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 26, 2010
Bigger is better doesn’t necessarily apply to the 1/10th scale Mini MGT 3.0 RTR 4WD from Team Associated. While this version of the MGT 8.0 is definitely smaller in size, it brings some attractive advantages brought about by the more compact form.
An unmistakable small-scale monster truck, it brings a colorful body shell (painted and designed), affixed onto a sturdy, extruded aluminium chassis. Riding on massive threaded tires, it should have little trouble clearing most types of hurdles it may encounter along the way.
Some people consider the diminished size a drawback. While that may be true to an extent, the Mini MGT 3.0’s smaller, lighter frame gives it a few advantages that make it a more economical choice for hobbyists of all types. For one, you’ll find the mini-MGT’s parts less expensive than larger models. Due to its tiny frame, it consumes less fuel too, all while allowing for longer battery life.
Fitted with a pull-start Team Associated 18 Pro two-stroke nitro engine, this mini monster can reach speeds of roughly around 36 miles per hour, keeping pace with the majority of monster truck racers you’ll find in the tracks. Notable features include two-speed automatic with reverse transmission, dual shocks at each corner, durable steering and brake servos, and the XP3 radio system. Together, this setup helps provide an easier experience maneuvering, handling and cornering for drivers of all levels.
Affordability, easy-operation and quality performance makes the Associated Mini MGT 3.0 one of the most sought after mini-monster trucks available today. Whether you're a beginner looking for a nitro monster or an expert looking to expand your roster, this should prove to be an equally attractive RTR model to try out.
Specifications:
Scale: 1:10
Power: Nitro
Type: Off Road
Length: 19"
Width: 14 3/4"
Weight: 3620g
Wheelbase: 12 1/8"
Internal Gear Ratio: Overall 1st gear: 22.32 (13:64)
Overall 2nd gear: 16.0 (17:60)
Drive: 4WD shaft drive
by sunny on January 26, 2010
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable RC cycle, you may want to take a look at the Duratrax DX450 RTR 1/5th Brushless EP. A 1/5th-scale rider, Duratrax claims it can ride “hard and fast wherever you feel like it.” Quite a statement indeed.
Capturing the appearance of full-scale sport bikes, the DX450 comes pre-assembled, pre-painted and pre-decorated with logo decals. You can have your pick of four different colors (painted rider included). The durable aluminium chassis, together with the wheels and threaded tires, complete the two-wheeler's flashy and daredevil-worthy looks.
The Duratrax DX450 packs in a 3800kV brushless motor, which should provide ample power for rallying over all types of terrain. With the included Tactic TTX240 2.4 GHz Radio system, you’ll experience interference-free control while running at any pace. Other features of the DX450 include long travel front shocks, single high-volume rear shock and full ball bearing set-up, all working together to deliver the promised driving experience.
It's equipped with a metal flywheel gyroscope (situated at the rear wheel), providing the ability to keep the motorcycle at an upright position (even at varying accelerations), so you can work on familiarizing yourself with the bike, slowly increasing speed as you become more comfortable. According to Duratrax, you can hit all types of bumps, sharp turns and treacherous jumps on the bike, all while retaining full balance because of that setup. Definitely impressive (hopefully, it works).
After supplying your DX450 the needed battery and charger pack, you should be ready to get into off-road, motocross or any other class of racing action (well, most classes, at least). Easy to use and abuse, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a first timer or an expert driver in handling remote-controlled motorbikes, the DX450 promises to deliver the action and excitement you’re craving for.
Specifications:
Length: 17.3 in (440 mm)
Width: 6.9 in (175 mm)
Height: 15.4 in (390 mm) Weight: 4.5 lb (2.04 kg)
Requires: 7.2V NiCd/NiMH or 7.4V LiPo battery & charger
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 25, 2010
While the original Abarth 500 (which debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show) wasn't quite a sight to behold (especially for SUV-loving Americans), it was a mighty impressive ride, packing near-200 bhp in such a small package. Tamiya, no doubt, realized this when they decided to produce a scaled RC version of the vehicle in the M05 Abarth 500 Assetto Corse RTR.
