Panther6834
I wanna be Dave
The Panther & The Phoenix: Who needs 'Cat & Mouse', when the Black Cat can play with a bird
Ok...I admit, I'm (somewhat) late to the game. But, while I might be "late" (by some other people's standards), I have actually had the kit for a few weeks...plus, (and, more importantly) I prefer to think of it more along the lines of "planning things out, taking my time, and doing things right". I feel no need to rush into building something, just to be first (or even one of the first). With that said, I finally started my VS4-10 Phoenix build...but, like the builds I've done so far, mine certainly won't be 'stock'. Does this mean another Star Wars, or Avengers, themed build? Not necessarily.
I will state that it will have the VFD-Twin trans & skid (the primary purpose for having received the Phoenix), as well as the VS4-10 chassis & Phoenix body...or, at least most of the body. Beyond that, I can't yet say what direction I'll be going in - partly because I don't want to spoil any surprises, and partly because I'm still processing ideas in my head. Also, since there have already been more than a few Phoenix build threads, this will not be a "full build" thread, documenting everything done - I will primarily focus on changes I've made, as well as any customizing I come up with. I fully expect this to take at least a couple of months, if not longer. Ok, enough 'chitchat'...as Capt. Picard would say, "Engage."
Everyone loves to joke about the "D Bag", thus I've always wanted to start there...but, until now, no kit I've done has afforded me a realistic option to start there. So...yes...I AM starting with the D-bag. Honestly, I can't think of a better place to start than the highlight of the VS4-10 Phoenix: the VFD-Twin transmission. Changes to the VFD-Twin will include gears, motor mount, standoffs, and bearing plates.
First changes in the assembly line - the motor mount, and standoffs. Gone are the plastic pieces, replaced with the Lightweight Aluminum Motor Mount, and the Aluminum standoffs. This not only adds a little weight, but also adds strength & rigidity.
Next up in the changes being made, say "goodbye" to the sintered gears, and "hello" to the Machined Gear Set. Now, I know what some of your are thinking. You're gonna say, "You can't used the Machines Gear Set in the VFD-Twin. Those are only for the OG VFD." And, truthfully, for the most part, you'd be correct...but, the first two gears CAN be used.
It's already been confirmed (by Josh, in the Friday Live Build two weeks ago) that Vanquish is working on the Machined Gear Set for the VFD-Twin...so, once they're released, instead of having to disassemble/reassemble almost the entire VFD-Twin, I'll only have to disassemble/reassemble the T-case section (saving a lot of time in the process). As for the remaining gears from both machined sets, I'll hold onto them for a future build that will be using the OG VFD.
With the main part of the transmission complete, it was time to move onto the T-case. I'm currently blanking on who (although, I'm thinking it was Ty Campbell, of Tekin) mentioned that the 30T Aluminum Bearing Plates can be used instead of the included plastic plates...so, that's what I decided to go with - first plate & bearings installed.
I'm not sure if the machined gears add any weight...but, at least with the aluminum parts used, the completed transmission will have a little extra heft, mostly in the front. As for the completed VFD-Twin, here it is.
I would have installed the motor, but the wrong motor was received from the online retailer I purchased it from, so will now have to deal with them on an exchange (which one already started...and, once the correct motor is back in stock, it will be shipped). In the meantime, and to avoid waiting to build the chassis, I decided to go ahead, build the chassis, and (temporarily) install the VFD-Twin.
I can't say when the next update will come...could be a few days, or a few weeks. At least I was finally able to start the build...a dark Phoenix is rising. Until next time.......
~ More peace, love, and kindness would make the world a much better place
Ok...I admit, I'm (somewhat) late to the game. But, while I might be "late" (by some other people's standards), I have actually had the kit for a few weeks...plus, (and, more importantly) I prefer to think of it more along the lines of "planning things out, taking my time, and doing things right". I feel no need to rush into building something, just to be first (or even one of the first). With that said, I finally started my VS4-10 Phoenix build...but, like the builds I've done so far, mine certainly won't be 'stock'. Does this mean another Star Wars, or Avengers, themed build? Not necessarily.
I will state that it will have the VFD-Twin trans & skid (the primary purpose for having received the Phoenix), as well as the VS4-10 chassis & Phoenix body...or, at least most of the body. Beyond that, I can't yet say what direction I'll be going in - partly because I don't want to spoil any surprises, and partly because I'm still processing ideas in my head. Also, since there have already been more than a few Phoenix build threads, this will not be a "full build" thread, documenting everything done - I will primarily focus on changes I've made, as well as any customizing I come up with. I fully expect this to take at least a couple of months, if not longer. Ok, enough 'chitchat'...as Capt. Picard would say, "Engage."
Everyone loves to joke about the "D Bag", thus I've always wanted to start there...but, until now, no kit I've done has afforded me a realistic option to start there. So...yes...I AM starting with the D-bag. Honestly, I can't think of a better place to start than the highlight of the VS4-10 Phoenix: the VFD-Twin transmission. Changes to the VFD-Twin will include gears, motor mount, standoffs, and bearing plates.
First changes in the assembly line - the motor mount, and standoffs. Gone are the plastic pieces, replaced with the Lightweight Aluminum Motor Mount, and the Aluminum standoffs. This not only adds a little weight, but also adds strength & rigidity.
Next up in the changes being made, say "goodbye" to the sintered gears, and "hello" to the Machined Gear Set. Now, I know what some of your are thinking. You're gonna say, "You can't used the Machines Gear Set in the VFD-Twin. Those are only for the OG VFD." And, truthfully, for the most part, you'd be correct...but, the first two gears CAN be used.
It's already been confirmed (by Josh, in the Friday Live Build two weeks ago) that Vanquish is working on the Machined Gear Set for the VFD-Twin...so, once they're released, instead of having to disassemble/reassemble almost the entire VFD-Twin, I'll only have to disassemble/reassemble the T-case section (saving a lot of time in the process). As for the remaining gears from both machined sets, I'll hold onto them for a future build that will be using the OG VFD.
With the main part of the transmission complete, it was time to move onto the T-case. I'm currently blanking on who (although, I'm thinking it was Ty Campbell, of Tekin) mentioned that the 30T Aluminum Bearing Plates can be used instead of the included plastic plates...so, that's what I decided to go with - first plate & bearings installed.
I'm not sure if the machined gears add any weight...but, at least with the aluminum parts used, the completed transmission will have a little extra heft, mostly in the front. As for the completed VFD-Twin, here it is.
I would have installed the motor, but the wrong motor was received from the online retailer I purchased it from, so will now have to deal with them on an exchange (which one already started...and, once the correct motor is back in stock, it will be shipped). In the meantime, and to avoid waiting to build the chassis, I decided to go ahead, build the chassis, and (temporarily) install the VFD-Twin.
I can't say when the next update will come...could be a few days, or a few weeks. At least I was finally able to start the build...a dark Phoenix is rising. Until next time.......
~ More peace, love, and kindness would make the world a much better place
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