FF210 - FWD Buggy Conversion Kit
 

So here we go... finally. The FF210 Buggy is ready for production! On behalf of ORB Racing I'd like to say we're ready to share the front-wheel-drive experience with you – now the question remains: are you ready?

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What is the FF210?
The FF210 is a conversion kit that turns the Team Durango DEX210V2 and DEX210 into a competitive front-wheel-drive buggy for low-medium bite surfaces such as dirt, outdoor clay, grass and wet astroturf.

What makes the FF210 unique?
The front-wheel-drive concept offers higher cornering speeds than rear-wheel-drive buggies whilst also maintaining better stability, resulting in a car that is both consistent and quick. In addition to that, the majority of the car is made with state-of-the-art materials and production techniques, amongst which the use of additive manufacturing.

What’s does the kit consist of?
In the kit are nylon 3D components (dyed black), carbon fibre composite plates, a clear polycarbonate bodyshell and some small parts and hardware. In addition with a (separately available) Team Durango DEX210V2 donor vehicle and electronics, you can build the FWD Buggy. With addition of a few parts, the conversion kit is also compatible with the DEX210 (details available in the price list, see at the end of the post).

I am interested. How do I go from here?
We have opened up a pre-order until the 25th of August for the first batch. The kit and parts are directly available from us by email: [email protected] (Please not through PM, my inbox is pretty full). We are also working to get a webshop online as soon as possible - until that time, the price list is available through this link.

PS @ Mods: I have thought about whether to place this under sales or here, and in the end I thought the FWD project would be more appropriately placed in this 'DIY' section, as here people can reply to ask questions and discuss the car. If you feel otherwise, could we discuss an appropriate solution?

glad to see you went with the black instead of white parts

Nice conversion and would love to try it but wow it's pricey !!! With the conversion kit and a doner dex210v2 it's a £600 rolling chassis !!!!! Ouch

Thanks guys :)

@Dkfream: Yes, it's indeed expensive, but mind you the costs are not £600 - they are as follows (with exchange rates on 18-08-2015):

- Conversion kit: €350 / £250 / $390.
- New DEX210V2: €250 / £180 / $280.

The total (using a new DEX210V2) comes in at €600 / £430 / $670. Keep in mind that there are plenty of parts from the V2 that you can sell on again, amongst which nearly the entire front and rear suspension and the bodyshell, which form a useful spares package for DEX210 users and should therefore prove easy to sell.

Besides this there are alternatives, such as using a second hand donor car, or to source the gearbox, shocks, driveshafts and the remaining small bits seperately. Part sets like these regularly occur on eBay at competitive prices. As such, rollers may be made with a budget from €450 / £320 / $500, which is within the price range of 4WD buggies :)

?
 

Isnt this just like the an old tamiya?

I don't recall Tamiya ever made a front-wheel-drive buggy. I did use Tamiya's in my first two prototypes and they too had the motor up front... but that's where similarities end.

I hope this answers your question, but if not, could you clarify what you mean?

Think he possibly meant this:

http://www.rccaraction.com/wp-conten...sho-Maxxum.jpg

Not really any worse than things like the b4 conversions or the cobra, neither of which have as much custom design as this one.

Great work and Congratulations.

I've been popping in and checking on your progress with this buggy for several years now. So happy for you that you've got it to production.

Best of luck with it all.

Some updates are in order I think, so here we go:

- The manual is ready. The online version can be downloaded here (click).
- The start setup is also available here (click).
- PetitRC already has a page dedicated to all FF210-related items here (click) :thumbsup: It should form a nice platform for the FWD-owners to exchange info!


As for production: some parts have already arrived, some are still in production. These are exciting times and I personally can't wait to ship out the first batch of cars!

