by sunny on February 1, 2010
No-maintenance brushless motors have revolutionized the hobby of RC racing in some ways. HPI's popular stadium trucks first caught on to this brushless trend with the release of the E-Firestorm 10T Flux, a 1/10th scale 2WD that's fully geared for fast-paced, competitive action.
Aggressively styled, the vehicle sports a pre-cut lightweight DSX-2 body shell that comes painted and decked in custom graphics. Meant to hang with the fastest stadium racers, all parts are factory-assembled with the authentic-looking ground assault tires glued to the wheels.
The E-Firestorm Flux promises high-quality performance, boasting a vehicle built on top of a durable framework that's meant to absorb heavy wear and tear. Take off the shell and you'll find a tough composite chassis with components strategically placed to provide balanced weight distribution.
Sporting a Flux Warp 5700kv motor and Flux Motiv ESC, the vehicle's brushless system is tuned to deliver both speed and power in heaps. Many races over the past year have proven its mettle, showing off blistering bursts that sees it reach top speeds of up to 60mph in quick fashion.
On the downside, the E-Firestorm has been known to suffer from occasional cogging (very rare, though) of the sensorless ESC during acceleration, which sees the truck's responsiveness take a temporary hit. The smooth start does allow you to go from 0 to max rather quickly, which completely makes up for the hitch. Braking is also handled fairly well, allowing for great transitions between runs and stops. With a soft suspension, cohesive drive train and excellent electronics, it delivers where it matters - action-packed performance.
The HPI E-Firestorm 10T Flux is a great balance of speed and handling, making it a perfect stadium truck to dive in the thick of the action with right out of the box.
by sunny on January 31, 2010
Small car, big obstacles. If the idea of crawling through harsh terrain with a diminutive model strikes your fancy, then Losi's 1/24-scale Micro Rock Crawler should be your off-road performer of choice. The smallest model ride of its kind, it's a veritable mini-monster that delivers big-time fun.
How small is this RC truck? Put it this way - Losi's roster of rock crawlers (including the 1/10th and 1/18th scale Comp and Mini-Rock) can easily run it over. Measuring less than six inches in length, the obstacle-clearing Micro leaves no hills unscaled in physical appeal. Despite the shrunk-down frame, it aptly captures the hard-to-conquer features of its larger-scale counterparts. With a fully-decorated and pre-painted tuber-style body, along with heavily-treaded tires, it's an authentic-looking off-roader that bravely conquers unpassable ground.
Losi's Micro Rock Crawler comes with a full set of similarly tiny fittings that should enable it to clear otherwise impossible terrains. Armed with a four-link suspension, worm gear drive, beadlock-style wheels and National Champion 2.2 Rock Claw tires, expect excellent balance, smooth control and unrelenting grip. While the micro-motor won't send your heart aflutter with insane speeds, it should handily deliver where it counts - providing brisk bursts of power to push through all manners of difficult surfaces.
The ready-to-run Micro Rock Crawler should prove, once and for all, that even off-road performers can come in small packages. Whether you're staying indoors or hitting the trail, this should make for plenty of obstacle-clearing entertainment.
Specifications
- Type: Rock Crawler RTR
- Scale: 1/24
- Length: 5.85 inches (148.6mm)
- Width: 3.5 inches (86.36mm)
- Wheelbase: 4 inches (101.6mm)
- Weight: 6.63 oz (188g)
- Chassis: Twin Verticle Plate (TVP)
- Suspension: 4-Link
- Tire Type: Micro Rock Claws
- Body Color: Blue or Black
- Radio: Losi Radio System with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology
- Batteries: 4.8V 150mAh 4-Cell NiMH
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 22, 2010
Staying true to its name, the Losi Speed-T RC model sets its sights at an audience of truck-slugging speed freaks. If you've got the driving chops, it can deliver the rest - bad-ass looks, blistering acceleration and an uncanny ability to take abuse.
Pre-trimmed and completely decorated out of the box, the Speed is a heck of a looker, especially with those tight-grip Road Weapon tires. More than that, it uses high-impact materials throughout its construction, allowing it to live through its share of crashes and bumps - an absolutely vital characteristic at the speeds it can manage.
The vehicle's lengthened, hard plastic chassis keeps its nose close to the road, allowing it to maintain control even at high speeds. With reinforced body posts, tunable suspension (with lower plastic arms and upper camber links) and an integrated wheelie bar, it should keep itself steady (well, most of the time). Equipped with excessively fast motors, there's a chance it can flip (wonderfully, I might add).
It comes ready-to-race with a powerful 4800KV Motor, taking you to speeds of up to 65 mph. That long-armed suspension does its job wonderfully, though, keeping the Speed-T on all fours, even though it feels like it's going to fly off. The large chrome wheels should help eliminate sidewall flex, all while looking particularly intimidating.
One of the vehicle's best features is the ability to be tuned to specific driving profiles, allowing it to be handled by everyone, from beginners to speed-hungry experts. At the upper end of that range (it comes with three predefined settings), this truck runs way too fast - literally. Powerful, durable and able to adapt at the push of a button, the Losi Speed-T is easily one of the best on-road racing trucks available today.
Specifications
Type:High-Performance Electric Truck
Scale:1/10
Length:20.1 in (513.1mm)
Width:12.75 in (323.9mm)
Wheelbase:11.6 in (294.6mm)
Weight:58.1 oz (1.6kg)
Suspension:4 Wheel Independent
Tire Type:320 Series, low-profile Road Weapons
Motor or Engine:Xcelorin 4800Kv Brushless
Speed Control:Xcelorin Sensorless Brushless
Radio:Losi MTX Pro Radio System with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology
Ball Bearings:Complete
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.
