After looking around at RC shops, I finally gave in and ordered the RPM bumper mount (Part # 80905) and motor protector (Part # 80915) that I was wanting for my Rustler.

Image from http://www.rpmrcproducts.com/

I bought a rear Slash bumper (Part # 5836) to mount on the RPM bumper mount, but it didn't come with the screws necessary to mount it and it can't mount with the RPM bumper mount, so for now it's just sitting in my toolbox as a spare.

I also picked up some extra body washers (Part # 1815), as I envision these getting lost and I was already picking some up for Mickey.

While we were picking up some parts for the Slash (see below), one of my dogs decided to chew up my antenna tube, cap, and wire. I ran back into the shop and picked up a new JR Parts receiver antenna (72/75MHz) (Part # JRPA170) and a new antenna tube and cap (I didn't get the details on this, but I'm assuming it's Part # ASC6338). I haven't installed it yet because it's working just fine. I'll wait until it gets a little more mangled (or eaten) before I replace it.

Slash Updates

On the Slash, I recently added the thickest and second thickets suspension shims to try to help with bottoming on landings. The extra weight on the Slash definitely impacts landings with the stock suspension settings.

Paxton bought some decals (Part # 9950) to decorate his Slash, although we haven't added them yet.

While we were in Idaho, we had an accidental collision between the two trucks, which resulted in a broken right rear bearing carrier on the Slash. I was surprised at this because the impact was relatively light. I suppose the bearing carrier could have already been damaged, but it seemed to be handling fine prior to this. Anyway, we picked up some replacement RPM rear bearing carriers (Part # 80382) and, while I was there, I also go the replacement RPM front bearing carriers (Part # 80372), because that will probably be the next piece to break, just like on the Rustler.

And thus concludes my OCD-driven RC parts update. Yes, I know no one reads this or cares. Yes, it's for my OCD-driven need to document every modification I make to these trucks.

Mickey has an Axial AX10 Scorpion (kit) that he had built around Christmastime, but hadn't yet tried in a real rock crawling situation. I have to admit that I didn't have much interest in RC rock crawling, but I thought it might be fun to check it out anyway. After watching some people take their turn at the course and watching Mickey's truck tackle the course, it seemed like it would be a lot more fun than I originally thought.

It was really interesting to see the sections that the taller trucks did well on versus the sections that the lower trucks did well on. The course was pretty difficult and it seemed that the bigger the tires, the better the truck handled.

I think Santa might need to bring us a rock crawler this year.

The rock crawling course is unsecured in the parking lot at Dapco Hobbies and can be found via the address on their site (linked above), or via these GPS coordinates: N42 54.970 W112 27.899.

This little guy is really cool. It's very quick and pretty sturdy given its size. Supposedly, you can upgrade a lot of the parts in it too, including the battery and motor. It's perfect for Dena and she really likes it…when she gets a chance to play with it since Pax is usually racing it around the house. My only complaint so far is that charging mechanism uses a black box with 8 AA batteries in it and the connection/disconnection/reconnection that you have to make to charge it is a pain in the butt. It would be even better if they could redesign that interface.

Losi Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233)

Specifications

Type: 2WD Desert Truck RTR

Scale: 1/36

Length: 5.7 in (145mm)

Width: 3.5 in (89mm)

Wheelbase: 3.5 in (89mm)

Weight: 4.0 oz (112 g)

Chassis:Extended composite tub

Suspension: Independent

Drive Train: 3-Gear transmission with gear diff and slipper

Tire Type: Micro-Desert grip tires mounted on black, micro beadlock-style wheels

Motor or Engine: Micro electric

Speed Control: Electronic, fully proportional forward/reverse

Radio: Losi 27MHz AM pistol

Servos: Sub-micro

Batteries: 4.8V 150mAh NiMH (included)

Charger: Peak (included)

Wheel Size: 0.75 in (19mm) diameter

Kit/RTR: RTR

Shock Type: Coil-over friction dampers

Body: Factory-decorated Desert Truck (3 colors: red, blue and grey)

Ball Bearings: BB-Equipped transmission

Minimum Age Recommendation: 14 years

Experience Level: Beginner

Recommended Environment: Indoor

Is Assembly Required: No

Documents

• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Operations Guide
• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Brushless Conversion Guide v2
• Micro-Desert Truck (LOSB0233) Price List

Gathered from http://www.losi.com/Products/Features.aspx?ProdID=LOSB0233

After driving the Slash, I was quite surprised at how differently it handled. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised given the size difference. It's much more stable at speed, but that speed is slightly less than the Rustler…well, it's a lot less zippy, anyway, and it's not as nimble for turning and jumping. That makes sense though, because it's a larger scale body with the same motor and speed control as the Rustler.

Getting used to the battery life difference has been interesting. Or rather, it's been very nice for the Slash, and not so nice for the Rustler. The Slash's batteries last a good 5 minutes longer than the Rustler due to the weight and size of the Slash not allowing the motor to wind up as much. That means that it's not as zippy as the Rustler, but you can drive it for longer, which is great for Pax. Still, it's a lot of fun to jump because it flies like a trophy truck, and cornering is a blast!

