Noobie Questions

[DesignerPro]

I am a super newbie to RC's and this forum. I guess it is a second childhood (built my own recumbent trike last summer) but I just ordered a Knight Hauler and other stuff based on things I have read here but I have a few questions. Here's what I ordered: Knight Hauler Tractor (I ordered a Metallic but by the time they replied it was apparently sold so now I have to figure out a paint color I like for the standard cab), Tanker Trailer, MFCU, full bearing set, trailer lights, an Integy Matrix Pro Lathe motor 55T (I like slow), and a Fatuba 4EXA radio with charger, receiver and servos. There went my life savings, lol.

After reading through this forum I would like a little advice on the following, if you please:

1. Where can I get some of the wiring cable looms/wrap to tidy up the wires? (or should I just use shrink wrap as some have done?)
2. Do I need ? and where can I get the servo extension cables?
3. What brand, kind and a source for a good battery and charger for the truck. I am not going to shows or parades so don't need hours and hours of running time.
4. Someone mentioned a conversion to fill the tanker for more realism. Is this realistic or should I just put in weights or forget about it?
5. Are the metal wheels THAT much better looking than the stock ones to justify more $$$? Good to know before I build.
6. One more - I have seen many pieces of advice as to paint, from auto paint to Tamiya paint to laquer, enamel and primer. What is best in your opinion?

I hope this is not too much to ask at once but I would like to have everything nailed down before I start this huge and rewarding project.

Thanks!!

[Convoy1]

I'm also new to this site but not to the RC world. So my advice to you is the following in the order you asked.

1. Try your local hobby shop, as long as they sell RC stuff you should be able to get it their. The plane and heli guys use those a lot. You can also try online from Towerhobbies.com
2. Not sure if you need them, I'm sure someone else here will have that answer. See#1 for where to get them if you do.
3. Charger? I use A Great Planes ElectriFly Triton, i like it because it does a ton of different battery types, LiPo, NiCd and NiMH batteries, Dura Trax Ice Competition is also a really nice charger. Those are my opinion, but what you need to remember is get one that does multiple battery types, you get what you pay for, and buy it once.
Battery? Keeping budget in mind I would recommend going with a NiMH pack something no less than 3000mah. As far as brands go, stick with someone reputable, Associated, Team Orion, Trinity, are some good names, there are plenty of other too, so check prices. This will give you some good run times with that 55t motor.
4. I don’t have a tanker but weight seems like a good idea, seems like it may get bouncy stock. Try filling it half way with playground sand. That should add some weight.
But like I said I do not have a tanker and this question may be better answered by someone more experienced with tankers.
5. Wheels are a simple swap out at any time, use the stocks for now and if you see some you like down the road get them. Only you can justify if spending the money is worth it. Different styles reflect different tastes.
6. Paint? Whatever you use make sure you wash the body first. I just use dishwashing soap and warm water. Manufacturing of these bodies leaves a chemical residue and will sometimes make your paint job come out awful. I have used Testors and Tamiya paint with success.


I hope this helps.

[DesignerPro]

Your Avatar is great! Photoshop or artwork?
Thanks for your input. Since I live in the boonies there is no hobby store within 100 miles so internet shopping is it. Towerhobbies doesn't seem to have a good answer for the looms but I'll search the net.
I'll check into the batteries and chargers. Saw some batteries with about 3800mah. Is that too much?
I was also thinking of perhaps using sand for weight but putting it into a plastic bag first to keep things clean and to adjust or reverse the procedure if necessary.
Great suggestion for washing the body parts before painting. Would never have thought of that.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.
____________________________________
You only fail if you give up.

[Convoy1]

Not a problem.
The sand in the bag thing is a great idea.
3800mah is not to much at all, it will give you longer run times, or if your running lights and sound the extra will be for those.
Found this for you http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLMT2&P=7
You can try horizon, or stormer hobbies for some parts too, make sure to check out some of the sites that sell helis and
planes too they have a lot of those type parts.

