Hello from Australia

[deuter]

Hey All you hobbyist and a special shoutout to all crawlers

I'am new to this hobby, bought my first hobby grade RC Monster Truck a couple of weeks back, have already damaged it . Its not a Traxxax but a Maverick Quantum Flux MT.
While waiting for the replacement parts to arrive I started researching what else there was to this hobby.
And guess what came up - Rock Crawling.
The thing that attracked me the most is you could watch the vehicle slowly manoeuvre its way through hurdles as opposed to flying past you that my MT does on a 3S Brushless Motor power.
And most importantly I can take the crawler anywhere literally atleast that's what I have read, including the Beach and Water.

So I just ordered a Blue TRX 4 Defender, while waiting for it to arrive could you experienced memerd give me some do's and don't advise?

Things I want to get:
A LED Kit
Some more toy goodies to put on the roof rack ( where do I find these?)
What else?


Thanks All, hoping to learn from you all.

[sarthetrx4]

Hey All you hobbyist and a special shoutout to all crawlers

I'am new to this hobby, bought my first hobby grade RC Monster Truck a couple of weeks back, have already damaged it . Its not a Traxxax but a Maverick Quantum Flux MT.
While waiting for the replacement parts to arrive I started researching what else there was to this hobby.
And guess what came up - Rock Crawling.
The thing that attracked me the most is you could watch the vehicle slowly manoeuvre its way through hurdles as opposed to flying past you that my MT does on a 3S Brushless Motor power.
And most importantly I can take the crawler anywhere literally atleast that's what I have read, including the Beach and Water.

So I just ordered a Blue TRX 4 Defender, while waiting for it to arrive could you experienced memerd give me some do's and don't advise?

Things I want to get:
A LED Kit
Some more toy goodies to put on the roof rack ( where do I find these?)
What else?


Thanks All, hoping to learn from you all.

Hi and welcome, from a fellow "newbie" to the hobby. I'm a sort of "born again" Rc user, I had a couple of Tamiya trucks back in the mid 80's and a Kyosho nitro Corvette in the 90's, and bought the Traxxas Defender as a "confinement present! It took my wife June about a week to realise she needed one too, so we have my yellow edition and her red.

We fitted the Traxxas light kits, no rock lights, but the roof bar for June's and the ESS 1 sound modules. Both are otherwise mechanically "stock", but we've added mud flaps, and all sorts of "stuff" for the roof rack, some bought, some home made.

A lot of people here (France) use AliExpress.com for accessories, but I also use local RC shops. (I gather that AliExpress is also popular in Australia - you're closer to the far east than we are!) If you google 1/10 RC Crawler accessories you'll find all sorts of "exciting" stuff!

I discovered inkjet printable glossy self adhesive vinyl a4 paper, so have been able to produce some decals etc, as well as some we bought on-line.

Then it depends what you want out of it. Most here will suggest new steering servos, bead-lock wheels and tyres, and maybe extra weigh on the axles. I've done none of that, as my use is more "scale trailing" than hardcore crawling up sides of houses etc!

as a beginner, I'd suggest getting to know it a bit, watch a few of the amazing videos of TRX4 Defenders on youtube (just search TRX4 Defenders!) and see what takes your fancy!

Here's a few photos of where we were up to a few weeks ago!







But things have moved on even from this, more pics later. In any event, there's hours of fun to be had "customising" you car, then its on to getting video footage.......

[deuter]

Hi and welcome, from a fellow "newbie" to the hobby. I'm a sort of "born again" Rc user, I had a couple of Tamiya trucks back in the mid 80's and a Kyosho nitro Corvette in the 90's, and bought the Traxxas Defender as a "confinement present! It took my wife June about a week to realise she needed one too, so we have my yellow edition and her red.

We fitted the Traxxas light kits, no rock lights, but the roof bar for June's and the ESS 1 sound modules. Both are otherwise mechanically "stock", but we've added mud flaps, and all sorts of "stuff" for the roof rack, some bought, some home made.

A lot of people here (France) use AliExpress.com for accessories, but I also use local RC shops. (I gather that AliExpress is also popular in Australia - you're closer to the far east than we are!) If you google 1/10 RC Crawler accessories you'll find all sorts of "exciting" stuff!

I discovered inkjet printable glossy self adhesive vinyl a4 paper, so have been able to produce some decals etc, as well as some we bought on-line.

