Yet Another Yokomo YZ2 Cal 3.1 Thread
Discussion
After being inspired by Squareflops and his thread on his Yoko YZ2 Cal 3.1. I thought i'd start a thread of my own.
After years away from rc racing and several years co-driving in big boys toys. Mainly single venue, with the odd forestry rally thrown in for fun. I found myself looking for something I could do in the evenings once the little monsters were in bed and the gf was in work (Basically something to distract me from w$%king myself into a coma
).
I liked the thought of buying a 1/10th rc kit and slowly building it over time, with the long term view of returning to racing. Even if it was just for the odd race meet i.e once a month. I raced when I was in my early teens, but my dad always looked after the car, so never really got my hands dirty when it came to the kit builds/ servicing. I thought buying a kit from scratch would change that, whilst also bringing me up to speed on the latest tech etc.
I started my research and quite quickly narrowed my search down to Schumacher, Team Associated or Yokomo. With the Yokomo YZ2 Cal 3.1 being the early favourite due to its price (£200 brand new), compared to circa £340 for the other kits.
I headed down to my local club, COBRA in Cardiff with the hope a few others raced the Yokomo as I didn't really fancy being the only one in the club racing that model. Given its been a long time since I raced. I figured if I could get set up tips etc from other members already racing similar cars. It might help me get up to speed a little quicker. Not to mention the likelihood someone will have a spare part when I no doubt smash my car to bits.
Luckily, a few guys were racing the Yokomo and further to that. Lee at L&L Models, who attends the club and brings along spares etc also carried some bits for the Yokomo.
Sorted. Or so I thought.
A few weeks past before I could press the button on my new kit purchase. Unbeknown to me. In that time, Yokomo discontinued the Cal 3.1. Meaning the kits in the shops were the last of the stock in the UK. A quick message to Lee at L&L to say I was finally ready to part with my cash was met with 'Sorry, all out of stock and won't be getting anymore'. I quickly messaged MB Models and was met with the same response. CRAP!.
I put my dilemma on the COBRA fb page and soon received a message from a club member saying his Cal 3.1 was for sale and was I interested.
As noted above, ideally I wanted new, but by this point, my heart was set on a Cal 3.1 after researching it for weeks. Plus my pre-Christmas budget didn't stretch to £340 for the TA or Schumacher kits. So within a few days, I was in some strangers man cave eyeing up a 2nd hand Cal 3.1. Needless to say, I went ahead with the purchase.
The kit from what I can see has almost every aluminium upgrade part you can buy for the Cal 3.1. The kit also came with its original box, a load of spares and another chassis. Which is the LWB version, so good for us in the summer and the outdoor tracks.
After years away from rc racing and several years co-driving in big boys toys. Mainly single venue, with the odd forestry rally thrown in for fun. I found myself looking for something I could do in the evenings once the little monsters were in bed and the gf was in work (Basically something to distract me from w$%king myself into a coma
).I liked the thought of buying a 1/10th rc kit and slowly building it over time, with the long term view of returning to racing. Even if it was just for the odd race meet i.e once a month. I raced when I was in my early teens, but my dad always looked after the car, so never really got my hands dirty when it came to the kit builds/ servicing. I thought buying a kit from scratch would change that, whilst also bringing me up to speed on the latest tech etc.
I started my research and quite quickly narrowed my search down to Schumacher, Team Associated or Yokomo. With the Yokomo YZ2 Cal 3.1 being the early favourite due to its price (£200 brand new), compared to circa £340 for the other kits.
I headed down to my local club, COBRA in Cardiff with the hope a few others raced the Yokomo as I didn't really fancy being the only one in the club racing that model. Given its been a long time since I raced. I figured if I could get set up tips etc from other members already racing similar cars. It might help me get up to speed a little quicker. Not to mention the likelihood someone will have a spare part when I no doubt smash my car to bits.
Luckily, a few guys were racing the Yokomo and further to that. Lee at L&L Models, who attends the club and brings along spares etc also carried some bits for the Yokomo.
Sorted. Or so I thought.
A few weeks past before I could press the button on my new kit purchase. Unbeknown to me. In that time, Yokomo discontinued the Cal 3.1. Meaning the kits in the shops were the last of the stock in the UK. A quick message to Lee at L&L to say I was finally ready to part with my cash was met with 'Sorry, all out of stock and won't be getting anymore'. I quickly messaged MB Models and was met with the same response. CRAP!.
I put my dilemma on the COBRA fb page and soon received a message from a club member saying his Cal 3.1 was for sale and was I interested.
