1.9 Wraith II: A sequal to SVT's 1st 1.9 Wraith

[svt923]

Hi everyone.

There have been complaints popping up about the untimely demise of RCC at the hands of FB groups. Well guess what? That's your fault dammit!

You may ask "Why are you blaming me, SVT?"

Its simple, we create the content that makes people want to come here and we have been severely slacking in that area recently. Since I'm extremely humble, part of that blame also lies with me. So, its time to start picking up the slack.

With that, I'm here with something else I made. It's not really a build because it started life as a RTR but I will do unspeakable things to it regardless.

Behold the Axial Racing 1.9 Wraith.

Elegant in it's simplicity but unique in the space of 1.9 RTRs.

I got a chance to borrow one of the inital demo models from our local shop before the actual release. I loved it because it's a 1.9 Wraith, it can do no wrong in my eyes.

It was poked and prodded because that is what you do with a new truck.

Of course, this particular truck wasn't actually going to be mine so the crap got kicked out of it as well.

Sucks for whoever got that truck after that.

A few weeks later, my shiny, new 1.9 Wraith arrived.

Gotta say, the quality of Axial's RTR construction has really gone down hill.

While some people sit around and whine "if only it came in a kit!", the industrious make our own fun.

I'm going to move on past a full breakdown of the RTR. It's exactly what you would expect if you have seen a SCX10II and a Wraith wrapped in a sweet body.

And now where to begin with the good stuff?

How about here?

The stock axles are the Axial 1 piece housings with the sintered 1 piece gear/locker which are generally fine. Better than fine are these SSD Pro44 axle housings. I bought these for another build that never actually got built so it seems like a perfect time to use them. This particular rear axle was built with Axial machined gears, a Vanquish locker, SSD aluminum link mounts, and the optional SSD red diff covers. Red diff covers are the universal signal for a totally sweet truck so it's obvious why they are on this build.

The front axle is much the same except is has stuff to make steering work.

SSD knuckles, c-hubs, and Axial universals were added because turning is helpful. I'll cover the links later so just ignore them for now.

And its later.

A full set of 3/16" stainless links from Hardcore RC were ordered because his links are always great and 3/16" is the perfect diameter on a scale-ish truck. Note how I put the rear uppers and front lowers in the wrong locations: I'm really terrible at this.

In the spirit of using things on this build that I bought for other things that either didn't happen or got reallocated to other trucks; here is the new transmission.

The newish Axial LCX, LSX, NSX, RST, LMNOP, or whatever meaningless letter combination the gray 1 piece transmission is called is fine, much in the same way as the axles. Normal people will get a long life out of it, I got precisely 0 minutes from it. Out it goes for this Vanquish case stuffed with a combination of Hot Racing and Robinson Racing gears with an Incision topshaft/slipper eliminator. A Super Shafty motor plate will be performing the duty of holding the motor.

Speaking of the motor, the Holmes Puller Pro Stubby in 2700kv flavor was chosen for this truck because:

A - Its a Holmes motor so it's friggin' awesome
B - Its faster than the stock Axial 35T brushed motor
C - The Stubby design provides maximum clearance for a chassis tight on space
D - All of the above

The answer is all of the above, its always all of the above.

While we are on the skidplate, let's talk about these:

I picked up a set of these Eyeball Engineering link risers. This is the point that I could pretend that I'm a crawler suspension tuning master and spout off the benefits of anti-squat and chassis side link separation but really it would all be a sham so we will keep it to link risers = good.

Really I bought these because when Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude makes a product, it ends up being highly desired in like 4 years and I can sell these for about 5 times what I paid or just rub it in people's faces that I own a set. Its the RC version of Bitcoin trading.

Anyway, about that Stubby motor clearance.

The PP Stubby is short enough that the rear upper links can be installed on the inside of the link risers. Does this make a difference? Is the answer outside of link risers = good? Then I don't know.

Before we wrap up this installment of 1.9 Wraith II, let us take a moment to discuss the major failing of this new 1.9 Wraith. It is pretty obvious I refer to the lone, unsupported rails that serves as the bumper mount. These rails take all the impact of hits to the bumper which is frequently too much for the rails as they either bend way too much or snap at the first screw hole. Shortly after my truck was delivered, I came up with these:

My idea behind these bumper braces was the force of impacts to the bumper would now be distributed to the first down bar. The movement of any flex is in the lengthwise direction of that down bar, where it is strongest.

A gif to illustrate the difference between stock and even my original PLA printed prototypes.