It's been too long... time to add an overview of what's happened over the last months:

1. Through one of our customers, we came in contact with GForce and after some conversation, the idea to enter a partnership: They would promote our products in Japan, whilst we will promote their products here! :thumbsup:

So for 2016, ORB Racing will drive with GForce motors, ESCs in addition to the use of various handy (setup) tools and pit accessories! A worthy addition to our ambitions and a push towards a higher level :)

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2. We have been featured in 'RRCi' magazine in 2015; a feature in the Japanese magazine 'RC World' followed suit!

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...40643918_n.jpg

3. We are eager to receive feedback to improve the FF210 to a higher standard. Since the release, we got feedback that the durability of the front suspension could be improved, so recently we applied running changes in the C-hubs and front arms that will reinforce the front suspension.

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4. As part of our support programme for the FF210 we have looked into the compatibility with the DEX210V3. The DEX210 V1/V2 front and rear axles (TD330349 and TD310254) are replaced with new parts in the DEX210V3, and these new parts are not compatible with the FF210 kit yet.

However according to our sources, the first batch of DEX210V3 kits contains the DEX210V2 components as well. This means the first batch of V3 kits should contain the parts required to make the FF210 conversion (#7001). For later batches of DEX210V3 kits, the V1/V2 front and rear axles should be purchased seperately.

We are currently looking into the possibility to make the FF210 compatible with the new 12mm hex axles and multi-axle system of the DEX210V3. In the meantime, if you are looking to build your FF210 from the DEX210V3, we recommend that you check with the seller if the DEX210V2 parts are included, or you purchase TD330349 and TD310254 seperately in order to perform the conversion.



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5. And last but not least, to compliment the work in the last 4 years with a professional touch is a new livery for the FF210...

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Looking ahead, we are gradually expanding our customer base of the FF210 and our goal is to continue that trend and introduce and enthuse people about the FWD concept.

Very, very nice!:thumbsup:

I didn't really have the time to post it here until now, but here comes another chapter in the success story with the FF210:

Three-and-a-bit weeks ago was the last race of the MAC Vlijmen Winter Championship. All pieces just fell into place that Sunday: An updated car setup that hit the sweet spot, the GForce electronics dialled in nicely and consistent, agressive driving to score TQ, win and the 2015/16 2WD championship title to prolong my 2WD championship win in 2014/15!

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This is what the car looks like in action: https://youtu.be/N03Q5Vrnz_E - I hope I can successfully embed the video later :)

The competition consisted of some of the best drivers in the Netherlands and Belgium and I'm over the moon with the result!

Great result, well done!
That is seriously loose and bumpy. There are no tracks like that in the UK that I know of. Looks more like you are running on a beach.

Thanks :thumbsup:

I must note these track conditions don't reflect what we usually drive on 'across the pond,' most of it is outdoor clay and astro; usually somewhat bumpy, but not nearly this bad! The club I race at - MAC Vlijmen - organizes a championhip on dirt every winter and it's an absolute blast! It's a unique, challenging and fun experience, I definitely recommend everyone to try it some time!

As many others have said, absolutely stunning stuff, honestly, very very well done:thumbsup:

Great to see something so different, well executed and well driven :thumbsup::drool:

I've got something worth sharing... I've bested my best personal result in the Belgian Championship, qualifying 7th overall and also finishing 7th in the finals at the second round at MAC Vlijmen! About 15 drivers all had a good shot for the A-final and I'm thrilled to battle up front in such a closely matched field! :thumbsup:

Of course it's not all in the car, but I do feel more connected with this car than anything I have driven before and feel more able to manage a high pace without mistakes :)

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Oh and before I forget to mention it, the track was amazing, a perfect example of a proper off-road track: Low-medium grip and somewhat bump, but nothing that interferes racing each other - if anything it only promoted the close battling! :) Just take a look at this:

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I think the sand track looks brilliant. It's like a mini motocross circuit with berms

Hehe it was brilliant, to me nothing beats a properly & naturally prepared clay track :)

Track looked OK

That car is scared of every Apex tho lol

ORB FF210
 

Gave the FF210 its maiden run tonight. Track was very very wet due to the severe rain we just had, but the FF210 turned and steered very very well. The nose kept very composed during jumps - was expecting the car to nosedive heavily due to the weight up at the front, but this was not the case.

