Thoughts on the RC4WD BEAST II 1/14?

[Panther F]

I hope this is in the right place but other than weak axles, is this a good first truck for an old tank RC'er? I don't plan on rock crawling, just like 3 powered axles and it's 1/14 scale at an affordable price.

OR... would it be easier (and cost effective) to add a powered front axle & transfer case to a Tamiya Semi?


I need a truck and it's long overdue now. :D



Jeff

[Northern Farmer]

Beast would look pretty radical with a hauler body on there :cool: Price wise customizing a semi to be 6x6 would probably be on par with the price of the Beast 2 kit. Plus you wouldn't have to scratch your head trying to figure out a 6x6 setup for your semi.

[TheBennyB]

Depending on what you want to do with it Jeff you can also look the cheap route. It's not the best quality but can get spare parts and leaves you money for a different body if you like. On the other end, you could also check out Cross R/C.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-HG-P601-1-10-Scale-2-4G-6WD-RC-Crawler-Truck-RTR-20km-h-Speed-Sliver-US/292183620336?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%2 6asc%3D44840%26meid%3D603fdda1f4b84c33bcc95af056de 9ceb%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D3318 38095389

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CROSS-RC-GC4M-All-New-Command-post-Vehicle-Kit-similar-to-HC4-and-UC6-/112379330502?hash=item1a2a547fc6:g:TDkAAOSwLEtYkUm r

http://www.cross-rc.com/

[Panther F]

Thanks for the replies guys. What I want to 'do' with it is I'd really like to have a MAZ 537 in 1/14... that's the idea need. Since I'm into 1/16 armor, the 1/14 Tamiya semis are nice and would work as a transport but they really don't do much off-road, and I am not interested in rock climbing at all.

I thought the price was rather low for the BEAST but if the CROSS wasn't in those scales (especially that command vehicle) it would be a no brainer. They are simply the better choice.

The BEAST is about 25 inches long, WB is 16 with a track width almost 12 inches. I'm afraid 1/12 might look way out of scale compared to a German tank. But they are WAY good looking as I would have to do something with the BEAST cab body. :eek::eek:

[kaptain Jack]

Beast cab body is pathetic! Few thin peaces of styrene glued at the edge offer absolutely no rigidity. Aluminum would be my choice.

[TheBennyB]

Sometimes the "scale" can be misleading. Check out the dimensions of the vehicle and not necessarily just the scale. If the wheelbase and width are ok you can fool the eye a bit with different size wheels/tires and body.

[Panther F]

You ARE so correct kaptain Jack on the cab! FUGLY and a piece of... :D Saw a review of the RTR on you tube (it was a glue bomb) and was not impressed. It would be replaced for sure.

And Brett you are so right (like on many occasions) on the scale and just a brief comparison on a few it looks almost similar! The UC6 Cross might be a good one to look at first (for me) as I can put up with that cab and replace it later.

Where is the best place to buy CROSS?

[kaptain Jack]

UC6 was sold out (at that price!!!) so, its probably WHERE you can find it.

[Panther F]

Hmmm... maybe I should get that Soviet ZIS-150 cab before it's too late?

[TheBennyB]

Check this out. No feedback so may be fishy but can pay via paypal to be protected.
Could at least keep an eye on it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Cross-RC-UC-6-1-12-Scale-Military-Off-Road-6WD-Truck-KIT-NIB-/263094060357?hash=item3d41a0c545:g:bkYAAOSwD5BZbZc H

[TheBennyB]

Hmmm... maybe I should get that Soviet ZIS-150 cab before it's too late?

150 Cab is really nice. You have to watch what chassis your putting it on though since it's highly detailed and has full interior and floor boards its tough to get it around electroinics and such. Need to have a pretty unobstructed flat deck to mount it on. I'm looking to put mine on a Trail Finder 2.

[Panther F]

Check this out. No feedback so may be fishy but can pay via paypal to be protected.
Could at least keep an eye on it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Cross-RC-UC-6-1-12-Scale-Military-Off-Road-6WD-Truck-KIT-NIB-/263094060357?hash=item3d41a0c545:g:bkYAAOSwD5BZbZc H


Ha-ha. New eBayer should at least use REAL photos of the actual item they have and not stock Internet photos to be convincing. Nice find but we should all watch it to see the results!

If it smells fishy, it most likely is a carp. (crap) :lol:

[Panther F]

150 Cab is really nice. You have to watch what chassis your putting it on though since it's highly detailed and has full interior and floor boards its tough to get it around electroinics and such. Need to have a pretty unobstructed flat deck to mount it on. I'm looking to put mine on a Trail Finder 2.


