Andyjk's MST CMX Defender D90 build

[Andyjk]

Hi guys,

so it's been quite a few years since I've done a build, or done anything RC related for that matter, so I thought it was time to get back into it and challenge myself a little along the way.

I picked up a MST CMX roller and a Land Rover Defender D90 body.



The CMX has three wheel base lengths, with the longest being 267mm. The wheel base of the D90 is 282mm. So I have a little work to do to make it fit. Some longer drive shafts and rear links shouldn't be too hard to come across.

I wan't to create a fairly weathered look for the D90, something that looks used. Going to go with a sandy/ cream colour with a white roof. Similar to this:



I'd also like to have a go at brazing, I've done a bit of research and think I'm ready to give it a go. Would like to make a front bumper, sliders and bars around the sides, something similar to these:




Some goodies I've already purchased, rear bumper:



and some RC4WD 1.55 wheels and Mud Thrashers on the way:



Anyway, thought I better share my progress with you, hopefully someone will gain something out of it!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you all too.

Cheers

 

[War Pig]

Awesome! I'm interested to see this come together. Really digging that last red D90. Brazing (especially silver soldering) is really fun and easy once you get the feel for it.

 

[Andyjk]

Yeah I can't wait to get into the brazing. I must say, the MST seems to be quite good quality. Wish I could say the same about the instructions - a bit vague sometimes. I've hit a wall though, ran out of spare bearings so have to wait for more to arrive. Refuse to build it with the provided bushings!

 

[Andyjk]

Picked up some paint, Tamiya TS-3 Dark Yellow and TS-26 Pure white. Not 100% on the colour yet, but we'll get to that when the time comes.

 

[Loehdingc]

I have a few parts likrle a roof rack and front bumper thatll fit if your interested. Mistake purchases for my TRC Defender. I also have the low profile front and rear bumper. If they sit around Ill end up buying the body for them.

I run my CMX pretty low-geared but on 4s, and those plastic lockers just keep holding up without noticeably more slop.

 

[Andyjk]

I have a few parts likrle a roof rack and front bumper thatll fit if your interested. Mistake purchases for my TRC Defender. I also have the low profile front and rear bumper. If they sit around Ill end up buying the body for them.

I run my CMX pretty low-geared but on 4s, and those plastic lockers just keep holding up without noticeably more slop.

Hey mate, could you send me a pm with pictures of the front bumper? Also I'm not sure I know what you're referring to with the plastic lockers?

 

[Andyjk]

Got the chassis all finished today. Built it with the longest wheel base (267mm) just to see how far I would have to modify it. I sat the body on top and it didn't appear to be that far off. The wheelbase of the body is supposedly 280mm, according to RCMart's website. Measured it up, and it actually 275mm. Good for me, the closer the better.




Anyway, I made up some aluminium strips to attach to the out drives, with holes drilled at 275mm so I can get the new 4-links made to the right size

 

[Andyjk]

Fitted the aluminium and now have the correct wheel base.





Then had a go at making some new aluminium links. Fairly pleased with how the first one turned out!

 

[Andyjk]

Swapped the damper stays around to straighten the shocks up a bit

 

[alexleblanc]

Looking good! You'll want to upgrade those driveshafts asap though.

 

[Andyjk]

Looking good! You'll want to upgrade those driveshafts asap though.

Thanks mate. I'm only going to be using it for lighter, scale trail runs so they should hold up fine for the time being. Once they start to give in, I'll replace them. Have you had bad experiences with CMX drive shafts?

 

[2mtech]

Very nice! I'll take a set now. Kthx

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

 

[chino63]

Thanks mate. I'm only going to be using it for lighter, scale trail runs so they should hold up fine for the time being. Once they start to give in, I'll replace them. Have you had bad experiences with CMX drive shafts?

My kit came with an extra extended shaft, I broke the original rear during my 3rd battery, replaced with the extended one and its now starting to twist even though there's very little spline showing. I keep a spare Axial WB shaft set in my backpack just in case. That's the only issue I've had besides stripping the 645mg servo gears

 

[alexleblanc]

Thanks mate. I'm only going to be using it for lighter, scale trail runs so they should hold up fine for the time being. Once they start to give in, I'll replace them. Have you had bad experiences with CMX drive shafts?

I had the rear shaft twist itself to death on my home course on its trial run. Fixed it with a spare non name I had laying around and hit the course only to have the front one fail! With tow no names in it it's been working well without issues.

 

[Andyjk]

Ok cool. I have a few spare traxxas ones lying around that I'll put in once the stock ones give up. I had to put off finishing the links until I can get some other drill bits so I decided to test fit the rear bumper. Looking good!

 

[Andyjk]

Finished making the rear links this arvo and am very pleased for my first attempt at making links. I suppose I could have been a little more careful to ensure that the holes were drilled in the exact centre, but I'm not too fussed!

Test fitted the body and it seems to be the right wheel base now. Next part is mounting it to the chassis and working out a good height for it to sit.

 

[cartronicshn]

Looks nice, but the front wheel looks like it needs a couple more mm forward, or is it the picture angle?

 

[Andyjk]

Looks nice, but the front wheel looks like it needs a couple more mm forward, or is it the picture angle?

Yeah it's the picture angle and the body is resting on top, not properly lined up yet

 

[Andyjk]

Started to fabricate the body mounts using some aluminium angle. Still needs some minor adjustment but at happy with it so far.

 

[H2Micr0]

Well done.

Progressing nicely.

Cheers
H2Micr0