Axial Ryft Build

[WickedFog]

Warning... rant below.

Ok. I hit some roadblocks this weekend. My GT3B will not bind to two brand new receivers I have. I'm not sure what's going on there, so I will just use my GT5. But I spent the better part of the day trying to get the Tekin Hotwire 3.0 working, but it only works when connected to the ESC through the USB port and the PC app. So frustrated here I am ready to catch fire. And Tekin isn't open on the weekends Horizon hobby, as figured, was no help at all since it isn't their product.

I did manage to get the ESC calibrated and setup using the PC app, but I really wanted to leave this programmer connected so I could dial it in in the field, but read the next paragraph...

Huge gripe - you have to disconnect the fan to plug the Hotwire in its place to use it. And the port on the ESC to do this is waaaaaaaay too tight to make this easy. It has taken me every bit of 10 minutes each time I have tried to plug one of those cables back in there. It's RIDICULOUS!

Hobbywing and Castle stuff is looking more appealing at this point.

 

[Doom!]

Feel your pain, we've all been there at one time or another. Especially the fat fingers in tight areas. I struggle with that in my rc planes.

 

[WickedFog]

I was watching some vids on the Hotwire. They mentioned having trouble plugging it and the fan in too. I will probably remove the case and just file the opening bigger.

 

[WickedFog]

I got a new ESC mount designed so the on-off switch can be mounted. Version 3 lol. I went ahead and uploaded all the files for the ESC and shift servo adapter to Thingiverse if anyone wants to print them for their build.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5320500

 

[WickedFog]

Got the electronics all dialed in and wires cleaned up. This is really cool when I got to thinking about it. This is the transmission, motor, ESC, Rx, Hotwire, shift servo, all mounted to the center crossmember of this rig. It's really impressive holding all that in one hand. It makes ya wonder how hard would it be to just bolt the axles to this and be done with it

 

[WickedFog]

Just a little video update of the ESC and stuff. It's so fun to have the kiddo here this week. So we will be wrapping this build up very soon.

 

[WickedFog]

Quick update. Painting the body panels, which I eventually wanted to replace with carbon fiber, but I am diggin' this look. Created by spraying first with Tamiya PS-23 Gun Metal, then a dabbing with crumpled foil, then a shot of PS-63 Bright Gun Metal, more foil, then backed with more PS-23

 

[WickedFog]

Interior is painted and decaled. Has to use a heat gun on a few of them to follow the curves, but they are good decals for that. Also got the side panels done. Still need to add a bunch of sponsor decals.

Breydon wanted the navigator looking at the drive as if he was saying "WTF BRO?!"

 

[Doom!]

Those panels are awesome! That's a cool trick I hadn't seen before.

 

[WickedFog]

Those panels are awesome! That's a cool trick I hadn't seen before.

Thanks
You can do that with plastic wrap too for a really cool marbled effect. Or take shelf liner that looks like all the little rubber balls and lay it in the wet paint and gently press it in, then remove. Then spray what ever color you want for a carbon fiber look in that color.

 

[Tunedfrog]

I love the panels, great job on the video guys.

 

[WickedFog]

Thanks bro. I am trying to get him to stop playing video games and finish the build before bed. It's killing me. We got the links, sway bar, axles, and tires to do. Maybe an hour's worth of work and she's ready to take on some furniture!

 

[WickedFog]

And now, a word from our sponsors...

Hey @WoodiE - check it out. I finally got to use my Arrma forum decals!

 

[Xraycer]

The drivers makes me think of Daft Punk.

 

[Tunedfrog]

Your color choices work...

 

[WickedFog]

The drivers makes me think of Daft Punk.

Lol, yeah they do resemble that don't they

Your color choices work...

Thanks. I wish the red on the cage came out a bit more red, but the plastic was grey. I added a few more decals. Will get more pics when she is finished today.

 

[WickedFog]

Man, there is soooo much to this kit. Getting closer though.

 

[Doom!]

What shock are you putting on it?

 

[WickedFog]

What shock are you putting on it?

The stock ones are actually really awesome.

We got to within about 15 minutes of wrapping it up and pizza showed up. Will be done in a few. Breydon is in an Oculus game right now running around the kitchen like a monkey. I mean, he is playing as a monkey in the game. And it's funny watching him run around like a monkey with a VR headset on.

 

[HPI-Killer]

This thing is gnarly, and I love the colors your doing too very slick! What's the WB on this rig, and I've been gone awhile and curious how it sizes up to a wraith!

Keep it up!