It's now easier than ever before to get involved in the hobby of radio control models. The RC vehicles -- planes, cars, boats, etc. -- now available are more sophisticated, yet easier to assemble and operate, than ever before. RC 4x4 trucks -- a.k.a., monster trucks -- are a relatively recent addition to this expanding hobby. These tough and versatile models, like their full-size counterpart, come with aggressive looks and lots of attitude. They can perform impressive maneuvers, operate over a range of surface terrain and can withstand a substantial amount of punishment.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run one of the most popular radio control 4x4's -- the T-Maxx (TM) by Traxxas (TM).
The T-Maxx (figure A) is a particularly tough specimen of RC 4x4, and it comes with an uncommon feature -- an onboard electric engine-starter.
Like many of today's models, it comes partially assembled with a two-speed engine and functional chassis (figure B). There are some preliminary steps, however, that will be necessary before operation. The kit includes the parts needed for preparation and customizing, as well as a number of the necessary tools (figure C). Following is a list of additional items you'll need.
Materials:
Small tube of CA modeler's glue (found in hobby stores)
Long-shank Phillips screwdriver
Denatured alcohol (or household cleaner)
Hobby paint for painting the body (found in hobby stores)
Steps
Important : This demonstration shows the basic instructions for assembly and operation of this particular model of RC truck. There are variations in assembly for each individual model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your RC vehicle, whether it's this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Tighten all screws on the chassis and engine mount (figure D). Snug each screw securely, but don't overtighten. You may want to use a little thread-lock on the screws that install directly into metal parts.
- Glue the tires onto the rims. Because the truck is likely to undergo considerable jarring and pitching during use, the tires are likely to come loose from the rims unless they are glued on.
- Begin by removing all four wheels from the chassis using the supplied lug wrench. Carefully peel each tire away from its rim, and remove the foam insert from each tire.
- Wash the tires with denatured alcohol or household cleaner. Thoroughly wash each tire individually, then allow them to dry fully.
- Once the tires are completely dry, inside and out, replace the foam inserts in the tires and remount the tires onto the wheels.
- With the tires reinstalled, glue each tire to the rim. Peel the lip of the tire slightly back from the rim, and apply a small amount of CA glue inside the lip of the tire (figure E). Rotate the tire so that the glue is spread around the inside circumference of the tire's lip. Perform this process on both the outside and the inside of the tire.
- Once all four tires have been cleaned and glued to their rims, bolt all four wheels back onto the chasssis. Tighten them down securely, but don't overtighten (figure F).
- Install the antenna.
- Thread the wire antenna through the antenna mast according to the kit directions.
Tip: Spread a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch on the wire antenna to make it easier to slide into the antenna mast.
- Mount the antenna and mast in the mast holder by pressing it firmly into the receptacle located on top of the box that houses the battery and receiver (figure G).
- Check to make certain that the antenna is mounted securely (figure H).
- Dry Run: Test the Radio Controls.
- Place eight AA batteries into the radio transmitter and four AA batteries into the radio receiver. The batteries mounted on the vehicle power both the receiver and the servos that operate the vehicle.
- Turn the radio transmitter on first, then turn on the receiver.
- Lift the front end of the vehicle and operate the steering controls to ensure that they're working properly (figure I).
Safety tip: Whenever operating any RC models, the radio transmitter should be the first thing you switch on (prior to switching on any receivers) and the last thing you switch off.
T-Maxx specs
Length -- 19"
Height -- 10.5"
Tires -- 5.75"d x 3.5"w
Wheel base -- 12"
Engine -- Fuel-TRX Pro 15
Top speed -- 30+ mph
RESOURCES :
T-Maxx radio-control 4x4 truck by Traxxas
Traxxas®
Website: www.traxxas.com
The T-Maxx was featured on episode 104 and 303 of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Distributor of radio-controlled model planes, cars, boats, trucks etc.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
The RC Source
Online resources for Radio Control Aircraft, Boats, etc.
Web site: www.thercsource.com
Tower Hobbies
An online retailer for radio-controlled models.
Web site: www.towerhobbies.com
RC Web
Comprehensive online resource (presented by Tower Hobbies) for radio-control model enthusiasts.
Web site: www.towerhobbies.com/rcweb.html
HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.
Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.
With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.
For store location information, please click here.
HobbyTownUSA
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-434-5050
Email: info@hobbytown.com
Website: www.hobbytown.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
