ZIS 150 Complete Kit

[Mustang46555]

King Kong R/C has had a ZIS 150 cab and bed out for a while now, but just before Christmas I stumbled on to the "complete" kit. Same cab that's been available but with a wood bed. Well, I took the bait and on Dec 14th I ordered one. It arrived 12/21, not too shabby coming from China. Here's the box and packaging. Nicely done to survive an overseas trip.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/38855906994_e4e8f9e8b8_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/39535166132_dda39c158c_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4688/38668607155_a918e11f19_b.jpg

[Mustang46555]

As usual, I got so into building the chassis that by the time I took pictures here is how it looked.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4601/38855913084_83456d665a_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4587/27788400979_11018e8d73_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/27788398299_3b295a0884_b.jpg

[egronvold]

That's good looking!

[Mustang46555]

With the bed finished and weathered I was very impressed with the looks. Both sides and the tailgate are hinged. Of course with that nice big cab I needed a driver, and one that was "unique."
Space for electronics is VERY cramped so I built a crate for the bed to hide the battery. Of course with a driver that looks like he does you never know what might be in the crate so I created some placards for it. I used an online translator so if you read Russian I may have the spelling or meaning way messed up.
Hopefully the rest of my paint shows up in time and it can make the trip to Lebanon.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4596/38855954394_c610f3bab3_b.jpg

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https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/39535210152_164a842476_b.jpg

[frizzen]

Very cool! That looks great even without paint.

I dunno if i'd want that case right up next to the cab if i were driving...

[Mustang46555]

Wait till I get the skid load of "Biohazzard" barrels finished and loaded right behind it! LOL!!!!!!!
The driver has his protective bandana on, he should be good!

[frizzen]

Good point. He's got Safety Squints, Leather Gloves, and a Bandanna, he should be plenty safe!

Are you thinking OD green, or is there another color in mind?

[Mikem]

I got mine on the 27th a very nice kit with amazing shipping . I started building it and was quite happy with this kit until I got to the servo Mount I got 2 right hand parts , an email and a left one is on its way . The biggest problem was getting/finding a 2mm hex driver . I didn’t start the cab yet as I want to paint it first . All in all fun kit

[Mikem]

Mine won’t get to cabin fever lol . Is your tow truck coming to cabin fever ?

[Mustang46555]

Yeah, the 2mm hex driver is the hardest part of assembly, by chance I happened to have one. I don't remember where I got it, but it saved the day. Bummer about your servo mount but it is good to hear they are standing behind their product. I'm having a ball with this build, a purely just for fun truck!
I won't be making cabin fever, too far, but the wrecker and ZIS will be at the Lebanon, IN meet in a couple of weeks.

Frizzen, Yes OD green for the cab, it just seems right.

[tc1cat]

Looks good. Now to make it to Lebanon to see it and all of the guys!! D*@#!@ doctor visits. 4 visits in 3 days takes all of the fun out of things!!

[kaptain Jack]

Very nice job. I had to build almost everything scratch, only cab was available at the time.
I wonder how much is complete kit?

[Mustang46555]

Thanks
I got the complete kit on sale for slightly under 300 USD + shipping just before Christmas it's now back to just over 300. Pretty good deal either way.

[Panther F]

Nice score, especially at that price.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Nice to see you picked one up Dennis, I’d seen it and thought it was 4x4, so I looked into it further and figured out that wasn’t the case. What’s your opinion on a possible conversion to 4wd, do able?

[Mustang46555]

Yes, I think it's very doable.
I've seen the same style transmission listed on evil bay with a forward facing output or a transfer case mounted where the current carrier bearing is located will take care of drive and one of the metal front axles should bolt right on. Being 1/12 scale there is a bit more room under the truck so I don't see any conversion issues. King Kong sells ZIS 151 tires which are a bit wider but with a more aggressive tread. But be sure you find a 2mm socket, it is vital to proper assembly of both the chassis and the bed.

[Mikem]

I with you on that 2mm nut driver lol . I’ve stopped on mine till I get the right servo Mount and get back from cabin fever . I’m going to try to find a battery that fits under the seat

[rc13]

Nice truck. Since this post, I have checked out some videos on it. Pretty cool.. Yes the 4x4 would be awesome for this.... Does the 1/12 scale look to be a true 1/12 scale? How does it compare next to a 1/14 Tamiya scale? Would a Bruder mini-figure would be a little small in the cab?
Thanks.

