by sunny on February 8, 2010
As one of the few competition-ready 1/10th scale RC crawlers on the market, the Venom Creeper is almost guaranteed to be noticed by fans of this class of vehicles. Boasting terrific climbing abilities, killer looks and easy-to-assemble parts, it's also one of that can appeal to even those still deciding on whether to try their hand at crawling.
Like most kits, you get a clear polycarbonate shell (rock buggy style) upon opening the Creeper's box, along with a nice decal sheet (which includes some metal flake stickers and Venom logos). The anodized parts come in either red or green (the box tells you which ones are inside), which should play a part into how you'll eventually style your own (that one in the picture looks badass, by the way, with its red parts and black shell). Both the thick threaded tires and true bead lock wheels are hella attractive too, apart from being particularly well-suited for the task.
The Creeper's nylon gear transmission case (via aluminum plates bolted to it) ties everything together, making for a thick, protective design that should keep your parts safe during trying runs. Plenty of aluminum parts here, so durability should be far from an issue.
Shocks integrate both external coil springs and internal anti-roll springs. The idea is to reduce the amount of body roll while maintaining maximum ride height, which did seem like the result. It wasn't as pronounced an improvement as I expected, though. Regardless, the shocks should be perfect as is - no need to fiddle with it.
Axles tend to take severe abuse during crawling and the ones here are built out of a combination of steel, aluminum and glass-filled nylon. Suffice to say, these things are strong. You can trust them not to give out for the most part, although I'd still recommend carrying spares just in case.
The kit doesn't include a battery and an engine, so you'll have to spend some time picking which ones to shell out for. Both electronics and drivetrain come with the set, though, so that's two less things to worry about (although you can replace them for even better performance).
Overall, the Venom Creeper is not only good-looking, it's a serious crawler that's ready to face the stiffest competition. Both experts and beginners are bound to get a lot out of this kit - we cannot recommend it enough.
Specifications:
- Length: 17.5" (445mm)
- Height: 8.25" (210mm)
- Width: 10.75" (267mm)
- Wheelbase: 12.5" (317.5mm)
- Tire Dims: 127 x 55 R2.2
- Weight: 5 lb (2.27 kg)
- Chassis: Aluminum Plates
- Drive Train: Shaft Drive
- Radio: Futaba 4PK
- Servos: Venom High Torque Metal Gear
- Batteries:Venom 7.2v 3000mAh NiMh
- Shock Type: Oil Filled Threaded Body
- Body: Clear Poly-Carbonate Body
- Ball Bearings: 30 Ball Bearings
Venom Official Site
by sunny on January 27, 2010
For a while, Tamiya's Midnight Pumpkin became a popular staple in the RC monster truck scene. Which is why it wasn't a surprise when they relaunched it again (some time ago) using the exact same branding with a slight twist.
The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special bears the same 50s truck aesthetic as the original, but comes with silver-plated chrome wheels and a pre-molded black metallic body (the rest of the vehicle, however, remains the same). These spit-shiny parts are latched on using what Tamiya claims to be an "advanced plating technique." With giant oversized tires and a pre-furnished body, it looks even more striking than the original.
A strength-laden ABS box-type chassis (same as the Tamiya Lunch Box) serves as the base for the Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special, just like the original kit. Configured to survive a pounding, it should provide ample stability and protection, keeping your drivetrain and electronics safe through grinding action under unstable conditions. It comes equipped with a wheelie bar, ready to help you through difficult jumps and cringe-worthy stunts.
Sporting a Type 540 Motor, the Midnight Pumpkin should deliver ample power, whether you're bashing in the backyard or showing off to a larger audience. Other details include a rear wheel drive, rigid suspension (both front and rear) and 101BK electronic speed control.
Looking for something both good-looking and fun? The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special should easily fit the bill. If you're a little older, there's a good chance it will bring back memories in torrents too.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 260mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
Remarks: 7.2V running battery and alkaline batteries for the transmitter not included.
by sunny on January 27, 2010
Remote-controlled monster trucks have been flooding the market with choices for both long-term enthusiasts and novices alike. RedCat Racing's 1/10th scale Ground Pounder looks to be a good fit for this class of models, bringing a vehicle that's both capable and awe-inspiring.
The aggressive-looking, pre-cut and pre-painted body shell is a veritable carbon copy of its full-size counterpart. It comes sporting complete decals and logos, including that hard-to-miss figure of a gigantic, "Hulk-ish" green ogre (hmmm…looks familiar). Its massive truck tires, glued onto chrome-plated plastic rims, all but complete the monster truck aesthetic.
To reach capable speeds despite its size, RedCat pre-installed a Type 540 electric motor with electronic speed control inside the Ground Pounder. Acceleration won’t be record breaking, but the power should deliver a satisfactory level of fun and excitement. Set includes a sturdy 6061 aluminum chassis, front and rear solid axles, FM transmitter, battery packs and charger.
