Tamiya XR311 Combat Support Vehicle Build...

[@BlackSeaRC]

Just finished building the chassis of my XR311 along with the RC Channel Full Metal Kit. What a piece of RC engineering! Absolutely glorious RC kit that deserves recognition as the car that started it all with regard to off-road Tamiya vehicles.

[@mk1productions546]

I built one back in 1977 it had the plastic protection cover for the suspension torsion bars right from the start I still have it 44 years later. The original kit cost my Dad £44 for my Christmas present The gearbox will feel tight until you power it up this is normal. I built a re issue back in 2012 as a nostalgia trip and it reinforced my thoughts that all tamiya kits should be as enjoyable to build as the early kits but alot of the newer kits aren't. In those days it was as much about the education of the build as well as the running of the models. I also still have my original Lamborghini Cheetah which was £53 for Christmas 1979 which still runs fine. I still have the original Tamiya price guide and the receipt. It was always frustrating how easily the original plastic torsion bars snapped especially as a child I used my models alot. I've now converted my cheetah to the metal torsion bars used on the re issue XR311. Its Amazing how many people are surprised at the metal content of the chassis these early models have but for me I'm 56 now it was the norm and how I grew up with tamiya models. The suspension should be set up with the radio gear and battery fitted and also the body so it sits correctly at all up weight. Great to see how much you appreciate these older kits.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Fantastic comment my friend, thanks for taking the time to write it 😊😊😊

[@fortboy66]

Bought one from Eltham models in about 1979? Seem to remember sandscorher models on the shelf too? Had a three speed speed controller, my mate had a Lamborghini cheetah with a variable wiper speed controller on his dearer kit. Acoms radio fitted, I was on yellow frequency, 27.145mgz I think? Another mate had his tx and Rx on the same freq, we just swapped the two crystals over, it seemed to work! The bodies were very heavy and keep on breaking when we rolled them so we tended to leave them off, they went faster and for longer on the nicad batteries we had then. Ran them into the ground and if they broke we could get spares and or advice from the many model shops about then in East London, radio active, ace supplies, hermits models etc. All gone now, such happy times!

[@bidibulle6795]

I always believed that the chassi was made of plastic! But I see that he is like an all-steel "mechanic". Another great Glenn toy

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 😎👊🏻

[@darrengrimmer8541]

It’s magnificent Glen!!!!!!!. As I said in the unboxing video I was aware of a couple of these still kicking around in the model shop I went in in around 81-82. I was only around 11 going on 12 and was transfixed by the holiday buggy and the like at that time.. Never gave these the time of day and I can honestly say that was my loss. A different thing altogether.. Now I’m old and can appreciate things more I must see if the wife will let me get one.. the thing is Glen I will keep it to display and that will be that👍👍👍👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah I’m the same Darren, this will only run once then it’ll be retired for display only 🤩🤩🤩

[@lowercentenary]

Would you spend around 200 for one that is in bad condition (only shell and interior is intact)?

[@nickrobertson2450]

Wow. I've never seen anything like that, its like building mechano. Those springs! Tamiya never cease to amaze.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah it’s very different to what we are use to Nick 😎👊🏻

[@ianat5016]

MAN A LIVE Remember these in hobby shops (back in the day) 😂 👍😃

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha excellent Ian 😎😎😎

[@paulgarwood192]

I love the XR-311! Dare I say the best kit ever I have built. Never built anything like it before or since. Thanks for sharing Glenn. Memory lane. Just finished the SW-01 Lunch Box and the comparison is laughable with the differences in materials. 👍🤓🇦🇺

[@TAMIYALegends]

Now it’s funny you said this because I’m actually thinking the same now Paul. Probably the best kit I’ve built 🤩👊🏻

[@paulgarwood192]

@@TAMIYALegends it just so different and simple yet you really get to appreciate the design and I was 6 years old when this came out. Lots of aluminium and metal, very 70’s. Only catch is it’s not a real driver. That glued hard shell is not forgiving and the glue bond is just not the best. But I’m totally happy with it being a shelfie. Stay safe mate and I’m looking forward to the body build. 👍

[@robcraighill6315]

Really interesting kit glenn, thanks for sharing with us!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Rob 😊👊🏻

[@thecretanbull4784]