Good to know! See, the things learned as I never knew to watch out for that.

[TheBennyB]

Would still need radio and electronics but decent price on a Cross r/c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CROSS-RC-MC6-6X6-Military-Off-Road-6WD-1-12-Scale-Tractor-Truck-Rock-Crawler-KIT-/201696383390?hash=item2ef60a919e:g:-98AAOSwyQtV5hxm

[Panther F]

I have a quick question. Are all 1/12 CROSS 6X6 the same just with a different cab/body?

I've seen 3 or 4 advertised CROSS trucks with a different style/cab.

[TheBennyB]

Yes they are. Check their website for the different dimensions like these. Scroll down a bit to see diagrams with dimensions.

http://www.cross-rc.com/productinfo.aspx?pid=179

http://www.cross-rc.com/productinfo.aspx?pid=115

[TheBennyB]

Been giving this a bit of thought Jeff, and really if your thinking you just want a transporter that may see some grass and packed dirt a tammy rig will fit the bill. Not going to be 6X6 but will work. Grab a Globeliner and the only must in my opinion is a reduction off the gearbox since the stock gearbox ratio's are just too high. Throw the reduction unit in and some off road tires for the back 2 axles and you'd be good to go. Just another thought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Add-On-Speed-Reduction-4-1-Transmission-Gear-Box-Tamiya-1-14-Semi-King-Hauler-/131927413696?hash=item1eb77c93c0:g:5U0AAOSwknJXyji I

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rubber-Climbing-Tires-1-14-Tractor-Truck-Trailer-Car-Tyres-For-Tamiya-RC-4X-US-/362015613654?epid=920160702&hash=item5449cfe2d6:g:dHwAAOSw3YJZSkKd

[sassgrunt]

Well, if you used a Globeliner as a basis, you COULD still make it a 6x6 by using a TLT axle on the front. Then, you use the inside half of a dual (rear) wheel on that axle, and it makes it about the same width as the rear axles with the dual wheels, (about 7" wide).

Now, another option using these same axles, (and I'm doing this on a Pixar Mack Hauler I'm making for my grandson), is to use "wheel spacers" on the rear axles, which will bring all three axles to the same width, (about 8" wide). The type I used is similar to these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-12mm-Hex-Wheel-Widner-Spacer-Extension-17-Kyosho-RC4WD-Axial-Traxxas-Tamiya-/162459618558?hash=item25d3590cfe:g:nHoAAOSwB09YPii 5 -Mike

[Panther F]

I cannot thank you guys enough for all your eye opening suggestions and advice. I told you I know nothing about trucks, only what I have learned right here. My fault for being so one dimensional with armor all these years, not that I'm a know-it-all in that hobby.

I didn't know the Tamiya semis were just a floor pan chassis with a ladder frame attached in the rear. I thought they were all metal framed. THAT'S the allure on the 6X6's. I kinda thought there would be more work to put a driven front axle in the semis and the matching of gear ratios plus all the hardware. They just don't have a section where it's all ONE package to change your truck over to (there should be but there's probably a reason why) all wheel drive. That's why I looked at the BEAST and just sacrifice the fifth wheel arrangement for now.

It'll be tough for me to just build one of these 6X6 trucks, as an RTR is not for me (or cost effective either) but we'll see.

Just when I think I know what to settle for...

[TheBennyB]

It's not THAT easy to get a live front axle on a tammy. You have to fit in a transfer case and figure a way to get the driveshaft under the gearbox back to the front axle. Other option would be to ditch the tammy gearbox all together and go aftermarket that has 2 output shafts. Like this.

http://www.wtbcar.com/shopping/index.php?route=product/product&path=20_26&product_id=154

[Panther F]

Oh I know, I just generalized the ease of the project. You're a wealth of information Bret and I do appreciate it.

I should just be happy with a semi (which cost is not an issue) and stick a body on it, therefore having an easy future transporter (that is not the main goal) but the 6X6 idea and it might being my only truck makes me overthink it. LOL I want sound too (I know is extra $$$)... imagine a Tamiya tank with no sound at all or a wimpy one like a HL.

I'll get there soon. :rolleyes: I'm starting to sound like the indecisive newbies on RCU. :D One thing I do like more and more is the CROSS. It's not that much more $$$ and it is more robust PLUS comes with a better body I would be happy with, even at first.

