RB5 Mid Custom Special

[Lowie]

Well, I'm no expert (unfortunatly) so I can't argue on the technical side, but it sure looks like a VERY nice job.
Must not have been easy and have taken plenty of hours designing, developing, ...
I just hope you can get this kit afordable, Fabs.

't a une idee vers quand tu pourrais produire ce kit?

ps: sure looks like LOTS of screws in the bottom of the chassis

[RSharpy]

Not just lazy Fabs, i'm wicked and i'm lazy

BUT I will get round to running her next weekend, can't wait.

[Fabs]

Hey Ludo,

There are less screws than on the first version.

ETA no idea, I have a few things to sort out first.

[Lowie]

hey RSharpy,

we want a FULL report!

[Fabs]

I can tell you what has been reported:

It turns in better than the X6, jumps very well and has a lot of on power steering, which is exactly what we want on astro.

This was reported by David Holmes who drove it at the F345 last week end (usually races an X6), and Nathan Ralls who drove it during a "features" race on that day between qualifying and finals, on grass.

[RSharpy]

Originally Posted by Lowie

hey RSharpy,

we want a FULL report!

No probs, full report/feed back will be given

[erkan]

have you done any tests on dirt/low tracktion tracks?

it looks awesome tho..

[Fabs]

We'll be running on slippery floor indoors on sunday and the week after. The pre-production will also be tested on dirt.

[caneye]

looking very good.

1. Is there any bracket/holder that is going to secure the motor plate to the chassis? (e.g. think X6's small little "L" plastic piece, or the upgraded CNC-mchined E-speed one)

what i've found with midmotor set-up is the flex, especially in the axis of the motor plate.

2. i think a rectangular or "X" shaped battery shape is more secure than the "S" one, not to mention offer more rigidity to the chassis.

just my $0.02

can you still reuse the standard shock tower or the Atomic carbon one?

[Fabs]

There is a carbon fibre brace behind the motor for the rigidity. I am still playing a little bit with this detail and might offer a stainless steel one for more rigidity, or maybe a 4mm thick brace instead. I am still unsure about how stiff this second car will be as I have changed the pick up point on the gearbox to make it stiffer.

But as standard it's already stiffer than the X6. I do not want the motor plate interfering with the chassis stiffness as this would be an assymmetrical addition.

The battery is secure as it is with the S shaped strap. In fact the brace is floating around the battery posts in order not to interfere with chassis stiffness.

Chassis is alreay very stiff as it is, on the prototypes I removed 3 out of 6 screws on each aluminium side to get some flex!

No the rear shock tower is specific but rest assured it's 4mm c/f and should sustain pretty much anything.

[t8rtot]

I know it may be awhile before there out but I know I would like to bring one of these State side, will you be shipping to the US?

[Lowie]

about flex ...
X-factory just recently presented the plastic chassis with the intention to get some more flex.
IMHO a very stiff chassis will not be the best thing.

[niggs98]

having driven the car on both astro and grass i found it to be very adjustable, easy to setup and drive. the kyosho shocks and geometry retain the supple easy to drive feel that the rb5 has but like the x6 going mid motored just reduces the laptimes as you can push so much harder. fabs conversion makes the rb5 have the steering agression everyone wanted from the rb5 but it still retains the safe rear end under power and thanks to the mid motor doesnt want to wheelie everywhere. i tested the car to the max at stotfold eventually running a 5.5 and even that didnt unsettle it so i know it will be a winner in most hands

[RogerM]

Fabs,

am I correct in thinking that you will need a speedo which can run the motor reversed for this conversion? I'm loosing the racing plot lately so may be wrong!

[Fabs]

Yep you're wrong I've designed a 4-gears gearbox...

[Lowie]

I thougt so ...
when you design a new gearbox, might as easy be a 4-gear one

Fabs, can't wait to hear more about this kit
I just recently fell in love with the RB5 ... and think it would be great to have the best of both combined: the smoothness of the RB5 and the edvantages of a midmotor.
Maybe you should considering beginning a new company, called: Y-factory LOL

[Fabs]

Ha ha thanks Ludo, you do realise it's gonna be a few months before I can sell the car.

I mean, it's only been raced 3 times so far, and the pre-production cars will also need checking.

[Lowie]

offcourse, sir, but just wanted to let you know you have a fan
I like working with or helping out motivated people

[Alex H]

Very nice work Fabs. I just love it when Europeans makes RC cars now days. So much better than from the other side the pond.
I am very impressed with your work and if it is anything close to a Durango or Xray in build quality, you will easily get your invested money back. Put me on the pre order list.
Keep up the good work and god luck!

[caneye]

fabs - sorry, completely forgot that you are building a brand new chassis too. in which case, pls disregard my comments about chassis flex.

how does the standard body shell fit over the rear? do u have any pics of that?