[Mustang46555]

It seems very close to a true 1/12th scale, the size difference is noticeable when you put it right beside a King Hauler. I don't have a spare Bruder figure to try but a 5" walking dead action figure is a perfect fit so I believe the Bruder would be a bit small.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Borrowed this photo from Ken Hanna Jr on Facebook,
https://s14.postimg.org/c8ryc6uht/3_E6_F1_C2_D-_A1_F4-4904-8_FEC-_A4_DCC5_DDF0_FF.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[doodlebug]

I with you on that 2mm nut driver lol . I’ve stopped on mine till I get the right servo Mount and get back from cabin fever . I’m going to try to find a battery that fits under the seat

Look up Wiha tools! They have those metric nut driver sets!
https://www.wihatools.com/picofinish-precision-hex-metric-driver-7-piece-set-in-canvas-pouch
Cheers, Neil.

[kaptain Jack]

Rc stores that sell helicopters, usually carry those metric drives, since they are used in helis.

[rc13]

It seems very close to a true 1/12th scale, the size difference is noticeable when you put it right beside a King Hauler. I don't have a spare Bruder figure to try but a 5" walking dead action figure is a perfect fit so I believe the Bruder would be a bit small.

Thanks for the info.
Look forward to seeing it running..

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4612/24752044017_1e744d1a4c_b.jpg

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https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4605/24752036447_5cd1522abc_b.jpg

Got some color on the cab, now to start some light weathering.

[Mustang46555]

Kind of going for this look;

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/38912100784_f1b5612615_b.jpg

Not going crazy with weathering, just light fluid spills and mismatch paint touch ups

[rc13]

I like it... Ah, just run it in the dirt and mud a few times, don't clean it, and you will be good to go. Thats what I do.
But some light weathering will be nice...
I bought the 1/16 Opil Blitz 4x4 version a while back. It is very cool, but it is kindof small.
Even though this is a 1/12 scale, I would lean towards this King Kong, especially if it can be converted to 4x4.

[Repkyle]

Great Job. I have been hoping to see what others do with this kit. I received mine the day after Christmas. I think it is really well thought out. I personally would change a couple design aspects.

[razvan nicola]

Hi, and sorry for disturbing. Can you give us some links for the respective transmission and transfer case? Also available for the rest of the components necessary to modify it to 4x4.
Thank you,
Răzvan

[Mustang46555]

Sorry Razvan, I was just referring to parts I had seen listed and from building know the conversion is possible. I have no plans to convert this truck so I don't have any links saved for those parts.

[ReneDK]

Hi from a new user from Denmark.
It looks good your truck, I have to order one soon, so I just have a few questions.
What did you use to color the wooden board ?? Where do you have esc and receive to be in it ?? Can it all be there ?? I also think the battery must be in a box if it can not be under the seat ??
Do not hope it was too much at one time. Thanks in advance

[Mustang46555]

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the compliments.

The wood was stained with a "black wash" solution I make it from common rubbing alcohol with a small amount of black india ink added. Go light on the ink, it only takes a few drops to an old airbrush size bottle of alcohol. Apply with a wide brush, it may take several coats depending on your mix. Better to apply twice the ink does not come off!

The receiver is in the gas tank. The kit's gas tank snaps apart just so electronics can be put there. It will hold most receivers I use an 8ch Airtronics.

The ESC, an older Futaba unit (small) is under the driver seat. There are tabs at each end of the seat base that allow the seat to snap into place. I trimmed my tabs down quite a bit so the seat would come out better if I needed to get at the ESC. Also the on-off switch is mounted on the passenger side front of the seat base. Easy to get at through the passenger door and very hard to see otherwise.

Since I run NiMh batteries there isn't enough room under the seat and access would be a bit tough. I built a wooden crate that's in the bed to hide the battery. It's just visible in some of the pictures.

If you'd like a better picture please let me know and I'll post some.

Good luck with your build, it's a nice kit and a blast to drive!

[Mikem]

I second that but I put my battery under the box over the rear axle and both the ESC and reciever in the gas tank

[Mustang46555]

I do like the idea of all the electronics in the tank. I tried getting both in the fuel tank but my receiver was too big. Hated to buy a new one when I had that one on hand so the esc went under the seat. Putting the battery over the axle is a great idea. Probably helps traction some if used off road.