Now, push the button and shut up, right? :lol::lol:

[sassgrunt]

Bret is absolutely right about not just having the axle to consider, Jeff. Along with a transfer case that allows both ends to be driven, you'd also have to decide on how much articulation you wanted (which leads you into a whole other world of complexity), and also you'd have to make/modify/buy drive shafts that would fit. Sorry for oversimplifying all that.

I've done a couple of these in the past, and for the money you'd need for the parts (as well as all the head-scratching to get them to work together), if I had it to do again - I would vote for the Cross. RC4WD has had some sales in the past for their kits, and that might be worth watching. Also, Ali Express has kits that are usually cheaper than elsewhere. And, you could always substitute a fifth wheel for the bed, (by screwing a plate to the frame and the fifth wheel to that). There are even aftermarket fifth wheels now that can rock from side to side, and not just fore-and-aft like the stock Tamiya ones. Would help with something you intend to take off road, hitched to a trailer.

A few people have converted the plastic Bruder flatbed into a tank transport trailer. Usually involves lengthening the bed a little and changing the kingpin to something that will connect to an RC fifth wheel. But, they're not very expensive; even if you wanted to splice two together to make a longer one.

[Panther F]

That's okay Mike and I thank you for your help. Maybe I shouldn't have oversimplified that I know nothing about trucks... it's RC trucks to be exact. But, I have learned quite a lot just being on this forum.

I have a fairly high degree of knowledge in mechanics since I once was an ASE Certified Auto and Truck Technician for many years and was not a 'parts replacer' like at the auto centers you will find today. I hand built my everyday drive to work street Camaro so, underneath it was not original or stock. :D So, that should explain that I know it's more than just getting the driveshaft up front. :)

[TheBennyB]

No sweat Jeff. Hanging around the likes of Daryl T and Willy has taught me a lot over the years. Yea, I did the bruder conversion as well as a goldhofer. Used the Actuonix stuff to get the ramps r/c.

https://www.actuonix.com/L12-R-Linear-Servo-For-Radio-Control-p/l12-r.htm

[Panther F]

Acknowledged... those 2 will do that.

Wish I lived closer.

[TRUCKMAKER]

I cannot thank you guys enough for all your eye opening suggestions and advice. I told you I know nothing about trucks, only what I have learned right here. My fault for being so one dimensional with armor all these years, not that I'm a know-it-all in that hobby.

I didn't know the Tamiya semis were just a floor pan chassis with a ladder frame attached in the rear. I thought they were all metal framed. THAT'S the allure on the 6X6's. I kinda thought there would be more work to put a driven front axle in the semis and the matching of gear ratios plus all the hardware. They just don't have a section where it's all ONE package to change your truck over to (there should be but there's probably a reason why) all wheel drive. That's why I looked at the BEAST and just sacrifice the fifth wheel arrangement for now.

It'll be tough for me to just build one of these 6X6 trucks, as an RTR is not for me (or cost effective either) but we'll see.

Just when I think I know what to settle for...

Not sure what you mean by "floor pan chassis with a ladder frame attached in the rear". The Tamiya 1/14 scale trucks have as close to any 1:1 Class 8 truck chassis that I've ever seen in model form. Not being critical just trying to under stand the comment. I like 6x6 chassis' and have built one in mostly Tamiya 1/14 scale parts and I'm collecting parts for another one, the difficulty is finding TLT front axles. If money is no issue there are a few after market sets to choose from but you have to replace all of them. I did a build thread on here of my 6x6 using Photobucket so of course the pictures are gone from here but I still have the originals, if you want any help just ask.

[Panther F]

I am corrected on that... must have been the racing semi truck frame I saw.

What sound electronics are they using on truck builds? Can the Tamiya module handle a 3 axle powered arrangement? Like a tank, I have to have sound.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Sound modules have nothing to do with number of powered axles, basically it comes down to sound effects or type of engine sounds. Depends on whether your happy with what sounds a system comes with or would rather record and use your own, and last but not least how deep the hobby fund pockets are lol.

[Panther F]

I guess then where to purchase them?

As long as the amp draw and voltage range are within limits?

