by sunny on April 26, 2010
Looking to take your RC down the tracks for the first time? No need to mince words, you'll probably lose. Just because your chances of winning are slim doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best, right? After all, giving it all is how you improve in this game.
1. Aim for consistency. Your first couple of times racing should be about trying to get consistent lap times. Forget about beating that obnoxious loud dude and his beefed-up truck. Instead, aim to run a consistent course lap to lap.
2. Let faster trucks have their way. Sure, you can be competitive and refuse to give way during tangles. Do realize it's the easiest way to slow everyone down, including yourself, apart from heightening the chances of accidents occurring. Unless you've got a good shot at winning, wrecking your truck isn't worth the ego boost. You can get them later - after putting in some practice time.
3. Make sure your car can handle the occasional nervous driving. Racing brings out everyone's nerves. That means a potentially disastrous trigger finger at the most inopportune times. As long as your vehicle can recover and keep itself from spinning out, you'll be fine.
4. Watch experienced racers run the course. If you get the chance, watch some of the more experienced drivers handle the course. What lines are they talking? Where do they go fast or slow? Which jumps are they going for and which ones are they passing on? Seeing that gives you a good idea of how you should handle the tracks come race time.
by sunny on March 31, 2010
Robitronics recently announced the Protos v2, the second version of their 1/8th nitro buggy. Using proven elements from the original, paired with new engineering innovations, the RC manufacturer promises it will deliver "uncompromised offroad fun."
Designed to work well on most tracks right out of the box, the vehicle has been outfitted with numerous tuning parts, putting it just a notch above most stock nitro buggies you can pick up right out of a shelf. Plus, it's quite the looker too, with a colorful finish, lots of red anodized parts and an identifiable design (especially with the disc wheels and aerodynamic spoiler) that should help it stand out.
The Protos v2 runs a .28 Robitronic engine, which features an impressive low-end torque and high-speed rpms. Performance parts include a metal-geared Savöx steering servo, a high-end brake setup with independent brake balance, big bore aluminum shocks with 3.5 mm shafts, alloy shock towers, heavy-duty metal gears and ball bearings, and second stage fuel filter. For clearing sharp corners even better, they increased steering throw by 5 percent, compared to the original model.
It uses an improved chassis, designed for better balance and quick handling, beefed up by an elongated engine mount that gives it a much-needed extra stiffness. Durability updates include anti-roll bars, overhauled diffs and output shafts, and a rear chassis brace.
When it comes to base setups, the Robitronics Protos v2 1/8 Nitro Buggy definitely sounds like it's been souped-up more than your average buggy. No word yet on pricing or exact date of availability.
[Robotronics]
Specifications:
Length: 495mm
Width: 308mm
Height: 190mm
Wheelbase: 322-329mm adjustable
Weight: approx. 3400g
Fuel tank: 125ccm
Engine displacement: 4,6ccm
by sunny on March 29, 2010
You've got a new nitro engine. Learning how to break it in the right way is the shortest course to guaranteeing long-lasting performance, with the least amount of upkeep necessary. Failing to do so won't exactly get you with a messed up ride, but it leaves the doorway open for more frequent problems down the line.
What You Need
For your break-in, you need the following things:
- Around two hours of free time
- Three to five tanks of nitro fuel
- A clean, flat surface to run the car in
- Plenty of patience to do it the right way
Getting To Work
Start up the car and check to see if fuel is moving through the lines. If it doesn't reach the carburetor after five seconds, try priming the engine (i.e. place and release your finger over the tip of the exhaust for a couple of seconds). Make sure to release as soon as you see the fuel making its way accordingly. Holding on too long can cause the engine to flood and lock up.
The idea behind using five tanks of fuel is to increase the amount and duration of throttle with every run. Some advise making do with three, although we recommend running the full range and using five tanks.
On the first tank, give the engine a 1/4th throttle slowly (note on the slow throttle acceleration for all five tanks) for about two seconds, then hit the brakes. A nice trail of blue smoke should come from the exhaust. If not, try moving the air/fuel needle a quarter turn at a time to richen the fuel mixture until it starts blowing smoke. Continue the same quarter-throttle then braking until you run the tank to near-empty. Before going dry, pinch the fuel line (to turn engine off) and rest for fifteen minutes.