Unfortunately, mechanical issues ( my fault ) cut the testing short, but so far, the FF210 is very impressive in the wet. :)

Looking good Kenny 👌🏻

Lol you're everywhere Mr Peakey. ;)

Yep everywhere 😂

Gave a ORB some proper practice time at Eden Park Raceway this weekend and it handled admirably. The local drivers gave it a go and were quite impressed with the handling. The downside being that it was totally sunny and dry so we could not see the FF210 in all it's glory. Eden Park Raceway is a very nice old school off road track so it pushed the FF210 out to tackle astro, bumps and tarmac .......... all in all, a very successful 3 hours practice session !

*photos courtesy of Vincent from Eden Park Raceway*

Some more action shots from Sunday :)

Looking great Kenny, thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:

So, time for me to share some cool news (that is, if you haven't seen it on Facebook):

1. A personal best in 2WD at the Kampenhout GP: I qualified 14th and finished 4th overall in the B-finals as well! The conditions were wet, the grip was low, the field tightly packed... an exciting day of racing!

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2. One week later, a solid performance on a grass track, at the annual event that MAC Vlijmen organises nearby the permanent track. 3rd Overall, behind winner Bruno Heremans (X-Factory) and runner up Arjan van de Graaf!

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3. Last but not least, RC Car Action have posted an interview with me online, with talk about FWD buggies! (Link)

Really great job !!! Congrats !!! :thumbsup:

Lee Martin, UK & European 2WD/4WD Champion trying out my FF210 at SHRCCC ......... This guy truly is the best driver out there! (maybe apart from Paul on the FF210 ;) )

https://youtu.be/-lQiYGjhCbc

Thanks Philippe, and thanks Kenny for posting the vid! :thumbsup:

In the meantime I also have some news for (potential) FF210 owners, with regard to converting to 12mm hex and with regard to compatibility with the DEX210V3 kit.

There already was a #7082 Rear Axle Conversion for 12mm hex axles; however I found it is not only compatible with Associated B5-series axles, but in fact the DEX210V3's 12mm hex front axles are also a straight fit.

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Using the narrowest setting (1.5mm spacer on the inside of the axle, the 'STD' setting in the picture below), the car will be 4mm wider in total compared to using the Associated axles (91406).

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The car's stability will increase - particularly for high grip - and at the same time it stays within the 250mm required by regulations. I have already been running 2mm spacers (per side) on the rear for a while with the Associated axles, so I have experience with its positive effect on the handling :) So you can achieve the widening effect with the Associated axles; the DEX210V3 axles just add another option to the list when converting to 12mm hex.

With regard to the front end, the FF210 uses the DEX210V1/V2's axles. The DEX210V3's 12mm hexes are not compatible with these as standard: they are too narrow. Spacers are not an option because of the way the hex is constructed. I stick to my advice to use the Associated B5(M) hexes with a 0.5mm shim between the bearing and hex (image below).

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psqk48jpke.jpg

As for the multi-axle CVD system of the DEX210V3: It is not compatible with the standard FF210 C-hubs and steering arms. I am looking into designing a version that is compatible with the multi-axles, however I cannot guarantee success at this point. On a positive note, the V3 kit I received recently contained all V2 goodies bar the bodyshell, so as was suggested in an earlier post, the first batch V3 kits have the necessary donor parts inside to build the FF210 :)

It's been a while, but there is some exciting news to share about the FF210! :thumbsup:

1. Early last year, the FF210 was featured in the Japanese magazine 'RC World', and the article was featured once more in the 'Top 100 of 2016!'

