First Proto of X - 7 Running At Cactus

[YoungChazz]

Paul Sinclair and Clayton Easley are now running the first prototype X - 7 at Cactus, Paul in Mod and Clayton in 13.5. You can keep up with things at www.liverc.com

The car is hugely un-sorted. Paul ran it for about 15 minutes in the shop parking lot before getting on the plane. They have no idea what the set-up will be, and are changing things constantly.

They good news is that, at this very early stage, the car seems competitive, and with set-up work it will only get better. They practiced it once on Wednesday, several times on Thursday, and intend to run it in today's quallys.

The bad news is that we've discovered an issue we don't understand; sometimes we get 2-3 battery packs in before it breaks, other times 2-3 minutes. We know what's happening, but aren't sure why, and think it's something we may not be able to fix at the track. This is typical of early prototype work.

Most other companies would not think of bringing a car at this stage of development to a race as important as Cactus. We can't think of a better place to find out if this radically different design has what it takes to be an X-Car.

[Nige]

Any photos....?

[jameswilkinson7]

Keep at it guys, I'm sure you can get it right:thumbsup:

[MRD]

I'm looking foward to seeing this car :thumbsup:. Might have to hold off getting a b44.1.

[Darren Boyle]

Keep me informed over the weekend Chazz, glad the cars made it to the track in time (did Paul sleep at all last week?? LOL)

At last we can start to talk about all things "X-7"....... :D

[Andyp]

Any photos....?

Im sure they will be some by the end of the weekend but i cant find any at the mo

clayton is up in about 5 heats time and paul is up a few afterwards .

[Bungleaio]

Is this 2 or 4wd?

[Darren Boyle]

4wd :woot::thumbsup:

[Nige]

Is it all new or a conversion of an existing car?

[Darren Boyle]

All new.... nothing like anything you have already seen.....

[mikeyscott]

When does Mr Stafford get his test mule

[_sleigh_]

Really glad to see Chazz, Paul and the rest of the team have stuck with this project. I'm sure things have changed in the past 12-18 months, but I bet the design will still contain some unique features.

Good luck guys.

[YoungChazz]

In Round 1, Easley crashed the X - 7 after three good laps and broke some front suspension parts. They repaired it and ran it a bit in the parking lot -- all seemed well.

But when Paul got it back on the track, it was obvious something was wrong from the beginning of warm-up. The spindle had cracked, and after a lap it fell apart, so Paul's race never really started.

They have the parts needed and will be on the track again in about 5 hours.

[MikePimlott]

Get some pictures posted :lol:

Fair play for testing it at the highest level :thumbsup:

[Darren Boyle]

Really glad to see Chazz, Paul and the rest of the team have stuck with this project. I'm sure things have changed in the past 12-18 months, but I bet the design will still contain some unique features.

Good luck guys.

Cheers Phil, it is just a "tad" differnet to some of the ideas you witnesssed being banded around at the time and it is indeed VERY unique.... ;)

Sorry guys no pictures from this end to reveal at present

[Twister]

chazz i really like you way of taking care of buissnes and looking forward to join the x-7 family even if it is early days yet. good luck to you all. :thumbsup:

[YoungChazz]

Paul Sinclair, driving the X - 7, brought it across the finish line for the first time in Qual 3 of the Cactus Classic. Paul was in the F qualifier due to DNFing the first two, and finished second in his race.

Paul was marshaled on several laps (very nervous driving the brand new car) but had two 26s and two 27s in a race where the winner's best was a 25.9. We've still got to find 2-3 seconds to compete in the A, but I think running 90% of the leader's times first time out isn't bad.

[Tom3012]

Congrats! Kind of? Sounds promising though and its nice that the car is completely your own! Good work so far xfactory, would love some pics!!

[Darren Boyle]

Congrats! Kind of? Sounds promising though and its nice that the car is completely your own! Good work so far xfactory, would love some pics!!

The car is NOT a conversion of anything out there at present ( as I confirmed in an earlier post), but the car is still using a few "familiar" parts from other cars at this early stage. Only time and testing will tell what will make it into production kits later on in the development program.......

[Tom3012]

The car is NOT a conversion of anything out there at present ( as I confirmed in an earlier post), but the car is still using a few "familiar" parts from other cars at this early stage. Only time and testing will tell what will make it into production kits later on in the development program.......


I know its not, didnt say it was ;)

[Darren Boyle]

Hi Tom,

When I saw you put "its nice that the car is completely your own", I did not want anyone thinking we had made "every" part that is running on the protos this weekend at Cactus, since when and if pictures emerge it will be clear to see there are just one or two bits that we already recognise... ;)

Darren

[YoungChazz]

Clayton Easley, driving the X - 7 in the 13.5 class, has just won his race with a 12-lap run and a string of 26s & 27s. This will probably move Clayton up a main to the C tomorrow. The A main guys in 13.5 are turning 25s, so Clayton's getting close. There are bump-ups in 13.5.

