Jeff is well known for his ability to create machined-looking pieces using a hack saw and file. His maticulous engineering might take a wee bit longer than most, but the results are definately worth the time. He's recently rebuilt his Tamiya TXT-1 into a gorgeous crawler. His own words:

"For those of you that have known me for a little while, I entered the crawling scene by starting with a TXT. I have already rebuilt it once to be a more purpose-built crawler, and I am doing it again. This time, I am trying to take some elements of what make the TLTs so successful into consideration.

I snapped a few pictures of it as it is today, but I am already planning on taking a few steps back so that I can narrow the chassis. I thought some of you may be interested in checking out my progress before I tear into it again. I think I will be able to narrow the chassis by 3/8 to 1/2 inch and that will allow me to mount the shocks to the outside of the chassis. I still have plans to chop uneccessary bits off of the chassis, but that will come later.

When done, it will have 4" of belly clearance, a 15.5" wheel base, and will be powered by a 55T lathe motor. I am toying with the idea of running a 7 or 8 cell battery (anyone have any thoughts on that? 7.2 volts on a 55T can be a little lethargic sometimes)...

To see the latest progress of this TXT, visit the thread on the ORCRC forum!