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Imberiman Centerfeed Trracer Body Review

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    Imberiman Centerfeed Trracer Body Review

    Some of you have probably seen my on-going Trracer build.



    This is built entirely around an imberiman Centerfeed Trracer body.

    From what I remember and have found online, these were originally designed by a user named Mr. Noodle, but the project was carried out by another user: imberiman.

    IIRC a limited number of these were made, and as it stands, mine is the only one that I have ever seen fully built out since the initial lot sold.

    Now that I have built it out to near completion, I figured it was time for a review.

    Short Review: Just get a Phantom.

    Long Review: If you like a challenge, and you want to solve a puzzle, then go ahead and pick one of these up.

    This isn't to disparage Imberiman, or Mr. Noodle who started the project.

    On paper this is a fantastic idea. A drop in Trracer body that takes Phantom feeds, AC barrels, and uses Spyder detents.

    Unfortunately, literally all 3 of these aspects have an issue that come along with them.

    The detent:

    Just in front of the frame screw hole is a spot to put a Spyder detent. Unfortunately, there is no spot for the detent to 'lay down' when the bolt is brought forward, and pretty consistently, after 5-10 shots, you will guillotine the detent, making it useless.



    In my opinion, the stock Trracer spring detent worked perfectly fine, and this was an unnecessary change that at the very least could have been implemented better.

    The feed:

    The threaded hole for the Phantom feed tube happens to sit exactly where the end of the barrel meets the body. This creates a 'step' half way into the theaded hole.



    With that step there, and the threads being only half way down on one side of the hole, you have very few threads to get a bolt into, and you have to modify a screw to match this step, otherwise the barrel does not screw in completely.

    On my first use with this gun, the feed fell off while running through the woods. When I eventually found it I discovered the single thread that was holding the feed on had essentially ripped right out. What remained were the half threads on the bottom portion of the step.



    I was able to convince Jordan to help me, and he installed a CCI threaded insert into the body and cleaned it up nice so it doesn't effect the barrel.

    Another odd choice that effects the feed is the tapered section between the body and the barrel threads. This ramp actually interferes with the natural resting point of the Phantom feed, further exacerbating your chance of stripping the threads out of the mounting hole.

    The AC Threads:

    Now, I understand why they chose to widen the body at the breech end. AC barrels sometimes need the extra room. But this brings us to problem #3:

    The body is incompatible with ALL pump handles.

    I knew that a stock Trracer pump handle wasn't going to cut it on here as they are meant for 7/8ths barrel OD, so I started looking at some options. I have a handful of misc Nelson parts lying around, and I brought over a couple handles to see what would be ideal.

    To my surprise, none of them fit around the body.

    On average the pump handles I have are just over 1" OD. For reasons unknown, the widest part of this body is 1.088". Not anything crazy but enough that you either have to modify an existing pump handle, or create one.



    I have 3D printed many parts for this gun, but for the aesthetic reasons, and for the sake of longevity and reliability, I am trying to use as many manufactured parts as possible.

    Thankfully another member, anson, stepped up and bored the Kenimex Scorpion pump handle that I picked up for this build.



    The TLDR is that these bodies really feel like a first draft, and with some refining could have been an excellent upgrade option. Now that I've struggled through issues with the detent, the feed mounting, and the pump handles not fitting, I think I understand why you never really saw any of these turn into a build after they sold out.​

    If one comes up and you have the means to solve these problems, I'd say go for it. You certainly wont see another one at the field. But if you're just looking to buy parts and slap them together, I'd look at something else.
    Last edited by RAZRBAKK; 10-22-2024, 02:47 PM.
    Originally posted by Terry A. Davis
    God said 640x480 16 color was a covenant like circumcision.

    #2
    Thanks for making such a well made post. Most projects that go badly like this end up as peoples’ secret shame that nobody ever learns anything from. Worse case even is horrible guns/parts/mods end up with a legendary status because people don’t like to talk about failure, more and more tend to lose their human ability to process negative feedback properly, perhaps blame themselves, fairly or not, and all too often want to protect their “investment” and so won’t tell you stuff is trash before they sell it to you.

    Sometimes the reason why something is rare is that it sucks.

    It’s also a cautionary tale…it’s maybe not so easy to do what real paintball companies do, is it?

    BTW, what stock Trracer spring detent are you referring to? I’m not aware of any detent in a Trracer but there are few variations on them over the years. Is/was this an Empire Trracer?

    Comment


    • RAZRBAKK

      RAZRBAKK

      commented
      Editing a comment
      I've got nothing to hide with builds like this. I have certainly spent more than one should on a Trracer, but at the end of they day I got what I wanted: A unique Nelson based stock class pistol.

      The spring detent I refer to is the horizontal spring in the breech below the feedneck. Perhaps I'm wrong about what its purpose is for.

      I will take a photo when I get home.

    • RAZRBAKK

      RAZRBAKK

      commented
      Editing a comment
      This is the spring I mentioned:



      Not sure what it's purpose would be beyond preventing double feeds.

    #3
    Hey, wow! I’ve never seen that before. Mine is a very early PMI, not ACI.

    The most clever Nelson innovation on my Trracer is the feed that allows you to clamp an elbow on it OR use it as a cramandjam since it’s got an o-ring to hold in a 10 round tube.

    Comment


      #4
      Great review and write up! Thank you for the contribution.

      I was sad I missed out on the run of these, but after reading this I'm glad I didn't cause I already have a garage of half finished projects. Still a great idea though!
      💀 PK x Ragnastock 💀

      Comment


        #5
        Nice review!
        I really like the idea behind the design of this body, but I agree it would need some improvement.

        What valve body are you using?

        I guess I will continue to use my 675 sizer trracer to cocker adaptor from SSC.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	20240628_154849.jpg Views:	3 Size:	1.94 MB ID:	608234
        Last edited by Alexndl; 10-22-2024, 04:34 PM.
        💀Team Ragnastock💀

        Comment


        • Jonnydread

          Jonnydread

          commented
          Editing a comment
          oooh is that your backslide one? that's sweet as hell

        • RAZRBAKK

          RAZRBAKK

          commented
          Editing a comment
          The valve body is one of Doc's Phantom-to-ICD lever changer adapters.

          Unfortunately after we discussed it, Doc discovered it's not exactly a drop in replacement, and he did have to create a new valve seat as the Trracer and Phantom threads do not match.

        • Alexndl

          Alexndl

          commented
          Editing a comment
          Jonnydread yes its the backslide one I was using for a few games last May at Slim stock classic.
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