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2. As already posted on Facebook, some new upgrades were developed over the last months to further improve performance. First off are aluminium-filled sidepods to reduce flex, increasing stability and inspiring more confidence particularly in high-grip conditions.
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Multi-axle steering arms, enabling the use of the DEX210V3's axles and increasing the steering angles by 5 degrees to reduce cornering radius and improve performance in tight tracks & sections.
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LWB (+8mm) rear suspension arms, increasing stability and performance particularly in high-grip conditions and flowing tracks.
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3. Some running changes will be introduced into new kits and spare parts. The front & rear bulkheads are updated with the goal to make the car easier to work on. In addition, by using M3 nuts to thread the screws into instead of into the plastic itself, there no longer is a risk of stripping threads.
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4. Last but not least, in the last months there have been several successes with the FF210, amongst which scoring wins at the second and third round of the MAC Vlijmen Winter Championship.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69euu6el.jpg

For those that don't have facebook or haven't seen the post: Last weekend I've qualified 5th and ended 6th in the finals at the Kampenhout GP! :thumbsup:

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The wet conditions made for a very slippery track, as can be seen from this video footage of A-final heat 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlW6OXr1LM4

I never would have thought to be in the A-final at the GP, so I'm over the moon with this result! The car was dialled and hands-down this is the best, cleanest drive I've ever done! The enthusiasm from the public and ORB's customers made this happen; I can't imagine where the project would be without it!

I been looking at getting one of this buggy for some time but now that the dex210 is no longer being made it has me worry about getting one. But on another note great racing results.

Thanks for your kind words :) I understand your concern, and admittedy with the 'on-and-off' parts support over the last year (or two) it's also hard to estimate how many parts are actually still around.

That said, I know of alternative shocks and driveshafts, so with a cheap donor car (new 210v3's have been selling for under 100GBP) and stocking in on gears, outdrives and a spare gear casing it will be possible to run the car for some time to come - and of course ORB Racing will keep up support for the FF210! :) It will also give me some much needed time to look into alternative donor cars.

We have looked at parts compatibility for the FF210 and compiled a list with compatible parts and 'must-stock' items to keep your buggy running.

First off, the compatible parts. Please keep in mind we have done our best to check the parts fit from 3D models and, where opportunities arose, on the car. However, these alternatives have not been tried and tested on the track.

Therefore, WE DO NOT GUARANTUEE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS' PERFORMANCE, LONGEVITY OR FIT (WITHOUT MODIFICATION).

Driveshafts: Use a combination of:
- B5M CVA Kit (91440);
- Hexes (91441);
- CVA Wheel/Hex Pins (91436);
- 6x13x4mm Ball bearings. Note the specified ball bearing has a bigger inner diameter than DEX210, but is narrower than the B5M wheel bearing.
- Note the dogbone end of the 91440 driveshaft fits a little tight on the side of the diff screw/thrust bearing of the (ball diff) outdrive. Use a dremel to shave off a little material from the dogbone head or inside the outdrive as needed to make the driveshaft move in and out of the outdrive without friction.

Shocks: Use a combination of:
- Durango shock tower screws (TD708013)
- B5/B6 shock bushings (91445)
- B6 kit shocks (23/27.5mm big bores), OR;
- B5M shocks (23/31mm big bores) with 3mm limiters in the long shocks
- Note the Durango shock nut fits on the Associated shock bodies to make your Durango springs fit neatly.
- Other brands of shocks may fit; keep in mind that the extended length is key to the car's performance because of its droop setting; also check the car can still bottom out to prevent damage when landing jumps.

Suspension pivot balls (front suspension):
- Use TRF/Tamiya 5mm suspension balls (50994) or an aftermarket pivot ball that fits (Exotek, 3Racing & more).

Have you also found non-Durango parts that fit? Please share your findings!

Based on the parts compatibility we found so far, our advice for FF210 customers is to stock at least the following Durango parts:
- Gear Casing (Type B)
- Long ball diff outdrives
- Main Gear
- Idler Gear Set
- RR Hanger (HRC, Type B)
- O-rings (if you keep using Durango shocks)

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