The Spider obsession

[EvolutionRevolution]

My train of thought a few years back: "Let's get those cars that looked really cool in my youth...a few Tamiyas, a few Yoks, a few Trinitys, a few Kyoshos...Mmmh, those Spiders are pretty fun...hey lots of aftermarket parts available...oh another one that includes some interesting bits...ah those models have some nice conversions...wow Kyosho bodies sure are nice looking...lookit another parts lot...etc."
This was followed by: "Crap, how did I end up with so many cars?" some time later.

Alternatively:
"Hi, I am EvolutionRevolution and I have over half a dozen Spiders. My neighbours are getting creeped out by the Spiders hiding in dark corners and think I need help."
(/transcript of the local RC10Talk Anonymous meeting)

Arachnofobics abstain. Although these spiders have only half the 'legs' of those other spiders...

I will try to make manuals and spare part list available later on since they're nowhere to be found on the Web in most cases.

[EvolutionRevolution]

Let's start with a rescue from the scrappy yard:

TF-4R Spider:
Exploded view available here. Manual not available on the web, AFAIK (nor do I have it).

Chassis to new parts cost ratio: 1:5 or so
Started with wreck:
- Original chassis fitted with Cross shock towers, missing all universals, shocks, various other suspension bits, rear bumper, front belt, layshaft, and pulleys. Front one-way included but busted, various suspension bits, bumper, and gearbox housings broken/worn out. Chassis plate badly cracked near motor mount. Best bit: gold optional motor mount included.
Added:
- Tamiya TB-02 universals from Eagle Racing.
- Kyosho gold center mount, carbon side plate, new belts, recuperated ball bearings, better front one-way, new turnbuckles, front upper link set, layshaft, pulleys (one-way & normal), spur holder, TF-2R shocks with gold caps, titanium screws where possible.
- GPM alloy gear box housings, antenna mount, servo mounts & alloy C-hubs (note: GPM's alloy steering levers that are listed as 'TF-4' on their site don't fit this car, but are actually TF-3 parts)
- 3Racing alloy rear hubs for the TF-5
- Cross main chassis
- Kose gold gear diff outdrives, blue wheel hexes & homemade front belt tensioner
- Rocket Sprocket 64 DP spur
- HPI star wheels with slicks (second hand)
- Kawada Toyota MR2-LM body with Tamiya Nismo Clarion stickers
- Foam bumper from another wrecker