Road to the Scale Nationals - Episode 1

2020 is going to be a huge year and to start off the comp season, I'm travelling to Logandale, Nevada for the RC4WD Scale Nationals! To push my limits, I'm competing in all 3 SORRCA classes and go over the intro to all three trucks.
Interested in competing? Learn all about it here: www.sorrca.com/
Some of the stuff I started with:
bit.ly/2F1iOdi - Marlin Crawler TF2 RTR
bit.ly/352ekxp - Holmes BRXL ESC
bit.ly/2SzPe6y - Tekin 35T Brushed Motor
bit.ly/2QoQTcy - A&M Garage TF2 Mods
bit.ly/2rCZgc4 - JEC Racing Currie mounts for Leaf Springs
bit.ly/2tnfCG4 - VS4-10 Pro Kit
bit.ly/35biB1P - Castle Mamba X ESC
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I shoot all my videos on the Sony a6500 in 4K, with Sigma 16mm, 19mm & 30mm and 55-210mm f1.4 lenses and the Zhiyun Crane V2.

[@nicholasbarber4193]

It's always about the fun! If you lose sight of that, you lose sight of the point of the hobby. If you do well, that's just a nice bonus. :D

[@scalebuildersguild]

Amen brother!

[@nicholasbarber4193]

@@scalebuildersguild whatever happened to the footage we got screwing around on Sunday at ECSC 2018 with GCM and our Marlins? We had some fun, and as I recall you left grinding with a loose motor mount screw. lmao

[@kristamercedes3723]

That's why I got into it, basically for the fun factor even though I've never been to a comp yet.

[@baggszilla]

I love the video! I also love you go into depth with how you showed us all your mechanical mods and the ABS plastic mods as well. I'v been a fan for years keep up the great work!

[@thatsmyrc]

2:33 that was a cool magic trick 🤪

[@lsxgmc]

Awesome that you and Josh are Emcee’ing the event. Can’t wait to watch some footage and follow along!

[@MrMikef350]

Great vid mate,was great to see an update on the marlin crawler 👍

[@wackyrc1394]

Great hat! Nice cralwers! Many thanks for keeping us up to date! Nose pinching bodies and bobbing the beds, all the way for 2020!

[@travisgilmore2127]

I am so glad the Marlin is back on the show. I picked one up this last year and I love it. They are very nice trucks from the get go.

[@mainebearhunter3444]

One outher thing to see you two committing the event is worth the price of admission !!!

[@markfehrenbach4204]

Looks beautiful as I would expect from your work. Going to be sweet when. It's finished.👍

[@michaelhoyle3266]

Looking forward to Josh and your's continued coverage of Scale Nationals.

[@sgtlt]

All 3 trucks should be great contenders, your Marlin is making me want to get another one, good luck

[@jamesmagmer8929]

As for leaf spring trucks, just purchased a TF2 and a Marlin crawler. Both trucks had you're top mods done to them right out of the box. And they drive over rocks and different obstacles I have in my backyard that my four link trucks don't! As for true scale, I like that aspect completely. Please keep up what your doing, love the vids!

[@rquino4210k]

Just got my TF2 setup with Rock Jocks thanks to this vid. Been wanting to do a class 1 rig for a while but wanted to stay true to leafs. This vid has been a huge inspiration man. Thanks

[@leestewart5424]

Awesome rigs I really like how you got the Marlin set up the FJ 80 body looks cool its different and the Ripper is the Goat appreciate the video

[@byknmikerc7153]

I love that you kept the leaf springs on the tf2! My c1 comp build has rear leafs to keep the scale of the jeep comanche, and it does fantastic and side hills like a monster!

[@AngryDavesADULTRC]

Great rigs. Can't wait to see some comp footage. -"Angry" Dave

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Great looking rig's!👌😎👍

[@morganmotorsports4220]

Just picked up a Marlin and added a bunch of A&M goodies before my first outing last weekend. Super fun truck and I like the scale realism of the leafs and the challenges that come with it. Thanks for the videos.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Right on! Glad I could help inspire!

[@tamasdohy1146]

Im sooooooo in love with this truck

[@akawazzupwitdat1543]

Do Canada proud eh! Your RC builds are DEADLY no doubt about it 🇨🇦

[@Siouxme4havingfun]

Great start Matt. You’ll find a big trend in class 3 moving to low cg and 4.75” tires. If you do go with the Capra axles from vanquish. Consider running your 1.9 tires instead. As they are legal.

[@scout_6749]

man i love your channel. your content makes me wanna get deeper into rc

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it!