[Nikaem]

you know I did build my zetros on the HG-P604 chassis and it is a 6x6 with the 2 speed transmission also there are a pile of metal upgrades for that platform also the price point is really low
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-HG-P601-1-10-2-4G-6WD-RC-Crawler-RTR-Toy-Car-Off-road/32629886537.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.CxCLmE
I have had a lot of fun with that truck it pulls my 10lbs of single drop trailer with no issue.
the only complaint I have is it has a really bad truning radius
http://i.imgur.com/wF9zy5Y.jpg
and here it is as a hauler
http://i.imgur.com/poebs8x.png
lights and sound is just a module
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-G-T-POWER-Container-Truck-Lighting-and-Voice-Vibration-System-for-Tamiya-RC4WD-Tractor-RC/32807447840.html?scm=1007.13446.47369.0&pvid=4a06da2d-ad07-4dc3-959d-0c8c7df712f0&tpp=1
just one example how ever there is a couple of other options as well
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HG-Alloy-frame-1-10-RC-Crawler-With-The-Body-Shell/32472526026.html?scm=1007.13446.47369.0&pvid=f031f521-1a8b-4494-84f0-0f8fcdfe83f1&tpp=1
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-10-scale-RC-Rock-Cralwer-Truck-8x8-RC8WD-Body-Kits-Chassis-Frame-Kits-Military-Tractor/32807206744.html?scm=1007.13446.47369.0&pvid=f031f521-1a8b-4494-84f0-0f8fcdfe83f1&tpp=1
not a fan of MOA but
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-10-scale-RC-8WD-8X8-Rock-Crawler-Truck-RTR-MT1012-Electric-Climbing-car-8-Drive/32802013819.html?scm=1007.13446.47369.0&pvid=f031f521-1a8b-4494-84f0-0f8fcdfe83f1&tpp=1
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/WLtoys-ACross-CrawlerKing-18628-1-18-6WD-Rock-Crawler-RC-Car-RTR/32820044773.html?spm=2114.search0203.3.19.s0XKWt&s=p&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10 065_10151_10130_10068_5410020_10139_5400017_10307_ 10137_10060_10155_10154_5370011_10056_10055_10054_ 10059_5380011_100031_10099_10103_10102_5430017_100 52_10053_10142_10107_10050_10051_10084_10083_10080 _5390017_10082_10081_10178_10110_10111_10112_10113 _10114_10312_10313_10314_10315_10078_10079_5420017 _10073,searchweb201603_19,ppcSwitch_5_ppcChannel&btsid=be8a142c-e51a-4462-8372-75a37cda713c&transAbTest=ae803_3
hope some of this is helpfull

[Panther F]

THANKS so much! Getting educated and opening my eyes... I greatly appreciate it! The links opened dozens of doors to RC trucks and I am narrowing down my decision. I do like the plug-n-play aspect but having someone load a card and going from there is a start too. Just depends on the $$$ I want to invest, I see pro's and con's of all of them.

The chassis information and searching youtube has helped tremendously.

[Efroeh]

What about integy 6x6. Not rtr but looks like a beast.
http://www.integy.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=19335&p_catid=383&ratesortby=New#.WYiZOclrnqC

[Panther F]

Oh, holy crap. :jaw: I need to do more homework but first I need to sit down after seeing this for the first time. :o

I see it's a ARTR, so it's pre-built.

[Panther F]

I also saw this one: http://www.integy.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=21659&p_catid=383&ratesortby=New

AW steer? I need to drop by you tube to learn more!

[Efroeh]

The link I shared has all wheel steer also. I have a beast was a kit version and it does what it's meant for. The body is plastic but it does alright in some crawling. I'll have to figure out how to post some pics of it.
https://s1.postimg.org/kzjxpreu7/20170403_102925.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/7g9chlq5r/20170403_102935.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/p5gscwyan/20160901_172004.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Panther F]

That's sweet! Thanks for all the information. :D

[skeeter]

For sound, ESS ONE PLUS
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SENSE-INNOVATIONS-ESS-One-Plus-Real-Engine-Sound-Simulator-1-10-RC-Car-ESS-ONE/381465799676?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

[kaptain Jack]

I'm a bit confused, the wording on Alibaba is mechanical translation and makes very little sense. One of the offers is :
//www.aliexpress.com/item/1-10-scale-RC-Rock-Cralwer-Truck-8x8-RC8WD-Body-Kits-Chassis-Frame-Kits-Military-Tractor/32807206744.html?scm=1007.13446.47369.0&pvid=f031f521-1a8b-4494-84f0-0f8fcdfe83f1&tpp=1
Is it complete body and chassis with wheels ? for under $300? Sounds to good...

[Panther F]

Hover over the thumbnails and you will see the variations and prices. The under 300 bucks is all plastic.

[Panther F]

Well, as luck would have it I scored on eBay a used CROSS XC6A that 'looked' good and in the description needed the middle gear assembly replaced as they claim it's stripped.

It should arrive the end of this week... here's hoping there's no damage in transit. :rolleyes: I'm trying to learn as much as I can on it in the meantime but everyone seems to be very happy with theirs.