Paul will be up in an hour or so in Mod and I'll be in bed so you'll have to check LiveRC for the results. It's midnight EDT now, 9:00 in Phoenix.

[YoungChazz]

In round 4, Clayton's race and Paul's race were closer together, and the decision was made for Paul to run with Clayton's 13.5 in his Modified run. This put Paul at a distinct disadvantage, but he went out and ran a good race, with a bunch of 26s and 27s, plus a 25.

Running in the F (lowest) qualifier Paul led the race until the last lap when he was marshaled and wound up second. Out of about 60 entries, Paul's time with a 13.5 motor that could not clear the triple jump was about 45th. (Nobody with a 13.5 could clear it -- Clayton's motor was fine.)

[t8rtot]

Booo just show pictures, talking about a product, giving race results ect is worthless. If you guys are confident enough to take it to one of the largest off-road races in the country you should be proud enough to show her off.

Your argument will probably be something like the car isn't ready, we're just testing some new ideas, its not even close to being done, or something like that. You'll never gain anything by keeping it under wraps. Anticipation builds off of what we can see.

I'm a director of marketing at a company that did 937 million in revenue last year and haas been growing at an average rate of 37% the last 4yrs, having been created in 2005. So I know a little about marketing, here in the uk you seem to have these guys swinging from a tight rope. But come on

Its been a year now, lets see some results. There is a kid on here that's in high school that has developed two cars in that time, and you guys aren't this small company anymore. If you think small that's all you'll be. You guys are an international company with drivers all around the world so lets go.

Design Without Fear of being criticized for a prototype that we all know is still in beginning stages.

Just some constructive criticism from a fan. I'm ready for all the backlash you guys can dish out, I could care less. My conscious is clear.

[Bagman]

They probably couldn't afford to hire such an esteemed marketing expert as yourself.

[stoff]

Or maybe they are putting their efforts into producing the best possible chassis. It's not all about marketing you know!

[t8rtot]

It doesn't take a degree in marketing to understand that, you want pictures don't you?

And is not all about marketing? LOL that's interesting.

Tell JQ that

[Darren Boyle]

Or maybe we just dont want our unique ideas ripped off or copied before our car even hits the shelves. Nearer the time all will be revealed, but NOT yet sadly, far too early...sorry.

[YoungChazz]

Photos will come -- unlike most R/C companies, we do not try to do this in secret. But be advised that we will be very careful about what the photos show and what they don't.

There is an order to things, and several years' experience launching new vehicles has taught us the hard way to follow it.

X Factory remains a two-man company, and over the six years in business have yet to gross a total of 1 million. So yes, we are building fast but easy-to-drive quality cars on a shoestring. If we had pix to show, we'd do it, but there is nobody at Cactus other than race drivers with very little time to do pix. I would give anything to be there, and if I were there, there would be pix.

[Tom3012]

Ahh i see, fair enough! Will you be doing your own shocks or using some of the currently available ones? Im guessing shocks to be one of the most expensive parts to design and make in a kit?

[t8rtot]

I can respect that. I appreciate your reply. However I can say that I can agree to disagree. But redrc doesn't seem to have any problems getting pics

I hope we can see some photos soon

[Andyp]

clayton just won the 13.5 d main by about 10 seconds, he gets bumped up now so see how he gets on

Paul has just broke/pulled up in the mod E main but he was running second !

[YoungChazz]

Clayton Easley, with a consistent string of 26s & 27s, has won the D main of 13.5 4WD. Clayton kept the X - 7 away from the marshals to win the event by almost 10 seconds over 2nd place.

The top two in each non-modified class bump up to the next main, so Clayton will be up again with the X - 7 in race 38, the 13.5 4WD C main. This will be after the A-2 round of modified, so it will be about two hours from now.

[YoungChazz]

Talked to Paul about a half hour ago. Pix have been taken and we hope an interview will be done. You'll see them tonight or tomorrow.

[YoungChazz]

Clayton Easley, starting from the #9 bump-up spot, wound up 5th in the Cactus C main, with another string of 26s & 27s.

Over-all X Factory is pleased with the performance of the X - 7 first time out. We have work to do, but it's a good start for an all-new radically different car.

[t8rtot]

1st. Great showing.

2nd.
Or maybe we just dont want our unique ideas ripped off or copied before our car even hits the shelves. Nearer the time all will be revealed, but NOT yet sadly, far too early...sorry.

I wasn't asking for you guys to get her naked on the 1st outing, rather just a peek of what's to come

Sounds like you guys are getting it together down there, good stuff

[YoungChazz]

Paul will be home late Monday, with some pix which we will post, probably Tuesday. BTW, Tate, anybody who wanted to could have taken all the pix they wanted while the car was on the track, and we know that at least one web site photog did. As soon as he puts them up, we'll post a link.

[brettness37]

I pitted beside Paul all weekend, and saw the car in various stages of assembly and fine tuning. I can tell you 3 things for sure:

1) I've never seen anything quite like it. It's one car I highly doubt we will see any posts along the lines of "oh great another *blank* clone."