In an effort to stand out and set their vehicle apart (even, though, it honestly looks like a Tamiya), RedCat Racing equipped the Ground Pounder with both a four wheel drive and a four wheel steering mechanism. They claim it as “the first of its kind,” providing better handling and control than similarly-billed machines. With a single flick of your finger (on the radio controller, of course), you can instantly shift from four different steering modes, allowing you to find a setting best suited to your driving tastes. Even more impressive, you can do it right in the thick of the action - while going full speed, in the middle of turns or during stunts.
The RedCat Racing Ground Pounder offers a lot for everyone - good looks, easy maintenance, great handling and a lot of variety in performance. Definitely worth trying out.
Specifications:
Length: 18"
Width: 13.25"
Wheelbase: 12.5"
Height (overall): 10.25"
Motor: Brushed 540 motor
Drive Train: 4WD shaft driven, solid axle with front and rear sealed differentials.
Included Battery: 7.2v 6cell battery pack with charger
Radio equipment: (Included) 3ch FM digital radio, 4 channel FM receiver, and two standard servos.
by sunny on January 25, 2010
An off-road vehicle built to strut its stuff in competitive buggy races, the Tamiya Keen Hawk serves as an attractive "alternative" for fanatic dirt drivers the world over. If you're familiar with Tamiya's Dark Impact, this vehicle is largely a rebranding (with mere minor differences) - albeit, an exciting one, nonetheless.
Sporting an awkward-looking pre-trimmed shell, crowned by a large rear wing and attention-grabbing white wheels, this buggy brings along an unusual appearance that you're likely to either love or hate. It comes as a kit (assembly time of give or take 5 hours), with logos and decals bundled in the package (no paint, though). Some folks say it brings a slight resemblance to F1 racers, although it's really a distinct-looking ride all on its own.
Use over rough and uneven landscapes will allow the Keen Hawk to demonstrate the durability inherent in its DF-03 chassis, which fosters an excellent functioning balance. Before this 1/10th scale off-roader was released, Tamiya hasn't had a racing-capable buggy in a long time, making it an eventful release of sorts.
It ships with a Type 540 motor, which should make for respectable speeds during use. The layout of the car is very interesting, with the battery pack down the center and the transverse-mounted motor just behind it. This keeps the weight at the center line, allowing you to achieve optimal leveling while performing jumps. Cornering is predictable but fair, grip is a little lacking and the shocks require a bit of tuning. You will likely want to take advantage of upgrade options if you want to post top results in actual competition.
Overall, the Tamiya Keen Hawk is a fair choice for a racing buggy. It's far from the best in the land, but remains a competitive starter kit that you can build on for a sharper edge down the line.
Specifications:
Length: 387mm
Width: 250mm
Height: 132mm
Lowest Ground Clearance: 24mm
Wheelbase: 272mm
Weight: 1140g
Tread: (Front) 217mm, (Rear) 203mm
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front) 33/87mm, (Rear) 43/87mm
Frame: Monocoque Bathtub
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front & Rear Ball Diff
Steering: 3-piece Tie Rod
Suspension: 4-wheel Double Wishbone
Damper: (Front) CVA Oil Damper Mini, (Rear) CVA Oil Damper Short
Gear Ratio: 9.17:1
Motor: Type RS540
Speed Controller: ESC
by sunny on January 19, 2010
The Tamiya Super Clod Buster is another one of the company's reissues. Discontinued since the 90s, the 21st century saw the trudging giant's continued popularity prompt the company to breathe new life into it. And just how gorgeous is that thing?
Dressed to impressed and upgraded for modern performance, the vehicle underwent a noticeable makeover that makes it more appropriate for today's generation of monster trucks. The remake boasts a fully-furnished, metal-plated shell (front grill, air-intake, roll bar, wheels, front bumper and rear bumper all get the steel treatment) that fits like hand-to-glove with the humongous threaded tires and spit-shiny rims. It's an overall meaner, gnarlier take on the popular classic - and we love it.
Sporting dual Mabuchi RS-540 motors, the Super Clod Buster makes for satisfying performance, delivering all the power that a fine-tuned American pick-up truck deserves. Tamiya threw in a PTC safety switch to curb potential overheating (you can switch between power and economy modes), although the prospect of this thing exploding while driving just makes me want to push it to an illogical brink. Boom!
It comes equipped with 4-wheel drive steering (4WS system) to lessen the difficulties of tight cornering. Other features include gear train transmission, a durable link-arm and 8 coil springs.
Available as an assembly kit, the Tamiya Super Clod Buster is a gorgeous reissue, bringing great handling, delicious power and eye-popping good looks (seriously, I'd buy it for the crazy appearance alone). A good range of available upgrades should let you extend the fun too.
by sunny on January 14, 2010
First released in 1987, the Tamiya Lunch Box Off Road RC Van wasn't only well-loved for its quality RC performance - people embraced it for its built-for-camping appearance too. It's those same qualities that gave the monster van's reissue such a welcoming reception.
