technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 WRC / RALLY Builds thread A dedicated thread for all things rally / hillclimb - Motorsport inspired builds that are not on a permanent track. I’ll start off with the environment context that made me want to start. Project Start: 2021/01 Tamiya TRF417X - 42205 Ambitions - Full LED lighting & make a rally chassis! Welcome to Sweden! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 For the chassis I’m going with a TRF417X. I always liked onroad TRF so I’ve collected a few over the years. I figured I can make an excellent handling and bulletproof chassis more “rally” instead of hop-ing up a plastic chassis with essentially self tapping wood screws to withstand power or terrain. I much more enjoy working with quality hex hardware and a completely open layout chassis from the get go. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 First task was to get some more suspension travel and chassis clearance to the ground. I sanded out the arms and c hubs to allow more droop, added longer damper eye ends, longer springs from the trf201, and protective sleeves over the dampers. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 For electrics I went with a Hobbywing 6,5 combo, pretty insane but the TRF is good for it. Tires are simply rally block tires. I found a dozen “rain covers” available from Tamico and made one originally for the TA07 fit. The bottom half is bolted flush to the carbon chassis from underneath, they attach to one another with velcro. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 I threw on a runner shell - Mon Tech Golf R and went flat out over crest. The thing was super fun, super fast and great handling. The covers weren’t perfect, neither was the fact my belts and diffs are exposed but I was very content and inspired to continue. I let the chassis thaw and I wiped it all dry 😄 . 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 Tamiya 51289 - Subaru Impreza WRC 2007 Bodyset of choice wasn’t revolutionary but I always wanted one done well. I found a good position the body sat and took the time to cut out the front air vents and paint it. I decided the rear lamp decals didn’t cut it visually so I hand painted clear red on the tail lamps. I added mesh to the front air vent for a bit of up close detail. I chose to finally add lamps to a bodyshell, it was my first time so I have no idea what I’m doing. This “killerbody” LED controller unit is a bargain and responds to your esc/steering input. I carefully hot glued the LED in place from the rear and mounted the light buckets. It’s completely transformative aesthetically compared to lamp decals. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 There’s times when things need to be really pretty and times when things need to function. The underbody is just that pure function. I’m liberally hot gluing after double siding taping down things to ensure they are completely solidly mounted. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 Starting to look like something! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 I found a interesting and convincing anti lag exhaust which reacts to vibrations. It’s incredibly realistic looking. It’s completely randomized in speed and duration. I just love that someone took the time to figure it out. It has two LED’s ( blue and orange ) and circuit wizardry inside. It’s self powered by a series of button size / shaped batteries. I made a bracket from a coat hanger, I hard mounted it to the body with hot glue and with extra supports. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 Silent pops and bangs! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 I like to have a large photo gallery of the subject car in working on and use it as reference. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 I decided I wanted to have the reflective side windows some year wrc cars had so I made some templates and cut them out of reflective vinyl. The black wheels for asphalt although being very good grip they do nothing for scale I tried to find the most matching wheels available paint colour. Side by side the comparison between original plastic cast “gold” wheels to the Tamiya painted champagne is a enormous improvement. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 Visually things are hitting their peak point. I’m very happy where this shell has taken me. There’s still plenty of work and documentation to be done however! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 27, 2022 Since I truly will drive at full tilt with this thing I won’t go any more detail really, although I know it can look even better by continuing to add exterior parts for detailing. Maybe the next body. 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superluminal 3750 Posted October 27, 2022 Very nice! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 338 Posted October 27, 2022 TRF chassis for rally. Didn’t see that coming. Bravo. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 @Superluminal Thank you! 😃 @Butler Thank You! I want to build a XV or TT series one day but I had to try TRF 😃 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 A few glory outdoor shots and I continue. 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 Light test is successful. I turned off the turn signal function but the live brake remains. When the vehicle is idle after a few moments the amber hazard lights blink. Very cool. I mounted the LED unit controller and futaba receiver directly to the body. I have a cable labeled E for esc and S for servo that need plugging in when the body goes on. Seemed like the cleanest way to have it setup for now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 I tried a few quick version of inner fenders / splash guards and decided on using primarly the food containers. They are the perfect diameter and even have a mounting lip if you cut them evenly horizontally. I will elaborate on them further with paint, inner bike tube and lexan where I see fit. For areas near turnbuckles it could work perfect with rubber as they can move freely while working through a rather tight hole in the material. Maybe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 Solid mounted into the body. Starting to feel all bodies should come with inner fenders really! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 These should be a fun addition and first time experiment for me. Nothing wrong with some overkill live telemetry data and HD footage of outings. Skyrc GPS, old but still good Gopro Hero Sessions I also rebuilt the rear dampers and added fresh oil. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naturbo2000 1272 Posted October 28, 2022 Awesome work @technics. It's all making my 07WRC on a TT02S look amateur in comparison. But that's all good - I see some ideas that I'll borrow/ steal. The inner wheel arches look a great idea. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 @naturbo2000 Thank you! What´s the use of doing anything without sharing the ups and downs with likeminded others. This forum has been an amazing inspiration for decades for me, it´s a long time coming for me to take the time and contribute. Thank you again for the kind words! Make a thread! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
technics 2616 Posted October 28, 2022 Made some more unnecessary / necessary? visual progress Mudflaps - Tape placeholders the visual ones will be just that - visually appealing - the non visible functioning inner flaps and lining will be not that pretty. Front Lip - Rubber - I am very happy with, I didn´t think about the idea until i studied these two reference pictures a bit. Really makes the front pop with material diversity. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
