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Clodbuster model radio control monster truck.
This is my example of the Super Clodbuster kitted by Tamiya. A work in progress of modifications and experiments.
The Tamiya Clodbuster entered circulation in the mid/late 1980s. This model being bought in 2008 is the Super Clodbuster, but little has changed.
Other than a full set of ballraces the model truck was first built as per the instructions complete with the included 540 motors and power/economy wiring setup. Construction is simple but still took quite a few hours spread over a week, there being that much to screw together.
Most of the construction time spent on this truck is used putting together the front and rear gearbox/axle assemblies. These are identical units with each being independently powered by it's own motor. These hefty assemblies are joined to the large tub type chassis with a four link arm system using balljoints.
The model truck is sprung on eight undamped coils when built from the box. A mechanical speed controller is included which feeds the power to front and rear motors in power mode or economy mode (parallel or series switchable).
When the axle/gearboxes are made there is not much more to do really other than mount the central steering servo and it's linkages, mount the suspension arms and springs, fit the radio and paint the shell.
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The model was tested out as standard with a single 1700mah pack. Both power and economy setting were used, the difference being slow and very slow. This radio control truck is heavy and two 540 can motors even driven in parallel struggle to get it moving with any gusto.
First change was to fit a couple of 15t Havok motors. As expected the speed nearly doubles over standard setup, but the battery gets blooming hot and model run time badly suffers <4 minutes.
Next up was to fit duel batteries, one for each motor. After a little head scratching this was accomplished by removing the centre plate from the chassis tub and fabricating a new plate out of plastic sheet. This mounts two batteries on top with the receiver underneath. Electronic speed controllers were now fitted, one for each motor/battery and controlled by a Y lead to the RX.
Also at this time a couple of oil shock absorbers were borrowed from the rear of my Rex X nitro buggy and fitted to the front of the Clodbuster, replacing the orrable kit pogos. The front shocks on the Rex X are two short unfortunately.
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The speed controllers were re-setup to get as near syncronised as possible and then both batteries were charged.
What a difference! The Clod now has much more torque, speed and run duration. In operation the two electronic speed controllers work pretty much in unisen, but one of the battery packs is a bit stronger than the other so near the end of a run you either end up with a front or rear drive truck depending on which end gets the best pack. I need some more running time but I reckon the best pack is most suited to the rear motor which seams to get more heavily loaded whilst driving.
The Clodbuster is now even heavier with the twin batteries and the centre of gravity is also higher making traction rolls very easy. The model will pull a wheelly really easy and really needs a wheelly bar (now repeat that out load!)
Throw out the anchors abruptly and the truck will roll over forward, or do a stoppy if you are good/lucky enough.
I like this model, it's big, heavy and can be modified out of all recognition. There are kits of parts out there to turn the Clodbuster into a rock crawler par excellence including the Clodzilla mods. Or you can just do like me and do some DIY tinkering.
Two more things I've notice with this truck, number one the wheels get loose easily and need threadlock in addition to nyloc nuts. Also you would be amazed at the terrain this thig will blast over!!
Further improvements pending, MORE POWWWERRRRR!!!!!!! GRRRRR!!!!!!!!
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