2) It is very, very pretty. It looks FAST sitting on the table with no shell on, like a 1:1 supercar.

3) It performs the way it looks. It was very quick and nimble on the track, and considering the lead time the fellas had before the race, that is saying ALOT.

As the proto gets the kinks ironed out, the X-7 will become a force to be reckoned with!

[Rebelrc]

Shall we guess what it is like first? That would be fun

I think the the motor will be centrally mounted with cells right up to the rear diff!
Actually I think rear motored kicked up so less overhang ?

[David Church]

I bet it has 4 wheels and is 4wd:thumbsup:

[Rebelrc]

I thought the x7 was 2wd?:confused:

[area52]

I thought the x7 was 2wd?:confused:

http://www.oople.com/forums/showpost.php?p=476913&postcount=8

;)

[Rebelrc]

4wd :thumbsup:
Fore and aft saddles like my cc4 carbon car with Bazookas lol?

Can't wait to see it

[David Church]

4wd :thumbsup:
Fore and aft saddles like my cc4 carbon car with Bazookas lol?

Can't wait to see it


I like your thinking hehe

[YoungChazz]

Depend on someone else and see what you get? We gave exclusive access to one of the news websites and their pix are not up yet. Of course, anybody could take pix while the car was on the track. We did some pix last night, and Paul will have them up soon. See below.

We will be on vacation for the rest of this week, after we ship a few things in the AM. We're having Christmas at Ceci's house -- nobody felt much like celebrating on Dec 25. I've got a Jeep full of brightly wrapped presents ready to head for Kansas.

Paul is just absolutely tired -- 18 daze straight of 16 - 20 hours working on the X - 7 and racing it. Time for a short break. Back on Monday.

[blitzboy]

woop woop go guys go good to hear the proto type is out and about ,, cant wait to hear more fingers crossed and hope to see something in the uk soon :thumbsup:

[Rebelrc]

Merry Christmas!
Have a good one

[ben]

My thoughts:

2 belts
Motor in the centre of the car
Saddle pack batteries
15 belt pulleys
Carbon shock towers
Losi shocks
Shocks on the back of the rear wishbones
Servo layed down
Composite chassis?

[SimonW]

Kyosho Lazer ZX/ Optima mid layout with saddles in an X-Factory style. That is my guess.

[hottuna]

I thought the x7 was 2wd?:confused:
I think i'm the bad guy here :blush: (if you mean my 2wd)
If i knew what XFactory had in mind, i've choosen another name.

Really curious about the new 4wd! :thumbsup:

[mattybucks]

4 wheels + 2 belts + 1 Dremmel = X7 :woot:

[SHY]

:yawn:... bring it on! :thumbsup:

When do you guys reckon it will be ready for sale? Late 2011 or 2012?

[JohnM]

When do you guys reckon it will be ready for sale? Late 2011 or 2012?

When it's ready is my guess;)

[Darren Boyle]

Too early to say at present, lots of testing and development still to do and many hurdles to overcome along the way, but rest assured that it will be as quickly as possible and as ever with all X-Factory releases it will be well documented on the forums and news websites and of course from this end we will do all that we can to keep people posted along the way too, with much of the developemnt work being done her ein Europe in front of the public eye (to a point).......

[ClaytonE]

SimonW - You are incorrect. The X7 is unlike ANYTHING on the market. When the pictures come out, I challenge anyone to find anything similar to the 4x4s on the market right now. I was fortunate enough for Paul to trust me with working on it, racing it at the Cactus Classic and helping with the development. The ideas and concepts on this platform are extremely interesting and will definately work. This is the main reason we don't want any pics of the internals, I feel that if we release pics in this early of a stage, some of the ideas will be quickly stolen by other companies. Please be patient with the X7, it will be a process in getting it ready of rmarket, and I cant wait for it to happen, it will turn a lot of heads. And I'm really looking forward to my "Clayton Edition X7", its gonna look sick! Blue is key, haha.

[elvo]

Hi, Clayton!

[t8rtot]

plz no BLUE.. :bored:

everyone and there mom, minus schumacher, is Blue..

there are alot of other colors out there. since this chassis is supposed to be so much different then anyother kid on the block.. lets go with a color no other kid is doing.. red, orange, green or gun metal..

Please no blue

[jimmy]

No body-off shots but some website has/will have exclusive pics? of the body on? :bored:

I think I got in trouble last time for photographing this car, I'll await its official release before stomping into anyones pit area this time! :lol:

[elvo]

You photographed an entirely different car, Jimmy :p


The proto was carbon fiber and natural shiny alu. My favourite combo. And I know Paul likes it like that as well....

[Rebelrc]

Hi Clayton
When you say anything similar on the Market
Does that mean something similar has been seen but not available ?
Cheers

[jimmy]

Same car, different version :lol:

[elvo]

Does that mean something similar has been seen but not available ?