An expert-built, 1:10 scale replica, the model attempts to intricately capture the limited-edition compact racer, of which only 49 examples were ever made. It mirrors every aspect of the original's exterior, sporting a beautifully-designed polycarbonate shell that you can decorate with an included sticker sheet. Even the funny-looking side mirrors and spoilers are copied to size, along with eye-catching 11-spoke white wheels, threaded 60D radial tires and add-on LED lights (the latter needs to be bought separately).
Built around the durable and lightweight M-05 chassis, the car is finely-tuned to foster both a low-center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution for improved handling. It features a Type 540 motor, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension (for road-hugging performance) and 3-piece steering linkage (for turning corners at high-speed).
Tamiya calls the model "sharp and courageous," which should prove a good way to describe it. With that kind of styling and from what we've seen of M-05, it may very well be accurate. All electronics are factory-installed (motor, gearbox battery pack, receiver, servo and ESC) and it comes with a wheel-trigger type transmitter. Hop-ups are aplenty, too, so you won't have that difficult a time making this sleek mini into a monstrous...ummm...mini.
The Tamiya XB Abarth 500 Assetto Corse should prove a good ready-to-run RC for enthusiasts of all levels, as well as collectors interested in reproductions of limited-edition cars.
Specifications:
Length: 365mm, Width: 170mm, Height: 142mm
Wheelbase: 225mm
Tread (Front and Rear): 138mm
Front mounted motor front wheel drive
3-Bevel Differential Gear
3-Piece Steering Linkage
Front and Rear Double Wishbone Suspension
Front and Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratio= 5.8 :1
Tire Width/Diameter (Front and Rear): 25/59mm
Requires 8xR6/AA/UM3 Batteries for Transmitter.
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Looking to feed your competitive spirit by stepping your racing up a notch? Hit the roads with the innovative HPI Vorza Flux HP Brushless RTR Buggy, a 1/8th-scale, pre-assembled RC that promises one of the fastest lap times you can post on a model ride.
Wearing sleek lines and a mean-looking frame, the Vorza Flux takes to the ground with a pre-trimmed VB-1 shell, complete with an attractive paint job, sporty decals and the trademark Vorza Flux HP logo. More than a looker, though, the car 's thick aluminum chassis should capably absorb tremendous beatings, apart from allowing more mobile movement. A bullet-proof drivetrain and a hardened steel spur and pinion gear ensure it will meet the most demanding requirements.
Housing a powerful Flux Tork 2200 Kv brushless motor, racers should be able to reach speeds of up to 80mph, depending on the battery options you pick out for your ride (3 cell LiPo naturally gets you the best performance). With strength-tested nylon wheels wrapped by Proto tires and extra motor cooling (provided by the chassis), it can handle itself around race tracks without worrying about your machine not being up to the task. Control is facilitated by HPI's TF-3 AM radio, which provides extra long range and uninterrupted signal.
With the HPI Vorza Flux HP, the company managed to put together a complete racer every RC enthusiast can get behind on - great look, high-level performance and an affordable price tag. Whether for backyard bashing, neighborhood racing or expert competition, it's a car that can capably match your advanced driving skills.
Specs:
Chassis: 7075 Aluminum 0.16" (4mm) thick
Length: 20" (508mm)
Width: 12" (305mm)
Height: 5.7" (146mm)
Wheelbase: 12.8" (325mm)
Weight: 7.1 lbs (3230g)
Radio: HPI TF-3 AM system with BEC
ESC: HPI Flux Blur, sensorless programmable, with cooling fan
Battery Box: Fully adjustable to fit a variety of battery configurations
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Bringing classics to life was never a better idea than when Tamiya decided to reproduce the Porsche 935 Martini, a gorgeous addition to Tam-Tech Gear's growing roster of on-road beauties. Built ready-to-run, they faithfully recreated the vehicle's distinct aerodynamic lines with downright impressive details.
