by sunny on April 27, 2013
Looking for a new stadium truck with enough punch to give you a competitive edge, but don't really fancy building a new one from a kit? You might want to wait for the Team Associated T4.2RS, a new ready-to-run vehicle based on the world-class RC10T4 that's been previously available strictly as a Factory Team kit.
Shipped fully assembled, painted and decaled, the electric 2WD truck is based completely on Team Associated's 8-time ROAR National Champion. As such, the 1/10-scale stadium truck shares many of the same parts, along with a few upgraded features to get you running neck and neck with the best in the tracks.
The Team Associated T4.2RS RTR runs on a Reedy 3300kV brushless motor, paired with an XP SC500-BL brushless electronic speed control and an XP 2.4 GHz 2-channel radio system. Details include an Interceptor-T polycarbonate body, a molded composite chassis, heavy-duty sealed gear differential with an adjustable clutch, blue anodized aluminum V2 coil-over shocks, white hex drive wheels, high-traction compound tires, and rugged steel turnbuckles. Of course, the vehicle can be upgraded as your skills improve with the existing line of hop-ups available for the race-winning RC10T4.
We can't find an exact availability date for the Team Associated T4.2RS, but it should retail soon, priced at $259.98 from the Team Associated website.
[Team Associated]
Specifications
Power Source: Electric
Terrain: Off-Road
Body Style: Truck
Scale Size: 1:10 Scale
Length: 390mm (15.35in)
Width: 316mm (12.44in)
Wheelbase: 288mm (11.34in)
Weight: 1756g (3.87lbs)
Drive: 2WD
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 March 2, 2010
Billed as a "buggy for everyone," the LRP Blast BX S10 doesn't purport itself to be a world beater. With a slew of nice features and good looks, though, the 1/10th scale should make an excellent basher, as well as a competitive entry-level racer.
Physically, we love the airbrushed looks of this fully-mounted, pre-decorated RTR based on the pictures. Sure, there's not much originality to the body (honestly, it looks like a Chinese rip-off of a Japanese import), but both the wind tunnel- optimized body shell and high-downforce wing appear well-executed.
On paper, this sounds mighty impressive - steel differential gears, steel pinion and crown gear, big bore alloy shocks with adjusters, roll bars and more. It's a mighty tough off-road vehicle, indeed. The news release claims sensational driving performance, impressive quickness and superb handling, which, from the specs, does sound like it can deliver rather handily. Other notable features include a Type 540 motor, VTEC high-grip tires, digital LRP speed control and (supposedly extra-strong) LRP steering servo.
Everything pretty much comes with the package, so you can haul it right out of the box and start bashing. While LRP claims this can do quite well on low-end competition circuits too (it satisfies all requirements for the 1/10th electric category), it should be prudent to look towards the company's numerous option parts (particularly those intended for the S10 Sport and Pro variants) for better results.
For an entry-level buggy, though, the LRP Blast BX S10 sounds like a real...uhm...blast. Considering it comes as a true RTR (complete with radio, speed control, motor, batteries and charger), it is quite the bargain, priced at just under $200 with most retailers.
by sunny on February 26, 2010
Looking for a nitro truggy that you can rip from the box and set on the tracks in no time? The Ofna Jammin X2-CRT isn't only ready to run, it's completely ready to race. Tough as nails and packing decent power, it's a guaranteed way to get beginners acclimated to the class.
Clad in a blazing red and white color scheme, the 1/8th scale vehicle does just enough in the attractiveness department. The paint job is excellent and the decorations are busy, but tastefully applied.
The Jammin X2-CRT runs on a Force .28 engine with Electric Shaft Starter. It's an intermediate engine - easy to tune and low-maintenance. While good enough for an RTR racer, it's still rightly considered a basher's engine. For an all-around truck aimed at intermediates and below, though, it fits the bill perfectly.
Ask anyone who's driven this model and they're likely to give the same impression - this is an extremely durable vehicle. Boasting all-aluminum parts, this thing can rumble with the best of them. During drives, the handling feels very aggressive while the long travel suspension soaks up everything smoothly. Compared to many similarly-priced truggies out there (e.g. the Muggy), the difference in quality of experience is night and day.