Rene, you might check the RC Truck and Construction facebook page for ideas too. Some folks there modified the kit to a more civilized version and they look REALLY good!

[ReneDK]

I second that but I put my battery under the box over the rear axle and both the ESC and reciever in the gas tank
Do you have any pictures of how you put your battery?
And what battery do you use?
I'm thinking about buying a few small lipos.

[ReneDK]

I have not quite decided whether there should be another green army truck when I get one, have also seen pictures of a red and black civil edition I thought was really nice.

[Mikem]

Hi Rene to install my battery I cut out the wood rib above the axle and just laid the battery on the frame and the box holds it down . I painted my truck gray with black fenders and lowered it by 5/16 of an inch . I think it looks more civil now . Some day I’ll post pics on this site but not now . I do have pics on the rc truck on face book . Mike

[ReneDK]

Okey super ... I'm looking at it. Do you use lipo battery?

[Mikem]

No just a nimh battery 7.2 volt

[Mikem]

But what I might do is take a battery apart put 4 cells under the seat and one on each side of the motor

[ReneDK]

If you can have a nimh battery there, then there should also be Room for a small lipo.

[skeeter]

Hi Rene to install my battery I cut out the wood rib above the axle and just laid the battery on the frame and the box holds it down . I painted my truck gray with black fenders and lowered it by 5/16 of an inch . I think it looks more civil now . Some day I’ll post pics on this site but not now . I do have pics on the rc truck on face book . Mike

Is that yours I saw over there with the PERPLE cab? If that is, I seen it yesterday, & it looks AWESOME!

[frizzen]

I missed uploading this one
https://i.imgur.com/gWgd2B2h.jpg

Zabcos from new indy thread
https://s20.postimg.org/oqqwosua5/Leb0118-02.jpg
https://s20.postimg.org/iebrefw7h/Leb0118-16.jpg

Last pic shows battery crate better

[ReneDK]

There are two really cool truck.....

[kaptain Jack]

Nice

[skeeter]

I like it, I like 'em both!

[Mustang46555]

Thanks for posting those Frizzen! I'm a bit of a slacker when it comes to pictures! LOL!

The ZIS is a blast! I'm having a ball with it and it's "dubious" cargo. I have to get pictures of the 3 new barrels added to the "load" since Lebanon, they're full of some green stuff?
Yuri says he doesn't have to use the headlights much now because of the glow so it's all good! HAHAHAHA!!!

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/39637850404_b2fdc5bf52_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/39451914145_e7c9f7b72d_b.jpg

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/25477165757_acf54aec62_b.jpg

HHmmmmmm one lid didn't seal too good? Yuri says "It's nothing!"

[Mikem]

Nice one

[skeeter]

He'll be alright, Its over 6 feet away from him, plus it's behind him. The wind will keep everything away from his cab area! In case of a tail wind, he's got his safety bandana he can wrap it around his nose & mouth to prevent breathing it. It's all good :)

[ReneDK]

It looks pretty bad.
But a real Russian does not care about a little poison c")

[ReneDK]

Is this the one I need for bolts?
https://www.conradelektronik.dk/Elektronik-og-finmekanik-Topn%f8gle-skruetr%e6kker-Wiha-PicoFinish-N%f8glebredde:-2-mm.htm?websale8=conrad-dk&pi=825608&ci=SHOP_AREA_17600_1515150

Will just be sure c ")

[Mustang46555]

That's the one Rene.

[Mustang46555]

"But a real Russian does not care about a little poison c")"

LOL!
Now I just need a 1/12 scale bottle of vodka and a AK to lay on the seat and the interior will be complete!

[ReneDK]

Thank you very much, I will order this one for the toolbox

[ReneDK]

I have seen 1/12 whiskey bottles on ebay for dollhouses. So try to look there c ")

[ReneDK]

What engine are you guys driving in your truck?
Thinking about T what?

Transmitter / Receiver - Tools - Esc is all in place now c")

[ReneDK]

Mustang: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F32 2490181867

[Mustang46555]

AWESOME, THANKS! Just ordered 2. Wouldn't want Yuri to run out of a vital safety supply!

I'm just running a stock Tamiya 540 size motor from a King Hauler kit. Had it laying around, speed is just about where I like it. Plenty of power for my driving and good battery life. I wouldn't go to a high turn motor unless you want really slow top speed. Somewhere between 27 and 45 turns should do fine.