Then it depends what you want out of it. Most here will suggest new steering servos, bead-lock wheels and tyres, and maybe extra weigh on the axles. I've done none of that, as my use is more "scale trailing" than hardcore crawling up sides of houses etc!

as a beginner, I'd suggest getting to know it a bit, watch a few of the amazing videos of TRX4 Defenders on youtube (just search TRX4 Defenders!) and see what takes your fancy!

Here's a few photos of where we were up to a few weeks ago!







But things have moved on even from this, more pics later. In any event, there's hours of fun to be had "customising" you car, then its on to getting video footage.......

That is some superb build and customisation and very inline of what I was thinking, as per parts upgrade yes they come too but slowly.
What’s the ESS sound module? Any link.

Really nice photos. I initially was excited and looking to get the yellow but it’s almost impossible to get hold of one and then I liked the Adventure edition so decided might get that body later on.
I will share some photos once I get mine but do send more
Pictures.

[Greatscott]

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS and G'Day!!!

The sky is the limit on these rigs. Recommend looking at some of the pictures in the 'Photo Gallery' thread to give you some ideas.

The Defender is a great trail rig, but it has issues when it comes to rock crawling, that great looking Defender body is heavy. Recommend looking at a full set of portal weights to help keep it planted.

The ESS is an engine sound system for RCs, I have one in my King Hauler, and works well. It is not waterproof, so if you have an eye towards playing around water you likely don't want an ESS on your rig.

[Juanmacine]

Hey All you hobbyist and a special shoutout to all crawlers

I'am new to this hobby, bought my first hobby grade RC Monster Truck a couple of weeks back, have already damaged it . Its not a Traxxax but a Maverick Quantum Flux MT.
While waiting for the replacement parts to arrive I started researching what else there was to this hobby.
And guess what came up - Rock Crawling.
The thing that attracked me the most is you could watch the vehicle slowly manoeuvre its way through hurdles as opposed to flying past you that my MT does on a 3S Brushless Motor power.
And most importantly I can take the crawler anywhere literally atleast that's what I have read, including the Beach and Water.

So I just ordered a Blue TRX 4 Defender, while waiting for it to arrive could you experienced memerd give me some do's and don't advise?

Things I want to get:
A LED Kit
Some more toy goodies to put on the roof rack ( where do I find these?)
What else?


Thanks All, hoping to learn from you all.

Hi mate, welcome to the Traxxas Forum, nice rig you bought, the TRX4 Defender is a beast, enjoy it.

[deuter]

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS and G'Day!!!

The sky is the limit on these rigs. Recommend looking at some of the pictures in the 'Photo Gallery' thread to give you some ideas.

The Defender is a great trail rig, but it has issues when it comes to rock crawling, that great looking Defender body is heavy. Recommend looking at a full set of portal weights to help keep it planted.

The ESS is an engine sound system for RCs, I have one in my King Hauler, and works well. It is not waterproof, so if you have an eye towards playing around water you likely don't want an ESS on your rig.

Thanks for your response, I know the body is heavy and also the centre of gravity is high.
Any know crawlers that I could get as a rock climbing specialist only?

Also any details on which portal weights to get , link

As for the ESS, it would be awesome to get one but need the waterproof.


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[deuter]

Hi mate, welcome to the Traxxas Forum, nice rig you bought, the TRX4 Defender is a beast, enjoy it.

Thank you sir, hard to find one currently with the shortage in Australia.


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[Squeegie]

¡unɟ ǝʌɐH

˙ǝsɐɥɔɹnd ɹnoʎ uo sʇɐɹƃuoƆ

¡sɯnɹoɟ sɐxxɐɹʇ ǝɥʇ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝM

[deuter]

¡unɟ ǝʌɐH

˙ǝsɐɥɔɹnd ɹnoʎ uo sʇɐɹƃuoƆ

¡sɯnɹoɟ sɐxxɐɹʇ ǝɥʇ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝM

Nice, Had to flick my monitor around to read your message!

[Calebs0615]

¡unɟ ǝʌɐH

˙ǝsɐɥɔɹnd ɹnoʎ uo sʇɐɹƃuoƆ

¡sɯnɹoɟ sɐxxɐɹʇ ǝɥʇ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝM

Yeah why is your message upside down and backwards? Haha.

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[DerAlteFritz]

Welcome to the forum and the Defender lovers! I have been running my rig for over 2 years now and have slowly added more and more upgrades as my hobby budget allowed. Some items are cosmetic, others are performance oriented. Low weight is always good (brass portals, metal wheels).
Don't be afraid to using an ESS sound unit; there is a video on YouTube where someone sprayed the circuit board in the unit with conformal coat to waterproof it and then ran the unit in a bowl of water without any problems. The unit comes with mounting hardware for the TRX4 and if you use it the ESS unit sits at about window level. That means you will only get water into it when you drive in water deeper than your hood. I love the sound in my truck and don't want to be without it. I waterproofed it as a precaution but normally don't drive in deep water over my hood.
So enjoy your upgrades and install sound, but most of all enjoy scale crawling.

