Nailer Scaler (MF-01X chassis update) [Now Sold]

January 2017 - Showroom update:

Status: update of existing model (new chassis)

Name: Nailer Scaler

Chassis: MF-01X

Body: Wild Willy 2

I first built the Nailer back in September 2013, using a 1:18th size HPI Mini Recon chassis in an effort to create a scale(ish) build around the Wild Willy 2 body shell (see link at the bottom of this page to the original showroom entry), and fitted Sand Scorcher rear wheels (and Padlatrak tyres) all-round as a nod to the original M38 Wild Willy.

The Recon underpinnings were surprisingly nimble and the vehicle was a lot of fun to drive - however, the Recon suspension didn't really offer the robustness of a full-size Tamiya chassis, nor did it have the facility to run a regular size battery pack (for extended running).

I'd seen various other attempts to shoehorn a proper Tamiya chassis under this super short-wheelbase shell (165mm or thereabouts), typically using a shortened version of a TL or M chassis - but it was only with the introduction of the MF-01X 4wd chassis last year that I felt at last there could be a successful marriage - not least as this particular chassis offers a wide range of wheelbase options (using spacers), and that fundamentally, it could actually be run with no spacers at all, resulting in a very short 171mm wheelbase which would be essentially perfect...

Of course packaging all the full-size electronics (Steering servo, ESC and receiver - plus in this instance an RC4WD LED light control module for the 9 lamps already fitted to the Nailer) under the full-interior open-vehicle shell while keeping the body low enough to maintain a proper scale appearance would be key to the success of this project...

This was achieved with some careful positioning of the components under the skin, and some judicious use of Dr. Dremel to the underbody as required. Please visit the thread 'Who's got a short Willy?' in the Builds section of the forum for more detailed information.

Ultimately, the only 'compromise' in using this chassis was having to trim the bottom of the radiator/grille panel to clear the V shaped front shocks... and I was actually able to disguise this by boxing-in the top of the shocks with styrene and reattaching the scale winch - although ultimately I may try and incorporate a single horizontal shock (in an M01/02 style) in a future revisit to this model...

In the meantime, I'm simply going to enjoy driving this tiny terrier, with it's uprated shocks and a 540 Torque Tuned motor - and I've found it will actually pull wheelies if you snatch the throttle right! (see the video in my Movie's section)

Hope you like the latest revisions, and it inspires others to build around the MF-01X chassis - it really is so very versatile!

Jenny x