Build Thread Build Complete! Vanquish VRD "Flat Rail" Carbon Build

[xjtorc]

Knocked out the D Bag today.

Last time I knocked out a d-bag, I got in a lot of trouble...

The build looks great so far. I'm a big fan of seeing something you don't like and changing it (whether it makes sense or not). I too have never built a Vanquish kit, but I have an Optic backordered and I couldn't be more excited to build it.

 

[MB401]

Problem soved...9/64th bit
I swear. I have built a ton of links in my time and have never struggled like this. You'd have to have the hand strength of a gorilla to make it work w/o a drilling it out. I've seen some tools out there that aid in building links but don't see the need.

 

[MB401]

Last time I knocked out a d-bag, I got in a lot of trouble...

The build looks great so far. I'm a big fan of seeing something you don't like and changing it (whether it makes sense or not). I too have never built a Vanquish kit, but I have an Optic backordered and I couldn't be more excited to build it.

I've come across quite a few d bags in my day, but this one was easily managed
If you look at the start of the thread you can see that I changed up the skid and some of the cross members. Didn't like the design, which forced the carbon frame rails to flex by 8mm outwards. Design was intentional to create more rigidity but I didn't think is was needed, especially with such a light rig.

The Optic looks nice. Kinda cool that you get a surprise livery with each kit.

 

[WickedFog]

I 3d printed these for the Ryft links. They were really tight too. With these, I had the links done in less than 5 minutes.

 

[MB401]

I 3d printed these for the Ryft links. They were really tight too. With these, I had the links done in less than 5 minutes.
View attachment 213558
View attachment 213559

I've seen a few of those on some websites, but the fact that you printed it out is awesome. Did you design it or was it an existing file?

 

[MB401]

Fitted the Triple Eight. Factory recommendations for link lengths were spot on. Still, Vanquish could have manufactured the servo tray about 3mm narrower for better fitment on a standard servo. Given that the servo tabs are open ended that gave me some wiggle room but the holes are off enough that I couldn't use the Reefs servo washers https://reefsrc.com/products/reefs-servo-washers-8pk on all four corners. Just started using these washers about 8 months ago and put them on all of my rigs now

 

[MB401]

These aluminum chassis spacers serve no functional purpose other than I think aluminum looks better than plastic. Strictly bling.

Oh yeah, for you comp guys. I just added 1.75 grams of sprung weight to my build. Shameful....

 

[WickedFog]

I've seen a few of those on some websites, but the fact that you printed it out is awesome. Did you design it or was it an existing file?

I designed two of them for the different size links in the Ryft kit. If you want the files, I can get them to you when I get to feeling better. They will likely work for other links too. Just pm me your email. Both use an 8mm hex bit, and I dropped two 8mm neodymium magnets in with some Shoe Goo to hold them in the tool. They snap onto the bit and stay there really good. I was freakin shocked how well they work. I'll never hand screw another link together.

 

[MB401]

I designed two of them for the different size links in the Ryft kit. If you want the files, I can get them to you when I get to feeling better. They will likely work for other links too. Just pm me your email. Both use an 8mm hex bit, and I dropped two 8mm neodymium magnets in with some Shoe Goo to hold them in the tool. They snap onto the bit and stay there really good. I was freakin shocked how well they work. I'll never hand screw another link together.

Very nice. I'll PM you my email address

As a side note, whatever you have I hope you start feeling better!

 

[MB401]

Assembled the rear axle. Took about 30 min. Easiest part of the build so far.

 

[MB401]

Took a short break from the build but made some progress this evening. Now need to figure out the layout of the electronics and it is pretty much done.
I am very interested in seeing how the ESC is going to perform. I came across this guy who specializes in building ESCs for crawlers and apparently his stuff has been getting rave reviews from the crawler community. Time will tell...

 

[MB401]

Work has been a major distraction but i finally finished the build today. Still have some tweaking to do but i did test it out and I'm very pleased. Will post a vid shortly
Gratuitous shout out to the Bills!