[@BDcumminsdiesel]

Great looking rigs I think you will do good

[@matthewdezekiel]

Man them stickers go fast!! Can't wait to see some of you and Jason that's going to be funny!!!!

[@agoodballet]

I’m also building a similar truck. But I’m doing leaf conversion on an Scx10ii chassis with jocks. Also JEC parts. 1.55 trail ready wheels and locks with rock beasts. BXR Tekin esc with lil Tugger motor and toyzuki front mount.

[@boldrbangr9834]

Great info. Not too many RC modelers know about the old plastic modelers "slurry" trick. Works great & is akin to welding the plastic parts together. Muck better for filling big gaps than Bondo. Love the bobbing and pinching......that's what she said!

[@darrinpennington]

Nice, looking forward to the series. I'm somewhat of a noob so will be nice to see the difference between the asses

[@Evan_Moore61]

Darrin Pennington Do you mean classes? 😂

[@darrinpennington]

@@Evan_Moore61 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA yes! I'm going to leave the comment so we can all get a laugh

[@justaregularguyontwowheels1644]

him im going to do more comps this year. covid im going to end this mans whole career

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I'm rooting for you Matt!! You'll slay Class 1 and 2. Even confident about your Class 3 Rig! I still can't justify the COST of the Ripper Kit... but you've got that DIALED!! 😎👍👍 Your LC80 "abomination" actually resembles an Aussie UTE!! I like it. And you KNOW your Leaf Spring setups. Shame I can't afford to go. 😞 I lived in Vegas for 10 years, and really know the cool stuff, NOT ON THE MAP. Sadly now, I only live one Tank of Gas away from Vegas... BEST OF LUCK and Happy 2020!! 🎉🍻🎉🍺🍹 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

BTW, does Pardonmyn00b have those Truck Bed Kits available? How much? I'd ask myself, but Richard doesn't like me, like lots of other People.

[@gagebenson7898]

Whatttttt, I love that propane mod. I’ve only been in the hobby for a couple months so I’m still wowwed by how far they’ve gone with the rc hobby

[@scalebuildersguild]

Welcome to the hobby and thanks for watching!

[@JK-qv8sv]

Ah the ol' Bob McSlurrey, what a crafty fella 😁

[@smokingwraith9990]

You've already won in my mind, Matt. You made the Bruiser guy look like Burt Reynolds!

[@thepaddychannel]

Looking forward to seeing some footage of the event as can’t make it. It’s just a bit too far from Melbourne Australia for a few days of what I am sure would be awesome. I am visualising you and Josh being like the two old guys from the Muppets having a good banter at the event. All the best with your trucks and just do better than Josh ….

[@d-railfpv9315]

You just earned a new subscriber! Cheers from the east kootenays bc!

[@thomaslinville2979]

It’s interesting to read this video description in January 2022 👀

[@jbrc1322]

For your c2 vs410, if you swap out your rear links for more length, you may just want to change all links over to ti and high clearance possibly. When I swapped out all mine (including steering, panhard), it was about 1lb of (1/2kg) of weight shed. Also, I swapped out stock knuckles for ssd brass knuckles and gained a bit of steering in doing so. Still lighter overall with more forward biased weight and better break over with the high clearance links. One last tip, if you want to bring the sliders in tighter to the body, they are very easy to "bob" and will bolt right back up. Love your videos and can't wait to see how these tiny trucks turn out. Good luck!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Great tips! I'll definitely investigate this!

[@nunodias3331]

Happy new year

[@BlueDually4x4]

I think newer 4 runners were IFS and leaf in the back. Granted I have seen many full size SUVs or trucks that had the IFS removed and replaced by solid axle with leaf springs or a 4 link with coil overs. If I had vacation time I would like to go just to check the comp out.

[@scalebuildersguild]

First gen 4Runners were full leaf.

[@lawrenceshields8791]

Great video. Have you thought about doing 4ws instead of dig for your c3? I think it's so much more of an advantage than dig. That's the only thing I could suggest, everything else sounds great, well maybe not leaf springs but that's it. I'm looking forward to meeting you and Josh in March and hearing you guys on the microphone

[@radchad666]

I run my TF2 in C1 and replaced the marlin front bumper with the A&M garage bumper, still looks pretty good and a much better approach angle. I was running the warn winch with the Powershift RC high voltage warn winch controller but it just didn't cut it and went to a servo winch, it does not look as "scale" but where I live we do a fair amount of winching at comps and was worth the sacrifice. I bet the terrain in LV will have some winching. I had to mount it a little further back on the left side of the clocked motor. Anyhow, rad.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Right on Chad. I’ve also got that bumper in mind, and will be swapping for a servo winch as soon as possible. Also got a couple other trucks up my sleeve! Stay tuned for more on this C1!

