly disassembled. It contained some AA batteries, complete with erosion of the terminals, which while in period, are somewhat less desirable. Nonetheless, I proceeded on inspecting what exactly I had purchased. Before disassembly and cleaning, I first reassembled it, to assess if any hardware was missing. Luckily, enough screws were present, and so from the outside began the list of faults. Body shell has broken front mount. Excessive play in all outer drive cups due to worn plastic bearings. Tires worn such that their topological genus was inconsistent. Battery wiring terminating in strip connectors. Steering link holes widened by wear on both uprights and servo saver. Front gearbox unable to be disassembled due to metal ring. These were the immediate faults, evident whether converting the vehicle to hobby grade or otherwise. Disassembling the vehicle down to individual components, I began to see the work that needed to be done to convert a Dictator to hobby grade standards. The list begins with the following. The original steering servo is not hobby grade, equipped with 6 wires, and a proprietary servo output spline. While the size is near identical to a standard servo, the lack of mounting tabs presents a lack of clearance in the tub for those tabs. Therefore, the replacement servo needs to have either incredibly low tabs or removed tabs, combined with an adequately sized servo saver. Alternatively, tub modification could yield more universal servo clearance. The Dictator's twin motor arrangement necessitates a speed controller befitting. The two logical approaches are a single dual motor ESC, such as a WP 880, or two single motor ESCs. The stock motors (in my case) are both in 380 size with a press fit pinion. Being able to change motors by swapping on a known pinion spec would improve repairability. I know the later gearboxes accomodate 540 size motors, and may have different gearing. The stock outer drive cups do not use 12mm hex hubs, nor quite a reliably mounted hub to begin with. Two consequences arise from this, the first being necessitated stock rims, the second being the relatively high risk of failure. To resolve this, I see from a thread here that the Boomer/Hotshot/Bigwig outer drive cups fit, but I might have another solution as well. The dampers, effectively tubes with springs, are mounted via press fit shafts. They are neither performant nor particularly improvable. More importantly, those shafts crack the mounting points. None of those serve to cease efforts to do so, but what ultimately limits the use of these vehicles is parts availability. It is ineveitable that components break, and on hobby grade models, there's often parts availability if not a printed solution. Unfortunately, while the Dictator was sold new in the market with spare parts available at some point it seems, they're not greatly available at this point, and there doesn't seem to be a great amount of printed parts available either. As a result, I've started to make CAD files for parts of the Dictator, and hopefully can get to a full assembly in CAD software. This should allow me to design solutions to a few problems and upgrades for the platform via 3D printing, and along the way, rebuild my Black Phantom to a functional state. Post disassembly, every part was cleaned and I reassembled the vehicle. Currently fitted in those images are some 3D printed suspension parts and damper towers I've designed allowing the use of universal dampers. I hope to document here both the progress on repairing this vehicle and the CAD files of the Nikko Dictator platform. Date: 2025/05/05.

It looks like it runs quite well with that brushless setup. I also have a Dictator platform vehicle, a gen 1 per your nomenclature, but have been struggling to package a hobby grade servo for steering into the standard chassis tub without modification. In your setup on the Bobcat, did you have to alter the tub for the steering servo to fit? Thanks.