Good morning Glen!! Great little bit of Tamiya timeline you got there!!! Really educational video as well! Boy things have changed. I really appreciate the simplicity of the chassis as right now I’m struggling with this boomerang! It’s kicking my ass as I have big hands. Thanks buddy for the entertaining break from my build!! Can’t wait to see the final results! See you again soon buddy! Thanks

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Chris, enjoy that Boomerang build my friend 🤩👊🏻

[@peterhootonrc1498]

This takes me right back a friend at school had one. Forgot how cool they are going to have to get one now. Many thanks for your video and best wishes

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Peter 😊👊🏻

[@martinhsrc6699]

I’ll be honest, I scrolled past these many a time on model shop websites assuming it was on a DF03ra chassis or something. I didn’t realise it was on this awesome 1977 old school chassis. One on order from Fusion Hobbies now 🥳

[@TAMIYALegends]

I think a lot will be surprised when they watch it, it’s a very special car 😊😊😊

[@andrewmagro7703]

Another Icon From The Tamiya Legacy , Great to have one in my Collection and just watching you enjoy the build so so much has just inspired me to build mine so i just ordered the olive drab and the olive drab2 just in case i need a slightly different colour but i know now this will be a great build and is always a little eaiser when you see someone else do one first so for that thanks Glen, as its always a great variety with your channel mt friend, cant wait for the bodyshell video , cheers mate :-))

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent Andrew your going to love the build my friend 😎👊🏻

[@RCBirds]

Although the technology is very old, it's looks more durable than the kits that followed in the years after. Great video, thanks👏👏👏

[@waitthatsgoingtocostyouext5450]

Fascinating video! That suspension is insane. Cant wait to see the finished vehicle. Brilliant video and its good see you.😃👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thank you 😊

[@MrMelton77]

Awesome build and quirkly design Glenn. One tip for running in a gearbox one guy at a club told me years ago, is to connect a single AA battery to the motor and hold the battery your fingers and run motor both in reverse and forward. Checks everything is free and reduces damage in the event you made a mistake with the build. Sworn by it ever since.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Hey that’s a great idea my friend, I’ll definitely be using that in the future 🤩👊🏻

[@robsteel8318]

Looks awesome, I assume Craig is “TRF ing” the body as we speak!!! 😂

[@TAMIYALegends]

Pmsl 🤣 I think my days of doing the TRF scheme have ended now Rob 😇

[@jasonsrcstuff9278]

This is hilarious!! 😂😂😂

[@ventisette.]

I would actually like to see that! Or maybe one painted like a Jeepney bus from the Philippines would be interesting

[@mad-beerc3818]

Awesome! I had an original and did a resto on it a many years ago and like you Glenn totally enjoyed building this model and the rere is really close to the original! Such a vintage design and feel! I don't think the XR311 gets enough praise it deserves really! The first off road car tamiya released is one hell of a claim to fame!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Absolutely agree such a special car my friend 🤩👊🏻

[@mad-beerc3818]

@@TAMIYALegends 👍

[@ddogphacemorcane3198]

After building the chassis and seeing how delicate some of the components are, now I understand why any of the ones I saw back in the day were always broke. That aside, it has a completely different feel to the build. It's almost like it's hand crafted instead of a production kit. Definitely glad you talked me into it. :-)

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent that’s a great comment 🤩👊🏻

[@wadebeaumont7570]

Really enjoyed that Glenn. Looking forward to the shell and seeing it come together.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Wade 😎👊🏻

[@peterrenaud9639]

That engineering looks awesome 😍 great vidio Glenn and some great commenters too👏👏👏 thanks for all the nostalgic feels this morning

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Peter 😊👊🏻

[@trevorbeattie6996]

Great review Glen. Your passion for this hobby is just fantastic. Very interested to see the next installment.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Trevor 😊👊🏻

[@rodf73]

Love & appreciate all design and engineering aspects of these older kits. Thanks to your uploads I get a insider view of the build...pretty cool deal.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks for watching and commenting my friend 😊👊🏻

[@philmoffett366]

There's more to this model than you think? Excellent video again👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Phil 😎👊🏻

[@rikertronic8066]

Saw one in 1977 running along a woodland path! Had one myself in 1980 (first payday) and its still ready to run when i replace the very, very worn cheetah tires. Lost that body when a speed controller caught light, my fault small puddle splash! Have the re issue and am going to 'full metal' running gear it... PS. Rough Rider/ Sand Scorcher, Toyota Hilux/ Blazing Blazer and very heavy Tiger II first generation to follow.

