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So, a while ago I got the bright idea to build a TF2. It was probably from seeing all these great custom builds and I thought, ‘Hey! I can do that!”. So time went on and the TF2 continued to be unavailable.
Then I began thinking about a complete ground up build in 1/10 of my Thor Fun Mover RV. That would be a 40 in RC and since I don’t know anything about suspension geometry and don’t really have the time to learn I put that on the back burner.
A while more went by and the TF2 was still unavailable but I started seeing the references and builds related to RC4WD Beast II and I thought to myself, ‘Hey! I can do that!”. Then I got the idea that if I did go this route I would make change the cargo bed into a motorhome.
Still thought a while more about it and found CKRC had a great deal on a purchase and pulled the trigger on the Beast II. So no the story (build) begins.
The title indicates that I am not in hurry and having fun so this will be slow build and will update as I can.
I’ll forgo the obligatory box/parts shots and get to the build process (product review) and a more completed part of the build.
The Beast II kit review;
Tires/Wheels - I like them a lot. Mil-Spec and Humvees. Very cool look and militant/industrial styling.
Problem - 2 of the wheels rear piece had the bolt holes that were too small for the screw to pass through. I had to get a micro drill and go through both pieces to resolve that issue.
I have also heard that I was not the only one that had this issue and had it much worse.
Frame/Suspension
Easy enough. No problems for me to report.
I noticed in another build thread that there was a problem with the transfer case not lining up with the bolts.
Instructions are a little confusing regarding the farthest rear axle construction.
Body assembly
Poor imprecise instruction - Illustration only. Very little statement regarding assembly process only reference to hardware that is being used in the step. Probably due to a language barrier issue and sales in other countries. Having one manual with illustration and minimal text allows for multiple applications.
Some parts missing protrusions/slots that are pictured in the assembly illustration. Makes assembly difficult to line panels up when tabs/slots are not present.
Parts are tagged with letters/sizes on the parts tree. Absolutely no reference to any lettering in the manual. Maybe I got an older manual and new kits will have proper designations stated in the instructions.
The assembly order of some panel needs to be reversed to make sense with the assembly and easier to build.
Tire carrier
Squashes the tire in place. I test a Mil-Spec and another similar sized tire and it is an extremely tight fit and would crush into the tire once bolted down.
Bolting down the spare tire rack to the body does not allow for tire removal.
Here’s what I have so far for the build, and much more to come.
I did build the core bed but won’t be using it. Just wanted to get an idea for the next step and used it for mocking the coach panels. I’ll eventually build it up so I can swap it out when I want.
First step was to get the overall coach sized up.
Built up the cab and added a roof rack on the roof hatch Not sure I will keep this or build one from brass/steel. I think a hand built one will look more scale, but this will do for mockup right now.
Through a spare tire on. Going to get another MIL-SPEC and Humvee tire/wheel. I was also looking at the spare tire carrier and don’t like the way it fits or looks so plan on building a custom one that will allow for swinging out to access the tire. This one is stationary and can’t be accessed.
Found some seats from a 1/14 HALO Warthog. They look pretty good in mockup. Plan on painting and making custom seat belts. I still need to build the cab interior and dash. I put the controls on the wrong side. It will be correct as I move forward with the interior. Just wanted to get a general picture to see what it would look like.
Pulled the LED light-bar off my SC10RS roof and put it on the front of the cab. I like the size and it will be bright.
Coach mockup/sizing.
Wheel well cut into the template.
Added some windows to the component side and back and cut the top forward roof angle and rear bottom departure angle on the back to the template.
Added entry side door and windows. Small windows are mirrored from other side. Added the dining area window and door.
My first big styrene build attempt. The floor of the coach. Drilled out some small pockets in the substructure and hot glued magnets in them and then to the bottom of the floor and it sits nicely and the magnets are recessed in the structure.
Driver side coach wall panel.
Then I began thinking about a complete ground up build in 1/10 of my Thor Fun Mover RV. That would be a 40 in RC and since I don’t know anything about suspension geometry and don’t really have the time to learn I put that on the back burner.
A while more went by and the TF2 was still unavailable but I started seeing the references and builds related to RC4WD Beast II and I thought to myself, ‘Hey! I can do that!”. Then I got the idea that if I did go this route I would make change the cargo bed into a motorhome.
Still thought a while more about it and found CKRC had a great deal on a purchase and pulled the trigger on the Beast II. So no the story (build) begins.
The title indicates that I am not in hurry and having fun so this will be slow build and will update as I can.
I’ll forgo the obligatory box/parts shots and get to the build process (product review) and a more completed part of the build.
The Beast II kit review;
Tires/Wheels - I like them a lot. Mil-Spec and Humvees. Very cool look and militant/industrial styling.
Problem - 2 of the wheels rear piece had the bolt holes that were too small for the screw to pass through. I had to get a micro drill and go through both pieces to resolve that issue.
I have also heard that I was not the only one that had this issue and had it much worse.
Frame/Suspension
Easy enough. No problems for me to report.
I noticed in another build thread that there was a problem with the transfer case not lining up with the bolts.
Instructions are a little confusing regarding the farthest rear axle construction.
Body assembly
Poor imprecise instruction - Illustration only. Very little statement regarding assembly process only reference to hardware that is being used in the step. Probably due to a language barrier issue and sales in other countries. Having one manual with illustration and minimal text allows for multiple applications.
Some parts missing protrusions/slots that are pictured in the assembly illustration. Makes assembly difficult to line panels up when tabs/slots are not present.
Parts are tagged with letters/sizes on the parts tree. Absolutely no reference to any lettering in the manual. Maybe I got an older manual and new kits will have proper designations stated in the instructions.
The assembly order of some panel needs to be reversed to make sense with the assembly and easier to build.
Tire carrier
Squashes the tire in place. I test a Mil-Spec and another similar sized tire and it is an extremely tight fit and would crush into the tire once bolted down.
Bolting down the spare tire rack to the body does not allow for tire removal.
Here’s what I have so far for the build, and much more to come.
I did build the core bed but won’t be using it. Just wanted to get an idea for the next step and used it for mocking the coach panels. I’ll eventually build it up so I can swap it out when I want.
First step was to get the overall coach sized up.
Built up the cab and added a roof rack on the roof hatch Not sure I will keep this or build one from brass/steel. I think a hand built one will look more scale, but this will do for mockup right now.
Through a spare tire on. Going to get another MIL-SPEC and Humvee tire/wheel. I was also looking at the spare tire carrier and don’t like the way it fits or looks so plan on building a custom one that will allow for swinging out to access the tire. This one is stationary and can’t be accessed.
Found some seats from a 1/14 HALO Warthog. They look pretty good in mockup. Plan on painting and making custom seat belts. I still need to build the cab interior and dash. I put the controls on the wrong side. It will be correct as I move forward with the interior. Just wanted to get a general picture to see what it would look like.
Pulled the LED light-bar off my SC10RS roof and put it on the front of the cab. I like the size and it will be bright.
Coach mockup/sizing.
Wheel well cut into the template.
Added some windows to the component side and back and cut the top forward roof angle and rear bottom departure angle on the back to the template.
Added entry side door and windows. Small windows are mirrored from other side. Added the dining area window and door.
My first big styrene build attempt. The floor of the coach. Drilled out some small pockets in the substructure and hot glued magnets in them and then to the bottom of the floor and it sits nicely and the magnets are recessed in the structure.
Driver side coach wall panel.
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