Post some pics of the build.

[McFig]

I see most of your questions have already been answered, but I'll throw my two cents in.


Here's what I ordered: Knight Hauler Tractor (I ordered a Metallic but by the time they replied it was apparently sold so now I have to figure out a paint color I like for the standard cab), Tanker Trailer, MFCU, full bearing set, trailer lights, an Integy Matrix Pro Lathe motor 55T (I like slow), and a Fatuba 4EXA radio with charger, receiver and servos. There went my life savings, lol.
WOW! :omg:
That must of been one heck of a bill. But its going to make for a great truck. I think you will be very happy.


1. Where can I get some of the wiring cable looms/wrap to tidy up the wires? (or should I just use shrink wrap as some have done?)
Shrink wrap works well, but it can get a little stiff. That link Convoy1 posted might be your best bet. I have also seen people use black electical tape, but I wouldn't suggest it


2. Do I need ? and where can I get the servo extension cables?
Servo extensions can be found on Tower or Stormer Hobbies, but like Convoy1 said, I don't think you will need them.


3. What brand, kind and a source for a good battery and charger for the truck. I am not going to shows or parades so don't need hours and hours of running time.
Team Orion makes a great battery and I've had good luck with Epic. Like Convoy1 said, you want an NiMH, NOT NiCD. 3800 would be great. I ususally don't suggest DuraTrax (or Duratrash as some people call them), but the IntelliPeak is a good charger: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXG87&P=ML


4. Someone mentioned a conversion to fill the tanker for more realism. Is this realistic or should I just put in weights or forget about it?
To get it all sealed up for liquid would be quite a challange. I like the idea of sand, but you will need to put it into zip lock bags otherwise the sand will just come out the cracks.


5. Are the metal wheels THAT much better looking than the stock ones to justify more $$$? Good to know before I build.
Its really a matter of opinion. They have a more realistic look due to the metal. The stock ones are chrome plated plastic and can look toyish cause of it. Its not hard to change out later if you want to upgrade. I would say try the stock and just don't glue the tires to the rims. If you don't like the look, then get the upgrades


6. One more - I have seen many pieces of advice as to paint, from auto paint to Tamiya paint to laquer, enamel and primer. What is best in your opinion?
I really like Tamiya paint, but its not always the easiest to get, so you can use auto paint since it is a hard body. Speaking of which there are many steps to getting a good paint job on a hard body. You need to wash it, wet sand it, wash it again, let it dry, prime it, sand to smooth, prime again, repeat until smooth, paint it, sand, paint, sand.....you get the picture. But in the end it is worth it.

[janderson]

I would not add too much weight if you decide to add weight o the tanker. I would if you do add a small amount up front over the legs to help on 5th wheel use. Too much weight will drain your batteries quickly with the lights and sounds.

For painting Shodog did a nice tut located here
http://tamiya3speed.com/forum/showthread.php?t=728

Take your time and enjoy the build.

Wire loom can be found a computer stores and Auto stores as well. You will need lots of zip ties!

[DesignerPro]

Wow! Thanks guys for all the info. I will have a lot to check into and see what would be best for my situation. I know it will take awhile to finish a project like this. Haven't built a kit since I was in high school. When I make some progress (or when I need help) I will be back to you with some photos of the progress. Thanks again!

[DesignerPro]

Still up in the air about a battery charger. The radio charger will charge the tx and rx batteries. Can it also charge the 7.2v truck battery (I opted for the 3300 Team Orion Rocket Pack)? I will not be going to shows per se so charging time is not too important. What would be an inexpensive charger for the truck battery? I now understand that the Knight Hauler does not need a separate Rx battery when using the MFCU. Your help is appreciated. Thanks!

[McFig]

All power on the truck itself, including all electronics, comes from the 7.2v battery.

Chargers vary. I don't normally suggest Duratrax (also know as Duratrash), but their IntelliPeak chargers are good. I use a Dynamite Vision Peak 2 charger and it works great, plus its only $40 bucks.