[@brent042081]

I'm very intrested in this series!! 👍up from me my friend!

[@mainebearhunter3444]

I could only dream about going to one of them events even as a spectator to be a participant would be awesome. Too bad I'm to old for the make a wish foundation. Because this is what I would want over meeting a pro athlete or something. Will be following. Truck looks awesome. Always see it sitting behind you on the shelf. Now it's time to earn its keep lol

[@oldironsfury]

What I’m thinking? I need to build a serious course on our 56acres here in Maine . Drag some of you Canadians and east coast guys into this state so I can see your awesome builds up close ! 👍😁👍

[@joshbrink1]

Love Maine. I'm in.

[@oldironsfury]

joshbrink1 👍👍awesome

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

The Marlin is just awesome. If you don't want to spend all that extra money....RC4WD has a overdrive Transfer-case for the single speed. My oldest son picked it up for $57 I believe. Doesnt the Vanguish axles use 10.2 gears? Or overdrive the front axle and get the Axial overdrive gears. Just seen a recent vid...John Holmes recommended a Crawlmaster Magnum or TorqueMaster Magnum for hard comp. That was surprising because I have several Puller Pro's and Revolvers and they are fantastic in low-end control.

[@eddyboulanger6981]

Broke my neck reading your shirt

[@stpridgeline]

Dang bro you are Hilarious I luv your vids they always make me laugh when I going thru things thanks bro!!!!! Hope to see you there I entered in my very 1st ever class 1 in the march scale national's you vids help me so much!!! 😀🤙🇺🇸💯♻️💜

[@RCPropaganda]

I will be heading to that event to watch and make some videos. I am curious to see how all the trucks do. I have never been to a comp.

[@billderas3420]

And I suppose that is with Mrs. Propoganda???

[@RCPropaganda]

@@billderas3420 yes

[@Reyviniegra]

Awesome 👏🏿

[@gainsrc]

Thank you buddy I appreciate it!

[@napieraustin]

The smaller leafs are supposed to be on the bottom not the top. Did you do this for more flex?

[@built_rc]

Nice Toyota ;) So you have like 10mm shock travel at front and same at rear?

[@diffman75]

Don't know what your thanking as far as 2.2 tires. I just got some of the 2.2 braven berserker. Nice old school tread pattern and only 5.1in tall.

[@ferp420]

ive been eyeing those tires since they teased them how do you like them how do they compair to proline /jconcepts/other pit bull tires

[@savagelife977]

I wish they would do a version 2 ripper josh said their done making them

[@evanhunterblbier]

are those 1.9 wheels? Also does the marlin come with gelande front hoops?

[@zaxpage9003]

In class 3, adding portals will raise the ride height and center of gravity, although you said you wouldn't change anything else, will you run It lifted or do something additional to get the vehicle c.o.g lower

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'll probably run Droop.

[@michaelthomas3262]

these are three wappons ;) wish you the best my pal - go on and win :D i'm very excited to see more

[@TheImtoomuch]

Leaf Springs? In that case, I'm Team SBG all the way! Leaf Spring Mafia! Go get 'em!

[@andrewdecavia7553]

Got all the A&M goods on my Marlin a little under a year ago, as well as all your recommended mods except the chino mod (boke my dremel). Finally melted my RTR electronics this weekend. Was about to slap in a spare Crawlmaster 550 10t and HW 1080 to get my rig back up and running. Anything else i should plan to buy for if and when i smoke this? Rebuilding the dremel so want to clock the motor and do the chino mod in this go round of mods with the new motor and esc.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sounds like you're doing everything right!

[@seanhanley947]

I like bumpers that bump.

[@user-fi5tn4tg2s]

Did you remove the spring from the shock only on the front wheel, or did you remove one or two leaf spans? It moves smoothly. I have the blazer limited version. I'm very curious how to set it up. Good video, I always learn a lot.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Watch the 5 hacks for leaf springs video, all is explained there!

[@user-fi5tn4tg2s]

@@scalebuildersguild I bought the Blazer Edition this time. But it was heavy. Should I apply? It has four front shocks and an engine.

[@dannanw98racer]

Need the speed a servo winch over the rc4wd scale one.

[@Glisteningheart]

Hey Matt, you mention those sliders are from Scalerfab. It looks as though you also still have the skid-sliders on there from AandM as well. Am I seeing that correctly? Thanks

[@scalebuildersguild]

No, that’s all Scalerfab.