As noted above, ideally I wanted new, but by this point, my heart was set on a Cal 3.1 after researching it for weeks. Plus my pre-Christmas budget didn't stretch to £340 for the TA or Schumacher kits. So within a few days, I was in some strangers man cave eyeing up a 2nd hand Cal 3.1. Needless to say, I went ahead with the purchase.
The kit from what I can see has almost every aluminium upgrade part you can buy for the Cal 3.1. The kit also came with its original box, a load of spares and another chassis. Which is the LWB version, so good for us in the summer and the outdoor tracks.
Awesome bud! I thought all hope was lost for the Yokomo but COBRA came through and looks like you've got yourself an awesome example there! Perfect condition and as you say with some upgrades I'm very envious of. It being a COBRA car would mean that it's probably been set up to be pretty quick on the circuit you'll be using it on too; billy bonus.
What's the specs on the electronics etc? We need to get up to Midlands Raceway and have to-the-death Yokomo duel
What's the specs on the electronics etc? We need to get up to Midlands Raceway and have to-the-death Yokomo duel
squareflops said:
Awesome bud! I thought all hope was lost for the Yokomo but COBRA came through and looks like you've got yourself an awesome example there! Perfect condition and as you say with some upgrades I'm very envious of. It being a COBRA car would mean that it's probably been set up to be pretty quick on the circuit you'll be using it on too; billy bonus.
What's the specs on the electronics etc? We need to get up to Midlands Raceway and have to-the-death Yokomo duel
Yes, the chap that sold it to me said the current set up works well for COBRA and Caldicot as he races both. The plan is to slowly take it apart, establish what upgrades I do have and whilst I'm doing that, I'll pull together a spec sheet for the current set up. I might even share this with you haha. What's the specs on the electronics etc? We need to get up to Midlands Raceway and have to-the-death Yokomo duel
As for the electrics, that's the next thing on my list. I picked up an ESC with the car. Its a SkyRC TS120 Competition esc, which also came with the plug in wifi module, allowing you to adjust the settings via an app on your phone.
Servo and Motor are next on my list of purchases. Although today, I agreed a price on a Transponder, so collecting this tomorrow.
Think the rest may have to wait until after Christmas now. My bank account is in shock between this and the Christmas presents. Hopefully I'll be out racing in January.
P.S, the photos on my thread appear tiny compared to when I look at yours. Is there a setting I need to adjust, or is that simply because its my thread??
Hell of a deal by the looks of it on a Schumy LD, if anyone wants to join the 1/10 2wd party:
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149...
Tempted as a spares/parts car... despite having never even fitted electrics to mine!
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149...
Tempted as a spares/parts car... despite having never even fitted electrics to mine!
If you could share it with me that’d be great 
mine doesn’t feel all that fast currently!
That ESC sounds like all you’ll need, mine is bluetooth tuneable too and is a great bit of kit. I know what you mean about the spend, these things add up quickly! Good you’ve got a transponder though, i just need to go ahead and get one i think as silly not to really.
Re the pictures, there’s an option for ‘forum fit’ or ‘thumbnail’ on thumbsnap, maybe yours defaulted to thumb?
mine doesn’t feel all that fast currently! That ESC sounds like all you’ll need, mine is bluetooth tuneable too and is a great bit of kit. I know what you mean about the spend, these things add up quickly! Good you’ve got a transponder though, i just need to go ahead and get one i think as silly not to really.
Re the pictures, there’s an option for ‘forum fit’ or ‘thumbnail’ on thumbsnap, maybe yours defaulted to thumb?
dom9 said:
Hell of a deal by the looks of it on a Schumy LD, if anyone wants to join the 1/10 2wd party:
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149...
Tempted as a spares/parts car... despite having never even fitted electrics to mine!
That does look like a bargain. I’d have probably gone for that if myself if I hadn’t already committed myself to the Yoko. http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149...
Tempted as a spares/parts car... despite having never even fitted electrics to mine!
So…..
As noted above. I also picked up a 120a Sky Rc Esc from the same chap that sold me the car.
Whilst I was on my RC spending spree, I also landed on the Rochester RC website and noticed a number of tools had a sale discount. A few purchases later I ended up with:
- 2.0mm hex driver
- 1.5mm hex driver
- M4 nut driver
- M3 nut driver
- Core RC car stand
- Fastrax tool bag
I’ve also picked up an MTX transponder.
Next plan is to pick up a servo and a chassis protector. I’ll then commence the strip down and re-build. Taking note of exactly what upgrades the car came with and also producing a spec sheet as the car is currently set up for where I intend to race. COBRA & Caldicot. Hopefully that gives me a good basis to start from.
Slow but steady progress.
