My Cascadia build.

[mavrick0]

(04/29/14)

So once I was done "playing" with the MFU and had it all packed up it was time to get back to the build.

Now comes the fun of building the frame and installing the servos. I tend to make things harder for myself by always using threaded hex hardware versus the standard self-tapping Philips hardware that Tamiya supplies, but I think the pain in the wrist is all worth it in the end.



Once the chassis was done it was time to build the shocks. As much as I'm not going to use the stock shocks I figured I might as well build them and then the parts aren't laying around. The reason I bought the upgraded Tamiya oil filled shocks was for the colour. I remembered with the knight hauler they came with an ugly pink colour stock shock which just didn't look right. I was surprised with this kit they are actually a plan aluminium. But the oil filled are a nice gun metal which still looks better against the black frame.



Now it was time for the front axle to be built. Rather straight forward and simple but still always fun as with any build.



Finally it was time to bring the frame, tranny, front and rear axles together. I wasn't able to install both rear axles because for some reason either I wrote down the wrong part number for the screws I needed when I went and didn't my order or the counter person read it wrong or pulled the wrong part. Either way I ended up with flathead M3x20mm versus the buttonhead M3x20mm. Luckily I had 4 sitting in another screw box so I as able to get one axle under the frame.


So this is the way it sits on my bench this morning. I have to run out and get the screws I need so I can continue with more of the build. Looking back to yesterday things for the most part went together pretty smooth but then again it's a Tamiya so you'd expect that. Only pita was the upgraded shocks. The lower shock mount is slightly different then the stock. You need to use 2 spacers. So while trying to put the screw through the mount you have to hold one spacer then the shock and then the other spacer. Definitely a tricky endeavour specially with some of the tight areas between the leaf spring and axle.

[mavrick0]

(05/12/14)

I know it's been a while since I've updated this build. I haven't done a ton as I've just keep going between this build, the trailer project for this truck and my trailer truck so things keeping getting divided. I'm also waiting on some parts to continue with the build. I'd rather have the parts on hand as I build rather then have to disassemble half the truck to change something. But I did get my screws last week and was able to get a few more things done. Here's a couple pics.



The nice thing is I did get a couple of packages this morning with some more parts so I'll update again a little later today.

[mavrick0]

(05/12/14)

So just a quick update. Here's a pic of the items that came in today.


I had to get a set of more scale tires for what you'd see up here. The stock Tamiya are fine if the truck was running down in So Cal or Arizona where they don't get snow but for everywhere else that has to deal with the bad weather these are what you'd see more of. I'll be keeping the stock tires on the front of the semi as they are closer to a normal steer tire.


So trying to make this look as scale as I can I had to go with a set of these drive shafts. Not overly thrilled that the short one is silver since it was black in the pics when I ordered it but we'll see what the eBay seller does to resolve the issue. But they do look great and I love the wrench that comes with the long drive shaft for tightening down the nuts.




Now to start installing them and do a little more work to the frame and wiring.

[mavrick0]

(05/15/14)

Got a little more work done on the semi. Added the new driveshafts, installed the rear end of the frame with lights and mud flaps as well as the new rc4wd tires to see how it all looks. I'm not using the stock wheels as I have a set sitting in the US for me to pick up which will be happening in about a week plus a bunch of other stuff for the truck and the trailers.



Then doing a little work to the electronics plate and setting up the MFC and planning the wiring.



So this is where it sits as of today. Don't see too much more being done to it till after our long weekend up here and I get down to the US to pick up a bunch of stuff and I mean a bunch. lol.