Trinity Aluminum Endbell, Jr's Choice. ??

[RCveteran]

What is the story with these endbells? I do not think Losi ever offered so I am assuming this was built at some point in history. Just acquired off ebay. It sure does look pretty.

[duckhead]

Looks nothing like the sad excuse for a Jr's Choice that I have

My guess is the previous owner swapped the end bell out for a Trinity aluminum end bell, like you mentioned. Probably from a Trinity Pure Gold, etc. I might be way off but I thought that style of end bell was called 'Epic' or 'Eclipse' or something like that...

My memory is failing me

Either way, that is a nice get from eBay

[RCveteran]

This endbell says Trinity and no "EPIC". Ernest Provetti Importing Company. Ernest was owner of Trinity for those here who may not know, if that is possible

I'll slap a new repo decal on it and shelf it. Still curious about more info on these aluminum endbells though.

[Lavigna]

I don't know for sure the details of what is correct on your motor. However the ebay seller you got it from has a loooong history of faking motors. He refurbishes them and puts on new repop decals, or swaps out ends. If you look at his auctions of motors of the same model, you will see different cans used.

It doesn't mean your motor doesn't look cool, but it's very unlikely it was a combo ever offered by those companies. I bought a motor from him knowing it wasn't "real" but liked how it looked.

[jkelm24]

Bummer if he's intentionally trying to pass bogus motors as 'original vintage'. But, the sticker appears to have some minor wear. Maybe someone just tinkered with it at some point?

No matter what that one is, it looks pretty awesome!

Looks like the starting point for a JRX-something vintage resto-mod! Now you just need to go hunt down the donor cars!

Here's another with Yoke end bell.

[RCveteran]

YEah, I actually picked up on that looking at his listings, but since this one has the actaul team losi can and what I knew was at least a rare endbell for $30 I was happy to own it.

[Lonestar]

It's a Franken but that endbell sure is cool, and for $30, not a bad deal.

[duckhead]

I don't know for sure the details of what is correct on your motor. However the ebay seller you got it from has a loooong history of faking motors. He refurbishes them and puts on new repop decals, or swaps out ends. If you look at his auctions of motors of the same model, you will see different cans used.

It doesn't mean your motor doesn't look cool, but it's very unlikely it was a combo ever offered by those companies. I bought a motor from him knowing it wasn't "real" but liked how it looked.

Any chance we can share the seller's handle so we can all be on the look out? Thanks!

[duckhead]

YEah, I actually picked up on that looking at his listings, but since this one has the actaul team losi can and what I knew was at least a rare endbell for $30 I was happy to own it.

The 'TEAM LOSI' stamp is a bit suspect for me, I wasn't able to find a similar can stamp like that anywhere. Interestingly enough, I was able to find Trinity motors with "TRINITY" stamped on the can, and they share the same end bell.

http://citylife48.com/showroom?iid=167

https://classicrc.wordpress.com/motors/trinity/1985-1987-world-champions/

I agree with the consensus that this is a "frankenmotor" but I would be interested if anyone else has a 'TEAM LOSI' stamped can. Seems like a lot of effort if this seller stamped a standard Yokomo can.

Nonetheless IMHO $30 for that end bell is worth it, those Trinity Pure Gold motors and end bells were so sexy

[RCveteran]

I'd swear I recall that stamp from ones in the past but do not have any others to compare to at moment. I am assuming Losi motors were rebranded Trinity motors but I am not sure? If he went through trouble to stamp I almost have to give him credit for his dedication to fake vintage motors

[SteveMax]

The can is legit and the label looks real to me. Early losi motors were yokomo based, but later ones were epic (trinity) based. The cans being offered as comparison above are yokomo and won't have the 'Team Losi' stamp.

Like lonestar said, it's a franken motor, but the endbell is an upgrade. A plastic epic endbell would be what it came with.
No telling on the armature - Jr's choice was a 17 double, so you could take it apart and verify at least the wind is correct.

[Phin]

Trinity sold those endbells individually as aftermarket upgrades. The Sheldon's Hobbies catalog in my Aug '89 ish of RCCA has a pic of it. Part # TRI4018. $23.95 USD.

[scr8p]

Trinity sold those endbells individually as aftermarket upgrades. The Sheldon's Hobbies catalog in my Aug '89 ish of RCCA has a pic of it. Part # TRI4018. $23.95 USD.

Yup

[RCveteran]

I will clean solder off and put new sticker on it and going in shelfer so what is inside not really important at this point. Thanks for the info.

[DropDeadKustoms]

If you take it apart and polish it....they look amazing!!!!