I love these speculations! There is something radical and new in the suspension (which will make sense if you think about it for 2 seconds),and something radical and new in the drivetrain (which will look weird the first time you see it). And I haven't seen either in 25 years of R/C.

[SpeedyDad]

It is an amazing vehicle

[Rebelrc]

Cheers mate
Looking forward to it
I love new technology and thinking outside of the box!

Another guess
Is it camber compensation?
With transferboxed shaft?
Lol:thumbsup:

[MRD]

Chain drive? :lol:

[Richard Lowe]

1:38, X7...? ;)

ZglsRYvTMcY

[The_doctor]

please leave the option to run the shocks on the rear as i find the car runs better with them in this location on a 4wd!!!
as for the shot the car looks alot different to the test bed!!!
servo standing up still buy what i can see!!!
looking forward to the production car...
as for the chassie is it still a molded form or flat plate!!!:thumbsup:as it being a pre production prototype i take it ,it is flat plate!! is that the battery down the centre ????
just asking as i think X Factory mouldings are so good!!!
good to see a company running somthing new and not going down the same road as everyone else!!!
as soon as pre orders are avalible im in!!!!:wub
i need it now!!!!!!!!
more pics please MMMMMmmmmmmm................oooohhhhhhh!!!!

[elvo]

1:38, X7...? ;)


That is Paul, but not the X-7. Paul had yellow wheels on the proto.

That's another amazing revolutionary feature: the X-7 can be run with yellow wheels, without being gay :lol:

[peetbee]

That's another amazing revolutionary feature: the X-7 can be run with yellow wheels, without being gay :lol:

I find that hard to believe, surely nothing can ever manage that, no matter how revolutionary!:woot:
Still, at least Griff will buy one if that's the case!

[David Church]

That's another amazing revolutionary feature: the X-7 can be run with yellow wheels, without being gay :lol:


Bahahahahaha No Chance!!!:p

[fastr]

You know what I would like? A 4wd with in front and back the same length driveshafts..... :-)

[Darren Boyle]

No body-off shots but some website has/will have exclusive pics? of the body on? :bored:

I think I got in trouble last time for photographing this car, I'll await its official release before stomping into anyones pit area this time! :lol:

LOL @ Jimmy,

We are going to have armed guards at the tent entrance from now on Jimmy when you are wandering around the pits with your camera....

Dont worry, I will ensure you are one of the very first to get pictures over this side of the pond when the prototype arrives (it is NOTHING like the car you snapped pictures of on the quiet :blush:).......

[ben]

What happens if ellis' car crashes next to me and breaks when im marshalling and the lipo starts to short out. At which point can i remove the shell?

[Darren Boyle]

I will let you know Ben ;) LOL

[elvo]

You know what I would like? A 4wd with in front and back the same length driveshafts..... :-)

So would I, but it's probably not going to happen on the X-7.

[SHY]

Thx a lot! Can't sleep now...

Don't tell me it's mono dampers again after 25 years! ;-)

[YoungChazz]

That is indeed Paul with what at that time was the one and only X - 7 prototype. The white wheels are Clayton's. The pic is from Sunday, when Paul & Clayton were back-to-back. They just put in a new pack and Paul's body and got it out there.

There was a first-corner pile-up and Paul, from 6th, barreled into it at full chat -- there is actually a dent in a front aluminum bulkhead. Apparently it cracked the shock tower, because on lap 6, just after Paul took over the lead, it simply broke going down the straight.

[Steve.T]

any photos yet

[styleone]

We can but hope. We caaaan but hope...

They will be about soon no doubt :drool:

[cmgreen]

Yeah i can confirm, what a car, when i seen the pic i said 'wow' !

[Chrislong]

Yeah i can confirm, what a car, when i seen the pic i said 'wow' !

You TEASE! :lol:

[Cooper]

Chain drive? :lol:

Manolis had it before :thumbsup:

[Skidrow]

Oh yeah!

[Chrislong]

The only thing unique enough is worm drive! :lol: (Can't imagine it'd be this realistically)

[Skidrow]

Working on it Chris.Are you going to drive it?

[Cooper]

The only thing unique enough is worm drive! :lol: (Can't imagine it'd be this realistically)
I hated every Lego Technic I had with worm drive, It would be SLOOOOOOW.


Where is that pic? I've only seen that video...
(frustrating as every piece of information is inside Elvo's head and he doesn't tell anything :thumbdown: #breakaleg)

[V-Rossi]

(frustrating as every piece of information is inside Elvo's head and he doesn't tell anything :thumbdown: #breakaleg)

Take a Dremel, grab some Elvo and go search for it :D

[cmgreen]

You TEASE! :lol:

Me Never???? :p :thumbsup:

[styleone]

Besides the image on redrc,is there actually a picture out there?

[YoungChazz]

There will be in a few hours.

