Failed project file

[Saito2]

Something I left off Mark's end-of-year inventory thread was some stalled projects I have laying around. I thought maybe some advice or suggestions from forum members might spur me on to complete some of them.

Random bitsa ORV monster truck: Why did I start this when I have a running Monster Beetle and Blackfoot? Perhaps because I had too many spares laying around and I felt the need to build one day. At any rate this started as a truck to mimic vintage Blackfoot racers BITD, something akin to RCCA's project Blackfoot. Somewhere along the way, that idea got shelved in favor of a general, care-free, bash-around truck that I might take along to work to run on break, etc. It wouldn't be too nice that I'd be afraid to roll it over or get a little rough with it. Then the project stalled as I wondered why I needed yet another ORV monster to run. I've also recently considered making it a shelf queen dressed up with some period accessories I have laying around to go with a Clod Buster I have similar plans for. Any of these ideas sound feasible?

Kyosho Car Crusher: I built this out of a pile of parts to replace my aging Big Boss runner. Its mostly done and has seen some test driving which was cut short when the unique servo save assembly disintegrated. The problem was, cursory evaluations led me to find the truck not all that fun. The stock Blackfoot I ran after it brought more of a smile to my face. The Kyosho truck is pretty big and lumbering. Add to that, its lack of gear reduction makes acceleration a slow process, even with the Firebolt motor I put in. This truck was meant to be a Double Dare, but the 4WS is so awful on those trucks, it made for a miserable driving experience. The 2WS, 2WD variants are more fun it seems. I might be able to drop one tooth on the pinion before I run out of gear adjustment and try a 550 can motor for more torque if I wish to press on, but I worry the Blackfoot will always be the better runner thus leaving this truck to collect dust. Push on or give it a rest?

WR01: This wreck was once dressed up to mimic a Kyosho truck at one time. I was never happy with the less-than-monsterous appearance the stock WR01 had and my mods fixed that in my eyes but I began robbing parts off it before it saw total completion. Unlike the Kyosho trucks it mimicked, the WR01 drives pretty decent and if I buy an ESC for it and power it with twin Firebolts, it might be fun. It might also wear out dogbones and drive cups like it used to in original form also. The single motor Squash Van would make an easier replacement but that means buying a new kit and we're trying to avoid that here.

Clodzilla 3 type Clod: This one really just needs a body mounted up. The chassis is roughly based on the Clodzilla 3 as is the steering setup. I put a fair amount of work into it but I still see a bunch of hardware store aluminum cobbled together in my eyes. The original Clodzilla stuff was much the same way so I don't know why that bothers me but I'm left feeling vaguely unsatisfied. 

I think, overall, part of my problem is, I get an idea and eagerly start putting it together. As it takes shape it starts to seem stupid or "homemade-ish" and unworthy. Then I shelve it because stock-looking Tamiyas always look perfect in my eyes. I see the unbelievable things people on here are able to accomplish and feel like my stuff belongs in the trash bin. That's not a cry for people to boost my ego as I've seen others do, so don't bother, but it does factor into how projects like this die. My construction techniques are rooted and inspired by the things I saw in RC Car Action magazine back in the 80's. Well, as an adult, I can do those things, but when I see them in the flesh, that ain't so great. People have access to so much technology and materials today that very professional results are achievable making older home-brewed construction methods look stone-age. I lack access to such technologies and am hopeless too stupid to pick them up. It would take a very very long time to figure them out personally and working a lot and being a father does not give me that time. Computers and design software is not intuitive to me the way physical machines are. I still don't feel satisfied with 3D print durabiltiy either. I keep tinkering because I hope one day to make something I'm happy with but that probably won't ever come. 

 

[Superluminal]

Do you have bodies for each of them ready to go? Maybe working on these and getting these finsihed might inspire you to get the chassis' sorted.

Ive got a couple of stalled projects where ive sunk loads of hours into them and then cant find the motivation for the last 10% - I find that with my life in general though, not just in hobby stuff.