[@johnmalone8790]

Coolest build I've seen in ages.... Great video mate 👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent thanks John 🤩👊🏻

[@ventisette.]

Also impressive to see that a model from 1977 has better engineered and more precise suspension and steering than some far more modern cars (cough cough TT01 and TT02)....

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha yes there’s no comparison my friend 🤩👊🏻

[@martinhsrc6699]

That’s a very good point 👍

[@alexr129]

i remember these back in the day looking in beaties shop window as a kid along with the rough rider, holiday buggy, sand scorcher and the cheetah

[@TAMIYALegends]

Great times my friend 😎😎😎

[@duncanmcgregor7946]

Really like the look of this build, thanks for another great video Glenn!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Cheers Duncan 😎👊🏻

[@ShenRC]

what a weird chassis that suspension!! It does look cool!! Nice build for sure. 👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 😎👊🏻

[@traxxasfans]

That a cool retro truck loving it . I think it might look good with a vintage controller.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah I’m keeping my eyes out for the original barrel style msc 🤓👊🏻

[@darkstorm303]

Yet another cool build Glenn .....this channel should come with a warning as everytime you build something i just want to go out and buy it 😁😁 👌👊✋👍🔥🔥🔥

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha excellent 🤩👊🏻

[@jasonsrcstuff9278]

Now I want one more than ever. Need to get on the searches!!! Thanks for the video Glenn.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha excellent 🤩👊🏻

[@Initialgs]

Awesome vid fella, took me back that one. I’m sure I remember frustration at installing the torsion bars, I’m sure it was awkward for me as a young lad back then. Hope you enjoyed the car as much as I did...

[@barrycheesemore2928]

Wow, what a thing of beauty that chassis is!! I'm so tempted to put aside some cash and get one, it's 'vintage' without actually being 'vintage', if that makes sense. I remember a good friend of my older brother had one of these many, many years ago, back in the late 1970's, never saw it running though. I can't wait to see the bodyshell finished and the vehicle up and running, it'll be interesting to see how well it goes. Anyway, great video as always dude!!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha it’s vintage without being vintage 🤓👊🏻. Absolutely spot on Barry 🤩👊🏻

[@JREone]

I did one with the shocks metal gear and chassis protector from rc channel on eBay I did notice this one was a tad bit slower being heavier but was a lot nice looking. Great video

[@dutchbeef8920]

Love how the motor sits in there

[@markysmodsandmodels1163]

Just hit the button on one Glenn. Cracking video my friend. Thankyou!

[@barryhall5130]

Looking forward to the second build vid, that is a cool chassis

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Barry 😎👊🏻

[@ART-iu1un]

Wow! The chassis is really unique. Now I'm going shopping~^^

[@stumpycatvm7115]

haha- I guessed Medium Gear- looking forward to your body buildup, nice work- the sag doesnt bother me- place a tamiya paint can under there

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 😊👊🏻

[@gwrdriver1660]

I always wanted one of these when they came out in the 70's, then rough rider and sand scorcher arrived with the enclosed battery box and sealed motor, then the ford ranger came out with the same chassis as the rough rider/sand scorcher. My local model shop didn't have a xr311, but did have the new ford ranger, so that's what I bought. Might be in my attic, or may of got rid of it.

[@BlackSeaRC]

The Ford Ranger is a beautiful model as well. My first RC car was a used Tamiya Holiday Buggy in the early 1980's. Would have loved a Ranger instead though! The XR311 is a great kit too. Just building my re-release version with a full metal upgrade.

[@Leonsrchobbys]

Its looking awesome glad mate this and the sand scorcher are my 2favourites of all Tamiyas👍😎🤟😊🇬🇧👊

[@ptaylor5014]

Interesting kit Glenn, look forward to more videos

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks Paul 😎👊🏻

[@simonblackwell7906]

Cool build👍 it’s like meccano meets RC. think I need one too 🤔

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha perfectly put 😎👊🏻

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

This is one that passed me by... I still want one, but nearing $600(!!!!), it's just not worth it. Enjoyable build, Glenn! 👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@craigbrett672]

Considering how much earlier this is than the SRB's the suspension seems way more advanced, especially seeing as it's double wishbone front and rear. Gonna have to get one of these kits - thanks Glenn!