[Darren Boyle]

All recieved Chazz and will be on the X-Factory UK website shortly ;)

[Darren Boyle]

First picture and detials of the X-Factory X-7 can be found on our homepage

www.xfactoryrc.co.uk (http://www.xfactoryrc.co.uk)

[Fatal1ty]

interesting concept!

http://www.redrc.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/X-FactoryX-7.jpg
redrc.net

looks like the losi proto of 2005 (?)

http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachments/electric-off-road/291078d1196774246-jrx-s-based-4wd-buggy-why-idea-scrapped-prototype.jpg

[Darren Boyle]

The X-7 bares no resemblance the the Losi JRXS-B prototype inside at all ;)

[t8rtot]

Is the motor behind the shock tower? What is that?

[colmo]

Is the motor behind the shock tower? What is that?

That's not the motor - do you see the belt and pulley? I've actually imagined this - the diff is NOT between the driveshafts, it's further forward - my guess is with separate belts to drive each wheel. In 2wd, midmotor was the Holy Grail. And now, in 4wd, it's mid-diff!

Disclaimer: I could be terribly wrong. It happens.

Edit: Yup, I was terribly wrong.

[YoungChazz]

First real story on the X - 7 http://rcinsider.com/

[DCM]

Still no body-off pics then?

[/tobys]

Are you planning to make/use your own shocks?

[SHY]

Wow, exciting! :thumbsup:

I'm guessing now 3 belts, centrally placed LiPos, motor up front, drop out gear boxes (like proto Durango)...

Good work guys!

Edit: Oh, and hardcoated alu pulleys?

[Bomberpilot]

Hi,
is there one belt for the wheels on the left side and one for the right side....?
And one mid-dif, with torque vectoring?

Just saw the other pics...so no Torque vectoring at rear....

Greez
Maurice

[SHY]

No, don't think so. It's just to get the driveline "out of the way", so you can put the heavy components centrally. My guess is that it's laid out a lot like the Cat SX3.

http://rcinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/061-e1301445709993.jpg
-as you can see there's only the belt on the left side to the rear diff

Will it be metric?

[jdogger1]

Here is some video of X Factory's New Prototype 4wd Buggy X-7

http://vimeo.com/21684981

Check it out its at www.rcinsider.com (http://www.rcinsider.com)

[cmgreen]

The pic i saw was amazing under neath, great location for the motor! WOW

[Chrislong]

The pic i saw was amazing under neath, great location for the motor! WOW

There you go again! TEAZE! LOL :lol:

Its looking good :thumbsup:

[cmgreen]

There you go again! TEAZE! LOL :lol:

Its looking good :thumbsup:

Neva! :lol:

[blitzboy]

looking awesome must say can t wait to see this well done to all at x factory bring on the maths and let th x7 do the talking ,,, the revolution begins yippppeeeeeeee:thumbsup:,,, i spy some thing else thats no ones picked on either hehehehehehehe

[stoff]

The 5th wheel in the centre of the chassis?

Or, the cleverly cropped image to hide the swear word on that guys hoodie?

[mattybucks]

After "Vegagate" it may be a stupid question but is it legal to have the drivechain/belt exposed like that?

[SHY]

LOL! Good one! "Stand back, moving chainsaw coming through!..." :lol:

[YoungChazz]

When it gets its own body, all will be covered and neat. And, Gayo, yes, sexxy.

The B44 body is the best one we could find -- far from perfect, but covers most of it. LOL

[Tomboo_91]

The steering blocks are long :wtf:.. Interesting! :thumbsup:

[Fatal1ty]

Yes, impressive Steeringarm angle on one of the rcinsider pictures!

[t8rtot]

ok i was off before.. but now after looking again, are we seeing 2 different cars in the pictures? the 4wd with associated shocks and the 2wd with kyosho shocks???? :confused:

there are no front driveshafts on the car with kyosho shocks if my eyes serve me correct? so my next question is now, how many cars/truck are you guys working on???

oh and i know i was a little tuff on you guys in the begginings of this thread but looking at what you guys are doing (the 4wd) you have earned this customers money.. Where do i pre-order:wub

[Richard Lowe]

Very interested to see if this is set up how I suspect it might be :)

[Darren Boyle]

You would be amazed how much things move on in just a few months after a driver switches to pastures new ;)

[InsideLineModels]

You would be amazed how much things move on in just a few months after a driver switches to pastures new ;)

Surely you mean pastures old?

[Darren Boyle]

LOL @ Kev, some old, some new, some undecided I guess......

[brettness37]

ok i was off before.. but now after looking again, are we seeing 2 different cars in the pictures? the 4wd with associated shocks and the 2wd with kyosho shocks???? :confused:

:wub


The one with Kyosho shocks is Alex Kreig's handmade short course chassis (SpeedyDad has made 2, one for each of them). dancoog has named them the SCX-E and there is another thread about them on here :thumbsup:

[t8rtot]

The one with Kyosho shocks is Alex Kreig's handmade short course chassis (SpeedyDad has made 2, one for each of them). dancoog has named them the SCX-E and there is another thread about them on here :thumbsup:

hmm.. that website could've done a better job separating them :thumbdown:

[Rocking Donkey]

It looks interesting. From the pics it looks like a 2 belt drive train, driving gearboxes front and rear. To me it looks a bit like a two 2wd's cut and shut, but in a good way. This must be what was meant by changing diffs is quick, a car with belts where the belts don't run around the diffs.

