Laced Tundra part 1

I wanted to build my son a true Shred The Ledge style truck. So I dialed up my good friend Bert Melchner. Bert has been producing some of the nicest cages and builds on the east coast, so I turned to him for this task of creating a chassis to work with. 

After a few conversations, the ball was rolling, we decided, no brainer, that we’d use the latest CBE RC FAB switchback chassis, the ultra. Bert and I decided on a full truggy style build with the Tamiya Tundra being the body of choice.

After a few short weeks, I had the chassis in my hands. The chassis work was perfect, and the welds looked good, and the bars and rails were straight! Bert of A&M Garage (named after his kids) out did himself, and handed over a fine piece of equipment!

I decided that the perfect skid for this build would be the TJ RC Products flat SCX10 skid. This skid is made of a tough delrin, and is ready for any abuse you throw at it. I have this skid on a few of my RC builds already. 

Up next was converting most of my SCX10.2 over to the Laced Tundra. I took the new 3D printed front CMS/Battery mount in one from Bowhouse RC and planted that right up front. I had to trim a little off the mounts to get it to fit the narrower front end. Zip zip, and donec, Fit perfectly.

I installed the SCX10.2 front shock towers on with no issue with my favorite Boom Racing shocks the Type I 90mm. I stuffed them full of Pitbull Tires shock oil; 33wt. Under neath it all are the new Boom Racing Phat SCX10.2 axles. These will add some extra weight as well as some durability. 

I gave the transmission a refresh in bearings and grease as well as a HD motor mount. The transmission remain mirrored and flipped for this build. As always A Holmes Hobbies motor found it’s way into to the build, a Crawl Master 13t.

With Phat Axle’s all round, type I’s at each corner, this build is taking shape. As well as with all my other RC’s I use Team KNK Hardware monster bag, spacers and locknuts to secure everything down and held into place. 

That really as far as I got for tonight, but tomorrow night, we’ll get more done, if not finished!! Thanks for reading along, 

Return of the Goat/ Chassis work.

I decided to get started on the chassis so I can get the interior started for the Escalade. I devided to bring back the RC4WD R2 transmission that I started the OG Goat with. 

I started with using a blank TJ RC Products Skid. I wanted a flat skid, and a place to throw the transfer case on. The skid is to thick for the SCX10 chassis, so the dremel tool came out, and cut out the bottom plates off the rails. 

TJ RC Products high clearance skid.

After I got the skid fitted I moved to the front. I had to do what I did last time for the R2 trans. I cut out the notches of the frame rails so they would sit flush on the R2. This does weaken the frame rails, but I have run this set up hard before and haven’t had any issues. 

Making room for the bulky R2.

R2 bolted into it’s new home.

After I got the whole thing set up, I threw the front axle back on, and got the shock towers on with some spacers. These are temporarily on there until I decide what to do for the front suspension. This is all mocked up, and I will change the 3-link to a 4-link when it’s go time. 

I have it all set-up and I’m ready to get into the next thing. I need to attach the transfer case to the skid next time I’m in the shop. Making some head way on The Goat, and loving it so far. 

Over-Saturation, or Progression?

We see it almost every week, someone new comes out with something old, or so it seems. These people that are trying to cut into a market that has already seen enough chassis to choke a small army. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, wants to leave a mark, wants to put their own twist on an already flooded market. 

To some this is a bad thing, to others this is a great thing, and some just don’t care, they’ll use whatever they want. Some say the stock chassis are good, and they aren’t wrong. Some say these new chassis are basic, and they aren’t wrong, while others love the new aspects of all these new chassis. These newer chassis incorporate things many builders and drivers are looking for. Some are made for super scale RC’s, while some are built for comps, while others are made to be built anyway you want. 

I hear it all over social media, people complaining about someone putting out a new chassis and why do we need another new chassis. I saw one post go in an ugly direction over it, and it was sad to watch fellow rc’ers tear this guy apart for even thinking of doing his own. 

Why? Why can’t we as a collective hobby have more options? Is it so bad that people want to push the hobby forward? Try their hand in making something people may actually want? Should we just be stale and use only what the popular companies produce? Why can’t we? I want to build a comp RC, and the stock chassis will work, but why can’t I build a comp rig with a chassis specifically made for comps? 

