Tamiya XR311 With RcChannel Metal Kit + Options

[Fuijo 859]

I have fitted the RcChannel metal kit to my XR311. This is the kit that includes the gearcase and bulkheads.

 

The options are the larger of the two undertrays that closes the gaps to the sides of the chassis, and incorporates a different, aesthetically pleasing but less useful front bumper.

The stainless steel screw set, and the shocks with springs.

 

I wasn't sure whether to put this in the re-re section or not, as it fits the vintage model too. But mine is a re-re so here it is.

I'm starting with a lightly used XR311 that is mostly in as-new condition.

 

Anyway, I thought people might like to see.

 

 

This is the chassis I started with. The only problem taking it apart was the grub-screws in the drive cups were very reluctant to come out, but I heated the area with a soldering iron first and managed not to strip any.

 

 

 

The kit comes with metal-sealed ball bearings for the front and rear hubs but not the gearbox. I used the supplied ball bearings for the front hubs but substituted Tamiya rubber-sealed bearings for the gearbox and rear hubs.

 

 

Overall I'm very happy with it. I had read about problems with the ball-cups breaking. I took extra care, and because of either that or luck, I didn't have any issues.

The only problem I had was the front right lower-wishbone rubbing on the inside of the wheel, so I had to file away a little material until it rotated smoothly.

 

Here's the bit I filed.

 

And here's where it rubbed on the wheel.

 

[Superluminal 3524]

That looks superb!

I know its not how its supposed to be but do you think theres any chance of fitting a diff into the rear gearbox of one of these? Had a look online and couldnt see anyone having previously trying it so assume not enough space?

[Fuijo 859]

Thanks Superluminal.

I've no idea about a diff, sorry. I've never looked into it.

[Snappy1 959]

The XR311 isn’t my cup of tea, but that is Beautiful.........

[steponit! 23]

Very nice build, Fuijo !

How's the shocks quality? Do they leak?

[Fuijo 859]

@steponit!Thanks! The shocks look to be constructed in a similar way to vintage SRB shocks, at least externally. I probably wont take them apart unless they give me a reason to.

They feel smooth and fairly soft and they aren't leaking so far, but I haven't yet subjected them to any abuse.

[Willy iine 17871]

Nice work, @Fuijo!!  Looks fantastic.  

[zakspeed 187]

Thanks for sharing, I have the same kit to build into a new kit I have.. Also went for the alloy wheels too. But will paint it non military.. 

[steponit! 23]

On 3/21/2022 at 7:25 PM, Fuijo said:

@steponit!Thanks! The shocks look to be constructed in a similar way to vintage SRB shocks, at least externally. I probably wont take them apart unless they give me a reason to.

They feel smooth and fairly soft and they aren't leaking so far, but I haven't yet subjected them to any abuse.

You're welcome and thanks for the info on the shocks !

[mike in pa 64]

Tag, for when I build mine.

[TamiyaMan 3]

Looks great!  Are they still in business?

http://www.rcchannel.com.tw/

This is what I get at that address:

您好 Hello 您的網站目前暫時被停權。 Your WebSite Has Been Suspended. 如有任何疑問請向客服人員聯繫。 Please contact the billing/support department as soon as possible.

[Fuijo 859]

@TamiyaMan Yeah, I saw that a few weeks ago and assumed the same as you. Then a few days later it was back up and I ordered my stuff, all ok.

If it's gone down again it may just be a temporary issue.

[Fuijo 859]

The weather was glorious here in Holland on Easter Sunday. @GooneyBirdand I went out for some RC fun, where I tested out the XR311 and others.

I apologise there are no action shots or video, but I at least managed to take some pics of the day. The XR311 went beautifully well. Full throttle with the smallest spur gear was not a problem other than that this surface was like driving on ice with

those tiny tyres with 1mm tread. No mishaps, rolls, crashes or lost parts. Just huge clouds of dust and lots of sideways sliding.

It looked so very tiny next to Gooneybird's Clod.

I also drove my Toyota pickup for the first and probably the last time, which was something of an experience @DesPrinzla. Everything worked, including the transistorised speed controller, and nothing got broken.

All in all a great day out.