Builder of the Month: William Klaassen (October 2024)

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We’re thrilled to introduce William Klaassen, an avid RC enthusiast from the Netherlands. His journey began with a gift for his son, igniting a passion for building unique RC vehicles. Join us as we explore William's insights and tips to inspire your own RC adventures!

Boom:

Welcome, William Klaassen, and thank you for sharing your amazing builds with the Boom community. Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into the hobby?

William Klaassen:

I am a 45-year-old Dad of four kids who lives in the Netherlands. A couple of years ago, my son got me curious about RCs. We purchased a secondhand one for my son, and in the beginning, I did the repair and the optimization. After six months, I couldn't resist it anymore and purchased one secondhand for myself.

Boom:

What was your first RC vehicle? Why choose the model you did? (and the level of detail you settled upon?)

William Klaassen:

My first vehicle was a Defender Crawler type because my son had the same model, and that is what we liked back in the day. It was not completely standard because it was a secondhand updated one. After a short while, it was clear to me that I needed to make changes and updates. More detail, better capabilities, and more of a rig was how I liked it.

Boom:

How did you discover the Boom Racing brand?

William Klaassen:

The first time I discovered Boom Racing was at the SuperScale in Germany. There were so many different types and I found out I also wanted a model of that. I met a lot of people there and talked to a couple of enthusiasts who told me a lot about the Boom Racing world.

Boom:

Can you tell us about your Boom Racing vehicles?

William Klaassen:

First, I started with a BRX01 LC70, and the second is a BRX01 Limited Dually. Now, I have 6 Boom Racing rigs together with my son. All my rigs need to be as scale as possible and slightly different from what somebody else has. The last one I am building at the moment is a BRX02 Landrover 109 Series II. (Every time you learn, the last one is even better than the previous one.) I am already thinking of building a new one. New ideas, new possibilities.

Boom:

What's the one tip (when building a new kit & rig) you think everyone should follow?

William Klaassen:

Take it slow and easy. Do not speed it up and take your time. It is all in the details. If you have some questions, ask them in the community. Anyone is willing to help you out. In the and missing something or not working. Please contact Boom Racing Headquarters

Boom:

If you could build any vehicle from any era (that isn't currently being made), what would that vehicle be?

William Klaassen:

A 1966 early Bronco or a Datsun Nissan Patrol 1980 were the cars I loved as a little man back in the day. The Bronco was the first vehicle with a V8 engine and updated front-link suspension. ( Nobody had it back in the day)

Boom:

Any tips on getting a good paint 'Adhesion' and 'Finish' when painting and detailing hard bodies?

William Klaassen:

Always start with sanding and cleaning with a degreaser. Spray on a couple of layers of base coat. Dark for dark colors and light for light color finish.

Boom:

What do you use for a driver figure and why?

William Klaassen:

For me, it is important that the size is correct and that it fits with the theme. The last figure was from Star Wars. It would be awesome if Boom Racing could make a scale figure, just like their cars (different types and different options) already completely finished and others that can be painted personalized.

Boom:

What is your experience with installing LEDs?

William Klaassen:

All cars that I have built come completely finished with lights. Experienced, no; did it, yes. In the end, it is still a pain in the ass, and you have to keep your patience. Sometimes, I even have to lay it apart and start over again after a few days.

Boom:

When fitting LEDs, what tips would you offer to achieve a more scale-looking light with no bleed-through behind them?

William Klaassen:

Standard lights (headlights and trunk lights) should fit the era (color and brightness). Additional lights(floodlights, spotlights) could be LED (which could be brighter).

Boom:

And finally...what final words of wisdom do you have for the rest of the Boom community to fire them up and inspire them into an epic build of their own?

William Klaassen:

Don't hesitate any longer. Just start your own journey of being a Badass; the sky is the limit. It doesn't matter if not everyone will like your rig, but in the end, you are the one who will rock it.

Author:Beth Liang