[@Glisteningheart]

@@scalebuildersguild thanks man, love your channel. Keep it up

[@willanderson5088]

Love my Marlin but was looking for what possible axle upgrades I could do. What exact axles are those or do you have a video on it and I missed?

[@scalebuildersguild]

My latest Marlin had Vanquish axles under it using JEC Racing mounts.

[@thews9237]

Looking fwd to the series. Good to see hand crafted and skill at work. What shocks do you recommend for trail/rock crawl? Performance more than scale. SCX10II 90mm. Thx

[@scalebuildersguild]

I like the Incision ones: bit.ly/37wwmtd or Pro-Line: bit.ly/37sWGo6

[@thews9237]

Thank you!!

[@jessemoe8390]

What is the truck to your left, second shelf down?

[@mjderstine]

If you put some diff fluid in the shocks. like 10000 weight, you will actually gain some dampening. I do it and it actually works and improved performance.

[@hell_inc5853]

Fallowing you on facebook now for a couple weeks...saw the yota at 11:40 and thought iv seen that truck....CLICK :.D

[@tamasdohy1146]

10:36 what rims are thoese please? I could not find them. Do you have a link to where to get them please? And the tires too. LOVE that truck. Would that body fit on the trx 4?

[@scalebuildersguild]

They're VP Incision wheels with Locked Up RC rings.

[@MilkyMadeMocs]

On the TF2 how did you get the front glass yellow?

[@evanhunterblbier]

I know you do not like to recommend what kit to buy but wondering if I wanted to do something similar would I be better starting off with a regular TF2 kit and modifying?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I’d much rather start with the Marlin.

[@crawlingri]

I will watch this after, as I’m currently in the movies. However I did smash the shit out of that like button already!

[@crawlingri]

Great video as always! I’m starting comps this year too so any information I can find is super helpful!

[@mondospeedy3089]

Well to be fair, the 1985 4Runner was the only year that had front end leaf spring straight axle, 1986 had independent front suspension, leaf springs for the rear axel. The 1985 86,and 87 are considered first generation 4Runners, and all had identical body’s.

[@scalebuildersguild]

None of which were linked front and rear like Josh’s! Ha!

[@mondospeedy3089]

Your 100% right. Maybe SORKA wont catch it🙄

[@baeschler]

Awesome. Maybe next year after I retire. Love watching you and Josh. When I was a kid in the 60s this was not affordable unless you had a rich dad that was also into the hobby. I did not. I am now living my childhood dream. Keep the vids coming. I am a little behind in the learning process.

[@ScottGalvanGalvanicMoltenGlass]

How did you make that styrene solution to bond your rig back to gather. Herd styrene scape and something else what was that. Sorry if you said it and I just didnt understand. New to all this just getting our feet wet.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes, styrene scraps or shavings get collected in a jar, then I use MEK to dissolve it and make a paste. I store it in a sealed jar.

[@ScottGalvanGalvanicMoltenGlass]

Thanks a million, we love the show super helpful I've learned a ton from watching you and a few other. Thanks again.

[@bmuzz1]

No need to go to 2.2’s on the Ripper. Most rigs are using 4.75 tires or custom 5” tires on 1.9’s. Any plans on stretching the wheelbase on either the Ripper or C2?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes and yes!!

[@bmuzz1]

We’ll see you there! 👍🏻

[@jonathanfletcher97]

Matt, just picked up my first TF2...a Marlin Crawler 🤘🏼 I’m trying to clock the motor, but having some trouble. What steering linkage are you using?! Thanks, and as always keep the content coming!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Congrats! I had to go a bit custom on the steering links in order to clear. DM me on Instagram and I’ll share a pic with you.

[@jonathanfletcher97]

@@scalebuildersguild thank you! Just shot ya a message

[@DADRacingYT]

Never done any comps but really thinking about heading down. only 4.5hrs from me. Wonder what I'd have to build haha. maybe class 2 would be a little easier? not too scale, not too crazy of a crawler

[@scalebuildersguild]

C2 is sold out I’m afraid. It’s also probably the toughest class to compete in! You should come out and see what it’s all about!

[@DADRacingYT]

@@scalebuildersguild yeah ill def check it out.

[@Socal55willys]

With the transfer case flip. Is it literally just flipping the trans case over. Or is there other things to do

[@scalebuildersguild]

Flips, and raises the transfer case. Also orients it so everything mates up again between the transmission and transfer case.

[@blakepurdum]

I was curious too. There's no gear changing? It's literally just flipping it over?

[@stpridgeline]

hey mi big bro I've been waiting to see what other new upgrades you have done???? 😀🤙🇺🇸💯🙏💜♻️

[@scalebuildersguild]

Stay tuned! More coming soon.

