by sunny on March 6, 2010
The RC10T4 platform has belted out numerous national championships (seven, to be exact), and with the Team Associated RC10T4.1, the company has brought the same fetching engineering qualities into an off-road racing truck. While featuring many parts right out of the RC10T4 Team kit, it adds a new 2.4 GHz XP3-SS 3-Channel radio system and SHV1504 MG metal gear steering servo.
Available as a ready to run vehicle, it features an Interceptor-T polycarbonate body that's completely finished out of the box. The paint scheme and decals are very appealing, making for an attractive-looking truck that you won't be ashamed to show off, whether in your friends' backyards or around the tracks.
Molded composite chassis with set screw antenna tube lock serves as the RC10T4.1’s foundation and base. According to Team Associated, the strategically-placed chassis components allow for optimal center of gravity, providing the truck with good stability and maneuverability while driving.
A factory-installed Reedy 3300kV brushless motor should give this truck ample power for casual races, which they paired with an XP SC450-BL brushless ESC. The 2.6:1 ratio gearbox comes with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch and rubber-sealed ball bearings. Other notable features include a battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs, rugged steel turnbuckles and aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips.
If you're in the market for a fully-assembled truck with a championship pedigree, the Team Associated RC10T4.1 RTR sounds like an awesome pick. Released just at the start of the year, it's priced rather fairly at $399.
Specifications
Scale: 1:10
Power : Electric
Length: 390mm
Width: 316mm
Track: 270mm
Weight: 1756g
Wheelbase: 288mm
Internal Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
Drive: 2WD
by sunny on February 11, 2010
Announced by Kyosho for March 1st, the Ultima SC Truck is a ready-to-run kit designed for competition RC short course racing. Fully-compliant with all of ROAR's short-course regulations, the vehicle boasts a race-ready configuration, similar to the high-performance Ultima RT5.
Sure, it's not as intimidating as many of the race trucks it will likely line up with in races. The 1mm-thick Think High-Impact Lexan Body provides a tough exterior, though, that should see it survive the rigors of one of the fastest-growing RC racing classes in the world. For even more durability, it integrates impact-resistant front and rear bumpers.
The race-readiness begins with the Ultima SC's high-performance carbon fiber composite chassis. Lightweight and strong, it claims to strike a balance in durability and performance. It comes with changeable mounting positions for the battery, allowing you to shift weight depending on the tracks you're running on. The separate front and rear clips make for quick removal, making maintenance an easy undertaking.
Kyosho is bundling it with a G20 Turn HP motor (with an internal cooling fan), which should provide decent speeds for casual races around your local tracks. The three-gear transmission is housed in a compact case, kept as close to the motor as possible, for a lower center of gravity. Other features include symmetrical suspension arms, floating axles and threaded composite shocks.
The Kyosho Ultima SC Truck Kit is compatible with most RT5 parts, making hop-ups just a little easier to acquire. Available for only $209.99, it's an affordable kit too.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 445mm
- Height: 150mm
- Weight: 174g (approximate weight)
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
by sunny on February 9, 2010
Venom just announced a new ready-to-race performer designed to compete in 2WD short course races. Called the Venom SCX, the company boasts it's been designed from the ground up to integrate the latest technologies in race truck design.
An innovative new feature that sets it apart from other SCT class trucks, called the MORdrive system, takes front and center for the release. According to Venom, it lets you to move the rear transmission from mid-motor to rear motor, allowing you to shift your center of gravity on the fly. Basically, it allows you to adjust your car's balance while slugging it out in the pits, effectively taking the competition by surprise.
Modeled after the full-scale LOORRS (Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series) racing trucks, the 1/10th scale SCX comes with an aggressive and pre-painted polycarbonate body, decked out in lizard-like, green-themed racing graphics. It boasts rugged tube bumpers, side nerf bars and mud flaps that make the ride look more authentic, apart from providing extra protection from abuse.
Power is delivered by a 550 27T brushed motor, with a free-rotating captured pin-style VCD for more efficient braking and acceleration. Other features include fully-adjustable suspension geometry, threaded composite shocks, externally adjustable slipper clutch, water-resistant radio compartment and concealed servo wires.
