Monster Beetle upgrades while building?

[TheGizmodi]

As per the title, managed to snag a rere Monster Beetle while pre-ordering the Top Force Evolution 2021. I did some scouring of the forum and got some ideas, however, just looking for obvious must haves while building...

Already ordered a full set of sealed bearings as well as Tamiya Sport Tuned motor and steering servo.

Other things to consider while building it out?

[Frog Jumper]

Transmission brace.

Terry

 

[TheGizmodi]

10 minutes ago, Frog Jumper said:

Transmission brace.

Terry

 

Any specific ones to recommend?

[Frog Jumper]

22 minutes ago, TheGizmodi said:

Any specific ones to recommend?

There are several variations out there.  

I think this is the only one available at the moment:

Terry

[TheGizmodi]

ok the goodies are starting to come in!

 

[TheGizmodi]

whoop whoop

 

[TheGizmodi]

Ok the build is under way!

Question regarding the fast Eddie bearing kit. It comes with the usual wheel bearings but also 2 small ones. Can't figure out where they go? Are they for the counter gear that has copper washers / rings instead of a bearing? 

Fitting the MIP ball diff threw me for a loop when following the Tamiya instructions! 

 

[BattleTrak]

Yes, the 5x8mm bearings are for the counter gear.  

 

[Frog Jumper]

Step #13, the small 850 bearings will replace part BB8 on the Counter Gear.  

Terry

 

[TheGizmodi]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I was laying awake in bed, and you know doing some essential bedtime reading (build manual! lol) and I saw the denomination 850 in the instructions. I cross referenced that with the dimensions on the Fast Eddie bag and they matched, so managed to figure that out! Couldn't sleep so went downstairs, took it all apart, fitted the bearings, closed it all up, reinstalled it on the chassis and went back to bed lol

 

[Frog Jumper]

Those brass bushing keep me up at night too...

[BattleTrak]

You are off to a great start..especially with that MIP diff!  I would also recommend aluminum steering blocks and rear wheel drive hubs.  Then center mounted steering servo with bump steer corrections.  

[TheGizmodi]

6 hours ago, BattleTrak said:

You are off to a great start..especially with that MIP diff!  I would also recommend aluminum steering blocks and rear wheel drive hubs.  Then center mounted steering servo with bump steer corrections.  

Thanks for the kind words.... hoping to get it finished off this afternoon for the most part mechanically so I can test it etc...

 

Where abouts for the aluminium parts you suggest? I don't use ebay so other sources would be good!

 

 

[BattleTrak]

I get mine from eBay..lol..  Maybe someone else can direct you to another source.

[TheGizmodi]

Ok, finished up the Mechanical part of the build. Did a little test run and felt the steering servo response was a little slow.... checked the specs and realized its only 0.20s turning speed so have ordered a faster one that arrives this afternoon. So will be figuring out how to retrofit that one in. 

While getting the new shell prepped and ready for paint, I decided to throw on my shelf queen blitzer beetle shell! Beefy! lol

[Frog Jumper]

Beefy indeed!

[TheGizmodi]

Decided to go with TS 85... going to let it cure for a week before trying out some TS 80 flat clear after putting all the decals and finishing touches to it..

 

[TheGizmodi]

Painting update.... Did the black window trim and silver accents today after 6 days if curing. Decals tomorrow

 

 

 

[TheGizmodi]

Ok basically complete! Decided to go with a different twist but remaining loyal to the Box art color scheme!

As above, TS85 Red, flat black window trim accents, aluminum silver accents (window opener & go faster stripe!) Cured for a week then decals added. Entire body with decals sealed with 3 coats of TS80 Tamiya Flat Clear to give a matte / flat appearance. Personally I love the finish!

I decided to use my trusty knockoff Dremel to remove the front windows on either side and then attach some 1/10 racing mesh (rubber). Love how it came out, wasn't meant to be a shelf Queen when I started out.... but....... lol

[Frog Jumper]

Great work!  Looks fantastic!  Keep that body for the shelf and buy a lexan runner shell!

Terry

[TheGizmodi]

lol I may have to, I really thought I could just be like "ahh its a runner, i don't care if it gets scratched up... this is a basher' 

I may order another solid plastic one, but they appear to be out of stock!

I do have a lexan Blitzer Beetle shell... hmmmm

 

 

[Cynan]

Great job.

I second getting a second shell. I've started doing that with all my cars now that I intend to run.

Now I just hope I can match that finish when I paint mine - due to arrive today!

[djmcnz]

That looks exceptional, I'm very envious of your skills!

Nice work, well done. 👍

[TheGizmodi]

On 6/14/2021 at 1:02 AM, Cynan said:

Great job.

I second getting a second shell. I've started doing that with all my cars now that I intend to run.

Now I just hope I can match that finish when I paint mine - due to arrive today!

Let us know how yours turns out!

[TheGizmodi]

I made a little video of it this morning, this is my first time making an RC video and it was interesting controlling the car and filming at the same time! lol