As noted above. I also picked up a 120a Sky Rc Esc from the same chap that sold me the car.
Whilst I was on my RC spending spree, I also landed on the Rochester RC website and noticed a number of tools had a sale discount. A few purchases later I ended up with:
- 2.0mm hex driver
- 1.5mm hex driver
- M4 nut driver
- M3 nut driver
- Core RC car stand
- Fastrax tool bag
I’ve also picked up an MTX transponder.
Next plan is to pick up a servo and a chassis protector. I’ll then commence the strip down and re-build. Taking note of exactly what upgrades the car came with and also producing a spec sheet as the car is currently set up for where I intend to race. COBRA & Caldicot. Hopefully that gives me a good basis to start from.
Slow but steady progress.
No updates from me in a while.
A busy December and Christmas means the car is still untouched. Although in the background I’ve slowly been buying bits and bobs for the car. The big man in the red outfit was also kind and brought some Rc related presents.
The main bits include:
- Sky Rc 9.5t Brushless Motor
- Servo (I’ve gone cheap here and bought a Chinese servo. Although off the back of a recommendation from the chap that used to own the car. He runs the same servo in his Schumacher so thought it was worth a punt)
- A 2nd hand Futaba 3PV transmitter
- An antennaless receiver
- A range of shock and diff oils.
- TKR chassis protector and some new decals for the shell
- Various tools, greases & locktight
- A pretty looking Team Corally Pit Matt.
No excuses now, time to start the strip down and re-build.
A busy December and Christmas means the car is still untouched. Although in the background I’ve slowly been buying bits and bobs for the car. The big man in the red outfit was also kind and brought some Rc related presents.
The main bits include:
- Sky Rc 9.5t Brushless Motor
- Servo (I’ve gone cheap here and bought a Chinese servo. Although off the back of a recommendation from the chap that used to own the car. He runs the same servo in his Schumacher so thought it was worth a punt)
- A 2nd hand Futaba 3PV transmitter
- An antennaless receiver
- A range of shock and diff oils.
- TKR chassis protector and some new decals for the shell
- Various tools, greases & locktight
- A pretty looking Team Corally Pit Matt.
No excuses now, time to start the strip down and re-build.
3PV and antenna-less receiver is a great choice!
I also use Chinese servos, which work fine for me... and receivers... and motors, come to think of it!
Used to like the HobbyKing Turnigy stuff for VFM and 'real shop' backup.
I very rarely use the traditional branded stuff, these days TBH.
Also used to pick these up under £20 a pack in the sale! https://www.sunpadowmall.com/products/sunpadow-7-4...
I also use Chinese servos, which work fine for me... and receivers... and motors, come to think of it!
Used to like the HobbyKing Turnigy stuff for VFM and 'real shop' backup.
I very rarely use the traditional branded stuff, these days TBH.
Also used to pick these up under £20 a pack in the sale! https://www.sunpadowmall.com/products/sunpadow-7-4...
dom9 said:
Also used to pick these up under £20 a pack in the sale! https://www.sunpadowmall.com/products/sunpadow-7-4...
Ahhh these do look good and batteries/ battery charger/ charge leads are all I need now to get me up and running. May keep an eye on these to see if they do go on sale at some point. Caldicot on the 5th maybe pushing it
but we’re making progress. Started stripping the front end this evening. So hopefully get this off and back together this week. Then onto the rear and the electrics. Edited by paulstarrally on Sunday 31st December 07:46
They're not a bad price on Amazon... I haven't bought any since pre-COVID, so maybe it's just that prices have moved on!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SUNPADOW-Battery-4300mAh-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SUNPADOW-Battery-4300mAh-...
paulstarrally said:
Caldicot on the 5th maybe pushing it but we’re making progress. Started stripping the front end this evening. So hopefully get this off and back together this week. Then onto the rear and the electrics.
No worries bud! Thankfully Caldi is every Friday night so never far away from a skid. Lots of pics of the re-build please but we’re making progress. Started stripping the front end this evening. So hopefully get this off and back together this week. Then onto the rear and the electrics.Did you get cells? https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-nano-tech-shor...
Think the sale ends tonight!
Think the sale ends tonight!
No updates from me in a while. As usual life, birthdays, family events etc have got in the way of playing with toy cars.
But in the background, I’ve been slowly working on the Cal 3.1. Stripping it down and re-building it ahead of racing it in the near future.
Started with the front end. Then went onto the rear.
Overall, the car was in great condition. However, whilst stripping, two problems/ issues were spotted.
1st issue. The front bulkhead was cracked and actually came out in two pieces. So this needed replacing.
