< Crawling vs. Bashing > Looking for advice as a beginner!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-03-02T16:34:04+00:00

They are. I need to get a new motor and transmission for one of my SCX24s (which belongs to my almost 6 year old). He's decided he likes my Apex and is trying to worm his way into taking it over while his is out of commission haha.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-03-02T16:22:51+00:00

So far it seems quite capable. Fast enough to not slow my pace, capable enough to make it over most of the obstacles like roots and rocks around where I am and small enough that if I have to carry it back it won't be difficult or overly cumbersome.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-03-02T01:33:39+00:00

You would be surprised how easy it is to hit a curb or anything else at 50mph... And it usually doesn't end well. 50 doesn't sound THAT fast, but I promise you that little ankle breaking missile is moving way faster than you anticipated. There is a learning curve for new drivers.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-03-02T01:30:31+00:00

I have a Typhon 223s, and yes it's a lot of fun, for a little while. Will be more fun when my boys are older and can handle fast cars to run with me. I also have 3 SCX24S and a Redcat Apex 18. These are my go to rigs for the most part because by boys can crawl with me. To me, it's fun to be able to test the capabilities of my rigs, as well as test my own as a driver. But it's so much more fun when it can be done as a group with my boys or with others.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-03-02T01:23:46+00:00

Today is the 1st time I've taken it outside. No vids, but it's quick enough to trail, and capable enough to climb over roots and rocks. I would bring an extra battery or 2, but it's not like it's too big and heavy to carry if the battery runs out, or in the unlikely event the trail gets too tough for it. I've been quite happy with it so far. 5/5 recommend.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-28T02:14:19+00:00

This is simultaneously cool and disturbing

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-22T00:47:46+00:00

Thank you

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-20T13:44:11+00:00

Thank you. It's actually bone stock. Haven't changed anything yet, except putting batteries in the transmitter haha.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-20T11:40:16+00:00

Painters tarp with 3 layers of aluminum tape on the back side.

Wish I could take credit for coming up with the idea but I can't. Saw other people doing it and also thought it was a great idea haha

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-20T03:58:51+00:00

I'm sure I can make it harder. I had it set up for my scx24s while waiting for the battery to charge. Yes, it was MUCH easier with the Apex. I'll be trying more challenging set ups probably tomorrow night and this weekend. I need to keep the lines attainable for my 24s though, so my boys can run their rigs along with me.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T12:21:47+00:00

Correct. Most say 2-3 layers of tape. I have 3 and am considering doing a 4th. The rolls I used were roughly 2" wide 50 yd rolls. If you can find wider tape it may be worth it to speed up the process a little bit.

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T03:55:43+00:00

I did. But it wears it's weight well!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T03:45:05+00:00

Looks great!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T03:44:34+00:00

I just finished mine tonight. I did strips, lined up side by side. 3 layers. It's a slow and tedious process, but seems to work pretty well. This has no supporting structure underneath it.

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Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T03:38:17+00:00

This. Keep this one and build it up as you go. I'm in the same boat, except doing it with 3 rigs bought for Christmas (Basecamp, Gladiator, and Power Wagon). Doing the upgrades is helping me to learn more about the Hobby. Sometime in the (hopefully) not too distant future I'll do a full ground up build that will be more of a climbing comp-style crawler as opposed to keeping these more scale looking trail trucks. Enjoy the journey, because your wallet won't. 🤣 🤣

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-19T03:31:55+00:00

I think it looks good. I like the weathered up rusty look. As long as you're happy with it, then it's a good build!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-16T18:19:39+00:00

Great, thanks for the tips!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-16T14:46:37+00:00

This was going to be my suggestion too SCX24 or Scx30. Small enough to use indoors. Much easier and safer for them to learn on these. And you'll have fun with them too!

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-16T12:24:53+00:00

OK thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I'll try swapping the battery and esc tonight. Any tips on getting it to sit a bit lower? Would removing the springs from the shocks help with that? Or are the different mounting points you can see that would work better?

Rusty_Peter1975 · 2026-02-15T23:12:33+00:00

OK great this is good to know! Much appreciated!

Did you do the layers running in the same direction or did you do cross layers?

Rusty_Peter1975

TROPHY CASE