simplechamp's first scaler build - SCX10 Honcho

[simplechamp]

Here is my first foray in the world of scalers. I really wanted to get an RC4WD Trailfinder, but wasn't sure about dropping that much cash on something I wasn't sure I'd like. So I settled on a lightly used stock SCX10 Honcho roller I found on RC Tech, and from there I did the following:

1) Full teardown, inspection, and reassembly. Everything was in pretty good shape but apparently the original owner has never heard of threadlock so I had to go through all the metal-to-metal connections. I installed HD ring/pinion gears, and Robinson hardened steels transmission internals. One of the stock driveshafts was screwed up, so I used an Integy driveshaft. Eventually I plan to get the RC4WD Punishers, or MIP.

2) One of the most obvious things is the shocks, which are Revo GTR shocks. I know some may not like them since they aren't scale. Personally I like how they look. They are cheap, easy to build, and I use them on my 1/8 GT car so I can share parts. I changed the lower ends to longer ones to get the correct length. The springs are yellow 4 lb/in Jato springs. The piston holes are drilled out quite a bit compared to stock, forgot the actual size bit I used though.

3) I picked up a chassis-mounted servo kit and steering link from Level 3 RC on Ebay. Not sure how it compares to the other CMS kits, but it was pretty cheap so I wanted to try it. I adjusted the spacing of the mount, steering link, and draglink to reduce bumpsteer. Still need to play around with it a bit as I think I can get some more steering out of it.

4) Made a simple ESC mount for the rear portion of the frame with 1/8" aluminum plate.

5) For wheels/tires I have the stock Axial beadlocks with Flat Irons, and also RC4WD Pro10 stamped steel beadlocks with Proline TSL SX Super Swampers.

6) Electronics are Sidewinder V2, Holmes Hobbies Revolver Black 1100kv outrunner, 3S 2200mah 20C Turnigy lipo, and Blue Bird servo. Servo is just a temp, I have a Spektrum S6030 on the way (278 oz-in, 0.15 sec). I used my EagleTree to test out the setup and it drew 10A peak, with an average of 1A. Should be able to get right around 2hrs runtime on a charge.

7) Body is the Proline 1973 Ford Bronco. It was my first time painting a body, so I guess it turned out OK. Also have a Ford F-650 body on the way.

8) Even with the extended rear body posts the back end of the body hung too low. My solution was to cut the round nubs off the bottom of the stock rear mounts, and also off the top of the extended mounts. I then drilled them out and threaded them together using an M3 grub screw. Now the rear end sits nicely.

So far I've really been enjoying this thing. It's a nice change of pace from the other "go fast" vehicles I have. And being able to run 2hrs on a single charge is great. Next up on the to-do list is to 4-link the front and rear, and work on a custom front bumper (going to try my hand at brazing).