Notable features include a new composite carburator, 150cc fuel tank, big bore shocks, 7075 Billet hard anodized aluminum chassis and a responsive two-channel wheel-type radio system. Do note that you may want to replace the servos down the line for more serious racing - everything else seems for keeps.
Hands down, the Ofna Jammin X2-CRT RTR is one of the best bang-for-the-buck truggies out there. Definitely well-worth looking into for intermediate drivers and below.
Specifications
- Length: 20.2" (513mm)
- Width: 7.1" (180mm) ahead of rear wheels, narrowest point
- Width: 7.3" (186mm) at rear wheels, widest point
- Height: 4.7" (120mm)
- Chassis: CNC machined hard coated 7075 aluminum
- Drive: Four wheel shaft drive
- Radio: Ofna 2-channel 27MHz AM
- Engine: .28 cu in (4.6cc)
- Exhaust: Polished tuned pipe
- Fuel Tank: 5.1oz (150cc)
- Transmission: Single speed
OFNA Racing
by sunny on February 18, 2010
Want a fun, entry-level 4WD buggy on a budget? The HPI Brama 10B RTR should prove an excellent value, delivering a sharp looker that requires little additional work on your part.
Sure, it's not the prettiest shell around. It brings an overall classy feel, though, with the attitude to boot. The polycarbonate body sports attractive, boxy lines with nice paint and glistening decals. The Digger tires, white wheels, wide bumper and mounted nylon wing nail the look right on the button.
Most parts are nylon and composite plastic, so the Brama 10B is not exactly the most trustworthy ride when it comes to durability. Actual performance is impressive, however. The components appear well-built and are able to hold up to a good level of abuse. Big credit to the shell and the tub chassis, along with the sealed shaft drivetrain and pinion/spur combo, which provide solid protection to the vehicle's inner mechanisms. You will require a good amount of upgrades to turn it into a serious off-roader, though.
It employs an HPI Saturn motor for power, providing good speed for its class. The handling in downright impressive, thanks to the longer arms, bigger shocks and reliable E10 chassis. Curbs and jumps are cleared with relative ease, with capable driving through dirt, grass and mud.
For the most part, the HPI Brama 10B RTR personifies how an entry-level buggy should be - quick to set up, low maintenance and built for durability. It's an excellent way to burst into the scene, not to mention, very affordable too.
Specifications:
- Length: 432mm
- Width: 297mm
- Wheelbase: 239mm
- Tires: 135mm diameter
by sunny on February 6, 2010
Z-Car USA's entry into the tough-as-nails world of truggy racing came in the form of the ZMXT-8, a vehicle released with the sole purpose of "winning races." A 1/8th scale competition-ready truggy, it's designed to give even regular backyard bashers a chance to survive the rigors of the tracks.
First impressions count and this an impressive vehicle at first glance. The overall look isn't very original, though. In fact, it will likely remind of some other buggies and truggies you've seen around. That's because Z-Car USA's parent company, SH Engines, is an OEM who does work for a lot of bigger RC brands. At any rate, you should find its pre-trimmed, blue-painted shell particularly attractive, especially coupled with the installed rear wing and huge white wheels.
Comfortable both racing on the tracks and bashing in the yard, the ZMXT-8 runs a preinstalled .28 three-port engine, which delivers enough power to be useful for either endeavors. It works best at mid- to high-RPM, so take note. Upon pull-starting, you'll find yourself appreciating the quick acceleration, all while maintaining its poise during runs.
The aluminum shocks and overall handling are downright impressive. Jumps, stunts and even high-speed turns won't be enough to halt your drive - unless you don't know what you're doing. It carries many improvements over SH Engines' work for other brands, too. Changes include the throttle and brake servo mounted in a central location, a new brake system designed to mimic those of real automobiles and more.
One word of caution, though. While the Z-Car USA ZMXT–8 comes ready to run, breaking in your engine is nowhere to be found in the manual. There are some comprehensive guides online for this (some direct from Z-Car themselves), so make sure to check them.
Specifications:
- Length: 555mm
- Width: 418mm
- Height: 243mm
- Wheelbase: 363mm
- Weight: 4,100g
- Motor: SH - P3 .28 Pull Start
- Radio equipment: Airtonics Digital FM Radio
More info at Z-Car USA