For you analytical, scientific types, that is approximately a 1,263% reduction in bumper flex. With that infalible, concrete proof, I had a set of my braces printed up in nylon for a stronger, more legitimate looking part.

Since I came up with these, a few companies have released their versions of a bumper brace. A few versions are flat plates that attach to the bottom of the bumper rail which I'm skeptical will not bend along with the chassis rail in a good bumper impact. Then SSD releases these:

You know what they say about great minds Mr. SSD. I would have totally bought these more awesome aluminum versions had they been available 3 months ago.

Well, that is where we're at mechanically so I'll leave you to guess what is going on in the next phase.

Now, I have done my part on improving RCC, now it is up to you. Not only will I accept and acknowledge all compliments related to this build, I will also provide discussion on a wide range of topics such as:

- Upcoming RC releases from SSD, Element, and Vanquish
- The horribly ugly front end of the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD
- Are hazelnut spread M&Ms the new best flavor?
- The hilarious disaster that is the NY Knicks 2019 offseason
- How to parent your children
- Geo-political relations in the South Pacific
- Should you LS swap that?
- Income tax planning for the 2020 filing season
- Best quotes from Archer
- Mocking prominent RC social media personalities

All these and many, many more.

Interact today! "thumbsup"

 

[svt923]

I would like to start this latest entry with a poll.

What was the best part of the original Wraith? Vote now!

Oh, the poll thing didn't actually work. It doesn't really matter since the only real answer here is mine.

It was the interior. In a time where most trucks were rocking a hollow lexan shell, the Wraith had a tube frame with a full depth interior. This remains awesome to this day.

Unfortunately, the new 1.9 Wraith has moved to a partial interior and moved the transmission slightly forward from the original version. This makes the old interior not fit with the new version.

Or does it?

Let's take a trip back while that soaks in.

We start with an original Wraith interior and trim to fit around the transmission.

That is a lot of cutting, it kinda defeats the purpose of a dollhouse interior if 50% isn't there.

So anything that is down by the floor won't be very obvious so maybe I should focus on that gaping hole in the center console. Maybe a piece of styrene or just slap a sticker over it?

No, I really should overcomplicate this: to CAD I go!

Some measuring, drawing, printing, and boom!

That should do but it needs something else.

Ahh, how about this GPS unit sitting conveniently on this workbench.

It is starting to look like something.

We clearly need somewhere for people to sit and Axial seats are a super easy choice.

So I designed and printed my own. Makes sense.

I printed these seats because they end up significantly lighter than the rubber Axial seats and even a dollhouse Wraith doesn't need that much weight up there. The harnesses are made from 3/16 nylon ribbon I got from Amazon.

These are only the finest seats.

Never trust anything less.

Even though all this work was going on, I still had the administrative duty of conducting a search for a driver. Ultimately, a quality candidate was found.

This is John but he said to call him Soap. Although Soap is a stupid name, I don't usually question the guy causally wearing breaching rounds as a fashion accessory. He is so tacti-cool.

Soap hopped in for adjusting the steering wheel and harness.

So much dollhouse potential and not a single bed roll.

Welp, I guess it is time to toss it in the truck and see how it fits.

Not bad, not bad at all.

The only thing I'm not happy with is the interior pan kinda bowed when installed in the chassis so the seats look like they are leaning towards the outside of the truck. I'll work on that but we are 95% there.

The final big hurdle with the new interior is finding a new home for the ESC. Luckily, I have a plan for that as well.

Now since we have cycled back to the beginning, we have reached the end of the post. It is all convoluted so don't bother making sense of it, just tell me "nice truck" and we will keep it moving. Unless someone really wants to take up the M&Ms discussion.

 

[bikepilot]

Nice truck!!! Like where you're going with it!!! The interior is great I didn't see any problems with it and going down a trail if someone did, screw'em their lookin too much!!! Great job!!!

 

[johnnyluv]

All looks good, SVT. I bought Duuuuuuuuuude’s link risers, as well, but haven’t installed yet. Actually, I thought about selling the whole rig, but will first sell a bunch of other RC’s, then see if I still need space.
RC’ing on Facebook stinks. I do wish people would see the value of a solid forum, but I think it’s a sign of the way people are choosing more anonymity, rather than to establish themselves in a community.
I’m good on parenting my children, btw. [emoji12]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[soze]

I missed this! Very fun and entertaining thread. We DO need more threads like these, even if there are multiples of the same truck. It's all content and everyone will have their different twists, so it makes it useful.

