The Newest Scale Project.

[hamz9561]

I posted on Friday that I had picked up my latest project: A Vaterra Ascender. I've been wanting to build a new scaler and this looked to be a good choice. I was so eager to start this one that I couldn't wait to tear into the build. I really liked the looks of this one because it wasn't a Jeep and I really liked the body style of this Blazer (1986).

I'm not really into doing build threads, but like sharing the results of what I do in the "Skunkworks". So I managed to get it about 90% done before I needed to go back to the lhs to get some more parts. All I'm lacking from finishing the project is a but of paint touch-up and some beadlocks. I'll post up some pictures when it's complete, sometime tomorrow.

A few quick thoughts on this kit:

The Bad...
While the parts are good, the fit of some still needs a bit of finagling. The 2-speed conversion requires replacing all of the guts of the tranny with those from a Vaterra Twin Hammers. The wheels that are included, aren't beadlocks. The batteries are limited to those the size that are used in the Traxxas 1/16 scale trucks.

The Good...
The drive-shafts include CV joints on both ends. The axles have a scale appearance and seem to be a bit heavier duty than the Axials. The kit includes the capability to run any of 4 chassis/wheel base lengths. The servo is chassis mounted. The lid has good detail and the chrome grill is separate and includes the hardware for LED head lights and turn signals.

 

[hulkmaxx]

Sweet hamz will be watching this s it comes along!

 

[hamz9561]

The paint will surprise people...

 

[stirling762]

Is it just me or reading build threads tends to make me wanna stay up late turning wrenches on my rigs!

Oh and I see a Happy Bday is in order!

 

[hulkmaxx]

Heck yah! Soon as I get the cash, can't wait to start turning that TF2 into a beast. Think it may turn into the winter project!

 

[hamz9561]

Oh and I see a Happy Bday is in order!

Thanks for the B-day wishes. And now on to the pics:

I need to adjust the length of the left side rear links to get the rear end to track straight and get some decent beadlocks and it's ready for the trail!

 

[stirling762]

Oh man who doesn't love a camo paint job!!!!

 

[hulkmaxx]

Nice! Military style!

 

[hamz9561]

It, too, is a replica of another vehicle I drove: An M1009 CUCV of the 1st Inf. 1st Brigade S-4 (Supply)- HQ-4. I need to adjust the links and get the correct beadlocks for it and it's ready to hit the trail this weekend.

 

[Alexander_0_1]

Man, that looks sweet, I wanna do one in the theme of my old blazer too. Mine was maroon, w/ white top, rust on the wheel wells, I might include the smashed left rear side window, covered in tuck tape, and polythene.

 

[SMaxxin]

It looks great Hamz, how is the performance?

 

[hamz9561]

Waiting on tires for the RC4WD beadlocks for its first run. It ought to be a beast though with 2s and 3500kV motor.

 

[Rolex]

Gotta' love camo paint jobs. That belongs on off road crawlers.
Are those working headlights?

 

[hamz9561]

You betcha. I just need to run power to the controller box.

 

[hamz9561]

Just a quick update: I'm finishing the wiring of the lights and hope to get some pics up of the completed project shortly.

 

[hamz9561]

Here are some pics.

The driver-side view of completed project Big Blaze.

The front view of Project Big Blaze.

The passenger-side of Project Big Blaze.

Her are some pictures of the lights for @Rolex.

 

[Rolex]

Just checking the spelling of blaze'. Not sure where that apostrophe goes, but that would make it "Big blah-zay".

 

[hamz9561]

Blaze, as in large fire. Not blase like your idea of fun- waxing and polishing.

 

[HPIguy]

Rig looks bad ass hamz! The wagon wheels fit that body and era so perfectly.

 

[Nitrotrout]

I dig the realism of these scalers, I can't imagine the time, effort, patience and money go into making these things so realistic looking. Well done.