2nd issue - the gearbox was full of gunk. Not sure what it was, but I’m guessing where it’s stood still for a while or been heavily used it was pretty messy in there. Had even leaked onto the rear of the chassis.
A good clean out and a few sprays of silicone spray (outside only), she came up good as new.
I always intended to take a load of photos, but looking back I’ve not taken as many as I hoped. Anyway here’s a few pics of the re-build.
The broken bulkhead
Rear of the chassis covered in crap from the gearbox.
Now some random pics.
New bullhead fitted and some other bits after a good clean up.
Front and rear end re-built aside from the shocks.
This is how it stands at the moment.
To give myself a push, I’ve cleared the diary next Friday and I’m aiming to get along to a local club for my 1st outing. To help power my along, this lot arrived today.
Sky Rc T100 charger. 2 x Lipo’s. Fresh wheels and tyres
2 x Lipo bags. Cleaning Brush. Solder and a motor sensor cable as mine was to short.
So big push this weekend to re-build shocks, fit the electrics and pair everything to the Tx. Hopefully be joined by a fellow piston head Cal 3.1 owner. So looking forward to it.
Let’s hope I get past the 1st corner!
But in the background, I’ve been slowly working on the Cal 3.1. Stripping it down and re-building it ahead of racing it in the near future.
Started with the front end. Then went onto the rear.
Overall, the car was in great condition. However, whilst stripping, two problems/ issues were spotted.
1st issue. The front bulkhead was cracked and actually came out in two pieces. So this needed replacing.
2nd issue - the gearbox was full of gunk. Not sure what it was, but I’m guessing where it’s stood still for a while or been heavily used it was pretty messy in there. Had even leaked onto the rear of the chassis.
A good clean out and a few sprays of silicone spray (outside only), she came up good as new.
I always intended to take a load of photos, but looking back I’ve not taken as many as I hoped. Anyway here’s a few pics of the re-build.
The broken bulkhead
Rear of the chassis covered in crap from the gearbox.
Now some random pics.
New bullhead fitted and some other bits after a good clean up.
Front and rear end re-built aside from the shocks.
This is how it stands at the moment.
To give myself a push, I’ve cleared the diary next Friday and I’m aiming to get along to a local club for my 1st outing. To help power my along, this lot arrived today.
Sky Rc T100 charger. 2 x Lipo’s. Fresh wheels and tyres
2 x Lipo bags. Cleaning Brush. Solder and a motor sensor cable as mine was to short.So big push this weekend to re-build shocks, fit the electrics and pair everything to the Tx. Hopefully be joined by a fellow piston head Cal 3.1 owner. So looking forward to it.
Let’s hope I get past the 1st corner!
So finally got out and raced Friday evening at Caldicot Racers. Meeting up with fellow PHer and Cal 3.1 owner Squareflops in the process.
Ended up being in the same qualifying rounds as James which was great for comparison however in hindsight was the wrong group for me as I spent the majority of the evening trying to keep out of peoples way.
Finally ended up way down the order in the F final. However was the most enjoyable race of the evening as I was finally racing with a few of the others. Unfortunately about 3 mins into the race, I clipped a corner and snapped a tie rod. Game over for me.
However the car ran faultless (apart from the driving!) aside from that.
Felt a little sluggish compared to a few of the others. So think I need to dive into the Esc settings a little more and get them dialled in.
The cars also running a full wing at the moment, so this needs to be cut right down. Others seems to run hardly any wing at all.
Suffered with grip role in practise and the first few heats. A change to the shock positions helped this, but thinking I maybe should have trimmed the outside row of pins on the rear tyres.
Only photo I have from the evening is the final result of my crash in the final. Will get more at the next race meeting.
Cheers to James for the company. Hopefully catch up again soon.
Ended up being in the same qualifying rounds as James which was great for comparison however in hindsight was the wrong group for me as I spent the majority of the evening trying to keep out of peoples way.
Finally ended up way down the order in the F final. However was the most enjoyable race of the evening as I was finally racing with a few of the others. Unfortunately about 3 mins into the race, I clipped a corner and snapped a tie rod. Game over for me.
However the car ran faultless (apart from the driving!) aside from that.
Felt a little sluggish compared to a few of the others. So think I need to dive into the Esc settings a little more and get them dialled in.
The cars also running a full wing at the moment, so this needs to be cut right down. Others seems to run hardly any wing at all.
Suffered with grip role in practise and the first few heats. A change to the shock positions helped this, but thinking I maybe should have trimmed the outside row of pins on the rear tyres.
Only photo I have from the evening is the final result of my crash in the final. Will get more at the next race meeting.
Cheers to James for the company. Hopefully catch up again soon.
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