Thanks for making a thread!

 

[svt923]

Nice truck!!! Like where you're going with it!!! The interior is great I didn't see any problems with it and going down a trail if someone did, screw'em their lookin too much!!! Great job!!!

Thanks, the big issue is I know there is a problem which is always so much worse than anything obvious. Spoiler alert: I fixed it and there are updates below. "thumbsup"

All looks good, SVT. I bought Duuuuuuuuuude’s link risers, as well, but haven’t installed yet. Actually, I thought about selling the whole rig, but will first sell a bunch of other RC’s, then see if I still need space.
RC’ing on Facebook stinks. I do wish people would see the value of a solid forum, but I think it’s a sign of the way people are choosing more anonymity, rather than to establish themselves in a community.
I’m good on parenting my children, btw. [emoji12]

If you do decide to keep your Wraith and install the link risers, I have some quality information for you.

Glad you don't actually need parenting advise because like 99% of parenting, I would make it up as the need arises. But we live in a world where if BS is delivered confidently enough, it is taken as fact so....

Also, FB sucks for anything more than "here, look at my truck now give me likes!" The only thing I really use it for these days is finding the info on new products. Build threads 4 life!

I missed this! Very fun and entertaining thread. We DO need more threads like these, even if there are multiples of the same truck. It's all content and everyone will have their different twists, so it makes it useful.

Thanks for making a thread!

The more build threads, the better. "thumbsup"

In addition, if there are multiple build threads for the same vehicle, mine is the best one. It is a solid assumption.

Now that everyone has received that personal interaction that can only be achieved right here on RCC, let's build some more stuff!

YAY!

When we last left our 1.9 Wraith, we had axles, we had a transmission, and we had a chassis. We rejoin our adventure with all of those having been rejoined as well.

If you like noticing things, keep your mouth shut until we get there.

Everything has been forcefully attached in a mechanical arraigned marriage, may they have many years of miserable financial and political benefit together.

Here is where johnnyluv needs to pay attention and the others can tune out:

Notice how much further back the rear links mount in comparison to the original mounting point on the skid?

Well so did my pinion angle.

Not my area of expertise however this falls somewhere in the realm of "less than optimal". Parts are on the way to make things better but I press on.

Since it is sitting right there, I have to acknowledge the rear tray.

I was going to design something to fill the vast emptiness of the Wraith's cargo area but found this rear tray on MyMiniFactory. Not doing something is nearly always superior to doing something so I printed the one someone else designed. It was given a couple coats of flat black and installed to make the Wraith feel less unfinished behind the interior.

As we work our way from back to front, we arrive at the part where the leaning seats were fixed.

Obviously more robot made parts are involved. These were quick wedge shaped shims that raise the outer edge of the seats to make them actually upright. Now, I'm happy with the interior.

Getting to the front, we have the new steering servo.

Yes, I realize the axles are not installed in this photo. Continuity here is as important as the last season of Game of Thrones (can you believe they left a friggin' Starbucks cup!?!!1?!). Regardless (or is it irregardless? Any English professors can PM me for a correction), this is an Xpert AS-8601 servo. If you are not familar with said servo, just know Xpert makes very nice servos and their US distributor (Hobby Square) has amazing Black Friday sales. I picked this aluminum cased HV brushless beauty for like $60 shipped.

The bottom line for you servo novices:

Stock servo - 150 oz of torque = :???:
Xpert servo - 530 oz of torque = :mrgreen:

While we are here, a new aluminum servo horn was installed. It is very much like the nice horn you get with a very expensive Tekin servo but these come from Top Hobby on ebay for $5.50 shipped. I buy a lot of them.

Now we need some suspension. Maybe we should reinstall the stock shocks.

Bwahahahaha! Install stock Axial shocks? Voluntarily? :lmao:

Techincally these are stock shocks, they just come from a HPI Venture. They have threaded aluminum bodies and generally don't leak from most accounts so good enough. Bonus is they are a few MM shorter than the stock Axial shocks for a little ride height drop.

Bolted up and the CMS geometry is still looking good.

The ride height on this one will be good.

You may have noticed by now, I have many well placed transitions in my pictures to facilitate moving from one topic to another. You can choose to believe this is either intentional or pictures are largely taken after the work is done. I won't spoil your beliefs with the actual answer.

With the full depth interior, the ESC needed to find a new home. After much brain racking a nice cozy one was found.

The Mamba X (sans fan) fits very snugly on it's side right up against the front radiator. There is just enough room to pass the wire on the side of the receiver box and plug them in.