Looking at the bulk head through the window of the body I think it could be motor dead centre with one saddle in front and the other behind.

I always liked the JRX-S based buggy concept, and this looks like a sensible way to work around the super wide diffs.

Its good to see something a bit radical, go belts!

[SpeedyDad]

The one with Kyosho shocks is Alex Kreig's handmade short course chassis (SpeedyDad has made 2, one for each of them). dancoog has named them the SCX-E and there is another thread about them on here :thumbsup:

Yup, that's one of my new concept SC trucks. I built them to see what I could do and where I can take short course trucks. The handling is amazing.

http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66690

[/tobys]

If easy access to the diffs is a design priority, must be geared diffs?

[SHY]

If easy access to the diffs is a design priority, must be geared diffs?

Why is that?

The A-1 had drop-out diffs, and those were ball diffs.

[Gayo]

And, Gayo, yes, sexxy.


Who? Me? :lol: My girlfriend says the same (I think she needs glasses:bored:)

LOL I didn't wrote anything yet on this topic, but I really like your "outathebox thinking", great work by Paul and you. I am slightly disappointed that the suspension isn't carried from the XX4 like it was on the X-5.

Can't wait to see what's under the body!

[SHY]

Something tells me Elvo da Mad Professa also has played a vital part in this Monsta! :lol:

[Oliv996]

Gayo is the guy who always want sexy bodies to paint :D

[elvo]

that the suspension isn't carried from the XX4 like it was on the X-5.



The front suspension is.

[The_doctor]

Please do not go with the forward cab body on the X7 these r the worst bodies ever made for a off road buggy !!!!!:thumbdown::thumbdown:
go with you own shape and dont go down like every one else !!!:thumbsup:
the bodies DONT WORK on all tracks!!!! they r an American track body....


they just look crap!!!!!!!!!!:D

[SHY]

Please do not go with the forward cab body on the X7 these r the worst bodies ever made for a off road buggy !!!!!:thumbdown::thumbdown:
go with you own shape and dont go down like every one else !!!:thumbsup:
the bodies DONT WORK on all tracks!!!! they r an American track body....


they just look crap!!!!!!!!!!:D



+1!!! I don't care if they're 1 sec slower pr. lap! Has anyone "proved" that those ugly bugly shells are actually faster??? Does it even show on laptimes?

[Cooper]

Please make them cab forward!!! that looks sooooo cool!!!! :thumbsup:

[Chrislong]

Im all for cab forward! More forward than any other i.e. like a bus.

[c0sie]

Cab forward and white wheels ftw.

[colmo]

Here's an idea for a cab-forward shell that's cool...

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2008/06/medium_TheHomer.jpg

Looks good, no?

[isobarik]

center motor and slipper and 4 belts to each wheel:thumbsup: ....spool is the way to goo...:woot:

mvh isobarik

[Oliv996]

I bet a motor in each wheel like Michelin system, and 2 belt only to strap LiPo :D

[The_doctor]

if you have a close look u will see that the rear is( and this is what i think!) diff to idle to top shaft which runs the belt pulley to the center(which i think the motor is mounted in the middle of the car) car runs saddle packs the belt then runs to a single diff pulley at the front!!!! (whats got me is those little carbon ears at the front!!) looks like some kind of Cavalier system for the suspension ????? :thumbsup::thumbsup::drool::drool::drool:

for those of you who think the forward cab is faster around a track .....you on drugs every on that's run the body here comments that the rear of the car is a lot looser and have gone back to running a normal body!!!!!

I myself have tryed one on my B44 and find the old Jconcepts body faster end of story!!!

ROAR tried to band them and i for one agree!!! let them run them on 8th scale as they need all the help they need to work!!!:thumbdown::thumbdown:
rubbish ugly junk body's:mad::thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown:!!!!!
i what it .........X7 bring it on!!!!:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

[Fatal1ty]

I think on the rear pully is a slippersystem inside. That would be something new, with rear and front slipper! :wub

Ehhhh body... cab forward rocks! end of story :thumbsup:

[fatbear]

I don't care what the body shell looks like. If it is faster I will run it.

[/tobys]

Has the X7 been run in public anywhere since the Cactus Classic?

I wonder how E is getting on with it....

Can't wait to see/hear more details :drool:

[mikeyscott]

So when is Ellis running it at the Nationals?

[Big E]

When I have had time to get it ready and tried it somewhere.

I unfortunatly do have a day job :thumbdown:...and then 2 kids to muck about with when I get home :thumbsup: so sometimes the cars just have to wait.

