Skeeride Snowtracks for TRX-4

I wanted some tracks for my TRX-4, I have tried the official Traxxas ones and i was disappointed by their performances in the snow. I had built a Skeeride 2 From BuildItBetter and the track on this little sled works so great, I wanted to try to put it under my trx4. The result is surprisingly really good, they float, they rip, they have amazing traction, turns great and backs up effortlessly. Big thanks to BuildItBetter https://www.myminifactory.com/users/builditbetter for letting me use his tracks model!

Material list:

Bearings 3x8x3 (16): https://www.amazon.com/HiPicco-MR83-2RS-Bearings-Miniature-Pre-Lubricated/dp/B0C74WQT9B/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?

Bearings 8x12x3,5 (8): https://www.amazon.com/GoHobby-Bearings-10-Pack-Miniature-8x12x3-5mm/dp/B09L13V474/ref=sr_1_3?

Bearings 5x10x4 (28): https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-MR105-2RS-Bearings-Miniature-Precision/dp/B0CM6LSGFX/ref=sr_1_16?

8mm aluminium rod (30cm) : https://www.amazon.com/MECCANIXITY-Round-Aluminum-Diameter-Length/dp/B09Y2F61DL/ref=sr_1_8?

M3 Rods: https://www.amazon.com/Feelers-Stainless-Threaded-Threads-Length%E3%80%90Pack/dp/B092QC85RV/ref=sr_1_10?

M3 screws: https://www.amazon.com/Kozelo-1280pcs-Socket-Screws-Assortment/dp/B0DJ3LNZXZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?

M3 nylon Nuts: https://www.amazon.com/Vifmy-M3-0-5mm-Nuts%EF%BC%8C304-Stainless-Locknuts%EF%BC%8CStandard/dp/B0CPJF21KP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

Spring kit: https://www.amazon.com/Dianrui-Compression-Assortment-Mechanical-K-P-051-300/dp/B0BVTDP29W/ref=sr_1_4?

16 ga 2 in finishing nails: https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCS16200-2-Inch-Gauge-Finish/dp/B0002Q8TP0/ref=sr_1_3?

15mm Hex extension: https://www.amazon.com/RCLIONS-Wheels-Spacers-Extension-Crawler/dp/B0B6G4T934/ref=sr_1_3?

M3 Ball joints: https://www.amazon.com/10Pcs-Joint-Aluminum-Holder-Titanium/dp/B07H4N1VH9/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?

Recommendation:

I only tested those on two Trx-4 with a Hobbywing Axe system. I think i would work fine with the original electronics, but it will be slower.

I also didn't tested the original servo, I have a power HD 40kg and my friend who have a set Have a power HD 20kg and we don't have any problems. I think the original servo would struggle turning those tracks, (as it did with the traxxas ones).

Finally the original body might rub on full flex (not tested), I'd suggest trimming it. 

Printing:

 I Used PLA+, 2 walls 100% infill for everything i wanted as much strength as possible. Some parts need supports, everything is pretty obvious except the center bloc need to be printed on the 45 deg flat. The number in () in the files names is the amout needed for the 4 tracks.

Construction:

Front Frames: Join the 2 half of each frames with 2 Link_short and M3x8 screws. Screw In the 2 tensions_blocs with M3x12 screws. Screw in the Iddler and Iddler_Gear with 5x10x4 bearings, M3x12 screws and M3 washers. If the bearings are not tights, add some CA glue to keep them in place, they keep the wheels from rubbing on the frame.

Back frames: Same as the front, there is a Link_long at the front and and two more Iddler.

Tensioners: Cut a 65mm M3 rod. Screw it in the tension Bloc all the way. Insert a M3 Nylon nut in the Tension_knob, and 2 in the tension_axle. insert the rod of the tension bloc in your Tension_bloc with the Tension_knob in the middle. Screw in the Idler_wheels on the bloc with M3x30 screws, 3x8x3 bearings and Spacer, not too tight.

Centering bloc: Cut a 28mm and a 65mm M3 threaded rod. Screw the 28mm one in the Centering_bloc all the way. With the other rod and the Centering_bracket, make the assembly shown below.

Make sure to have the right Centering_bracket, the end stops should be facing up with the hole on the inside of the track. For the springs, I used 0.7x20mm and 0.7x25mm, using diffenrents springs can help to ajust the Center position of the tracks angle. When it's good, Screw the Centering bloc in the Ball end and screw this assembly inside the track frame using M3x6 screws.

Driving: Use the Shaft_jig to cut and drill the holes on your 8mm rod. Screw the Ext_gear with M3x25 screws and nuts on the end of the rod that have the hole the closest to th middle to have it sit flush with the gear. Insert two 8x12x3,5 bearings in the track frame. 

Installing on the RC: Remove the 4 screws shown in the picture, and dremel the ribs (in yellow) if needed.

Install the Hex extension. Take the screws from the extension kit and dremel a line in the middle to fit a flat head screwdriver. Then, screw the Int_gear on the extension with the crew and lock washer only. You can now install your track by carefully sliding in the Centering bloc on the portal.

 (The truck is upside down in the picture)

Once it's in place, slide in the shaft to let it take the weight of the track. Lock the gear on the shaft with a M3x25mm screw and nut, and screw back the 4 screws on the protal. 

Track assembly: Use a alternating pattern of A-B-A-C, insert the finishing nails in and heat the tab to lock them in. Put them on the tracks at the very end of the installation. Set the tension with the tension screw. The front tracks need 18 links and the back need 21.

GO turn some snow!

Thanks for the support! If you have any questions Send me a message I'll respond as quick a possible.