Love a challenge? Build your own 4WD explorer.

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If you think buying your car already made is too easy then Orlandoo OH35P01 has a new construction challenge. The mission requires you to put together about 100 pieces and connect all the mechanical moving parts including the gearbox and steering system.

Orlando OH35P01 Kit Unbuilt
The parts index of the Orlando.

How easy is it to build?

It is a nice challenge for the beginner and if you have previous kit building experience it can probably be done in just over an hour.

Instructions are adequate and the great thing is the parts are all separated into key sections so you don’t spend time figuring out what piece is for what part.  Just use one bag at a time and you can build each section. Once you have the main sections done you combine them all together.

The axle screws and main linkage is the most fiddly part, the included tool is not that great and I had an easier time with my magnetized screwdriver.

The drivetrain
The hardest part is the transmission links and screwing in the tiny axle screws.

How well can it really climb?

From  the front we found all objects below the bonnet of the car can be climbed, as long as the wheels can touch the surface it climbed slowly and steadily. If you want to take on bigger angles you can turn into the object and ride up the side.

Approach angle
Approaching from the side you can turn into heights that are too steep for head on climbing.

It is slow but the 4 wheels of direct drive mean that it can navigate into areas of the office that only a 4WD crawler can.

The maximum angle the tires keep traction is approx 45 degrees on my mouse pad.

The side angle roll is similar at around 45 degrees.

Side angle shot
This is about the max angle from the side, you can see the top tyre is just holding on.

It has a large wheel base and the turning arch is wide so for some tight spots it requires a bit of reverse action. Faster cars can climb with the speed and momentum but will not actually be stable on an angle, the Orlando suspension and Tyre combination allow to climb without the need of fast momentum. When climbing, the suspension usually keeps 3 wheels on the ground, and the soft rubber tires grip and hold to most surfaces.

Crawling high
Driving over the powerbank the front wheel lifts but the direct diff locked transmission keeps the Orlando on track.
back angle
The rear axle is similar in terms of suspension reach.

What else do I need?

A basic receiver and controller; you can easily transfer your receiver from any other RC car or boat that you have, or pickup a bargain one form our store.

The car itself is not fast to drive but steadily cruises over obstacles and can climb some objects, if you want a ready to go racer these are not the wheels you should be looking for. Instead for me, the excitement is more in the construction than the playing, as, after all, it’s the journey, not the destination that makes the trip. If you are up for the challenge of building your own Orlandoo OH35P01 and seeing what you can climb then I welcome you to take the dive and share your experience with us.