[markbt73]

See, and I'm just the opposite when it comes to the old hopups or the home-brewed stuff. I love the hand-made look of it. All the modern 3D printed or machined or laser-cut stuff just leaves me cold. I think your Clod looks fantastic, and very much like the ones we built back in the '90s when I briefly raced them. Why spend $200 on an ESP Clodzilla kit when you can do the same thing for $20 with a drill and a hacksaw? You're just a cool paint job away from glory on that one, I think. Does anybody local to you paint RC bodies? Maybe offer them the Wild Dagger chassis in trade for a custom '80s style paint job.

For the others, as I'm understanding it, you already have a good runner Blackfoot and a good runner Big Boss? Then why not just disassemble these for spare parts? Stuff is bound to break or wear out eventually, and if you know you like running those two chassis, then just ensure a supply of components for them for future use.

Or just set them aside for a while until you feel inspired again. Not everything needs to be completed, or even have a plan, right this second. And I struggle with that myself, believe me. Most of my unfinished builds are a result of me changing my mind about something - usually right after making the one cut/modification that can't be undone. When that happens, I panic, and feel like I have to replace the "ruined" part right away. But I don't. Some other idea will come along, and it will be better than my original plan, and the cut-up part will work after all.

I also have a few cars that have entered sort of a "permanent project" status, where I just allow myself to mess around with them, with no intent of ever really finishing anything, or even any concept of what "finished" looks like for them. It's liberating, allowing myself to not have a plan for some stuff. It helps me focus on the ones I really do want to finish in a certain way. It all just takes longer.

[Saito2]

49 minutes ago, markbt73 said:

See, and I'm just the opposite when it comes to the old hopups or the home-brewed stuff. I love the hand-made look of it. All the modern 3D printed or machined or laser-cut stuff just leaves me cold. I think your Clod looks fantastic, and very much like the ones we built back in the '90s when I briefly raced them. Why spend $200 on an ESP Clodzilla kit when you can do the same thing for $20 with a drill and a hacksaw? You're just a cool paint job away from glory on that one,

Thank you. I think I used to or perhaps still do like the home-made approach. I see stuff everyday and think "I could make that." It would be cheaper and more fun than just buying it. Despite my total avoidance of social media, I think I still fell into the internet trap of comparing my stuff to others' which is dangerous to the low self esteem folks like me. Thanks for reminding me of the appeal of hand-made creations. This Clod will get its body and see completion for sure.

[Kowalski86]

3 hours ago, markbt73 said:

See, and I'm just the opposite when it comes to the old hopups or the home-brewed stuff. I love the hand-made look of it. All the modern 3D printed or machined or laser-cut stuff just leaves me cold. 

Same here, it's not exactly challenging to buy a bunch of carbon/aluminum bits and screw them down, just expensive. What makes one pimped out touring car different from the other?

If the Kyosho Crusher is no longer in production, I'd just shelf-queen it. Let it rest for a while.

I see nothing wrong with the Clod 3, I mean, aluminum is aluminum. I'll take a hardware store creation any day, over something put together from blue bits that anyone can buy.

Honestly, I think you should put aside the WR01, get rid of your Stampede, and try a Gorgon out. Something newer that you could run care free.

I do reccomend using 550 motors for monster trucks, or something with a bit more torque. Ive never had much luck with 15ts in my off-road stuff.

[Pylon80]

There are a few projects I have "snapped out of".

Once I built yet another TT-02. It was to be some sort of Type SR+++ custom build. Then the Yeah Racing diffs didn't fit (how could they possibly still be in business?) so I bought expensive TT-02 oil filled ones. The week AFTER, Tamiya released an XV-02 diff that was compatible with the TT-02 for less money and half the weight, and it doesn't leak. I kept ploughing on. The universals didn't work as they were rubbing inside the TRF rear knuckles 🤣Then I wanted DCJ's for it and it would have been 80$ to assemble them in a way that was compatible with the rest of the chassis. That's about the time I snapped out of the nonsense of it all and sold the project on eBay! Someone was really happy to get it for half the cost of the parts used in the build.