Yes, I can agree that cookie cutter chassis that have one minuet change or an extra hole drilled into the chassis from another is borderline unacceptable. I’m talking about the ones that are really unique from the other, someone spent time and testing in their idea, so they have a place in our hobby, and fill in a void that was actually missing; chassis choices. 

This thought process can also be applied else where, you know where I’m going.. tires… why do we need more tires, and tire companies? We should all use the tires made for this hobby from Tamiya from the 70’s. Why do we have so many options? Progression is why. We built trucks that out preformed the tires, so tire companies had to step up, make new tires that fit the driving styles and builds for us all. This why we all have bragging rights as to what tire works best, with no clear winner. The same mindset can be added to all aspects, why new motors, new bearings, electronics, etc, we are over-saturated at almost every point of RC.

Progression only pushes the hobby forward. Over-Saturation can happen, and when it dries up, what’s left is the solid and quality products we’ve come to know and love. I personally love what people put out there, even if it isn’t anything I would use. They are trying and who am I to dump on their parade and ideas? I will support these ideas, these concepts, as they are just more doors to be opened to lead us into something big, unique, and fun. If we continue to choke out the ingenuity and fun of this hobby, it will surely fail. 

Just remember, we all have a place in the RC community, whether you’re a driver, builder, promoter, designer, painter, electronics genius, owner of a company, run a competition, or are just here for the fun, no one is better than the other, and instead of tearing people down, how about we try to build them up and support them. We can be the example to many others, and who knows, maybe that guy/gal has a million dollar idea we all want! 

#yearofthesleepinggiant #progression #sharethefun #sharethetrails #sharethehobby #newbreed

48 Hour Challenge Build part 1

It’s that time of the year where I start my build for the 48 Hour Challenge. Last year’s 48 Hour Challenge we used Axial Racing’s CRC JK Jeeps. These Jeeps were bone stoack, minus a few changes, like Pitbull Tires, battery relocation, and Team KNK Hardware. Some waterproofing and winches were added, and we went for it. We succeeded and so did the Jeeps. 

  
This year is a little different, and we are building new rigs, and some are bringing bone stock rigs. There were four drivers last year, this year, who knows!! 

This build series I’m doing is going to be the accumulation of past experince and new build setups. 48 Hours give’s you a long time to know what works, what needs to be changed, and what is total garbage. So, I am using some staple sturdy products, and trying some new stuff. I will start with the chassis, and start from there.

This years platform is based of CBE RC FAB, chassis called Switchback. I wanted to use this chassis for a few different reasons. The tuneability in this chassis is huge. It has tons of options for the builder in you. It can be used for the wroncho style builds, stocker, class 1, modified; so many options.

Switchback V1

This is the first version of the Switchback I am building off of, version two is almost released as of this writing. As you can see the chassis has a ton of tunibility and options for your building needs.

I also required some of CBE RC FAB’s newest release of shock towers. These new designs which I call – Ritz men – are beefy, big, and ready for real work. These towers are also made for tons of adjustability.  

 

With everything coming together fairly easily, I decided to make things a tad more difficult by adding a front motor/transmission mount design. I selected the R2 Transmission from RC4WD for these duties. I’m not 100% if these transmissions are capable of withstanding 48 Hours of abuse, but I am going for it. The R2 transmission bolted perfectly to the Switchback   chassis, and I was able to mount the shock towers right into the transmission too.  

 

RC4WD R2 mounted to the front.

  

The rear shock towers by CBE RC FAB.

 

So, with last year in mind, and remembering that the plastic was getting fatigued by the end of the 48 hours, I decided to go with metal links, 12.3″ solid one piece links to be exact from Boom Racing. The links are on their way. I like the one piece design for long runs, as rod ends and plastic wear down and may make the days longer by having to fix them. One piece, bolt up, and forget. 

I also have to have serious sturdy armor for the old Jeep body. So I went with ScalerFab’s pro series bumper. I am a fan of these bumpers, and how well they are built and how strong they are. 