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent Craig 😎👊🏻

[@darthnagus5457]

Fascinating build

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks for watching 😊🤩

[@KT_One]

5:15 looks like LEGO Technic!

[@bowi73]

verry cool chassis totaly diffrent , love it

[@mikeymike3240]

Hi Glen, awesome build video man, just an aside, don’t use the speed gearing, it’s too fast for the model, i used the slo ⚙️ gearing and it’s almost too fast, the slo gearing is practically perfect 🤩 for it, make sure you do the hardest suspension setting, when you put a battery 🔋 in and the hard body on , it gives the suspension a hell of a work out 🏋️‍♂️ lol 😂. I painted everything army green, chassis, body,wheels and front bumper . Looks way better. The only difference between the original and the re re is the metal suspension bars from the plastic originals. Ps...... paint everything!!! Pps.....paint everything!!! Ppps...did I mention to paint everything lol 😝

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha excellent comment and much appreciated my friend 🤩👊🏻

[@markysmodsandmodels1163]

Saving this til I get home from my Vaccine buddy. 👌👌🙏🙏.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 😊😊😊

[@mattridge5986]

I need one of these in my life again..

[@TAMIYALegends]

You do Matt 😊😊😊

[@mattallica0]

i have my original xr311 nearby as i watch this and although very similar the rere has alot of changes to it, and fyi the original did have a lexan underguard for the chassis bottom

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent thanks for the feedback my friend 🤩👊🏻

[@paulrobinson9355]

People say Tamiya kits are second to kyosho but this seems to be on par, I mean......look at all that sexy metal included in the kit! Just looks a beautiful piece of vintage engineering! Can't wait for my now. 🐣🐰🐤🐇

[@MrLunithy]

Tamiya are less unhinged .. or crazy to me anyway.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah soooooo much metal on this kit 😊😊😊

[@davidfanara3229]

Tamiya are for people who enjoy building many excellent fun affordable kits that may be driven moderately . Excellent family kits . Kyosho are pricier with an elevated design and components, also almost double the price.

[@laurencemaud8205]

Awesome video.Love this vehicle will have to get it now.what bearing would you put in it to use more often.From New Zealand

[@pbainbri]

Great video as always. Just one comment the clear plastic on the bottom was on the originals as well and the body was made of a different plastic. If you had been in the UK i could have sent you one of my originals to compare side by side.

[@evanwillard2811]

Hello there great video i just ordered and received this truck/car i’m in the process of building it and i seem to have lost a brass bushing i did get bearings as well but i only got 6 as that’s all they sent could i use a different bushing instead of the flanged bushing

[@nic.25]

I remember seeing this in the window of my local model shop wishing I could afford it. All I had back then was a cheap toy rc car that could barely run on a carpet.

[@Houleigan]

Nice! Really like the metal chassis, will have to get one for my collection! On another topic, I am upgrading my OG Blackfoot and currently has a Trinity Slot Machine motor. The brushes need to be replaced, should I replace them or go with a different motor? If I go with a different motor, what I am looking for, I think the Slot Machine is 27T

[@TheFlyHustla]

Looks an awesome kit and a bit of me that.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks for watching 😎👊🏻

[@bestamerica]

' beautifully XR-311... i still have tamiya cheetah and X-311 models

[@paulrobinson9355]

Never considered this......one on order now! Quick question, if having as a shelf queen only do you need to use the thredlock? I'm guessing not. Awesome build Glen 👍

[@TAMIYALegends]

Tbh Paul I think even for lite running you could get away with not using the thread lock 😎👊🏻

[@bradkalman2353]

Did they ever make the oilfilled torsion bars suspension?

[@TAMIYALegends]

RC Channel make alloy upgrades for this including shocks 👊🏻

[@jamieedmunds3253]

Hey buddy. I built one too. Interesting build.like a model. Came out nice.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Fantastic 😎👊🏻

[@Ajayen]

The polycarbonate protector plate was on the XR311 n also the Cheetah that shared the same chassis

[@Initialgs]

Just FYI, I always ran the front bumper, back in the day the suspension parts, I recall the plastics being quite brittle... I never had an issue with the (plastic) torsion bars, the only breakages I had were the rear suspension upright parts the hubs went through...