Traxxas Slash (5805)

Traxxas Slash (5805)

Specifications

• ProGraphix® multi-colored painted body is available in red and blue themes as well as two officially licensed (paint and graphics) race replica versions: Scott Douglas/Mike Oberg Edition (Amsoil®) & Rick Huseman Edition (Fabtech®)
• Scale dimensions and looks of actual short course off-road race trucks
• The Slash reaches speeds in excess of 30mph using the included optional 23-tooth pinion gear*
• Powerful Titan® 12T 550 modified motor with internal cooling fan
• Race in dirt, mud, water, and snow thanks to Traxxas™ innovative water-sealed electronics
• XL-5 Waterproof Electronic Speed Control
  • Innovative watersealed design
  • High current handling
  • Forward/reverse/brake
  • Smooth high-frequency control
  • EZ-Set® push-button setup
  • Thermal shutdown protection
  • Integrated on-off button
  • Three easy-to-program drive profiles
  • High efficiency MOSFET transistors
  • Equipped with Traxxas High-Current Connectors
  • Backed by the Traxxas Lifetime Electronics Warranty
• Traxxas High-Current Connector
• Digital high-torque waterproof steering servo
  • 125 oz-in of torque and 0.16-second speed
• O-ring sealed watertight receiver box keeps the micro receiver dry
• Speed control and receiver are securely fastened to chassis
• Long-wheelbase fiber-composite monocoque chassis
  • 13.2 inch wheelbase
  • Over 3.5 inches of ground clearance
• Easy access battery compartment
• Adjustable battery hold down accepts 6- and 7-cell flat packs and 7-cell hump packs
• Chassis nerf bars absorb impact and support the body
• Scale front and rear tube-style bumpers
• New body mounts incorporate reinforced washers for additional body support
• Efficient Magnum 272 metal-gear transmission with ball bearings
• Sealed gearbox protects the transmission with beefed up motor guard for extra protection
• Revo®-Spec Torque-Control slipper clutch system
• External gear cover with easy slipper access
• Reliable composite planetary gear differential with a steel ring gear
• Heavy-duty telescoping U-joint driveshafts and yokes
• Adjustable steel Jato®-Style turnbuckles and captured rod ends
• Captured rod ends won't pop off for superior durability
• Precision hex hardware throughout
• Efficient rubber-sealed ball bearings
• Fully adjustable Ultra Shocks with X-ring technology
• Progressive rate white powder coated shock springs feature a race-tuned responsive spring rate
• Scale all-terrain front and rear tires offer superior on- and off-road traction
• The tires include performance foam inserts and they come pre-glued on satin-finish 2.2" Slash wheels
• TQ Radio System
  • Two-channels
  • Four-channel micro receiver
  • High-power output
  • Special comfort grip
  • Excellent balance
  • Retractable antenna
  • Up to a quarter mile range
  • Servo reversing
  • Low-battery indicator
  • Electronic trim controls
• Slash is backed by unparalleled Traxxas support and parts availability

Documents

• Slash (5805) Owners Manual
• Slash (5805) Chassis Assembly
• Slash (5805) Front Assembly
• Slash (5805) Rear Assembly
• Slash (5805) Transmission Assembly
• Slash (5805) Parts List
• Slash (5805) Hardware Parts List
• Slash (5805) Box Panels
• Traxxas Radio Systems Parts List
• Traxxas Retail Order Form

Gathered from http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/5805/trx_5805.htm

Image from http://www.rpmrcproducts.com/

I was also able to try out the new suspension settings some more tonight. I tested it using two skate ramps back to back and spaced out about 4-6 feet which allowed or a smoother landing…when I was able to hit it just right. The new adjusted preload definitely seems to help with big landings, as does having a smoother transition with the landing ramp. I'm definitely getting better control of the car, although I certainly did my share of roof-skidding. D'oh!

The repair was easy enough, although, being a complete noob to this stuff, figuring out the order in which to remove and replace things was a little tricky since the wheel got in the way. Knowing what I know now, I would do it like this:

1. Remove the wheel
2. Remove the remnants of the broken suspension pin (if needed)
3. Remove the remnants of the broken caster block
4. Install the new caster block, leaving the steering block disconnected
5. Install the new suspension pin connecting the steering block
6. Reinstall the wheel

I also added some of the suspension preload spacers to stiffen the suspension a bit for landings. I added one of the thickest spacers that came with the Rustler to each shock. As far as I could tell, the manual didn't explain how to do this, so it took me a bit before I realized I didn't have to pull anything to make this adjustment (just like I was hoping). To install the new preload spacers, simply pull the spring down and clip the spacer on to the upper shock body. The opening in the preload spacer will spread enough to slip over the shock body, so you don't have to remove anything.

I didn't try any jumps as big as I was doing last night, so I can't say how much the preload impacted landings, but it didn't seem to hurt the handling, at least on pavement.