[TITANIUM94010]

Welcome welcome!

This is a very nice hobby, and things have certainly changed since the 20th century,
The TRX4 Defender is a wonderful rig, and will bring loads of fun.

The Defender body is on a heavier side, so the sidehilling angle isn't at good, so it flips a bit on tough trails. Accessories can make it more tippy, but IMO, I'd rather have it look good than perform great.

If you do water runs, do be prepared for a bit of maintenance, standard procedure for me is a quick hose down, followed by a blast from my air compressor to dry out the water, but a blow dryer should work just as well. While the reciever box is waterproof, it can still leak a little if you completely submerge the rig underwater, you can seal it with some marine grease if you want.

Crawlers are one of the more "versatile" RCs, you can customize it all you want, add different modifications and stuff, make custom parts ect.

For the accessories, many websites sell them, just do a quick search of Rc accessories on Google and you'll get plenty of results. You can also make the from styrene plastic which comes in all different shapes and sizes if you would like to.

Have fun!

[deuter]

Welcome to the forum and the Defender lovers! I have been running my rig for over 2 years now and have slowly added more and more upgrades as my hobby budget allowed. Some items are cosmetic, others are performance oriented. Low weight is always good (brass portals, metal wheels).
Don't be afraid to using an ESS sound unit; there is a video on YouTube where someone sprayed the circuit board in the unit with conformal coat to waterproof it and then ran the unit in a bowl of water without any problems. The unit comes with mounting hardware for the TRX4 and if you use it the ESS unit sits at about window level. That means you will only get water into it when you drive in water deeper than your hood. I love the sound in my truck and don't want to be without it. I waterproofed it as a precaution but normally don't drive in deep water over my hood.
So enjoy your upgrades and install sound, but most of all enjoy scale crawling.

Thank You, Lets hope the ESS gets Waterproof soon.The brass portals are expensive and sold out most places.
I mean these things cost over $100 for a pair and I would need 2 pairs.

My focus first will be to build a crawler coarse in the backyard side strip, and get the truck going there

[deuter]

Welcome welcome!

This is a very nice hobby, and things have certainly changed since the 20th century,
The TRX4 Defender is a wonderful rig, and will bring loads of fun.

The Defender body is on a heavier side, so the sidehilling angle isn't at good, so it flips a bit on tough trails. Accessories can make it more tippy, but IMO, I'd rather have it look good than perform great.

If you do water runs, do be prepared for a bit of maintenance, standard procedure for me is a quick hose down, followed by a blast from my air compressor to dry out the water, but a blow dryer should work just as well. While the reciever box is waterproof, it can still leak a little if you completely submerge the rig underwater, you can seal it with some marine grease if you want.

Crawlers are one of the more "versatile" RCs, you can customize it all you want, add different modifications and stuff, make custom parts ect.

For the accessories, many websites sell them, just do a quick search of Rc accessories on Google and you'll get plenty of results. You can also make the from styrene plastic which comes in all different shapes and sizes if you would like to.

Have fun!

I was going to pose the question about cleaning, but you have now answered it.
I bought a MT few weeks back but found it too quick and very toy like.
Hoping the Defender brings a lot more realism.

Also I have young kids and we frequent picnic areas and beaches a lot, hoping to take this with me everywhere I go on weekends.
Do we have carry cases for these?

[sarthetrx4]

I was going to pose the question about cleaning, but you have now answered it.
I bought a MT few weeks back but found it too quick and very toy like.
Hoping the Defender brings a lot more realism.

Also I have young kids and we frequent picnic areas and beaches a lot, hoping to take this with me everywhere I go on weekends.
Do we have carry cases for these?

I found these brass weights recently on AliExpress. In the event, I have not bought them, but they may be an alternative to an expensive set of portal covers?

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/40001...90d867f485f-12

I asked about cleaning and maintenance when I bought my Defender and "Greatscott" sent this reply regarding motor cleaning:

I blow my motors out with air (~ 30psi), then spray electric motor cleaner through until it runs clear out the other side of the motor, then blow the excess cleaning out with air. Once the motor is dry, put a drop of light machine oil on each bushing, give the motor a spin to work it in, and reinstall.

