TXT or Mod Clod?

[TWINSET]

Looking thru RCCA at a Crawler do, then reading wldnas' post on crawling (http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7090), I fancy another biggie.

I had a clodzilla, and sold it, but really wanna have another go - question is, which is the better basis for a 'project'?

It's not a 'money no object' job, so based on the cost of a TXT and a bit more [8D]

Then, for crawling, what sort of setup - powertrainwise - am I looking at?

[Tamiya01478]

Hi Twinset,

To be truthful neither of these chassis are brilliant rock crawlers, an e-maxx would be much more capable. If however you want to stick to Tamiya the TXT1 would be the better of the two.

[aconsola(2)]

I would say quite the opposite. I've never seen an emaxx used for crawling. The most capable crawlers I've ever seen ware all clod-based. The majority of full size rock crawlers use solid axles(not all, but most), and the clod solid axle is just about bullet proof.

I'd go with a clod myself. take a look over at www.rcmt.net at the forums for crawling. it may be a biased bunch, but most of them run txts clod, bruiser, and pajero based trucks, very few maxx trucks.

-Anthony

quote:Originally posted by Tamiya01478

Hi Twinset,

To be truthful neither of these chassis are brilliant rock crawlers, an e-maxx would be much more capable. If however you want to stick to Tamiya the TXT1 would be the better of the two.

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[Gavver]

I have to disaggre a mod clod or TXT would make a much better crawler than an emaxx due to the clod's soild axle.I have owned a clodzilla 2 chassis which was setup for crawling with link mounted shocks locked diffs.I could get near 90 degress of articulation.Any how only you can choose what would be best for yourself[]

Gavver

[Muddybaldboy]

Ditto to the above. Rock crawling (scale or full size) is far better with a beam axle rather than independant suspension. I prefer my TXT for crawling but thats personal taste. I reckon my clodzilla is better because more of the weight is low down producing a much lower C of G.

Low gearing, locked diffs (i use plasticine as it is removable) and a pair of high torque/low revving motors and a clodzilla is pretty unstoppable.[]

[mud4fun]

I would always go for a beam axle but then I'm biased....20 years of off roading in a Land Rover [][8D] Same principles apply in model sized as would full sized though, got to keep the tyres in contact with the ground so extreme articultion and silky smooth throttle control mandatory, very low gearing and lockable diffs a must too. Now, what would be VERY nice would be air locking diffs in your Clodbuster [8D][] switchable on the fly?! No good using independant suspension as the centre of the vehicle bottoms out when the tyres lift over a rock - not good! especially not in full size when you tend to lose your sump... actually the old engine debate even applies at model level - I prefer a diesel for High Torque/low revs and great engine breaking whereas many American trucks/jeeps use petrols which are much harder to get fine throttle control with. In a model truck I would say Electric must surely win over Nitro for this same reason?

[DJTheo]

Absolutely agree with you, except for modern turbo diesels (mainly TDIs) which have no torque at very low rmp and then it comes suddenly, a atmospheric big motor is smoother to control.

Cheers

[wriggleandgiggle]

Slightly off topic here but....

quote:Absolutely agree with you, except for modern turbo diesels (mainly TDIs) which have no torque at very low rmp and then it comes suddenly, a atmospheric big motor is smoother to control.

Cheers

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I was driving a TDi Landrover the other day with with about 5 tons of soil in a trailer (naughty, but it had to be done) and the torque of this motor was amazing (Its a 200TDi) this was also through an automatic gearbox

I also had a modified Peugeot 405 1.9 turbo diesel that I tuned and that would pull like badword from about 1500 rpm. In a head to head standing start It would keep level with a Vectra SRi 140. Acceleration is where torque matters.

Having said that, I think it would be hard to fit either motor in a Clod or TXT

[mud4fun]

I hear what your saying DJTheo and in fact I too ended up going petrol on my 90 but then I opted for a 4.6litre V8 which has oodles more torque even low down than any modern diesel could hope to achieve[8D] My L200 is the standard 2.5Tdi but the low gearing does help it and I regularly tow 2 ton behind it and it pulls nicely away from zero. For rock crawling though, in my opinion, it is easier with a diesel as the engine can pull the vehicle along at idle. In fact an old party trick of mine in my old series 3 diesel was to stick it in low ratio 1st and let the vehicle drive itself up a 25-30 degree muddy track at the back of my friends house, I could walk alongside holding the steering wheel....(Don't try this at home children!!!!) - to keep this as near on topic as possible though, I think you could rule out Nitros in the rock crawling debate as I can't see they'd be any competition at very low speeds. The stock 540'S seem to generate a fair bit of torque low down the rev range, must do to be able to shift an SRB!!! I have a Clod due to arrive anyday now and I'll be interested to see what that performs like.

