Epic Orlandoo Hunter

Today we are going to build the Orlandoo Hunter OH32X02, an 1:32 scale trophy truck. This was my most difficult RC build ever, but the end result is epic! Look at the realistic suspension travel. Remember, this truck is the size of my smartphone.

I didn't record a time lapse for the build, but I will show some highlights and areas to look out for. This build I think took me 9 to 12 hours to complete! The Orlandoo Hunter kit is a built from scratch kit. In fact, there are many parts expected to be glued together. Unlike GL builds, building an Orlandoo feels a lot like building a plastic model. There are many non-performance details. For example, we have the dashboard and central console, as well as the classic trophy truck vents. The level of details is high! Once installed in the cage, they look quite realistic.

Completed the front suspension arms. Movement is free and solid. I didn't even need to massage anything!

Next is the upgraded servo saver (MX0063). In stock form, there is no saver to protect the fragile servo (AS0022). There were no instructions except some photos. But it's simple enough. I used the stiffest saver spring but it's still pretty soft.

Because this is RC, there are always turnbuckles to build. The job was significant easier with this Tamiya pin vise tool. I was impressed by the fit of the pivot balls and ball cups. I did not have to massage any joints with pliers.

I got the OEM motor system recommended for this truck, the NR3000. This is the highest geared and biggest option. It's a brushed motor mounted to a gear box. The gear box shaft will go straight to the central drive shaft. The simple design is brilliant. There's no mess and gear meshing! Paired with the motor is the OEM ESC, TS0002. It's small and plugs into the motor directly. It supports 2S lipo, and will step down the voltage for the low-voltage 2.2g servo. It doesn't support brake though! Bummer.

On the step of mounting the bottom plate on the chassis, I ran into a major manufacturing issue. The cage was too wide in the middle section, and consequently two screw holes didn't line up. This was problematic because this was a load-bearing part. Apparently this is a problem with some production batches. Some people cut and shorten a few bars of the cage. I opted for extending the tabs with some plastic bits from the parts tree. Then I drilled new holes to secure the bottom plate. It gets the job done.

With the crisis averted, we can move on to the next step. For the rear axle, I bought an upgraded part, a metal gear differential (X02-560). The stock truck comes with a locked axle. Apparently it performs quite well, but I decided to get this cute looking diff. There's a problem though. One side of the axle shaft was too thick for the 2mm bearing! I needed to sand down the metal to make it work. After more elbow grease, I got the bearing to go in comfortably. The diff action is quite smooth. I'd never run into this type of issues with Kyosho, GL, or PN kits.

It's time to work on the shocks. The trophy truck uses 8 of them! This set of 4 is for the front, and they are upgraded alloy parts (ME3-290X-GY and ME5-275X). The tiny ball cups were difficult to install! It's easier to tap the hole first, like this. The upgraded shocks look and feel really good, despite the tiny size. The front suspension is looking absolutely stunning. The rear shocks are longer but the process is similar (ME3-380X-GY and ME5-395X).

I also got the upgraded central drive shaft (MD3-375). Like the shocks, it's very smooth and high quality,.

Wow the completed chassis looks so good! This has not been an easy build at all, but the result is satisfying. Mechanically, this tiny 1:32 chassis accurately models after a real life desert truck. Front double wishbone suspension with sway bar, and rear trailing arm 4-link suspension with sway bar. The suspension travel is long and plush! This is actually crazy at this scale. It's hard to convey how small this thing is.

Of course, a trophy truck must have spare tires, gas can, and fire extinguishers in the back! I also added alloy rims. The OH32X02 trophy truck has really exceeded my expectations.

Before I close out the build footages, I want to talk about the tools required to build this kit. These are not just nice to have. I don't see how it's possible otherwise. You need a good pair of tweezers and flat cutters. Also, a magnetized #00 Phillips and 0.9mm hex drivers. Plus, a pin vise tool for turnbuckles as well as a 0.7mm drill bit.

So the truck looks good, but how does it perform? Despite the small size, and a relatively slippery wood surface, the RWD truck handles very well. The brushed motor isn't crazy fast like the Mini-Z buggy, but it's more than zippy enough to be fun! This is now my favorite indoor RC!

I will have a full review video in the near future. This is Sammy and thanks for watching!

Music: "Journey to the Stars", Savfk (   • Journey to the Stars by Savfk [Univer...  )