It is a good idea to do this every 15-20 packs if you are running in mildly dusty/dirty conditions. Every 10 or so packs if you are running in dusty conditions, and after you are running for the day if you run in water, snow, or mud.


If you want to get really serious there are a few good YouTube videos on stripping down the TRX4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aq0IusoAf8&t=118s

A few more photos of our Defenders will come soon, but our "accessories" are a mix of bought in stuff (Traxxas spade and axe, ladders, buckets, bed-rolls and coke crates etc) and home made, (Travel trunks, tool box, jerrrycans, tent etc. I'm not into 3d printing, so my "home mades" are in balsa! The internet is great and allowed me to find genuine vintage hotel labels from the great days of travel (20s and 30s) to download, miniaturise and add to the travel trunks.

June & I are really going down the "scale look" route, so climbing the side of the house isn't a necessity! Likewise, I don't really plan on running in a lot of deep water, so I wasn't too concerned about the ESS One's waterproofing. The ESS Dual is the later version and that does come with a fitting for the TRX4, and is located on the rear body mounts, quite high up. You would need to be in deep water to get it very wet I think. But as we have the ESS One, they are mounted on the battery clip, so lower and more vulnerable! I've yet to be in conditions to test their waterproofing or otherwise!

By the way, the Blue version looks cool - perfect for a recreation of "The First Overland" Oxford & Cambridge expedition Landrovers- the Oxford car of course! OK, there were Series 1's but, you could come close!

[Gripdog7205]

I run STRC brass gear on mine. Aesthetics are important to me. Weight, tires, foams, and bumpers have helped me dramatically.


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[deuter]

I run STRC brass gear on mine. Aesthetics are important to me. Weight, tires, foams, and bumpers have helped me dramatically.


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Cool, any photos?


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[deuter]

I found these brass weights recently on AliExpress. In the event, I have not bought them, but they may be an alternative to an expensive set of portal covers?

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/40001...90d867f485f-12

I asked about cleaning and maintenance when I bought my Defender and "Greatscott" sent this reply regarding motor cleaning:

I blow my motors out with air (~ 30psi), then spray electric motor cleaner through until it runs clear out the other side of the motor, then blow the excess cleaning out with air. Once the motor is dry, put a drop of light machine oil on each bushing, give the motor a spin to work it in, and reinstall.

It is a good idea to do this every 15-20 packs if you are running in mildly dusty/dirty conditions. Every 10 or so packs if you are running in dusty conditions, and after you are running for the day if you run in water, snow, or mud.


If you want to get really serious there are a few good YouTube videos on stripping down the TRX4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aq0IusoAf8&t=118s

A few more photos of our Defenders will come soon, but our "accessories" are a mix of bought in stuff (Traxxas spade and axe, ladders, buckets, bed-rolls and coke crates etc) and home made, (Travel trunks, tool box, jerrrycans, tent etc. I'm not into 3d printing, so my "home mades" are in balsa! The internet is great and allowed me to find genuine vintage hotel labels from the great days of travel (20s and 30s) to download, miniaturise and add to the travel trunks.

June & I are really going down the "scale look" route, so climbing the side of the house isn't a necessity! Likewise, I don't really plan on running in a lot of deep water, so I wasn't too concerned about the ESS One's waterproofing. The ESS Dual is the later version and that does come with a fitting for the TRX4, and is located on the rear body mounts, quite high up. You would need to be in deep water to get it very wet I think. But as we have the ESS One, they are mounted on the battery clip, so lower and more vulnerable! I've yet to be in conditions to test their waterproofing or otherwise!

By the way, the Blue version looks cool - perfect for a recreation of "The First Overland" Oxford & Cambridge expedition Landrovers- the Oxford car of course! OK, there were Series 1's but, you could come close!

I heard someone mention just a hose down and hairdryer use should suffice.
That sounds a lot easier and cheap.

Most of the performance parts are expensive and for a good reason.
I need to check my own appetite with the truck before jumping into expensive upgrades.


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[deuter]

As for the ESS Dual looks very interesting and a bit expensive, might wait a bit on this upgrade.


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[Juanmacine]

As for the ESS Dual looks very interesting and a bit expensive, might wait a bit on this upgrade.


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Mate, is the ESC (Electronic Speed Control).

[sarthetrx4]

No, ESC = Electronic Speed Controller. ESS = Sense Innovations Sound Module.

Available here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...archweb201603_

I suppose a "hose and hair dryer" option is good for semi regular maintenance of the general drive train components, the motor cleaning just keeps that going nicely. I've got nowhere near thinking about a strip-down yet!