On another occasion I wanted to build a F60 (F1) but on a modern chassis, an F1 Evo from Roche. Nothing would fit. The wheelbase of pan cars is a secret in this industry. You need to buy one to know how much it is 🙄 so that was a bad surprise. I designed a custom lower deck for Fibrelyte to cut. Then the pod links of modern F1 chassis sticks out the side and do not work with a scale body like the F60. I was going to butcher the body with a hobby knife and again, that's about the time I snapped out of it!T hat body today is still on my project list but will go on top of my much beloved F104 version II (not Pro 2). Fits perfect.

[Saito2]

5 hours ago, Kowalski86 said:

Honestly, I think you should put aside the WR01, get rid of your Stampede, and try a Gorgon out. Something newer that you could run care free.

All in all, not a bad plan. If I can get rid of my slightly hopped up Stampede for fair money, the Gorgon kit (when it comes back in stock) would fill that need. It gets rave reviews and I'd have one less Traxxas product. The slightly bigger Gorgon might prove to be enough fun, that I might be compelled to rid myself of my Emaxx too. The only other option is the Squash Van, which would be more of a WR01 replacement. That's pricier, less durable and less well equipped but it is a Tamiya. Off topic, I'm amused some Youtubers are finding the Van a bouncy, tippy, darty bit of a mess. With friction shocks, rock hard Blackfoot rubber and absolutely zero caster or kick-up, I'm not surprised. Its still kinda cool though.

[Kowalski86]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

All in all, not a bad plan. If I can get rid of my slightly hopped up Stampede for fair money, the Gorgon kit (when it comes back in stock) would fill that need.

 I'm amused some Youtubers are finding the Van a bouncy, tippy, darty bit of a mess. With friction shocks, rock hard Blackfoot rubber and absolutely zero caster or kick-up, I'm not surprised. Its still kinda cool though.

Do you think that you'll list your Stampede here, or off-site?

My only gripe with the Squash Van is the price, and bushings. Friction shocks and bad handling aren't a huge deal breaker with a monster truck.

[Saito2]

9 minutes ago, Kowalski86 said:

Do you think that you'll list your Stampede here, or off-site?

Probably both (off-site being C-List since I'm not on Facebook) once its ready.

[Kpowell911]

13 hours ago, Saito2 said:

All in all, not a bad plan. If I can get rid of my slightly hopped up Stampede for fair money, the Gorgon kit (when it comes back in stock) would fill that need. It gets rave reviews and I'd have one less Traxxas product. The slightly bigger Gorgon might prove to be enough fun, that I might be compelled to rid myself of my Emaxx too. The only other option is the Squash Van, which would be more of a WR01 replacement. That's pricier, less durable and less well equipped but it is a Tamiya. Off topic, I'm amused some Youtubers are finding the Van a bouncy, tippy, darty bit of a mess. With friction shocks, rock hard Blackfoot rubber and absolutely zero caster or kick-up, I'm not surprised. Its still kinda cool though.

Ill bite, do you not think the Stampede is better than the Gorgon? Seems a downgrade to me?

[Saito2]

8 hours ago, Kpowell911 said:

Ill bite, do you not think the Stampede is better than the Gorgon? Seems a downgrade to me?

I wasn't sure myself at first. I don't know Arrma all that well and, at first glance, the Gorgon seemed toyish. It was available in a simple kit at least, albeit with several major subassemblies already completed and a pre-painted body that I'm not crazy about. I was drawn in by the lower COG and mid mounted motor which looked like improvements over the Stampede's wheelie prone composure. The closer I looked at it and as more and more reviews came in, the better the Gorgon sounded. Everything seems bigger, thicker and more durable and if some of the thrash testing I see on Youtube is to be believed, it is truly beefier than the old Stampy. The Gorgon also seems to outperform it too with better steering and a more planted feel by most accounts.

[Kpowell911]

6 minutes ago, Saito2 said:

I wasn't sure myself at first. I don't know Arrma all that well and, at first glance, the Gorgon seemed toyish. It was available in a simple kit at least, albeit with several major subassemblies already completed and a pre-painted body that I'm not crazy about. I was drawn in by the lower COG and mid mounted motor which looked like improvements over the Stampede's wheelie prone composure. The closer I looked at it and as more and more reviews came in, the better the Gorgon sounded. Everything seems bigger, thicker and more durable and if some of the thrash testing I see on Youtube is to be believed, it is truly beefier than the old Stampy. The Gorgon also seems to outperform it too with better steering and a more planted feel by most accounts.