Scalerfab.com pro series bumper

This is as far as I have gotten on this build. Waiting on some parts and pieces to get the next wave of building underway. Thank you for reading and following, and we’ll see you on the trails!

Wheels down, throttle open,
Trevor 
 

Troll baiting…

The growing realization of how serious people are about their opinions/advice is frightening. I understand, everyone has one, and is allowed to have them, but when people start forcing their opinion as fact, is ludicrous. I have many opinions, advice, and what works for me type of stuff, but the reality is, what works for me, may not work for you. 
Example:

The never ending debate over what tires are the best is like arguing with a wall. Find a tire that works for your style of driving, and or environment and go from there… Here’s the problem with that… Someone will argue with you, everyone, or anyone that does not agree with what they claim as the best tire. Proclaiming one tire to be superior over all other tires is asinine, and moronic. A side note to all of this really comes down to what foams you use, so the tire argument shouldn’t be about the tire, but rather, the foams, because what’s the first thing most people do, change the foams, so really, the tire is not the argument anymore. 
Then comes setups, CMS’s, axle mounted servo’s, scale, hardbodies, lexan, Axial, Vaterra, RC4WD, then accessories, etc etc… The opinions are endless, limitless, and will be around as long as cockroaches. I like hearing other peoples opinions, advice, and or jokes about what’s best. What I don’t like are trolls trying to create tension, division, and or hate towards products, people, and or groups for what they use… What’s the point exactly? Is your pride more important to you than being helpful? If you’re getting offended, then I’m probably talking about you. 
Forcing your opinion or advice as the only way to do something is not only stupid, but it also causes frustration for the one asking questions and wanting to learn. Instead of getting some real, helpful options, said question asker gets to witness a pissing contest as to who’s got the biggest stream… It helps no one, and restating what you said with an attack after someone else says something that doesn’t agree with you, well that’s just childish and you should probably go take a time out. 
I for one take this seriously, and I try my hardest to let my opinion fly, and I try not to rebuttal when someone tries to contradict what I said. The troll bait is hard to ignore sometimes. I am great with what I have, what I do, and what I build, but I am always learning, and trying to improve what I do, use and abuse. The only way to do this is to get advice, and or opinions from other RC’ers. My suggestion, weed through the ones that are forcing/trolling and go with the ones that are helpful. They are out there, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. 
If you do anything, TAKE MY ADVICE BECAUSE I’M RIGHT!!! 
I hope this helps people with any frustration you may have with questions, and or how to deal with these situations. Ignore, block, repeat until all that’s left is people you like, trust, and can talk too. 
T

The kid…

See this kid? Of course you do, but a lot of people don’t… This is my nephew Kolton Rushford. This kid has seen a rough month, and is struggling with that teenage angst we’ve all felt, and been through. But, this past weekend we had a huge break-through! Kolton and I had a moment, and we worked through it. He came through with a determination, and not your typical, I’m going to go sit and pout and carry on… No, instead, he impressed the entire crew working with us and the 48 Hour Challenge, Crawl for a Cause. 
Kolton had the odds stacked against him, a lot of naysayers, doubters, and haters made it very clear to him, that He couldn’t do this event, let alone finish it, he had no place being there. Well, let me tell you it doesn’t take much to tear a teenager down, and make them feel worthless, but with true Rushford stubborn pride, Kolton stood up to the challenge, and took all negativity on the chin like a champ.
The 48 Hour Challenge was brutal, and it claimed a lot of people that were just there for a few hours. It tried to claim Kolton on our third climb up when he rolled his ankle. Through courage, strength, and pure pride, Kolton finished the third climb up an down. We thought it best that he chill at the bottom, run his rc on the man made course, or just wheel around while he sat, until night, and if he felt better, he could come with us. 
Through the weekend Kolton tried his hardest to make it up and down the mountain, and he could get half way, but the pain in his ankle was just to much to bear. So, he kept manning the base camp, and wheeling his rc fingers to the bone. Then came the final hours of the 48 and we were headed up the mountain one final time to bring this event to it’s final ending. Kolton stood up, and said, “I’m going, I’m not going to miss this last ride”. So with that, up the mountain we went, with a sore and hobbled Kolton. 
We were climbing and came to the point when it was time to head back to base camp, and claim the 48 hours as ours. We turned around and made one final decsent. As we got closer and closer, we could feel the excitement within our little group of four. Our pace quickened, and hearts pounded with excitement. As we crested the final road, about 200 yards, Kolton says, “we should run, let’s run”, and with that, we started running to the finish line and the crowd of people that had gathered to watch us end this event. Kolton lead the way, we followed this young man to the cheering crowd. We crossed the line, and started to celebrate.