[@PalMellem]

This was my first rc build in 78 or 79. 12 years old.

[@Steve-rk6lg]

Thanks Glenn 👊🏻

[@craigbailey7096]

Wicked just finished mine

[@TAMIYALegends]

Excellent have you done the body too???

[@craigbailey7096]

Yeah just deciding on if I'm going to add some weathering using the tamiya weathering master kit ill post a pic in the Facebook group

[@tamiyafrog3220]

Awesome vid👌👌

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 😎

[@mattiasrc]

Thats a nice kit.

[@cgarcia650]

What a trip!

[@ericwood2790]

The more metal the better, when I was a kid all the kits that had the metal in them were out of my price range . That should tell you something about the quality of them .

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah absolutely spot on Eric 🤩👊🏻

[@guymarotta2596]

What kind of metal is used for the chassis and gearbox?

[@jamesh950]

You are a early riser. I think is still pitch black where you are. Next doing the body. The only weak part I see is the steering part. Got my back in 2010, 1st time re re. Still pushing you to go for the rc channel metal upgrades, you'll go bonkers with the results。

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah I’m definitely going to have a look at those parts again 😍

[@wasabi-in-my-eye3134]

Can you seat a gijoe classified figure inside it?

[@tahustvedt]

Looks like it's geared like a crawler considering how much torque you have to apply to spin the motor. It's not going to be fast. :)

[@bradkalman2353]

I would really love to have that I would like to have all their kids ever made an original form or not.

[@countmurcielago9802]

Hi glen is that similar to cheetah chassis

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah I believe the chassis is identical 🤩👊🏻

[@countmurcielago9802]

@@TAMIYALegends I always fancied building the cheetah May be after I’ve built my scale hilux and bruiser.

[@brucelevall2925]

How do you set up the torsion bars on the xr311

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah its a fiddly process, it took me awhile to get them right on each one 🤕🤕🤕

[@bradkalman2353]

You think they'll come back out with the cheetah?

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah there’s absolutely no reason why they can’t do it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@alanpassmore2275]

Do a speed run for each gear set.

[@nomusicrc]

Where's the rest of it is this a part one

[@bradkalman2353]

You know that's a possi rear end?

[@lowercentenary]

Why are these so expensive? A guy was selling this as parts no electronics no tires no rear suspension nothing(just a shell really) for $170!! Is it worth spending that much for that condition in your opinion? And what tires would be a suitable replacement for the originals and fit onto the original rims/wheels? Any idea?

[@alanpassmore2275]

I wish they would rere the Cheetah if not slip the molds to China 😁

[@TAMIYALegends]

Yeah I’m pretty sure we’ll see it at some point soon Alan 😎🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@traxxasfans]

Fast and furious

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha not on this one my friend 🤣👊🏻

[@brucelevall2925]

Glen need help with the suspension components

[@TAMIYALegends]

Hey 👋🏻 Have you watched my build video that might help 😅🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MrLunithy]

Nah mate thank you for up loading.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Thanks buddy 🤩👊🏻

[@bestamerica]

' my both cheetah and XR311 with 4 torson bars are no good... i change to spring shocks... no no in oil the spring shocks both are same problem with gearboxs-lock axles... not good design

[@bradkalman2353]

I disagree with you I would have gotten ball bearings for it and I'd be playing with it a lot.

[@shortydl]

the first was named tamiya cheetah

[@bradkalman2353]

Again unfortunately I disagree with you I'd be going with fast.

[@Yuēhàn24]

You keep saying back in the day! Back in what day? Yesterday? Last week? Last year? The statement has no meaning.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Well I’m pretty confident that 90%+ of my subs know exactly what that phrase means 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@douggilreath1984]

I have to stop watching your videos, you cost me money. I saw your HotShot video, I had no interest in one btw. But your enjoyment out of it made me order one the next day and even tracked down gold wheels, no regrets ether. Now this one… Yup, ordered one today. 😆

[@TAMIYALegends]

Haha that’s fantastic Doug 🤣👊🏻

[@simonkubacki9823]

I like your excitement about this car, but the actual car is not at all interesting.

[@TAMIYALegends]

Well it’s all about opinions 😎👊🏻

[@rixsta911]

Going brushless ? lol