Interesting. Ive watched a few videos and it just seemed very toy grade to me. It seemed clear from the Youtube videos that I watched the people with them were only pushing positive thoughts as to not upset Horizon……. That said, it certainly wont wheelie as much, which if you want thats great, although lets be homest, if handling was a requirement youd look at a stadium truck like a Rustler I guess? I can maybe understand buying a Gorgon over a Stampede from the off, but not sure about selling a Stampede that you already have, to get a Gorgon. Im sure youll be happy either way

[Saito2]

30 minutes ago, Kpowell911 said:

I can maybe understand buying a Gorgon over a Stampede from the off, but not sure about selling a Stampede that you already have, to get a Gorgon.

Yeah, and that's why I've been waffling a bit over this decision. I didn't break my Stampede so the Gorgon's extra durabiltiy isn't all that important. I'm probably doing it more out of my hatred for Traxxas (although I think the Gorgon looks far less awkward than a Stampede too). 

[Kowalski86]

2 hours ago, Saito2 said:

Everything seems bigger, thicker and more durable and if some of the thrash testing I see on Youtube is to be believed, it is truly beefier than the old Stampy.

I've seen a few Gorgons up close, they have nifty shock guards out of the box, a better shock mounting system than the Stampede, and a bottom loading battery. It reminded me of the ECX line-up, which were said to be very durable.

Main shortcoming are the awkward servo saver access, and the integrated shock towers. Its almost a bit like a Tamiya TL01 but with better plastics.

That being said I haven't seen any of the youtube ruckus, I don't trust it.

[Saito2]

21 minutes ago, Kowalski86 said:

That being said I haven't seen any of the youtube ruckus, I don't trust it.

I'm pretty sure someone on Youtube sent one over the moon (with the cow whilst the dish ran away with the spoon). Swear to gawd dude! It totally happened! (I felt dumber for just typing that ).

[Kowalski86]

55 minutes ago, Saito2 said:

I'm pretty sure someone on Youtube sent one over the moon (with the cow whilst the dish ran away with the spoon). Swear to gawd dude! It totally happened! (I felt dumber for just typing that ).

I feel dumber just reading that!

My biggest concern with the Gorgon is part costs, I briefly had an Armma Senton (which I returned) and was shocked at how expensive parts are, not that you're likely to break it.

[Saito2]

I gave it some thought with your suggestions and came to this conclusion (for now anyway, lol).

The Clodzilla will see completion as I mentioned earlier.

The WR01 will be retired. A Squash Van won't replace it either. I shouldn't buy kits to fill needs when I have existing ones needing attention. With its high mounted battery, zero caster, narrow track (which actual does look good), tons of required bearings and quite bouncy friction shocks leading to a tippy vehicle, the GF02 not for me atm. The WR01 on the other hand is tired and be put to bed.

The ORV monster will be dressed up with some goodies I have tucked away like a Thorp diff, A&L wheels and a Trinity rear sway bar and shelf queen'd. I can still rob parts off it for spares in the distant future this way too.

The Kyosho Car Crusher might get a little bit more tinkering. It was supposed to be a superior replacement to my Big Boss (which may actually get converted into a Hi-Rider Vette to complete the Kyosho truck collection I have...its the only one not represented) The one pictured already has Thorp dogbones/cups, Double Dare arm braces and oil shocks. I put a 12T 550 in it and still no hint of wheelspin. It dawned on me I had installed a Novak XRS esc in it and those units feature some kind of current limiting circuitry that neuters anything they're hooked up to. I'll toss in a different esc and see how I feel about it then.

Things got a bit off track but I'm not replacing my Stampede with a Gorgon. @Kpowell911 made a good point. I've already modded the Stampy a bit and I don't push it to the point I'd need something stronger. I've gotta give up the Traxxas hate for my personal vehicles for now. I will work on further customizing it to remove more of its "Traxxas" content.

How's that sound? Thanks for the input everybody.

 

Edit: What a power-killing steamy pile that XRS turned out to be. With a different ESC under the hood, the Kyosho truck came alive. Quite happy.