Hi guys, new here. I have been keeping tabs on the forum for years now and it took me almost 4-4.5 years to actually get started with my rig. From second year in college to now in job, I have dreamt of building/assembling a custom rig.

So finally I have started with the project. I have ordered all the parts from Banggood and AliExpress (mostly AliExpress).

I have got most of the parts. Customs didn't charge me anything until now even though I have got packages with 1.5 feet by 0.5 feet dimensions. Most of the things got cleared within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Everything was smooth sailing until my 4 channel radio came to Chennai customs. It got stuck yesterday (18th November) with status as 'Detained by border/security agency
For unknown reason'.

I am perfectly aware that type approval(ETA) is required for transmitters and receivers. But I still thought of taking my chances since it is a pistol grip radio
and its dirt cheap (20 dollars including shipping) compared to the once I see in this forum.

I think they might be putting the boxes through scanners or they are just randomly selecting boxes that may contain/look like containing a mobile phone.

Anyways I am not too hopeful about it. I will update you gentlemen about it either way.

But my question now is can anyone suggest me where I can get a pistol grip transmitter in India with atleast 3 channel?

As a last option I can use a 2 channel transmitter (available in Robu.in) or I may use a 6 channel heli/plane transmitter but i would appreciate if anyone can point me in the right direction for acquiring a 4 channel pistol grip transmitter.

Quote from: pratik.barca on November 19, 2019, 10:46:11 PM

But my question now is can anyone suggest me where I can get a pistol grip transmitter in India with atleast 3 channel?

As a last option I can use a 2 channel transmitter (available in Robu.in) or I may use a 6 channel heli/plane transmitter but i would appreciate if anyone can point me in the right direction for acquiring a 4 channel pistol grip transmitter.

I bought fs-gt3c from Rcmumbai. It was 2 years back. Not sure if they still stock it.
It's not very good built. Had to do several diy repairs. Still works.
Got 3 channel.

Hey Sim, thanks for the reply.

I did actually check their site. Now I just rechecked it once more since you mentioned. Currently they are only having Flysky GT2 (2 channel same as Robu.in).

They do have a couple of 4 channel ones.. both of them are more than 10 grands (out of my budget by epic proportions). Thank you very much for your info though.

why not use a normal 4/6/9 ch radio ..

Quote from: madaquif on November 20, 2019, 02:07:10 AM
why not use a normal 4/6/9 ch radio ..

Yeah Madaquif,  as I mentioned above that is my last option. With those extra channels I can even go crazy with the lights and winch. But still I am inclined towards a pistol grip.

The chasis and the ESC -

Very nice. Always thought of building a crawler.
Then lack of place/time dropped the idea.
What motor?
Will it have rear and front steering?

Quote from: sim_tcr on November 20, 2019, 12:49:36 PM
Very nice. Always thought of building a crawler.
Then lack of place/time dropped the idea.
What motor?
Will it have rear and front steering?

No Front steering only. Trying to keep it as scale as possible. Inspiration is Jeep Cherokee XJ truggy. 
Servo will be delivered today by India post.

Its a 540 35T motor (came with the Chasis) (goes without saying it's brushed)
To keep costs minimal I am refraining from buying branded stuff but after thorough search and planning I think I can pull this crawler off within 15 grand tops (12 grand if customs release my radio). But it is going to take hell lot of effort . But I like the idea of assembling my own instead of buying a TRX4 or SCX10.

And I got my Transmitter and receiver. Customs charged me 42 percent. But I got my product.

Something is getting ready. Had 5-6 runs before ESC caught fire. Probably becuase it came in contact with some rain drops. Can't think of anything else. The body is done almost except the windows which I plan to do at a later point of time after my new ESC arrives.

If u don't need 4wS system. Don't go for 3 ch tx.but lights and winch then of course.show more detailed  pics. U need to drive and test ur crawler as it may disappoint u about it's performance and then u need to upgrade or improve its drive capabilities.

Quote from: Tricity hobbies on December 27, 2019, 12:14:47 PM
If u don't need 4wS system. Don't go for 3 ch tx.but lights and winch then of course.show more detailed  pics. U need to drive and test ur crawler as it may disappoint u about it's performance and then u need to upgrade or improve its drive capabilities.

My transmitter and receiver got delivered a while ago. Not upset with any performance aspect. I have been testing it for a few weeks now. Need to waterproof it though. And upgrade the suspension.