After the initial chaos died down, I searched through crowd of people to see what Kolton was doing, through a crack in the chaos I saw Kolton standing there by himself staring at the mountain, he had a look on his face I hadn’t seen before on him. It’s a face I know well, because I make the same one, he had a half a smirk and his eyes squinted at the mountain that laid at his feet before him. He had that, What? I can’t hear you anymore, look. It was smug, defiant, and a little eff youish. I had to go over and hug him, and tell him how proud of him I was. Even though we had a tiff, we both rose above and through it, together. Kolton came into this 48 hour challenge a babyfaced 15yo punk, and came out the other side a 15yo kid with a side of manliness. Not a lot of people can do what Kolton did, and he has every right to be proud of what he accomplished. He may not ever hear the roar of a crowd from sports, or other achievements, but he heard it that day, and that will echo for an eternity in his memories. 

And a side note for you disbieviers, Kolton BROKE his ankle and still finished the 48 RUNNING….. Hang your head up high Kolton. 

So, before you go judging a book by his cover, before you go and project your own insecurity and inadequacies, before you just assume your better than someone, BEFORE you cut my nephew down, just know he’s already defeated the biggest bully in his life, himself. So whatever you THINK you know, you don’t. So just stop. This kid has a heart of gold, and the sweetest disposition I have seen out of the entire Rushford clan.
This kid made history…. 
Love you Kolton,

Uncle Worm

  

Feeling a little great..

I can’t believe that in two days I with three other awesome people, Rob, Randy, and Kolton will be attempting history, while raising money for a great guy fighting a horrible disease. 
I am blown away with the support from my family, friends, sponsors, RC Community, and you! All the comments, shares, financial donations to Marc, and donations to give away at the 48 Hour Challenge. 
If I can just focus for one second on one thing with out to much gripe… We are making history!! That’s kind of cool! Who get’s to say they are making history!? Sure, I know it won’t be on the History Channel some day, but it’s something my kids can look at and be proud of! Something that we did first, our names will be known as the first to do this! Haha 
I’m just excited that in such a short time, we have accomplished so much as an RC Community here in Vermont. It all started from some of my posts on youtube, to what it is today, almost a year and half later.
What could possibly be next after this biblical sized event you ask? Well, let’s just say Rob and I have the wheels turning, and if can do this next event…. Oh man… Legendary status continues.  
So, with two days away, I’m giving an early thank you to EVERYONE that has helped us out and continue to do so!! You are the greatest!!!

Thank you!

Trevor 

  

How I do Work – Part 2

Event responsibility – The draw – Part 2

In my last blog I talked about the planning of an event. Touched on some very basic ideas, and formations of what to do. I left off on Sponsors, so this blog will be just for that, getting people excited about your event and want to be apart of it, and to get people to come to it.

So in my last blog I talked about ‘Individual’ and ‘Team’ as you plan your event. As an individual doing all the work, this doesn’t really apply to you, but it may if you plan on expanding.

In the team scenario, make sure you have ONE person doing all the contacting, referring, talking, etc etc. Say, Tommy has been talking to Company X and then Billy catches an email, then intercepts on Tommy’s behalf, something, and mostly likly always, something will get lost, confused and you may lose Company X because you have to many people to talk too. I’m not saying you can’t have a team to make decisions, but make sure you only have one voice for the people you’re talking too. Got it? No hope for you if not.. 

Well, how do I get a sponsor?

Ask… It’s that simple. Really? Really. How do you ask is more of what you want to pay attention too. When you contact said sponsor you want to make sure you know what you’re talking about. Make sure your plan is already in motion, and you know what it is your doing. Don’t be like this: Hey Bro, me and my cool rc friends are throwing a party, and want to know if you would like to give us stuff to use, and it would make us look more badass if you did give us stuff. We love your stuff, cuz your stuff is the best stuff… Bad ass man! Hit me back…

Yeah, not so much. So you don’t end up being like that and laughed at, and email deleted try these few steps.

