Sunday was a big day. First run for this truck! The crazy, not-so-winter weather was at it again. The day started off below 30°F and ended in the high 50's. I went from wearing a beanie, gloves and two layers at 9AM to a long sleeve T-shirt and still being warm on occasion near lunch time. Below freezing to spring-like temps all in the same day. That's why you'll see photos of ice despite the fact that it was in the 50's. Craziness.
Anyway, I ran this truck and OSRC ran his very capable TRX-4 Bronco. I was busy having fun so I didn't take too many photos.
This photo was taken atop one of our test rocks. I love this rock. It goes from a steep climb to an even steeper climb right at the "step" in the rock. Ascents can be tough, but descents can be even worse.
The Bronco make it look easy and the Limited followed. The Bronco was definitely more planted, but the Limited made it up with little fanfare. Not long ago, it was a struggle for most scale trucks to make it up this rock. Now it is almost routine if the truck is set up properly. It's amazing how far scale trucks have come.
The Limited did suffer on the descent. It wanted to roll ass over tea kettle coming down the upper step which I thought was odd. I feel I need to add weight to both the front and rear of this truck. I don't want to fugly up this truck with brass so I'm not sure how to go about doing that other than getting old school and putting weight in the wheels which I'm not keen on doing any longer.
The Bronco on the summit and the Limited on the step.
Here's a view from the top of the test rock looking down. Photos never seem to do the justice to the difficulty of the terrain.
Here's some of that ice I was telling you about.
And some more photos.
I learned a few things on Sunday.
1. I love blue yoga pants. This particular pair was worn so damn well! ;-)
2. Some trees have black, hair-like thorns, and they freaking hurt and stick in your skin very well.
3. This truck is great. Looking at the design, you could easily liken it to a metal SCX10 II. It's more than that though and it just flat out works very damn well. I had a ton of fun with this truck. It is also very smooth and quiet which is awesome. I'm very happy with this truck. A job well done, Vanquish!
Minutes into the run I did get a moment where it was louder. A leaf or a stick must have gotten through the "rock guard" on the spur. It worked its way out before I even checked it out though. But I'd say this truck needs a full spur gear cover. I may try to design and 3D print one.
After driving this truck I'm really looking forward to driving a Pro. I kind of regret getting the Ultra instead of a Pro now, but portals have their place too. And I'd be shocked if I don't also get a Pro in the near future.
The scratches on the metal axles, bumpers and sliders definitely hurt. But the truck is so fun and so capable in stock form that you quickly forget about the scratches.