The ready-to-run 1/10th scale is, to put it mildly, a bona fide attention getter anywhere you take it. Sporting a family/delivery van aesthetic while running on humungous truck tires, it's a mesmerizing looker that's both scary and amusing at the same time. With its huge front grille, massive front and rear bumpers, an inimitable yellow finish and cheesy painted designs, it's like watching Godzilla slipping on a banana peel (you just don't know whether to laugh or be terrified).
Despite the somewhat friendly appearance, the XB Lunch Box features a shock-resistant styrol body, fitted along an ABS box-frame chassis that boasts both lightweight and durable characteristics. Many who have driven the vehicle give props to both its balance and handling (with those tires, it should), especially over unusually rough terrains.
Want to terrorize other cars in your backyard? Tamiya threw in a wheelie bar so you can perform two-wheeled stunts and crushing jumps with a flick of a finger. Power is provided by a Type 540 motor, with crafty maneuvering facilitated from the Expec SP RC unit (with electronic speed control). All internal components are protected in a sealed gearbox, so don't be afraid of dirt and grime - just keep running everything over.
Want big fun? Go big with the Tamiya XB Lunch Box, an RTR monster van that combines nostalgia, mayhem and kitschy looks all in a single...mmm...box.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 225mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
7.2V racing pack and alkaline batteries for transmitter sold separately.
by sunny on January 8, 2010
Some RC "monster trucks" are difficult to distinguish from erstwhile run-of-the-mill bashers. Team Losi's Rammunition Monster Truck, on the other hand, can't go by any other name.
In close-up photos, there's little to tell the 1/18-scale from the Hall Bros' full-scale version of the monsterized Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. It's that realistic down to the last bit of competition graphics. Officially licensed by Dodge, it features an extra-reinforced shell, two-tone wheels and oversized tires that bring the popular monster truck to your backyard.
Is it monster strong? The machine’s aluminum, dual-deck chassis and wide-track suspension (4-wheel independent) provides the model truck with the kind of stability and durability you expect from a high-level monster truck. Expect it to foster smooth operations, regardless of terrain conditions you put it through.
What about performance? Sporting a commanding Frenzy 370 engine at the helm, you can expect dominating power whether you're showing off its bashing potential or racing with other gigantic rides. Heck, even the Hall Bros approved it for racing. It comes with a synthesized radio system, rechargeable battery and charger for full control without interference and longer hours of fun driving. Other features include dual-steering servos and oil-filled shocks.
Ready to show off its big moves right out of the box, the Losi Rammunition Monster Truck lets you experience the popular Monster Jam staple in miniature form. It supports a wide range of custom parts, too, allowing you to tune it for even more torque and power when needed. And once you see how fun this thing plays, that's probably what you'll end up doing.
Specifications
Type:Mini Monster Truck
Scale:1/18
Length:10.6 in (271 mm)
Width:8.2 in (209 mm)
Wheelbase:7.2 in (185 mm)
Weight:2.2 lbs. (1000 g)
Chassis:Dual-Deck Aluminum
Suspension:4-Wheel Independent
Tire Type:Monster Truck
Motor or Engine:Frenzy 370
Batteries:Included
Charger:Included
by sunny on January 7, 2010
With the continuing popularity of short-course RC racing, plenty of sub-par performers are staking their claims at the market. As such, it's becoming vital to go after quality when looking for a model to invest in. The HPI Racing Blitz is a truck we won't think twice about recommending, though.
Elegant and stylish, the Blitz comes with a pre-trimmed Maxxis ATTK-10 body shell that's pre-painted and decorated out of the box. It comes in two colors (either predominantly orange or predominantly black). I heartily recommend the latter (not pictured).
HPI teamed up with Maxxis International for this one, crafting a nasty-looking ride that can strike fear in the heart of everyone taking the dirt tracks with you. It uses collision-ready nylon plastic on all critical areas of the truck (e.g. arms, bumpers) for better survival, an extra-long chassis for stability (based on the E-Firestorm) and chassis braces (both front and rear) for maximum component protection. Want durable performance against the toughest competition? Can't go wrong with that as a starting point, whether you're a beginner or a skilled enthusiast.
A powerful, 540-size Firebolt 15T motor runs inside the hood, giving the Blitz its quick acceleration and race-worthy top speed. The performance is adeptly aided by the brushless-ready transmission (tunable by swapping out oil weights), Maxxis Trepador tire design and 3-degree rear toe block for all-around masterful handling. Other features include rubber-sealed ball bearings, captured hinge pins, quick-mounting batteries and TF-1 radio.
Designed for all skill levels, the HPI Racing Blitz 1/10 Off-Road Short Course Truck is an excellent racer that can withstand a lot of torture on and off the tracks. It offers a flexible room for upgrades, allowing you to tune it to new heights of performance when needed.
Specifications
Type: Off-Road Short Course Truck
Overall Width: 296 mm
Wheelbase: 329 mm
Overall Length: 548 mm
Overall Height: 184 to 200 mm (adjustable)
Transmission: Full-metal gear, pre-filled silicone oil
US $122.50