On the second tank, you do the same thing while going to half-throttle in three seconds. For the third, you do the same thing, then run three second counts while at half-throttle, before hitting the brakes. On the fourth, you go full throttle three seconds before braking. In your last tank, you do the same thing, except you hold the full throttle for an extra two seconds.
And with that, you've just successfully given your nitro engine a proper break-in. Go forth and be on your own merry way.
by sunny on March 1, 2010
If you've been shopping for an eight-scale buggy, you must have come across the Tamiya TRF801X, the company's competition-level off-road kit. While we have heard some complaints about it (mostly the heft), our own experience was actually very satisfying.
There isn't much to distinguish it in the looks department, although we found it to be an attractive ride all the same. Building does require some amount of time (designed for advanced hobbyists, beginners will definitely find the manual a little lacking), although the decision to bundle screws with the parts that use them made sorting through the pile a heck of a lot easier (thanks for that, Tamiya).
Equipped with an anodized duralumin chassis and enclosed by a tough body shell, the TRF801X fosters dependable strength all while offering good mobility. It does feel a little hefty (while driving) compared to other top players in the class, which actually helps with stability, although it's nowhere near "tank-like" as some people have described.
Overall vehicle performance is great. The drivetrain is very smooth (Mugen-like quality), the acceleration is downright quick and handling is very forgiving. Driving it against other buggies, you'll notice the car practically saving itself while everyone else's vehicles are tipping over during corners and rough patches of ground. Jumps are a little harder, though, because of the weight, which tends to result in its falling nose-down a little more than other models in the same class. You should be able to iron it out with a little tuning, so give it time - this is the kind of ride that grows on you.
The Tamiya TRF801X 1/8 Off Road Competition Buggy is easily one of the best vehicles in its class. Like all top-of-the-line performers, it requires a little getting used to. The time you put in should be worth it, though.
Tamiya TRF801X Specifications:
Wheelbase: 320-327mm
Length: 495mm
Width: 307mm
Gear ratio: 11.34:1
Kit/RTR: Kit
Experience Level: Advanced
Items Needed for Completion:
- .21 Off Road Nitro Engine
- Tuned Exhaust System
- 2 Channel Radio System & 8AA Batteries
- High Torque Steering & Brake Servo's (2)
- 6V Receiver Battery
- Glow Driver
- Starter Box & Batteries
- Nitro Fuel & Fuel Bottle
- Paint for Body
- Charger for Reciever Pack & Starter Box Batteries
- Tires & Tire Glue
by sunny on February 16, 2010
Want a high-performance off-road nitro buggy? The Ansmann Racing Vapor, a 1/8th scale 4WD racing machine, looks to be a model to seriously look into. Touted as one of the most advanced vehicles in its class, it's a ride that strikes a neat balance between price and performance.
Available as a ready-to-run RC, the green and black body makes for one sexy number. Green is the shade of choice, by the way, and much of the parts also come with a touch of the same color. The badass rear wing, chrome racing wheels and block spike tires round out the gratifying aesthetics.
A factory-installed 4.6cc (.28ci) AR-28 pull-start engine delivers the push and acceleration necessary for the Vapor to perform at racing speeds. Boasting "maximum driving performance under all conditions," it employs an innovative design of extra large shocks and mid-engine design, that help achieve both great jumping ability and excellent overall balance. Specially-developed upper front suspension arms give it much-needed stability, while the sturdy 3mm-thick aluminum chassis should hold up well to the toughest bumps you can throw its way.
Other notable features of the ride include a 6kg metal geared servo, front and rear stabilizers, full ball bearing transmission and hardened drive shafts. It comes with a 40MHz digital steerwheel RC system, which provides great feel and smooth maneuvering, even through difficult races. There's also a good range of hop-ups to help you boost it for more high-profile competitions.
Equipped with enhancements that put it on par with the best buggy racers in the field, the Ansmann Racing Vapor promises powerful and dependable performance in a slick package. Priced afford ably, it doesn't sound like a bad vehicle to try out.
Specifications
- Length: 490mm
- Width: 285mm
- Wheelbase: 320mm
- Clearance: 28mm
- Others: Fully Ready-to-Run nitro R/C car includes 3 channel FM trigger type radio transmitter
| Power Source: |
NITRO |
| Model Type: |
2WD, OFF-ROAD, LEISURE |
| Length: |
300mm |
| Width: |
220mm |
| Top Speed: |
40 MPH+ |
| Build State: |
95% or RTR |
