as if I really need another hobby

I've always thought the RC crawlers were pretty awesome little contraptions. I use to be into the RC scene back in the day, but never really got too wrapped up in it since I wasn't as mechanically intelligent as I am now

But I've been tossing around the idea of building a one-off custom rig. Not really a straight up crawler, but more of a 1/10 scale realistic rig. I'd like to use a leaf spring suspension (I've found some DIY articles on making them out of spring steel), frame mounted steering servo instead of an axle mounted one since it just looks SO much better in my opinion, good solid hand fabbed frame, and so on and so forth. The axles, powertrain, and electronics is where I know I'll have to spend a little money, but I'd like to keep it on a low budget, since this IS my first go around at it and I don't want to dump a ton of money into something that I end up not wanting to carry on with The body isn't really important at the moment; I'd probably find a 1/10 scale 3rd gen Pickup body later on and make it fit on it, OR maybe even a newer model Tacoma body

If I start pricing everything up and it gets up close to the $200 range though, I may end up just trying to get an SCX10. Granted those don't come with the leaf spring suspension, but they're still the solid frame and live axles that I'd want. Plus getting a ready to run one would net me everything including a controller, which I don't have either


So I'm asking you RC crawler guys, what would you recommend to a newb?

 

up your budget a bit...maybe double

 

well that's why I'm saying if it's going to run me over $200, I'd be more inclined to just buy a brand new SCX10 RTR kit for $300 and have everything I need

 

it is addictive, that is why i think your budget was too small...i had a RTR..unfortunately it walked away...

 

I just got into RC last week actually. Had some RCs as a kid, but my wife saw me scoping RC crawler videos online one day and decided to let me get one for my birthday Did some homework on what to get and decided for a first "real" RC that I should get an SCX10 Honcho RTR unit - because I like the 1:10 scale size, tacoma body, and didn't have any controllers etc. After running this thing for a week, I am hooked! This thing is great right out of the box with a few minor tweaks here and there.

As an artist, I love to tinker - so I got the RTR unit for it's electronics, which as I upgrade will get put in a parts bin for future attempts at making my own chassis, etc. Since I also own a 3rd gen truck, I want one in RC - but they don't exist...YET. After I finish remodeling my kitchen, my next project is making a scale model/mold of an x-cab 3rd gen pickup and make myself a vacuum table so I can have one. Also going to make a 100 series land cruiser because those dont exist either, and that's my wife's 1:1. First I need to find some scale drawings/blueprints so it's accurate.

So yeah, definitely get yourself an RC crawler. You won't regret it. Part of my decision was that you can do stuff that you would never do in your 1:1, like roll it - and it's just as fun to drive it around if not more. Oh, and those of you who think RC is a good alternative to spending lots of $ on their 1:1 rigs, guess again...RC can definitely add up quick! I decided to support my local RC shop and dropped $300 on the RTR Honcho, then got a top of the line LiPo battery and charger. I think I was shy of $500 out the door, ouch! But I'm smiling ear to ear

Can your Toyota flex like that from the factory? No, but an RC Toyota does!

 

I've always been interested in building one just for fun. But i'd want a 4Runner :/

this is the closest i've gotten lol not sure if that would even work

http://rccrawler.org/rc-crawler/4runner-rc-crawler

EDIT: so could I buy a chassi and put that body on top of it? lol would that work?

 

Yeah, that body is the closest I've seen as well for a 2nd gen 4runner, only it's a 2 door - and not cheap! Well, neither are the Hilux bodies. There are some 4runner pics/builds on RCCrawler for you to drool over

 

Back when I was into this a few years ago, the ONLY proper way to build a scale Toyota was on a Tamiya Bruiser.... Just sayin'.

 

Yeah i've been drooling over them haha. and yeah, I kinda want a "complete kit" though like the SCX10... the Tamiya is the closest i've found

 

I found an FJ40 and a 1st gen bronco full kit... if anyones interested. along with tons of others.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/cat...p?sub-id=36500

 

yeah that would be awesome, but holy crap on the prices, lol

the highlift models they sell now are nice, but geez those are ridiculously priced too!

 

I've actually been contemplating selling my desktop computer built for gaming since I don't use it anymore (haven't in the past 3 months, lol), and that would MORE than fund the initial costs of getting into the hobby



the detail some of the people put into these things are just amazing though!

 

theres a whole board over on marlin

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index...32.0;topicseen

 

Not a crawler I know, but I really want one of the Lancia. Definitely hands down my favorite rally car. I was actually thinking about buying some tiny pieces of aluminum tubing and welding my own frame together, need to do a lot more research first. Money is going to the real cars at the moment, it'll be a long time before I spend 400+ on a toy car I think.

 

Travis;
you might get some ideas from this thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...detail-162092/
and another one;
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...thread-122405/

yes they are 1st gens, but you know i am partial

 

If I had the money, I'd have gone with a Tamiya - but the axial was the most I could afford right now. They don't even make Tamiya Bruisers anymore, so when you find one, you pay for it. Tamiya also doesn't have much aftermarket support (at least not like axial) - which was a big one for me. Ill start with a basher, then upgrade to a shelf queen once I know how to drive without flipping it

Marlin does have a pretty good RC board to check out since most of those guys are Toyota fans. Off their board is a link to a guy who sells aluminum Hilux bodies - now THOSE are sick! They show body damage after you hit something! http://aluminumrcbodies.com/gallery01.htm

 

those are pretty cool! buy it LITERALLY to make it look like crap, lol

 

now I'm kind of changing my mind about getting a ready to run kit. I think I'd get more enjoyment out of putting the thing together myself and buying the electronics separately to install in it

 

the Tamiya Fj40 kit I linked earlier is a "full kit" comes with everything needed in the box to put it together. its on sale for a little over 300 bucks. I also read a couple reviews, everybody pretty much says is the best bank for your buck, and theres tons of mods for them.

 

that link is not bringing me anywhere