How snug is snug you wonder?

Just enough space for the hood to clear.

And just enough space for the body to clear.

I still need to remove the switch from the Mamba X but this electronics fitment is going way better than I imagined.

After yet another incredibly seamless transition, we get to the final piece of fitting electronics.

While I was on MyMiniFactory getting the rear tray, I also found this battery tray so my smaller packs wouldn't fall through the stock battery holder. Again, this was something I was going to make anyway but someone did it for me. Double laziness win!

The tray holds my Helios 3000mah 3S packs perfectly, it will probably hold whatever lesser batteries you choose to run as well.

Remember, that's Helios RC for all your battery needs! "thumbsup"
(thread creator has not been, though should be, compensated for this ad and post will gladly be amended to reflect the battery brand of the highest bidder)

We wrap up with getting our first peek at the chassis sitting on it's axles and I'm already excited. Much potential here and much different that my 1.9 Wraith 1.0. Comparisons abound in future updates!

Continue to follow along as the push to get this off the workbench before the next slate of kits comes pouring into the SVT garage.

 

[DukeMinnix]

so much win. So very much.

 

[soze]

Nice progress.

 

[GA Dawg]

Thanks for the tip on the rear tray. I had checked Thingiverse and didn't find anything for the 1.9. I printed the same rear floor that my 2.2 has, but it's different enough that it didn't fit.

 

[Sneetches]

This reminds me I should probably start doing up the interior on my 1.9 Wraith again...good work.

 

[svt923]

so much win. So very much.

I'm sorry, I'll try to tone down the winning.

Nice progress.

It's spelled S-L-O-W, slow progress.

Thanks for the tip on the rear tray. I had checked Thingiverse and didn't find anything for the 1.9. I printed the same rear floor that my 2.2 has, but it's different enough that it didn't fit.

You will like the rear tray. Its much nicer than the flat floor from Thingiverse, especially with the body installed.

This reminds me I should probably start doing up the interior on my 1.9 Wraith again...good work.

Yes, yes you should. More Wraith interiors for everybody!

On the very related topic of people who should do things, here is your latest update:

The rear axle is properly attached.

A couple of HB Racing turnbuckles and Jato rod ends were recruited as upper links, although "recruited" gives the impression they had a part in this decision.

Turnbuckles were an obvious choice here because the upper link length with them mounted on the inside of the link risers was largely a guess. Also with the additional anti-squat, the pinion angle changes pretty significantly through the suspension cycle. The turnbuckles allow me to adjust the pinion angle with a few turns of a wrench and not having to remove the link, twist the rod end on or off, reinstall, check angles, and repeat several dozen times to get an angle that is good at ride height and not too crazy at full compression.

HPI Venture shocks were installed in the rear as well.

It was this point, I realized the shocks didn't all have the same springs. Through sheer coincidence, the shocks with matching springs were installed on the proper ends of the car. The firmer springs should probably be on the front but that would require actually checking on the spring rates.

Now it comes time for the part of the build that I'm most excited about:

Oh yeah, that's the good stuff.

The goal of this 1.9 Wraith was always to make it lower with smaller tires than the 1.0 version but there were 2 issues (entirely of my own unreasonableness) to overcome:

#1 - 4.75 tires are too big and 4.19 tires are too small, the selection in between is sorely lacking.
#2 - The 1.9 Wraith looks better with narrow tires, this is an indisputable fact.

Ultimately, these 1.9 Pitbull Braven Berserkers were chosen. The size is good at 4.35 x 1.45, the compound is good, the tread is good: they are good.

The wheels were a set I came across in some ebay browsing. Normally, I prefer to give my money to the companies that actually create the wheel designs however these ones were unique.

This pic was borrowed from OSRC's TRX-4 Bronco thread since I never bothered to take pics when they were new.

I figured filling all those threaded outer holes with some scale hardware would give them a more "serious off-road' look. So I had my Locked Up M2 scale hardware and I'm ready to install it on the wheels aaaaand the holes are M1.5. Commence profanity.

After calming down for a bit and working on something else, I came across some helpful items in my tool box then decided to say "F*** it" and ruin some wheels.

After running a 1.5mm drill bit through all the outer holes, the real fun began.

Luckily the material is soft but tapping 20 holes per wheel by hand takes a really long time.

(Many hours later)

Yep, totally worth it. Bonus points for unique wheels because it will be a long time before someone it stupid enough to repeat this process.

Now let's slap them on.