Try these – 

Be professional. 

If you don’t know how, ask someone, or look up professional documents that help you. Nothing works better than being a professional, or at least sound, or read like a professional. 

Be thorough, but not boring. 

Tell them about the event. Where it is. Why you’re holding the event. Who’s the target audience. And why you think that company X should be apart of it. 

Be polite, and respectful.

Use words like, please, thank you. You’d be surprised, a lot of people do not use common courtesy. Entitlement is a disease, don’t get infected by this.

Don’t demand anything. See above sentence.

Thank them for reading you message and for even thinking of being a part of your event. 

Give them something to look at. 

Attach links to where they can see what it is you’re doing. The more you have going on for promotion, the better.

Now, say you got Company X to sign on as a sponsor for your event. One thing you want to make sure of are the details. Sponsors are giving you free stuff to give away, or use, or demo, or whatever, so there is a payback… That’s just the way it works, no matter what style event you are doing. The sponsors want their name associated with what you’re doing, and the recognition of what they did for you.

So it is usually in the agreement between you and Company X as to what you do in return for the donation to your event. It varies with everyone and every event. So, whatever the terms are, you need to follow those terms, very well. Why? That way you can do more with Company X at another time, and Company A or B will see what you did, and will want you to do that for them as well. 

Why sponsors?

A few reasons with out getting into to much details.

1. Sponsors help.

2. People like seeing company names on what you’re doing.

3. Sponsors bring people to your event(s).

4. Helps you become more legit if you’re trying to become something.

5. Less stress.. Sponsors help in a lot of ways, and they make your event easier to manage when they cover certain parts of what you’re doing.

I hope this helps! Planning an event takes a lot of work, dedication, persistence, and the willingness to see it through. But, if you want it, it’ll happen. Maybe not at first, but eventually hard work pays off, and then, you take off! 

Keep up the great work!! Move forward with your plans, and don’t let anyone get in your way!! 

Trevor

How I do work.

Event planning – The plan Part 1

I just wanted to explain something, a few things need to be shared with some that just don’t get it, or don’t understand how events go, or for the ones that want to know how to do events.

I have been doing events for about four years. I have held some, promotional events, fundraisers, competitions, RC events, etc etc. I’m still learning, still pushing, and I thought I’d share my limited experience with you. Why am I doing this? There are some people, who don’t get it, maybe have a misconception on reality, and what really has to happen. Others have asked what I do? How I do it? Where can they get started? So this is for anyone who wants to know!

Most of what I do can be applied to most events that you may want to do, from casual to business. 

I’ll break down certain things as ‘Individual’ or ‘team’ for certain steps. 

Individual means you’re doing this event yourself.

Team means, there’s a few of you doing this event.

To start: 

Everything starts with an idea.

Individually – 

Form that idea into reality by thinking, dreaming, living the idea(s) so it forms into one solid idea. The best events, are the ones you think about, work through, and decide on. 

A team –

Take all the idea’s, bounce them around, pick out the ones you like, and start forming around those you have decided on, and pick them apart until you have one solid idea. Teams, make sure you surround yourselves with, thinkers, givers, and that they have a willingness to compromise. Nothing tears an event/business apart faster than pride, misunderstanding, and greed. 

So now you have the idea, the “event” the; This will be AWESOME! You’re ready to start, you are going live with your idea. 

You have the idea, Now what? Everyone’s application is different, but this is what I do. I use these steps and work, build, and launch my idea. Put the plan in motion so to speak.

Place – Where can I do this?

I’ll take my RC back ground and share that with you. When I plan an RC comp, I need a place to go, a place that will accommodate the amount of people coming, i need parking. I need amenities, I need a place to drive RC’s, I need a place for camping for the long weekend.

I have been lucky and been able to most of my comps on private land. For those that don’t have that option, you’ll need to find the appropriate channels to go through for use of public land. Mostly through hearings, and voting will you be allowed or not.

