For those of you who have previously visited my 1st build blog, completing it has given me the necessary confidence to proceed with the Avante, which some say, is the most challenging build of the Tamiya re-released series.
Acknowledgements:
My ever loving & supportive wife - without you darling, there would be No Tamiya.
My 14 mth old son - without mummy, there would be no you and therefore no Tamiya.
Eugene - for taking me to the hobby shop thus causing me to blow a huge hole in my pocket. I shall return the favour one day bro =p
More acknowledgements to come in future....
Official specs link:
Further helpful info link:
Box art pictures & description
Blister box packaging
Carbon Fiber prep - as per the instructions - applying super glue to the edges to prevent de-lamination
Also bought a pack of good quality precision screwdriver set made from chrome vanadium steel. Tightening those screws is a lot tougher than my previous build.
And so it begins!... Step 1 of 49 - Securing the gearbox plate. Note. screw BF4 takes a fair bit of effort to do it without burring the head.
Step 2 - Attaching the motor mount & motor. It's a stock GT-tuned motor mated with a 22T pinion gear.
Step 3 - the motor gearbox assembly is now secured to the rear section of the lower carbon fiber deck.
Step 4 - work starts on the front gearbox
Step 5 - front gearbox
Step 6 - Securing the above gearbox to the front section of the lower carbon fiber deck. The 4 screws do require a fair bit of effort.
The lower carbon fiber deck as completed.
Step 7 of 49 - Assembling the front & rear differentials. 4 mini planetary gears rotating around 2 sun gears, thus creating the differential effect.
adding the top middle sun gear
rear & front differentials completed!
Step 8 - Rear differential with counter gear inserted inside the rear gearbox
Rear access cover done
Step 9 - Doing the same with the front differential
front access cover done
Step 10 done
Step 11 - Assembling the center differential is carried out in 3 parts.
this is the interesting bit - inserting 6 mini ball bearings
this completes the center differential. I've checked online and found out if you require better 4WD traction, then tighten the center screw. But if you want better steering turn in, then avoid tightening it too tight.
Step 12 - connecting the main drive shaft, the heart of the 4WD
Step 13 - securing down the top deck carbon fiber plate. now it looks more like it!
Step 14 - prior to enclosing the gear box
gear box fully enclosed. Rear shock towers attached
pic taken from opposite direction
Step 15 rear stabilizer rod and carrying handle done
Step 16 assembling one of the rear suspension arm links
Rear arm links & axles completed!
Step 17 & 18 - Attaching both arms to the body
Step 19 attaching another link to the axles
Step 20 front stabilizer rod done!
General progress so far
Step 21 front arms done
Step 22 front arms attached to body
Step 23 Assembling the front axles
Step 24 Axles attached to the arms
- still in progress -