That will do. The center caps nicely hide the fact I was too lazy to put on wheel nuts.

It is kinda hard to comprehend just exactly how much better this clearance is than the original Wraith.

The body was popped on because I like visuals.

Don't you love it when your ideas come together? I know I do.

Is this:

Even the same truck as this:

It is, except for the many significant changes.

Putting the wheels and tires on made me realize the panhard bar length needs to be adjusted, the preload on the shocks will need to be tweaked, and of course all those wires hanging out of the hood will have to be attached. There is light at the end of the tunnel and this one may be running soon. Whether or not I actually get to drive it for any significant amount of time in the near future remains to be seen.

Join in next time for the excitement of plugging in wires!

 

[GA Dawg]

You will like the rear tray. Its much nicer than the flat floor from Thingiverse, especially with the body installed.

I do like it. I had to cut a couple of notches in it due to the fastback mod I did.

 

[rayraypc]

HELLO WORLD.
So I have been lurking here now for about 2 weeks. Its always good to lurk before you jump in and commit to something.

I had my mind made up yesterday. I had been mulling over getting a new crawler, I was going to get the Wraith 1.9. Boom settled. Now I see this post.
SVT did to the Wraith what I did to my brushed Arrma Granite - but with more grandeur. Hmmm.

So without going off post topic, the first $350 is covered by my LHS - we did a barter. Wraith 1.9? SCX10 Blazer? (coupon for 15% off till Sept) or SCX10 kit? Or a diff kit?

 

[svt923]

So without going off post topic, the first $350 is covered by my LHS - we did a barter. Wraith 1.9? SCX10 Blazer? (coupon for 15% off till Sept) or SCX10 kit? Or a diff kit?

My feeling is if the cage style of the Wraith appeals to you the most, get it since there is no comparable alternative. If something that looks more like a full size truck you would find on the road appeals to you, then the SCXII Blazer would be the better option. Also check out the TRX4 Sport and Element Enduro if you have the option at your local shop.

 

[CODYBOY]

Very nice, and I agree about members needing to start sharing their buildin skills a little more!!!! As always your work and presentation is impeccable! ;-)
I still think I need to hire you as a ghost writer for my builds! "thumbsup"
Keep up the good work young Man!
Ernie

 

[DukeMinnix]

Very nice, and I agree about members needing to start sharing their buildin skills a little more!!!! As always your work and presentation is impeccable! ;-)
I still think I need to hire you as a ghost writer for my builds! "thumbsup"
Keep up the good work young Man!
Ernie

get in line with the ghost writing ernie, only thing I'm worse at than custom RC stuff is narrating the overly boring threads I make about it :lmao:

 

[CODYBOY]

get in line with the ghost writing ernie, only thing I'm worse at than custom RC stuff is narrating the overly boring threads I make about it :lmao:

"thumbsup"

 

[svt923]

Very nice, and I agree about members needing to start sharing their buildin skills a little more!!!! As always your work and presentation is impeccable! ;-)
I still think I need to hire you as a ghost writer for my builds! "thumbsup"
Keep up the good work young Man!
Ernie

get in line with the ghost writing ernie, only thing I'm worse at than custom RC stuff is narrating the overly boring threads I make about it :lmao:

Do I need a vendor star for this? :mrgreen:

 

[johnnyluv]

Thanks, the big issue is I know there is a problem which is always so much worse than anything obvious. Spoiler alert: I fixed it and there are updates below. "thumbsup"


If you do decide to keep your Wraith and install the link risers, I have some quality information for you.

Glad you don't actually need parenting advise because like 99% of parenting, I would make it up as the need arises. But we live in a world where if BS is delivered confidently enough, it is taken as fact so....

Also, FB sucks for anything more than "here, look at my truck now give me likes!" The only thing I really use it for these days is finding the info on new products. Build threads 4 life!


When we last left our 1.9 Wraith, we had axles, we had a transmission, and we had a chassis. We rejoin our adventure with all of those having been rejoined as well.


Here is where johnnyluv needs to pay attention and the others can tune out:


Notice how much further back the rear links mount in comparison to the original mounting point on the skid?

Well so did my pinion angle.

Thanks for pointing out the rear link riser issue. I think I'm more motivated now to sell my Wraith 1.9, because I'm not interested in fiddling with it. Actually, I might rip out the entire drivetrain and just sell the cage w/body and electronics, then use the drivetrain for the VS4-10 chassis kit I bought to put my Deadbolt and future Jeep G6 bodies on.