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I'll try to get a video posted with the current set up soon. I like the night shot idea.

It looks great when it takes off, it just needs a little more speed....

I refuse to butcher the (any) chassis to save weight, so it looks like a larger rocket motor mount is in it's future..

(I've never been crazy about the swiss cheeze'd chassis look)


I'll post an update soon.

first thin to save weight on would be those 4aa cells you've packed in there.
I'm sure you can find lighter: after all they only need to supply power for less than a minute, right?

You bet,

That'll free up a few ounces.

I'll ad that to the update plans.

do you actually steer anything, or does it just go straight by itself? ifnot, just ditch the receiver and servo, and batteries

Nah....,

That would be cheating if I didn't any have control over it.

Where's the fun in that?

I'll admit there isn't much steering used in a straight line, but it still needs a little correction at times depending on the surface condition & wind direction.

Most of the steering is dialed out at the radio.

back in the day, we used to use 'N' cell batteries for headlights/taillights, etc. They are about half the size of AA batteries. I can't recall the mAh, but I'm sure it's not much. Radio shack used to carry them, along with little holders we would wire together.

nowadays with Lipo batteries, I have no idea what you can use, but check into the aircraft power sources, they have to have some pretty small packs now, particularly for gliders. Lipo is 3.7V per cell, so you'd have to use a 2s (2cell) pack I'd guess. They are light!

I'd just start simple: use 4 AAA instead of 4 AA batteries: that way you don't have to buy a charger specific for this

I appreciate the battery tips, I may change a couple things before the next run.

I might try plugging in a lighter 9 volt.

I swear, as soon as I have another nice day with a little more free time, I will add action shots.

Here's a couple more pictures of the chassis & modified Ultima front arms used.

Remember, this was an incomplete car & parts when I aquired it..so all the Triumph parts used are still intact.

The Andy's & stock Ultima arms were spare parts. The (extra) A&L steering rack for the Ultima fit perfect.

As far as this Triumph goes..., I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Hey, at least I don't have to search for those oddball front shocks anymore..

Did a bit of re-engineering since last post:

Re configured rear suspension (shorter & lighter shocks), front suspension tweaks, and completely re-did motor mount.

Car now sits about 1/8-1/4" of the ground.

Engine now sits about a half inch higher in the chassis and looks much better coming out the rear bumper. (no more huge gap) I don't think it will have any effect on the center of gravity, since it might way about 2.5 ounces fully loaded..

Removed AA battery pack & will be hitting the local Radio Shack for something way smaller & lighter.

Working towards leaner, cleaner, & meaner!

Action shots coming soon!

Project has been on back burner for awhile, working on a few additional tweaks...

Still trying to find a smart-ass looking cartoon dog for the side graphics idea...hence the "Red Rockit" idea...(and yes I know how to spell "rocket")

I think Autographics used to make a decal with a cartoon dog hanging it's head out a car window, but I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Does anyone have a photo or scan of it?

Additional shots:

I remember an angry buldog with racers helmet, but it's in front view with the wheel in front of him

I'm not sure , but don't the triumph arms have the toe-in built in? I'm worried the ultima front arms give you 0° toe-in and you've taken away the straight-line stability with this change...

Nice build! Definitely in need of a night video though...should look great!

Mr. ED wrote:I'm not sure , but don't the triumph arms have the toe-in built in? I'm worried the ultima front arms give you 0° toe-in and you've taken away the straight-line stability with this change...

No problems yet.

I couldn't use the Triumph arms, they were way too wide.

The Andy's (Ultima) arms work perfect, besides I can adjust the tow in w/no problem. I'm pretty sure I've got about 20-25 degrees of caster in the front, so it doesn't wander a bit. The modified rear (FT Ultima) arms worked out perfect. I don't think rear tow in is a factor, since the rear isn't fighting for traction.