Fast Attack Hopper budget build

[Vrooom666 31]

brilliant build. I like those.

[JennyMo 3526]

This just gets better and better! - love the new 'fat tyre' look for the front wheels and the bonnet vent is perfect...

It looks fantastic - no wonder you felt the need to stick your Willy in it ;o)

Jx

[mr crispy 2293]

Jenny! Cheeky minx

So anyway... actually Jenny I kinda used an idea you suggested about the padding on the rollcage. I've used some 6mm styrene tubing which I cut to length and slit open to allow me to wrap it around the cage bars. It holds itself on quite tight and only shows a 1-2mm gap where I slit it. I've also bolted on a plasticard roof panel and glued some tabs inside the bonnet to secure it near the roll bars.

Here's the pics.

I had thought the Brat tyres would look too fat atvthd front but the more I see it the happier I am with them. I have already noticed these rears don't have the same amount of grip as the old Hornet tyres which is probably a good thing and will hopefully make it less likely to try to swap ends on loose surfaces.

Not too much more to do now. I want to fab a spare wheel mount on the rear cage, a fan shroud on the engine and I was wondering about some small panels on the rear end to get a bit of colour back there. I'm thinking to keep the cage bars black but possibly paint the pads yellow. The body will be painted white with yellow detail panels.

[SteveU30 1011]

Looks amazing Nic! Can't wait to see this in paint now.

[bromvw 744]

Nice work Nick . How about just adding panels to the rear side ' triangles ' as per a Rough Rider ? IMO the front tires look too wide - maybe get SRB Bloke to narrow them for you ? I'am just being super critical though . This does look fantastic .

[mr crispy 2293]

I was thinking both those Bromvw, but the fat front tyres have grown on me I've mocked up a set of rear panels out of cardboard to see how they look. But first I've been fiddling with my rear end again!

Made a fan shroud for the Duratrax engine from plasticard.

And a spare wheel holder from brass strip and an old steering servo horn.

It's not as robust as I would've liked so I'll keep an eye on it.

Here's the first try at the rear panels.

I might make them a little smaller when I transfer them to plasticard as they hide the engine a bit more than I wanted. Quite happy with the balance though, it'll need some colour at the rear.

[XV Pilot 1936]

Again my complements on a really great build. It is looking better than ever!

[Biz73 603]

I don't know if this is available in the UK, but I'm using plastic mesh from the craft/fabric store. It was only 57 cents per 26.7cm x 34.3cm sheet. There were lots of colors available. I'm using some for the roof on my FAV build. I've been thinking about using it on some of the triangles as well.

[BadWagon 146]

I'm DIGGING this build!

You've got my wheels turning.

[mr crispy 2293]

Hmmm I bought some plastic mesh like that a few years ago, I'll have to dig it out and see how it looks. Good find Biz73.

Today I've done the last few modelling mods. First I put together a new WW driver and cut a section out of his back so he sits a little further back. Filed and it's ready for fitting.

I also added a side peice to enclose the cockpit area a bit more.

And cut the rear panels from plasticard. This side needed a small notch for the antenna mount.

Other than cutting the steering wheel that's about it!

Next job is to strip it down for painting

[JennyMo 3526]

Jx

[mr crispy 2293]

Jx

[mr crispy 2293]

More tinkering today. On the last few runs I found the car would cut out every now and then for no apparent reason and then be fine once I picked it up. Traced the fault to the pressure the battery plug and wiring was put under crammed into the small space so I reluctantly have relocated the ESC. It's now under the driver at the rear of the chassis so I've cut a hole in the cockpit deck and given Willy a bit more of a trim.

It's visible when he's fitted but it's not too bad and I can improve the look but a little more plasticard work and how I paint the driver. I've also taken inspiration for the GH's fixing for the driver and now hold him in place with a self taper through the roof panel into his head.

Drive it around the garden and it's not cutting out anymore

[mr crispy 2293]

I also got around to trying out the 380 motor in it and I'm quite surprised at how fast it goes.

ESC is much cooler now but the 380 was very hot after 5 mins!

[bromvw 744]

Drop a sport tuned in it mate . Then it will really be a ' Wild Ride ' lol

[Biz73 603]

Mr Crispy, this is turning out great. Now that you have the bigger tires all around, the spare is like those mini ones that come in compact cars today

I just finished a FAV build, and would like to use the rx tube mount that you used here. What type of car did this come from? And if you know which parts sprue, I would be grateful for the help. Thanks

[mr crispy 2293]

Space saver, it's lighter so helps it go faster It was all pre-planned of course

The antenna tube holder maybe available in other kits but I think mine was from a TL01 or TL01B. It's on the B parts sprue. Follow the link below.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111126907388

You can see it in the bottom left corner, between the servo spring and servo horn.

[mr crispy 2293]

Took the FAH to my usual testing area at the local rec ground and it's loose gravel handling is much better with the Brat tyres and 380 motor. I'll keep the silvercan 540 for those total loonasy moments as it's only takes a few mins to swap them.

Hope to start painting this weekend.

[mr crispy 2293]

You can actually keep it in a straight line now on the loose stuff... but where's the fun in that?

[mr crispy 2293]

Thought I’d update this old thread as the Fast Attack Hopper is finally finished. Traded it with my brother in law and he gave it a rather nifty P51 Mustang paint job! 

 

I’d like to point out the drivers face was painted by yours truely 😉

[Tizer 606]

That looks brilliant! Makes me want to build another Hornet

[racer1 117]

This is truly a great build. I have dozens of hopper/hornet chassis's laying around and this looks like the prefect way to bring life back to a forgotten car.  I believe I have every part you used in laying around. 

[Busdriver 6209]

A slightly ratty 70's paint job would be fab

[Busdriver 6209]

Apologies this was whilst I was halfway through the thread. P51 is one of my favourite aircraft so anything that looks like one is fine by me!!!

[mr crispy 2293]

He’s done the old girl proud... just a shame he’s too scared to run it 😉