Date –

Once I have the spot on the board, and 100% committed, I decide on a date. Now this is where you want to pay special attention. For whatever event you’re doing, RC, fundraiser, party, etc etc make sure you don’t double book locally. What I mean by this is, if someone is doing an RC event on xx/xx/2015 in a few towns over, don’t do your event the same time. It pulls people in several directions, lines are drawn, and friendships strained. So plan when there is no other event going on that is like the event you want to hold yourself.

Rules –

If your event has some type of competition form, you will need rules. This is also part of the initial planning process, and idea forming. You can alway adapt rules from other types of events that are successful and work. Or you can make your own set of rules that are different, stricter, laid back however you want to do that. Total freedom in creativity is an awesome feeling. My suggestion is once you feel good about the rules, move forward and post them up early so people can prepare, and find the grey area that you didn’t think of. Competitors are always trying to push the edge and get the advantage. It’s up to you as to how far you’ll let them. 

I hope this helps, in the next blog I’ll cover sponsorship in depth, as well, as getting help, and the legality of your event(s). Covering your back, as well as the people coming to your event.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps!! Get that idea formed, and move forward!!

Trevor

It’s official©

I could NOT be more pumped than I am right now! I’m in bed, not that I can sleep with all this exciting stuff going on! The 48 Hour Challenge / Crawl for a Cause is gaining speed!

Today I officially announced Axial Racings involvement in this adventure! Axial Racing is providing the RC’s to the 4 man team. The new Casey Currie, RTR Jeep Wrangler’s arrived today, and they are sooooo sweet! 

Axial Racing is the OFFICIAL RC if the 48 Hour Challenge.

That’s not all though. Axial Racing is not the only manufacturer, or company to step on for this 48 hour challenge. We’ll start with who signed on first. 

The OFFICIAL tire of the 48 Hour Challenge: 

Pitbull Tires aka @pitbullrcx on Instagram signed on First. These tires in my opinion are the best tires for our team, and to use! Alien Technology has put them on top of the dog pile for years, and they are still seen as the underdogs, and that’s just how we like it here at Radio Controlled East Coast. 

The OFFICIAL battery of the 48 Hour Challenge.

Next to sign on was Venom Racing/Atomik motors. These guys saw and read about how passionate we were about this event, and realized that they were going to help us achieve our 48 hour goal. They sent us 10000mah 2S 25C Batteries to use. Average run time, 5 hours. 

CKRC Crawlers is the OFFICIAL online hobby store of the 48 Hour Challenge. 

We had CKRC Crawlers on board the entire time, as CKRC supports what I do personally and professionally. Jason and Shane do some awesome things for the rc community and once CKRC caught wind (I may have sent that wind to them) of what I was doing, they were on board. They are outfitting the RC’s with real world type accessories, winches, bead locks, scale stuff etc. CKRC is the only place I do my online rc shopping!

The OFFICIAL hardware of the 48 Hour Challenge.

And the latest company to sign on is Team KNK Hardware! Mike and Amberley Kirby are amazing people doing amazing things! They were all over this event, and outfitting our RC’s with the best stainless steel hardware you can get in the RC world! We are super pumped to have them on board!

We also want to say thank you to our associate sponsors!

Bull Rope RC – The official Tow Strap of the 48 Hour Challenge

JCM RC Custom – The OFFICIAL custom work designer of the 48 Hour Challenge. 

Soul Crusher Graphics – The OFFICIAL graphics designer of the 48 Hour Challenge.

Woodchuck RC – The OFFICIAL bad ass dude that supports the RC Community!!

Vermont Scale RC – The OFFICIAL, official of the 48 Hour Challenge!! 

With all these awesome companies and friends supporting the 48 Hour Challenge Crawl for a Cause, let’s not forget the reason we are doing this. Cancer awareness is our main focus, and to raise money for a fellow rc’er and friend Marc Breer. We still have our Relay for life team and we will still do the walk a thon in late June, but our focus is here, in our own community, for our friend. 

So, come see us at one of the Radio Controlled East Coast events and support the cause, the friend, the cancer community and rc community. 

Thanks for all your help!

Trevor