Lots of things are happening though with the car even if you don't see it :lol:

[mikeyscott]

When I have had time to get it ready and tried it somewhere.

I unfortunatly do have a day job :thumbdown:...and then 2 kids to muck about with when I get home :thumbsup: so sometimes the cars just have to wait.

Lots of things are happening though with the car even if you don't see it :lol:

Good luck with it all then :)

[YoungChazz]

Ellis drives for X Factory, period. We provide whatever car Ellis thinks can win at any given race. Hopefully that's one of our cars. In 2WD it is. Right now, in 4WD it is not. When the X - 7 is faster than the Kyosho, that's what Ellis will run. The bottom line is that we want Ellis to win.

As he says, we are working on it literally 24/7. We tested some basic concepts on the test bed cars, and most of it worked well from the get-go. Then we used those design ideas on an entirely new car, like nothing you've ever seen. We started a small revolution with the X - 5, and a big revolution with the X - 6. We'll settle for nothing less with the X - 7.

The car that came off the computer screen looked very good indeed, and Paul was able to drive it at about 96% of the fastest lap times at Cactus. That's great for the first cut, but it's not ready for Ellis, or anybody else, to drive at Nationals. We have two specific issues to work out, and Paul thinks the C.A.D. is there now.

So we've got to produce the new parts ($$$$) and get them to the Team. We did not take it to Cactus as a teaser; it was tested by fire right from the start.

[/tobys]

I wonder if the X7 will make it's UK national debut this weekend...:drool:

[markwilliamson2001]

Well, i will be looking for a possble replacement for my b44 soon, so this might be a possible at the right price!

Cant wait to see a more finished article with the shell off.
:thumbsup:

[/tobys]

I do hope they decide to use Big bore shocks of some type...:drool:

[YoungChazz]

I just posted about the X - 7 prototype on RCTech.

http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-off-road/497905-x-factory-x-7-4wd-4.html

[styleone]

Any more sneaky news guys?....keep us all happy :)....for now :lol:

[YoungChazz]

We learned so much with the test bed cars, then more with the Gen 1 prototype we ran at Cactus. Ellis has that car now, and C.A.D. has been flying back and forth across the Atlantic; so much C.A.D. that when we produce the next batch of X - 7 protos they will be called Gen 5.1.

We have a self-imposed deadline of June 20 to have the new car in Ellis' hands, as well as 5.1s for Paul and Elvo.

Much work has gone on behind the scenes, and sometimes it seems to take forever. I wish it would be on the market yesterday...

[styleone]

Well we all know that the time taken at this stage will make for a truly amazing product at the other end of the process :thumbsup:

Have the proto vehicles all been running saddles or is there a possibility that we may see a stick config?

Thanks for the update Chazz

[markwilliamson2001]

Looking forward to the final article, i just dont seem to get on with the b44 outside, its just a bit twitchy for me, i prefer my x6 right now outside.
Looking forward to seeing the layout, and config of the x7, and any special features its going to have.

Bring on seeing Ellis' one running at a national.
:thumbsup:

[YoungChazz]

@styleone, the answer is yes.

Mark, we are looking forward to exactly that event. We want to get the Gen 5.1 out long before the end of this month, and Ellis will defo have it for the Euros.

[markwilliamson2001]

:thumbsup::):drool::D

[styleone]

I wonder who will produce the shell? Jconcepts I'm guessing?
I'm expecting the protos at the nationals to be running b44 shells like the cactus outting...either way I can not wait to see this beast :)

Hold on a minute....childish fan boy alert! Lol :)

Gonna be epic

[jimmy]

We learned so much with the test bed cars, then more with the Gen 1 prototype we ran at Cactus. Ellis has that car now, and C.A.D. has been flying back and forth across the Atlantic; so much C.A.D. that when we produce the next batch of X - 7 protos they will be called Gen 5.1.

We have a self-imposed deadline of June 20 to have the new car in Ellis' hands, as well as 5.1s for Paul and Elvo.

Much work has gone on behind the scenes, and sometimes it seems to take forever. I wish it would be on the market yesterday...

Hey Chazz, I hope you're doing well. Will Ellis run at the Worlds with this car?

[YoungChazz]

Very sadly, Jimmy, no. Just not enough time to sort the car. Really, to be competitive, you've got to practice many hours every day seven days a week for a minimum of six months before the event. Ellis would not have more than 2 - 3 weeks with a completely new machine. And the worlds are on dirt, which is quite difficult for E to get any practice time on. It really is completely different.

If we can get it out in 10 days, which we expect to do, Ellis will have about six weeks before the Euros. Not a whole lot better, really.

[YoungChazz]

In response to two posts, I put this on RCTech:


I believe both Tater and Gould are correct! Engineering projects without deadlines are never finished, and nothing is produced. The finest imaginable product is still getting better on the comp screen.