From the specs sheet, the Venom SCX sounds like a definite winner, although the body isn't the best-looking we've seen. Bringing innovations that give its driver a real leg up in competition is always welcome in the SCT class and this truck sounds like it truly delivers. MSRP is $299.99 but looks like there are deals available on the net.
More info here at Venom SCX Page.
by admin on February 4, 2010
Massive in frame and beautifully laid out, the Traxxas Summit RTR storms in as one of the meanest (if not the absolutely scariest) monster truck currently available out there. An industry-first, it comes equipped with remote-locking differentials that let you lock and unlock both front and rear units directly from your transmitter.
Tough in every way imaginable, this 1/10 scale touts a polycarbonate body, reinforced with a plastic exoskeleton roll cage to ensure additional protection. Suffice to say, extreme conditions won't look all that daunting when you're driving this thing through.
In terms of performance, the Summit’s powerful Titan 775 high-torque motor, superb handling and unconventional power will literally shame everything in its path. Confidently blaze down tracks and aggressively attack jumps at high speeds of over 20 mph. Come across an impossible-looking climb? While every other car turns around, you can simply drop the transmission into first for a stump-pulling 70:1 gear ratio, lock the differentials and crawl your way past it at maximum traction. Literally, it lets you go where no no solid axle RC truck has gone before (well, I think).
With fully-waterproof electronics, unmatched suspension travel and independent ride height adjustment, you can pretty much set this monstrous machine anywhere and have it perform, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, it's a genius of engineering and should handle water, mud and rocks rather easily. However, those metal parts rust (and believe me, they will), so we recommend keeping water immersion to the minimum necessary. You've been warned.
The Traxxas Summit RTR, simply put, looks and feels exceptional. Sure, it's expensive. Expect to get your money's worth, though, in overall performance and smug satisfaction.
Specification:
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 22.17 inches
- Weight: 175 ounces
- Height: 12.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 14.84 inches
- Track width: 18.48 inches
- Motor: Titan 775 High-Torque, Fan cooled 10-turn
- Speed control: Waterproof EVX-2 Forward/Reverse/Brake
- Radio system: TQ-4 four channel radio system
- Transmission: High-Low Two-Speed
- Differential Type: Remote operated T-lock, limited slip, sealed
- Gear pitch: 32-pitch
- Chassis type: Modified Tube
- Chassis material: Composite Nylon
- Top Speed: 20+ mph
Average retail price: $499.99
More info and pics here at Traxxas Site
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 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 December 20, 2009
Getting into RC racing requires a good amount of time and practice. For those looking to get a rather smooth headstart, the Tamiya Mad Bull is an excellent kit to score with its simple operation and worry-free assembly.
Out of the box, the electric buggy's PS-injected molded body comes pre-finished, managing to capture a sporty, off-road truggy appearance. Looking ready to rock as soon as hits ground, the RC comes with a sturdy-looking frame, big 115-mm tires sporting chunky lug patterns and burly chassis components.It isn't the most realistic-looking scale in one of the busiest RC markets, but there's enough aggressive cues to make it an exciting ride.
Why do we recommend the Tamiya Mad Bull for beginning racers? The 540 Type motor pre-installed in the kit is easily one of the most dependable in the market. More importantly, it's geared precisely as starter equipment, providing worry-free assembly, accessible handling and easy control. That means you can get your kit, put it together and hit the tracks the very same day, without having to suffer through much of a learning curve.
Like all entry-level buggies, it's a perfect car to bash around with. Affordably-priced and with spares easily available, you won't have to think twice about putting it through the grind. The DT-01 chassis also makes for a fair amount of upgrades, such as electronic speed control, which should help extend your vehicle's life after you grow past your novice abilities.
RC owners typically have strong feelings about their first cars. I have no doubt you'll grow the same fondness for the Tamiya Mad Bull.
Specs:
Vehicle Type: Off-Road
Power Type: Electric
Body Type: Truck-Monster
Scale: 1/10
Build Type: Kit
Drive Type: 2 WD
Shocks: Coiled spring friction
Weight: 2.87 Lbs. (1302 g)
Chassis Length: 15.75 inches (400 mm)
Chassis Width: 12.40 inches (315 mm)
Chassis Height: 5.91 inches (150 mm)
