bullboy8

Wanted to start a new build, and I'm leaning towards the Crackerbox. Does anyone out there have build plans for a Crackerbox? Thanks!! -Ed

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

Bullboy, it sure wouldn't hurt to take a look at Zippkit's C-boxes as they're inexpensive kits that will save you a ton of hassle, www.zippkits.com .
Air Age's RC Store is down right now for construction otherwise they normally have Jerry Dunlap's original plans that the class was based on.

bullboy8

Hey thanks Ron! I was fortunate enough Dave (AKA Lil Dave) had a copy of the Jerry Dunlap plans. I will deff look into the zip kits though. I wonder when they will come out with a Cat (would be nice if possible)

bullboy8

I would be in the NAMBA Crackerbox, which is the "N-Box"...But I don't see a difference between the N-Box, and I-Box?????? Does anyone know?

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

Joe is supposed to be working on a Cat kit but no telling when it will be out. I could have said a kit Cat but that would sound more like a candy bar (OK, groan now!).

bullboy8

Ooooh Can't wait to see it! Oh and Ron, you're a class act comedian

foodstick

go with the zippkit ! you won't regret it, some of the plans the templates for the bulkheads aren't even symetrical !

Dreamin Hemi

Saw a few of these Crackerboxs running at the races today....VERYfast!

Lil Dave

I'm gonna take a shot at the c-box dunlap plans after my 72" mono I have slated next.... Are you gonna do another zen ed?

dwr9

The difference between the N Box And I Box is the angle of the bottom. They also havea Z Box that is legal in both NAMBA and IMPBA

bullboy8

Thanks Doug. It goes to show you my sometimes non extinsive research[sm=49_49.gif] LOL

bullboy8

Also Doug, I have been wanting to ask you what kind of epoxy/resin you use over the outside of your boats to keep the wood look(transparent)?

MrMikeG

The Dunlap plans going around were for Homelites too, they have too much Rocker.
I would also recommend Zipp kits.

blizard05

GO with a Zipp Kits,you can't go wrong, so easy that a cave man or girl could build one. I have built 4 of them,V,I, N,and Z boxes Larry B

Tidnab

My Feedback: (51)

I agree with the guys on the Zippkits crackers,even though I've never built one,but have read all the reviews from builders on them.If they're as easy as the Rocket thunderboat kit,that's the way to go.If you do go with Dunlap plans go to http://occrackers.multiply.com/photo.../Miscellaneous and put the pics of the revised frames into your computer and then print each of them out.Should come out the right size for the plans.You may have to join the group to view them ,but that's easy.If you want to build a little narrower crackerbox,then take off a little from the center of each frame.If you want a shorter hull,put the frames a little closer on your building board,but don't shorten the engine area too much.Keep your final dimentions between both racing organizations rules and you can adjust the bottom angle to either organization or make it so you can race in either,like the Zippkit Z box.
The OCC group built and raced a lot of the Dunlaps,which were mostly weedeater powered,but some were powered by Zenoahs.There's a lot of info and pics to give you ideas.

bullboy8

You all have been GREAT help with this topic, I can't thank you all enough. I will let you all know if I decide to use the plans or just go with the z-box. Thanks Again!!! -Ed

dwr9

I've used a number of different brands of epoxy including no name brands from the local hobby shop and I've had pretty good luck with all of them. For coating my boats both inside and out I use epoxy with the longest cure times I can find, usually the epoxy I use to coat my boats takes a full day to fully cure. After epoxy coating the boat I sand til it's smooth and cover with a clear polyurethane you can get at any home improvement store. Doug

foodstick

One last thing about the ZIPPKITS boats...believe when I tell you my buddy is talented,cheap, and has all the tools to build from scratch..he took one look at my Ibox kit quality and said,I can't even round up the wood any cheaper than that, and its already cut out ! Now I am not sure you couldn't find the wood stock cheaper, but barely ! its a great deal with such a nice fit at every stage.

CrackerboxSydney

Hi,
I'm starting to build a crackerbox, you may be interested in which plans i've used:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8972788/tm.htm
In short, google for 'marios rc models crackerbox'.

Having said that, in hindsight, those zipp kits look good!