On the other hand, we go where the physics and engineering lead us. Physics tells us, "This you must do," and engineering figures out how to do it. Note that Paul's 4-year degree is in Physics, with a minor in Math. The concept of the 4-Gear transmission is simple physics.

The Gen 1 prototype of the X - 7 had two major issues. One of them was fitting the electronics in, and we made a simple change that does not affect the physics but solved the problem entirely. 4WD cars have NO room! The other problem is more difficult, but we do think we've solved it; this one too a partially about getting everything to fit and work.

The physics principles, first tried on the test beds, are right on, both on suspension and driveline. It's a matter of doing and testing the engineering to make them work, and we now feel very good about that. Gen 5.1 may be on the machine late this week! Paul wants to drive one at the Bill Bridges race, Stefan needs one for the worlds, and Ellis won't go to the Euros without one before the end of this month. (See practice time above.) It's coming soon.

[markwilliamson2001]

WAHOOO!!!! CANT WAIT :D

[styleone]

I'm wondering if the next gen test beds will perhaps run a proto new shell or will they be run with the b44 shell again?

Either way I also can't wait! :D

[YoungChazz]

B44. Can't justify spending money on a mold at this point. That will be the very last thing relative to the car.

[styleone]

That's fully understandable Chazz, the shell must be far from your mind with the test beds and protos....you know us family members tho? Eager to see what it will look like...patience needed by me I guess :)

[YoungChazz]

I work hard every day on patience -- it's always been a problem for me. X Factory in general, and the X - 7 in particular, are forcing growth in that area whether I like it or not! LOL

[YoungChazz]

Over the weekend, while you Brits were watching E win 4WD with a Pidge-mobile, Paul was busy cutting Gen 5.1 CF. Mostly done, just a few bits to go, and then he cuts the aluminum parts. Should be winging on its way to Ellis late this week.

[markwilliamson2001]

Nice!

[styleone]

Wonderful news! :) can't wait to see it moving

[Twister]

it was a brilliant idea to combine xx4 & xxx-4 , pure genius really so we cant wait to see what you will pull out of your hats this time : ) if you make it , we'll race it!

[YoungChazz]

Thank you Twister. We've taken a long time to do this, and we think we've gotten it right, therefore worth the wait!

[styleone]

Thank you Twister. We've taken a long time to do this, and we think we've gotten it right, therefore worth the wait!

I'm sure I speak for loads of loyal X Factory followers when I say, the wait is going to be well worth it. That extra time in development is greatly needed these days. Too many manufacturers are prepared to just rush out items due to demand

Its going to be epic I'm sure :) let's see how E throws the gen 5 proto down...its obviously in very good hands

[johnnygibbon]

impressed with your development . you actually seem to care about the car being reliable and performing well . so it probly wont need a aftermarket chassis or a special gearbox to work properly.
its on my want list . it willbe my 1st belt drive off roader
will it be imperial or will it use proper tools and scews ect

[YoungChazz]

Johnny, I like the line at the bottom of your sig.

X Factory is an American company. The X - 7 is U. S. denominated.

[YoungChazz]

Gen 5.1 prototype parts are now complete! Ellis' car was shipped to him in U.K. yesterday, and he should have it late next week. Paul did a fabulous job making this, and begins building his today hoping to finish it by Friday afternoon and run it somewhere this weekend. I'm drooling just looking at the parts -- beautiful. Stay tuned!

[Oliv996]

Great news !!!
I will stay x-Tuned :D

[styleone]

Great news, so rubber on the dirt ready for the Euros! I bet E can't wait, keep us updated E? Well done family :)



Gen 5.1 prototype parts are now complete! Ellis' car was shipped to him in U.K. yesterday, and he should have it late next week. Paul did a fabulous job making this, and begins building his today hoping to finish it by Friday afternoon and run it somewhere this weekend. I'm drooling just looking at the parts -- beautiful. Stay tuned!

[YoungChazz]

Posted in the X - 7 thread on R/C Tech:

Home from the shop about 1AM Monday morning. Rear driveline all together and on the chassis, front driveline about half together. Much progress today.

Paul thinks he'll be able to drive the 5.1 in the parking lot Monday night, IF all goes well...

Ellis' 5.1 should arrive at his house soon. It's all in pieces, of course, and E will have to do the work Paul is doing now.

[styleone]

Posted in the X - 7 thread on R/C Tech:

Home from the shop about 1AM Monday morning. Rear driveline all together and on the chassis, front driveline about half together. Much progress today.

Paul thinks he'll be able to drive the 5.1 in the parking lot Monday night, IF all goes well...

Ellis' 5.1 should arrive at his house soon. It's all in pieces, of course, and E will have to do the work Paul is doing now.

Wonderful news Chazz :thumbsup: I know this is a loooong shot but is there a cheaky snap of Pauls car yet?....is that like asking the F.B.I for a sneak into the X Files mate :p...either way I'm sure all the solid hard work will pay off in the super capable hands of E....Ellis, keep us updated on how she goes together?