In the meantime, this is what we get up to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwP3e28ODIc&t=53s

[Juanmacine]

No, ESC = Electronic Speed Controller. ESS = Sense Innovations Sound Module.

Available here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...archweb201603_

I suppose a "hose and hair dryer" option is good for semi regular maintenance of the general drive train components, the motor cleaning just keeps that going nicely. I've got nowhere near thinking about a strip-down yet!

In the meantime, this is what we get up to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwP3e28ODIc&t=53s

Oh, sorry, I'm confused with other electronics components

[sarthetrx4]

I heard someone mention just a hose down and hairdryer use should suffice.
That sounds a lot easier and cheap.

Most of the performance parts are expensive and for a good reason.
I need to check my own appetite with the truck before jumping into expensive upgrades.
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A few more photos of where we are now, just added in the Photo Gallery. Most of our early bits and bobs were home made - that got us "off the ground" with some accessories before we splashed out on buying some!

Alas, it's turned out that its not one of the cheapest hobbies in the world. but fun!

Are you having trouble getting RC cars and parts in Australia due to Covid, or is importing difficult in any event?

[deuter]

A few more photos of where we are now, just added in the Photo Gallery. Most of our early bits and bobs were home made - that got us "off the ground" with some accessories before we splashed out on buying some!

Alas, it's turned out that its not one of the cheapest hobbies in the world. but fun!

Are you having trouble getting RC cars and parts in Australia due to Covid, or is importing difficult in any event?

We definitely are but I think it’s just shortage in the supply chain, apparently Traxxas would prioritise it’s own local market, Australia probably comes last with whatever is left over is what one of a Hobby Store owners told me.


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[GTSDart340]

We definitely are but I think it’s just shortage in the supply chain, apparently Traxxas would prioritise it’s own local market, Australia probably comes last with whatever is left over is what one of a Hobby Store owners told me.


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I just looked at the Traxxas store for a Rustler 4x4, even that won't ship to the US until late August. It's just everything slowing down right now.

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[Juanmacine]

¡unɟ ǝʌɐH

˙ǝsɐɥɔɹnd ɹnoʎ uo sʇɐɹƃuoƆ

¡sɯnɹoɟ sɐxxɐɹʇ ǝɥʇ oʇ ǝɯoɔlǝM

[deuter]

That's Mutley

[TITANIUM94010]

A hair dryer can be a bit slow to reach the water in the nooks and crannies, I've heard that people say that the Cow RC Jet Blaster is a nice and inexpensive drying tool, I haven't used it but from the videos it looks like it would work.

I like to lubricate my universal joint axles with some Teflon bicycle chain dry lubricant after I run in the dust, it keeps the sqeaks away.

[deuter]

No, ESC = Electronic Speed Controller. ESS = Sense Innovations Sound Module.

Available here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...archweb201603_

I suppose a "hose and hair dryer" option is good for semi regular maintenance of the general drive train components, the motor cleaning just keeps that going nicely. I've got nowhere near thinking about a strip-down yet!

In the meantime, this is what we get up to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwP3e28ODIc&t=53s

Nice video by the way, you need to turn up the engine sound.


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[deuter]

No, ESC = Electronic Speed Controller. ESS = Sense Innovations Sound Module.

Available here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001...archweb201603_

I suppose a "hose and hair dryer" option is good for semi regular maintenance of the general drive train components, the motor cleaning just keeps that going nicely. I've got nowhere near thinking about a strip-down yet!

In the meantime, this is what we get up to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwP3e28ODIc&t=53s

Nice video by the way, you need to turn up the engine sound.


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[Juanmacine]

That's Mutley

Yeahh, it is.

[deuter]

Got my Defender delivered.




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[Squeegie]

Nice!

Have fun!

[deuter]

Nice!

Have fun!

Thanks Mate




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[Calebs0615]

Thanks Mate




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Thats awesome. Im gonna be getting a defender soon but I think ill be buying grey.

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[Juanmacine]

Got my Defender delivered.




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Wow, awesome, enjoy it.

[sarthetrx4]

Got my Defender delivered.

Great stuff! Now the real fun begins! I do like that blue and it'll lend itself well to some suitable "additions"!

Have fun!!

[deuter]

Great stuff! Now the real fun begins! I do like that blue and it'll lend itself well to some suitable "additions"!

Have fun!!

Thank You Sir, Now the world in the backyard begins.


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[deuter]

Some first crawling photos from today:









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[deuter]

Installed the light kit, yeah


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