[DJTheo]

Electric DC non-sychron motors have maximum torque at zero RPM, nothing better for trial [8D]

Also their nice torque characteristics make it possible that an electro car with 400W power can accelerate as good as a nitro one with double power.

The only problem with modern turbodiesels is there is few torque before the turbo "enters" and then at 1500 it comes suddenly, not so good control for trial climbing, like an atmospheric one which doesnt have so much power but has a smoother output, in some cases less power is better, I see this often in winter with my car...[8)]

Cheers

[Twmaster]

To answer Andy's original question I think the TXT would be the most economical choice as it includes much in the way of hop-ups and good suspension stuff like the alloy links and such.

However, I think the Clod is a better truck as a climber crawler as you don't have issues with transmissions and propellor shefts. But you will spend a lot to make it insane!

I have posted some photos in another thread of my Clod crawler named Clodia that is presently being assembled.

As for a T-maxx as a crawler, that is just a sick joke.

Cheers,

[mud4fun]

Hi Twmaster, I think using 'TXT1' and 'economical' in the same sentance is stretching it a bit far...[] I don't kbow what you've been quoted for a new one but my LHS was suggesting £300+, even on ebay they are considerable money [] which is why I opted for Clod buster, bought off ebay for £100 in reasonable condition and gives me the money saved to make it a real climber/crawler.[] - however, I do like the TXT1 and will just have to wait a few years till they drop in price...[V]

[TWINSET]

The 'economy' side of it is the main issue;

The TXT uses a high mounted motor, then drives through shafts - are they prone to breaking?

Obviously, with the TXT being 'current' I assume most of the bits can be got relatively easy?

Still considering a clod/bull and a chassis, which puts it in the £300 mark, but then there's still shocks and various linkage upgrades (steering rods) necessary too.

Fusion are doing Bulls for £170 which leaves £130 ($220) to get a chassis - any thoughts on the Gecko (http://www.rcguy.com/products/products.php)? - Had a zilla before, and it needed some 'fettling' to get it all to fit nice.

Trouble with the clod option, is that most of the 'running spares' will need importing, which whacks up the operational costs.

[mud4fun]

What a chassis....I want one.....$160!! [][][]

[TWINSET]

The only thing that really put me off, is the clips that hold the shocks onto the lower arms; http://www.rcguy.com/products/gecko/four.php

Crying out for an 'after-aftermarket' solution[8D]

[netsmithUK]

What sort of motors are we talking about sticking in each, to make it a good rock crawler. Is there an issue with the forward and reversed motors in the clod, are they harder to find etc? The main thing I don't like about my TXT1 is that the whole thing wrenches to the the side when you put on the power - I understand you don't get this with the clod - is this not an issue when you are making a rock crawler because they go slower?

AS you can tell from all the questions I don't know much about this whole area, but I can feel my interest level raising by the minute []

Cheers

Chris

[Gavver]

Hiya

Ive only good thing's said about the gecko chassis.Dont worry about those clips on the link's.When i had my zilla 2 i made my own clips from sheet alumium worked very well.

Gavver

[TWINSET]

OK, plummed for a TXT (cos I got one cheaper than I'd originally thought) - Will post about wisdom of decision[]

Right, need some input now on;

Motors

Tires or Tyres

Speedo - MTroniks have been suggested - whaddya reckon

[fury_dice(2)]

quote:Originally posted by TWINSET

Tires or Tyres

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I reckon you should get Tyres, as Tires will need to be imported...

[Fusion-Hobbies]

Yes, tyres are far superior to tires.[]

I would also recommend some Ofna foam inserts. I have a spare set when you get your truck.

I run Novak Super Rooster, with 2x 14T Epic motors and a smoking battery!

James

[Muddybaldboy]

For a rock crawler i'd fit a pair of low revving, ultra torquey LRP truck pullers. As far as tyres go, as soft a compound as possible but try to avoid inserts. You want those babys to flatten out to increase the surface contact. Soft tyres need some secure attachment. I'm pondering ordering a set of beadlock rims.[8D]