New Build - NIB B2 Japan Export

[Tang]

Okay, the build continues.

Time to mate this front end to the chassis and begin working on the servo saver.

Completing the servo saver, making sure to trim off the extra plastic from the part trees. This is a step I didn't take all that seriously as a teenager when I raced. Aside from being a bit "rough around the edges" I paid for it in trans and shock builds back then. Safe to say I've learned my lesson.

Front end all assembled

Time to turn my attention to the rear of the car. Always excited to build a Stealth!

Also, can I just say how awesome the packaged by papers are! So far we have a handful of fine Associated team members involved in making sure everything was in place. Such a cool touch.

More to come tonight!

[Tang]

Stealth time! Sorry, I didn't get many photos of this part. I got into a groove and was just wrenching away.

Added the rear arms to the bottom plate and installed the trans and motor plate. Slight change to the instructions here, too.

Getting the chassis ready for the rear. Shock tower up!

Mating the rear assembly to the chassis

Next up, completed chassis minus the shocks, and then we begin the shock build!

[Tang]

Alright chassis is together!

First white part is a silly one, but I dig it! Rear hub spacer. It was black in my later B2 kit back in the day.

Time to build the best shocks in the industry

All nicely trimmed. Suck it 14 year old me!

Ah, air bubbles...

Would ya look at that!?

[RC10th]

Now that would be an interesting but pointless database, all the "packed by people"

[Charlie don't surf]

Speaking of databases..was there ever a B2 variations thread? I know Rod had the 1st version with white steering parts in the 25 years thread- but this car would be a 2nd version by my count (black steering, no MSC holes in chassis, alloy shock caps) then the late version- just curious. Can't wait to see the finished build

[TRX-1-3]

Yes, this build is very interesting. The final product will be amazing! One thing that blows my mind is the leap in design and materials from the original RC10. It had such a long run with basically minor tweaks (the Stealth was a game-changer) to the same overall platform. And then, the B2 hit the scene and it's just, wow.

[Tang]

Speaking of databases..was there ever a B2 variations thread? I know Rod had the 1st version with white steering parts in the 25 years thread- but this car would be a 2nd version by my count (black steering, no MSC holes in chassis, alloy shock caps) then the late version- just curious. Can't wait to see the finished build

I wish I could remember the details of the B2 I had back in 95. It was a later car, had the plastic shock caps, all black plastic, and even came with the B3 style preload spacers for the springs. I don't recall which chassis or rear arms it had, though.

[Tang]

Alright, we're in the home stretch! I'm getting excited and sad as I get close to wrapping this up. I've really enjoyed this trip back in time, and now that I've done my two favorite cars from my time racing, I'm not sure anything else will come close for me.

Now that the majority of the chassis is complete, it's electronics time! But first, foam battery pads

I always preferred the Parma style servo tape to what came in the kits, so that's what went on these awesome electronics

Hard to find LRP ICS, and the Airtronics 92237, as shown in the build manual

Had to go slightly older with the servo. Found a barely used Airtronics 94151. Did the 95155 ever really exist!? Never had an opportunity to buy one. Maybe someday.

Servo mounts are the original shape. Flat sides instead of the later rounded/curved version found in the late B2 and B3. Not white in this kit, but it did come with the really hard to find white servo horns!!!

I cleaned up one of my old Reedy Sonics, as finding a new one has proven difficult. Treated this one to new bearings, shims, brushes, and trued the comm in my Cobra lathe.

[Tang]

I must keep running into post picture limits. Just needed a few more to wrap up today's progress. For the tires, I have to thank @jcwrks for trading me for the correct fronts. Rears will prove to be a bit more challenging, but until I can track down the Flat Stubbies, a set of XTR Pro-82's will take their place

And here are the wheels and tires on the car

All that's left is the body. I just received the stickers from MCI to complete a box art body, so expect that in the coming days!

[mikea96]

Looking great

[Lavigna]

This car looks really great. The LRP ICS is a treat to see in any build.

[Charlie don't surf]

Cool- Glad to see the white servo horns! So an early car. BITD maybe Dec 94" to Feb 95' (it was definitely winter season) my B2 i bought was the same, black bellcranks and white servo horns with alloy shock caps. Still have a lot of the car. Box is identical to my later car built from sealed, but some "later" parts like composite shock caps and holes drilled for the MSC on the left side of the chassis.

[Tang]

Alright, everyone, this is it. Woke up this morning motivated to get the body done. This is a body I had on another car, so it isn't perfect, but the paint was close enough to the box art/Matt Francis design, that It was worth putting on this ride. I removed the stickers that weren't correct, and between what came in the B2 kit, and what MCI has to offer, we have what we need!

Here are the stickers

Doing the wing first

Test fitting to the body

And...the finished product

Original box art car, the inspiration for this build

IMG_6866 500_J66UTESb3D.jpeg (56.16 KiB) Viewed 2245 times

IMG_6866 500_J66UTESb3D.jpeg (56.16 KiB) Viewed 2245 times

Thank you to everyone who followed along, or will enjoy combing through this build in the future. Most fun I've had on a build in a long time. This car is also fully functional. Just drove it around my house haha! I'd also like to thank everyone who owned this kit, for keeping it safe and unbuilt all this time

[mikea96]

Wow that turned out great! Thank you for sharing

[Tang]

One last post. Thank you to these wonderful Team Associated employees for packaging this thing so well nearly 30 years ago!