[sassgrunt]

I bought some 2mm scale bolts, and needed to buy a driver to tighten them up. I bought two of a similar-looking driver to what you posted (different company, though), and it also has a slim profile tip to reach into tight spaces. What I found was that if you try to tighten the bolt too much, the inside of that tapered part tends to round off and won't tighten the bolt at all any more. So after that, I bought these much sturdier ones: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SSD-RC-2mm-Hex-Socket-Tools-for-M2-Scale-Hex-Bolts-SSD00053/172632160122?hash=item2831adb77a:g:rdEAAOSwQiFaebl 9 Now I use the smaller-tipped one to set the bolt in place, and these thicker ones to tighten it. You may find that these larger sockets are difficult to fit into tight places, but on the bolts for the bed, space is not a problem. -Mike

[frizzen]

Good, das ist vital protective fluid for Yuri.
Did you remove the cab rear-view mirror yet? (What's behind me is no longer important)

i love the nuke and biohazard barrels, good weathering already but some might need more rust!

In rc sparks video, he said something about the kit coming with a tool for the 2mm bolts.
Or the easy way is grab a fairly long socket-head screw with 2mm hex for the allen wrench, then turn it over. Maybe run a couple nuts on the screw, or make a brass handle if you feel fancy. Touch with a file if it has too much chamfer, or need closer access.

[Mustang46555]

You can also tighten the threaded part of a 2mm hex screw in a pin vise and make your own nut driver.
Kind of surprised to hear sassgrunt say he rounded out a Wiha nut driver. I've used their tools for years and have never had that issue. And I'm talking about daily use in a machine shop.

Only mirrors are the big outside ones. Oh yeah, more rust is coming.

[ReneDK]

AWESOME, THANKS! Just ordered 2. Wouldn't want Yuri to run out of a vital safety supply!

I'm just running a stock Tamiya 540 size motor from a King Hauler kit. Had it laying around, speed is just about where I like it. Plenty of power for my driving and good battery life. I wouldn't go to a high turn motor unless you want really slow top speed. Somewhere between 27 and 45 turns should do fine.

You are welcome....
He must have something to drink c")
I have an MST 35T engine to lie and I use it so

[ReneDK]

I bought two of a similar-looking driver to what you posted (different company, though)

I've never heard of anything from Wiha that does not hold. Have more of their screwdriver and they are very good.

[sassgrunt]

Yes, it is a Wiha. I don't know why it rounded off inside from over-torqueing instead of the head of the bolt, but it did. All I could think of is that metal of the tip is SO tapered, it must be thin enough to spread somewhat, (because it isn't split, like I figured it would be). After that happened, I bought a second one, and try not to overstress it. But, the fact that it did round out is the reason I bought the thicker, but more awkward ones.

[ReneDK]

It sounds wild .... I already have a 1.5mm and it has kept for 4x6 bolt in a set of wheels without problem.

[ReneDK]

I have ordered my King Kong truck c ")

[sassgrunt]

I saw that King Kong is now selling the fuel tank and transmission as separate items. Since my build started off with just the cab kit and bed, this will help me out a lot. I wrote and asked them if they were going to start selling the rims at some point, and the responded that they had just listed them. So now these are available for our builds as well.

[Mustang46555]

Great news Rene! Be sure to post pictures when you get it!

That's cool sassgrunt! I found their replacement hubs, front and rear, listed on evilbay too. Now if they'll just offer a ZIS 151 I can really tick the wife off! LOL

[ReneDK]

Thank you very much. Must try to remember to upload pictures.
Well, there are more loose parts for sale, yes, it's delicious if something should break with time.

[ReneDK]

http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=13172
Has made a thread for my construction now and is waiting for it to arrive in the next couple of days.

[ReneDK]

https://preview.ibb.co/hW9edc/Screenshot_20180426_182508.png (https://ibb.co/i20VjH)
Would like to share this news with you all, have it from King Kong RC.

[Mustang46555]

That's what I've been waiting to hear! Thanks for the update Rene.

I apologize for not being on the forum much lately. Wife's little brother has colon cancer, we've been dealing with that.

[ReneDK]

Mustang, I'm sorry to hear, hope it's going well.
But yes it's a real go news.

[frizzen]

Sorry to hear that mustang, if you need someone to talk to, or to play trucks with to help get you out of your head, let me know. I've got family that's been wrestling with cancer for years.

F*** cancer.