Good job brother. The satisfaction that comes with building up something is quite something. I've seen this kit listed online by a lot of sellers here. It's touted as an Axial upgrade and looks quite rugged. There's a full metal version as well. The Austar radio is well respected too for its consistent performance. I miss fiddling with my crawler which is sitting locked away back home. The build thread is on here somewhere. I'll be picking a similar kit for my next which will be a shafty. Just that my location lend itself to much safer shipping.

Could you list which parts are metal and which are not in your kit? A couple of versions exist with a similar profile.

Hi.. where did you get the spares from? I need those too..

Literally drooling watching your creation. I have no idea on RC trucks/cars Could pls help where to start with please? thanks in advance.

Whats the latest update?

Quote from: Automaniac on February 10, 2020, 05:03:37 PM
Hi.. where did you get the spares from? I need those too..

I am so so sorry for the late reply. lot of things happened in between and somehow i ended up in an MBA college. anyways to answer your question-

I got almost all of them from either banggood or aliexpress

1. ESC - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32828307896.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t
2. chasis, motor combo - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000008949765.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t
3. radio - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32971198085.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t
4. servo horn - https://robu.in/product/cnc-aluminum-steering-servo-horn-arm-futaba-standard-25t-aluminum/
5. cherokke half body - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000275999726.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t
6. servo (steering) - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32998515370.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t
7. battery - https://www.amazon.in/Robocraze-Battery-Rechargeable-Supply-Quadcopter/dp/B077PCP5ZR/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lipo&qid=1598766248&sr=8-1
8. charger - https://www.amazon.in/UG-LAND-INDIA-Imax-Pro/dp/B07V9BXL5Y/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=lipo&qid=1598766248&sr=8-4
9. lights - https://usa.banggood.com/4Leds-LED-Light-Set-Headlight-Taillight-for-1-or-10-1-or-8-Oil-Electric-Rc-Car-Model-Parts-p-1367450.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN
10. https://usa.banggood.com/AUSTAR-LED-Light-Aluminum-Alloy-Frame-For-CC01D90SCX104WD-RC-Car-Parts-p-976648.html?rmmds=search&ID=47744&cur_warehouse=CN

Quote from: sandyx on January 26, 2020, 03:12:41 PM
Good job brother. The satisfaction that comes with building up something is quite something. I've seen this kit listed online by a lot of sellers here. It's touted as an Axial upgrade and looks quite rugged. There's a full metal version as well. The Austar radio is well respected too for its consistent performance. I miss fiddling with my crawler which is sitting locked away back home. The build thread is on here somewhere. I'll be picking a similar kit for my next which will be a shafty. Just that my location lend itself to much safer shipping.

Could you list which parts are metal and which are not in your kit? A couple of versions exist with a similar profile.

really sorry for the late reply. lot of things happened to quickly. and am back to college after so many years for MBA.
back to your question,
Mine one is the cheapest one. Not the metal one, not the carbon fiber one. Here is a link for reference.
all the links are metal, the axle casing is plastic but the gears are metal and the one thing which is dissapointing is the shock tower is plastic, am working towards buying metal ones. If i dont get my hands on them then i will go ahead build my own by drilling and filing. Apparently mine one is out of stock but you will get similar ones. Plesae be careful with the wheelbase

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000008949765.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dHQMm7t

Quote from: shirsa2001 on February 10, 2020, 05:19:03 PM
Literally drooling watching your creation. I have no idea on RC trucks/cars Could pls help where to start with please? thanks in advance.

Am really sorry for the late reply.
You can start by deciding the type of model you want. Like which model is the most fun for you.  For me scale is important (as realistic as possible). That is why i went with a truck. Its max speed is less than 20 km/hr.

there are other types as well
- rc touring cars (really fast ones)
- rc drift cars/rally cars ( popular in europe and asia especially hong kong)
- rc SCT (short course trucks like trx slash 2wd, 4wd) - these are also very fast
- rc trophy trucks (these are the hardest to make, almost always requires manufacturing instruments like weld and lathe )

once you have decided on the model, then you can decide if you wanna buy or you wanna assemble. I assembled since for buying, shipping is high and customs too. So you can bring in all the parts from banggood and aliexpress. Finally you can assemble.
let me know if you need any help. It took me a lot of time to get started. Dont make that mistake. like nike says 'just do it'.

Quote from: arul.rajesh on July 13, 2020, 09:11:29 AM
Whats the latest update?

The truck got heavily damaged while transporting from Chennai to Kolkata. but all electronics are working and its running fine. I am reworking on the body. creating wooden posts and mounts to fit the body better and am thinking about a new look. I have designed the parts in fusion 360. just waiting for wood and some free time.