The kind of car you can look at all day, this 1:12 scale model should leave you admiring its contours for hours on end. It's tough to look away from the polycarbonate body shell with a Martini lacquer finish that's fully furnished with a complete set of racing logos and decals. It's not just an RC model, it's a fine piece of art - just like its full-size counterpart.
Built on top of a lightweight, low-center GT01 chassis, the Porsche 935 Martini should exhibit an uncanny flexibility and durability during its on-road runs. A horizontally-installed Type 370 motor, rear wheel drive and optimally-tuned transmission should help ensure balanced handling through high speeds and difficult turns. Features include independent front and rear wishbone suspension (with front dampers), reverse body mounts (to preserve the lines), 64 tooth spur gear and 16 tooth pinion gear.
Electronic components and mechanical tuning be damned, though, this is a car you buy for those impeccable lines. Like I said, the TT-Gear Porsche 935 Martini is a car you'll lovingly look at as much as drive. There aren't many cars that can match up to the styling of this 1976 Porsche and Tamiya captures all of that into a compact classic. An absolute must-have for anyone who loves their classic racers.
Specifications:
Length: 355mm
Broad: 167mm
Height: 107mm
Wheelbase: 190mm
Trace: F 129mm, R 138mm
Wheels: Breite/Durchmsser: F 20/54mm, R 25/55mm
Chassis: strengthened Monocoque framework chassis
Drive: Rear propulsion with horizontal installed engine
Differential: Kugeldiff.
Steering element: 3 teiliges Tie Rod system
Suspension: Front and tail double wishbones
by sunny on January 23, 2010
Targeting beginners and intermediate RC drivers, HPI's Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Evo+ updates the original Evo (minus the "plus") with a number of upgrade options as part of its standard package. As a result, it's a better, faster and stronger performer than its already impressive predecessor.
With new choices in body and an even faster engine, it's made a sick (and we mean that in a good way) roadburner even more fun. For one, the pre-painted, realistic shells continue to look excellent, apart from fostering good durability. Whether you house your ride as a Honda NSX GT, Nissan Greddy 350Z, Ford '66 Mustang GT, Plymouth AAR 'Cuda, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette or a Fujitsubo HPI Impreza, it will demonstrate outstanding speed reaching up to 81 kph.
The Nitro RS3 RTR 3 Evo+ draws all that power from the pre-installed RotoStart T3.0 engine. And man, that's a pretty impressive package. In fact, we recommend you start out slowly (especially if you're a novice at nitro racing), as the top speed is considerably fast and could cause damage (either to you or nearby fixtures, neither of which would be good).
Other features that should make driving it a satisfying experience include a thick countersunk aluminum chassis, real oil-filled shocks, longer runtimes (with a 75cc fuel tank, that's how), race-tuned suspension with durable plastic parts, ultra-strong foam bumpers and very reliable HPI control boxes. It's fast, durable and looks badass - what more can you ask for?
For RC enthusiasts looking to build up their nitro racing skills, the Nitro RS4 RTR 3 Evo+ should prove an ideal purchase. It's a great-looking car with both the speed and durability to have you racing with confidence.
Specifications:
Length: 17.1" (434mm)
Width: 7.9" (200mm)
Height: 4" (102mm)
Weight: 3.85lbs (1745g) approximate
Wheelbase: 10.1" (256mm) (wheels on-center front-to-rear)
Tread: Front-6.75" (171mm) Rear-7" (178mm) (wheels on-center side to-side)
Front Track: 7.25" (184mm)
Rear Track: 7.75" (197mm)
Ground Clearance: 0.29" (7.5mm)
Chassis: 0.098 (2.5mm) 6061 aluminum
Drive: Four wheel shaft drive
Engine: Nitro Star G3.0 3.0cc (.18 cu in) 2.2hp with pull-starter