[@stpridgeline]

SWEEEEEEET!!!! I NEVER MISS A VID!!!!

[@emersonlopezg100]

I can bet the LC80 will be a great looking

[@RedSoxboston]

Hey 👋 Matt I Kno this is a long shot but I was wondering if you can paint up a 87 extra cab Toyota body for me ?

[@GustavoMotorSport1]

I very Good rigs❤️ in the rig class 2 what is this Rims?! I love them👌

[@scalebuildersguild]

Vanquish Method 101's!

[@markzanger64]

Great video. You might need good mirrors so you can keep an eye on josh. Lol

[@scalebuildersguild]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@toddbertram6556]

Matt, what is the 'cruiser' hat you sometimes where?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Cruisergear! Great stuff there! Link: bit.ly/36g8fir

[@jayward8217]

I once used my trx4 in all 3 classes on the same day, Jeep commanche hard body for class 1, my single cab JK jeep for class 2 and a lexan body and 2.2 in class 3. was a good day :D btw, FJ80 and LC80 look similar? are they the same body or what, im confused since I have an lc80 im currently building(need those wranglers M/T tires so bad!) :)

[@scalebuildersguild]

FJ80 is the proper terminology. When people write LC80, it’s shortforming Land Cruiser. FJ is the proper code for all Land Cruisers, dating back to the original, FJ40.

[@jayward8217]

@@scalebuildersguild Always helpful! Thank for the reply, currently building a replica Rig and its based on the lc80 design. hence the need for the wranglers lol. Glad to see you going for all class, they are epic in all their own ways. just time consuming to run, let along host and judge them.

[@bradleemundell7160]

On the class 2 where do you get the Toyota sr5 body. Or do you have to make it?

[@scalebuildersguild]

It’s a Pro-Line lexan body.

[@bradleemundell7160]

Scale Builder's Guild okay sweet. Thank you. I love the Toyota builds there sick

[@EugeneRCDrezgalovo48rus]

super video my friend, like it from the heart) hello from Russia

[@johnroberts1.6rc82]

Hi Matt, Are the axles Vanquish D44 or Rockjocks? Sweet truck!

[@scalebuildersguild]

These are Rockjocks!

[@johnroberts1.6rc82]

@@scalebuildersguild Thank you, Matt. Unfortunately, I think the Vanquish Rockjocks may be discontinued per Horizon Hobby site

[@supercool793]

Watching this intro in 2022 is hilarious and tragic.

[@powcar91]

Now to see if you can make a mini Josh and a mini you. To put the rigs, that would be fun.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I've already got a Mini Me, I'll have to see if they have some child sized action figures to make Josh. Boom roasted!

[@MrSUBY25]

Do you add shock or diff oil to the shocks on your tf2's?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Nope, leave 'em as lubricated as they were from the factory and remove the internal springs.

[@butterbean4195]

break 1 9er. hey where did you get the cb radio in the yellow truck?

[@scalebuildersguild]

3D printed, I'd had it in the collection for a very long time, so couldn't say where it came from. Sorry!

[@butterbean4195]

@@scalebuildersguild thanks ill look around somebody is making them

[@MikelangeloPhoto]

Are you and josh having a some sort of "bet" for who performs better in the actual competition? Like.. .if you win, he does some work for you or vice-versa?

[@scalebuildersguild]

We’re thinking about it!

[@vlozity]

Would be muchly appreciated if you can share how to make that pla slurry 😊

[@scalebuildersguild]

Styrene scraps, put them in a jar. Add MEK. Leave overnight.

[@vlozity]

@@scalebuildersguild thanks!

[@BGnation573]

Will those brass adapter work on d44 vanquish axle

[@scalebuildersguild]

I believe they'll work on any VP axle, but check with A&M or JEC to confirm.

[@lachie.3486]

What modifications did you make to the suspension on the tf2?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I have a whole video on the top 5 things to do to a TF2.

[@JimmyB55]

Anyone understand his shirt?

[@corydehaan8349]

Maybe it is just hard to see from the video but your class 1 rig looks like you dont have enough tire coverage. You need 1/2 the tire covered by body or flares.

[@scalebuildersguild]

And it has it. Thanks!

[@The1badxj]

Please tell us about the hoodie your wearing? i don't understand upside down AARMY

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's from a company called Wood Wood.

[@rcandcnc9684]

If springs carry weight and oil cylinder provides dampening then why don`t trucks with leaf springs need shocks?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Real trucks are a little different. At this scale, there's plenty of dampening provided by the friction and air pressure in the shock body.

[@rcandcnc9684]

@@scalebuildersguild Thank you for the answer.