I rolled the Rustler a few times by accident. Two of those roll-overs resulted in the plastic antenna tube becoming unseated from the chassis. I saw online last night that someone cut the antenna tube in two and inserted a piece of flexible fuel line to allow the antenna to bend in roll-overs rather than pulling out of the chassis. I think I might do this at some point.

Here's the broken caster block from last night:

All in all, I'm still very happy with the Rustler and I can't wait to drive it some more. I picked up a small tool box and some organizers to keep track of all the parts and tools that I have now specifically for RC cars. I'm awfully late to the game, but this is a fun new hobby.

Because there are very few images of this old RC truck and because I no longer have it, I jacked these images from http://dragonhobbies.com/forum/index.php?topic=786.0. Click for full size.

I just had to mention that for nostalgic purposes. Okay, back to my story. I bought a Traxxas Rustler XL5 (3705) (in blue) from Hobby Town USA in Wilsonville. I went with this model because of the brand recognition, replaceable parts, waterproof (or at least resistant) electronics, and styling. I was a little nervous that I was going to be disappointed with it given the cost and since I bought it on a bit of a whim.

Holy crap was I wrong! It is WAAAAY cooler than I thought it would be. It is faster and handles much better than I expected. I realized that it was way too fast for inside the house after we tried running it around the living room a bit. Temporarily, we have two couches pushed together with a skateboard quarterpipe for a temporary indoor "foam pit" that we used for Pax's birthday party. We had tried jumping our RC quad into the foam pit, but it couldn't make it up the steep, slick ramp. The Rustler, however, LAUNCHED off the ramp and nearly hit the window past the couches!

It was raining and nearly dark when we took it outside to try it out, so they weren't the ideal conditions for trying out a new RC toy. Within a minute or two, we had the Rustler zipping around our culdesac. Of course, we nearly immediatly busted out the skateboard/bike/scooter ramps to test out the Rustler's jumping ability. I was shocked at how easily it launched into the air off the ramp. Mostly, I was surprised at how balanced it is in the air. It flies very flat and steady, which, unfortunately, led me to increasing the speed more and more until I was jumping it up to 15 feet.

…which resulted in a crash landing into a curb and a broken left caster block and suspension pin, not even before we exhausted a single charge. Oh well. It's going to be less than $7 to fix, although I think I'll replace them with aluminum pieces so as to not have to repeat this incident. It seems that there are an abundance of aluminum parts to replace the cheaper plastic parts, and I'm all about upgrades and customization (see my motorcycle).

As part of my purchase, I also got a Dynamite Prophet Sport (Part # 4056) 110-volt (120volt DC) charger and a pair of Team Orion Super Duty 2400 (Part # ORI10900) NiMH 7.2V batteries.

Traxxas Rustler XL-5 (3705) (Image from Traxxas.com)

Specifications

• Waterproof electronics permit driving in water, mud and snow.
• Traxxas 2216 4-channel micro receiver.
• New waterproof receiver box.
• High-torque Waterproof Traxxas 2056 steering servo.
• Powerful Titan® 12T 550 modified motor with internal cooling fan.
• Rustler reaches speeds in excess of 35mph using the includedoptional 28-tooth pinion gear.*
• High-performance waterproof XL-5 Electronic Speed Control.
  • Sport Mode Forward / Brake / Reverse
  • Race Mode Forward / Brake
  • Training Mode – 50% Forward / Brake / 50% Reverse (patent pending)
• New large axle carriers with 5x11mm oilite bushings
• Efficient Magnum 272 three-gear transmission with ball bearings.
• Sealed gearbox protects the transmission with beefed up motorguard for extra protection.
• Revo®-spec Torque-Control slipper clutch system.
• External gear cover with easy slipper access.
• Reliable planetary gear differential.
• Telescoping U-joint driveshafts.
• Fiber-composite monocoque chassis.
• Gray chassis components offer a fresh look.
• Speed control and waterproof receiver box are securely fastened to chassis.
• Easy access battery compartment.
• Fully adjustable Ultra Shocks with X-ring technology.
• White powder coated shock springs feature a new responsive spring rate.
• Durable solid camber links eliminate the need for adjustment.
• Captured rod ends won't pop off for superior durability.
• Alias step-pin rear tires and front Alias ribbed front tires offer superioroff-road traction.
• Rustler™s tires include performance foam inserts and they comepre-glued on mirror-chrome 2.8" All-Star wheels.
• New ProGraphix® multi-colored painted body is available in red,blue, black, and white.
  • Wing is securely attached to the body with precision hex hardware
• Rustler is backed by unparalleled Traxxas support and parts availability.

Documents

• Rustler (3705) Owners Manual
• Rustler (3705) Chassis Assembly
• Rustler (3705) Front Assembly
• Rustler (3705) Rear Assembly
• Rustler (3705) Transmission Assembly
• Rustler (3705) Optional Gearing Note
• Rustler (3705) Parts List
• Traxxas Radio Systems Parts List
• Traxxas Retail Order Form

Gathered from http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/rustler3705/trx_rustler3705.htm