Everybody’s Scalin’ – Scaled Out RC4WD Trail Finder 2 Project

The time has come for my big fall project, and oh, what a glorious build it shall be.

The first RC4WD Trail Finder 2 that I got my hands on was the red RTR rig we used for the review. It’s since been beaten on pretty good by way of numerous product reviews and general usage. She’s in good shape for the shape she’s in, but still, sometimes it’s best to start fresh…know what I mean?

And start fresh I have. I’ve got a chassis only TF2 builder’s kit, Chevy Blazer body, aluminum V8 w/ motor mounts, scale transmission, and other goodies.

While I intend to do write-ups about the individual components as I get time to test them (particularly the involved Blazer body), I figure the V8 and transmission were worth a quick discussion. Here they are mated to one another:

Yes, they are expensive but damn, the machine work and overall scale look is off the charts! I can’t wait to drop this scale Chevy into my scale Chevy. I wanted to use this setup because it’s the type of thing that can really set a build off and I’ve definitely never used anything like it in a personal rig before. At the very least it’s sure to keep the weight up front and down low. Time will tell if it’s worth it or not but I’m looking forward to finding out.

The only thing I’m still waffling about is what tire/wheel to use. I’ll probably stick with the included 1.55″ Mud Thrashers and steelies to start with, but I’ll most likely bump it up to a smaller 1.9″.  I want like 1.55’s, I really do, but I find myself having more fun on a slightly bigger setup. I recently wrote about some Duratrax tires and how they drastically woke up our review TF2, but I don’t feel like going that big on this truck. I’ll find something that’s appropriate for a Class 1 style setup methinks.

I’ve made a conscience decision to take my time building this truck versus the “burn the midnight oil go-go-go” style I normally operate under, mainly because it’s just more fun to do it this way. Besides, it’s still like 100 degrees with outrageous humidity here in St. Louis so it’ll make the first run infinitely more enjoyable when I take her out on a brisk September day versus August. (Ha jokes on me it’ll still be 100 outside.)

Anyways, just wanted to let everyone know where my head will be on the build front for the next several weeks!