December 29, 2023

Moto-Obscura Schumacher Aluminum SACS Pivot Blocks

Moto-Obscura has announced their first of a line of vintage Schumacher parts with their Aluminium SACS front suspension pivot blocks.  SACS (Schumacher Active Caster System) was a novel design that was an option on many 2wd buggies and trucks during the 90’s and early 2000’s.  Conversions were even available for other brand’s vehicles as well like Team Associated’s RC10 buggy.  Machined from durable 6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy, the SACS blocks eliminate the biggest weakness of the system by replacing the original plastic piece.  The new aluminium part is beautifully finished with smooth black anodising.

Source: Moto-Obscura [moto-obscura.com]


December 29, 2023

Avid Avant Coated TLR 13mm Shock Bodies

New from Avid Racing Concepts is their new low friction Avant Coating TLR 13mm shock bodies offering 22 and 22X-4 racers the plush feeling of the larger bodies while utilising all your other G3 components with 3mm shafts.  When Cecil and his team at Schumacher developed the 13mm shock bodies in 2011 for the Cougar SV, the US market didn’t take notice because our tracks were so different.  The benefits were undeniable though when AE released theirs in the US for their B6.4.  In 1:10, pack is not something racers strive for like they do in 1:8 scale. The larger 13mm body allows for less volume displacement under compression which allows for a much more predictable feeling on the track. This is why Avid have included (2) 2.0mm thin blank pistons for you to get going.  With the piston face being larger at 13mm, this requires more oil to be moved so the standard piston configuration of 2×1.5 in the front and 2×1.6 in the rear does not work the same.   It is recommended starting with 2×1.7 in the front and 2×1.8 in the rear.  If the track is super bumpy or choppy go up to 2×1.8 in the front and 2×1.9 in the rear.  Avid’s new Avant Coating offers the same strength as our mil-spec type III hard anodising but with an even smoother low-friction surface.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


December 29, 2023

WMH Racing V2 540 and 550 Rotor Masters

New from WMH Racing is its V2 540 and 550 rotor masters which are designed to measure the strength (gauss) of your rotor.  Measuring the strength of your rotor is important for a number of reasons as the rotor strength changes, so does the performance of the motor. By being able to measure the strength of the rotor you can measure the change and determine when it’s time for a new rotor. New rotors often bring back better performance into used motors.  Testing different rotor combinations in your motor by measuring the rotor strength you can determine the difference between 2 otherwise identical rotors.  Have a weaker or stronger rotor plays a huge role in the timing and gearing used for that motor.  Gearing/timing/rotor strength can be optimised for your track, giving you the performance advantage.  You can also compare your power package to your friend-enemies. If you know your friend has the same motor and is much slower/faster with the same gearing/timing, there is likely a difference in rotor strength. By measuring the rotor strength you can determine the reasons why you are slower/faster.

View Features & Specs plus carry case here


December 28, 2023

Hobbywing LCD Program Box Pro

Capping off a year in which all four electric World Championship title winners used it products, Hobbywing has released a new LCD Program Box Pro.  With multiple functions and easy operation, the new box gets an upgraded 2.8-inch display which support 20 levels brightness adjustment.  A new single Roller interface makes navigating a speed controller’s setting easier than ever.  As an independent parameter adjustment device, the Program Box Pro allows you to directly use the built-in LCD screen to display, set, and share ESC parameters.  Connect the ESC to a computer using a USB adapter and use the USB Link application software on the computer to upgrade the ESC firmware and set parameters.  With the OTA Bluetooth module to establish wireless connection with your smartphone, you can use the mobile APP to set ESC parameters, upgrade firmware, and read data.  Another feature of the box is it can detect the overall voltage of the lithium battery and the individual voltage of each cell.  The scope of application can also be understood by previous ESCs that the old LCD G2 program box and OTA Bluetooth module supported.

view Specs & more images here


December 27, 2023

Battle to have a go at 1:8 Onroad with Capricorn

Former 1:8 Offroad World Champion Robert Battle is to try his hand at 1:8 Onroad racing in 2024 with the news the Spaniard has done a deal with one of the categories specialist manufacturers Capricorn.   While Battle’s focus is still on his 1:8 Offroad programme with Mayako,  he will fit in some onroad racing as he gets to take on the sport’s original category which is something that has intrigued him for some time.  Commenting on the announcement from the Italian manufacturer, Battle said, “I’m glad to be part of a pure on road brand like Capricorn, I always said 1:8 onroad was a class to drive soon or later so this year all come true.  We will do as many races we will be able due to Offroad Calendar, I’m sure I will learn a lot and also have fun like a kid thank you so much to Capricorn for that opportunity, I will let you all know soon all Package!”

Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]


December 27, 2023

Tebo and Mayako part ways

Having announced earlier this year that 2023 would be his final year as a professional driver, Jared Tebo and Mayako have announced they are to part ways after just one year.  On signing with Mayako, the America racer was announced in a dual role as both an international team driver and Mayako USA Community Manager.  Through his JTP RC business Tebo was also selling Mayako products.  In a post on social media, Mayako said, ‘Mayako and Jared Tebo will part ways at the end of 2023.  Mayako would like to thank Jared for the past year and wish him the best in the next stages of his career!  His insight and interaction with the Community have really shown the knowledge built up over his excellent career!  Good luck in the future Jared!’  On his own personal Facebook page Tebo wrote, ‘Holy smokes has 2023 been a year.  I need to announce that my time working together with Mayako has come to an end.  Definitely not the way I thought it would turn out, but we gave it a good try, and I’m proud of that.  This year has been one of my toughest and most challenging years mentally, for a lot of different reasons.  I’ll say it was a big transition year, with different surprises.  I decided to retire from professional RC car racing, something I’ve done since I was 14 years old.  That’s been my “identity” for over half my life.  With that, I’ve had so many mixed emotions, good and bad, happy and sad.  2024 will look a lot different … new experiences, new challenges, new adventures await!

Source: Mayako & Jared Tebo [Facebook]


December 27, 2023

Yokomo BD12 US spec Alu chassis | Body Mounts

New from Yokomo for the 2024 season is this aluminium main chassis for its BD12 1:10 Electric Touring Car.  It is a highly rigid US specification with little wall removal, making it ideal for high-grip carpeted surfaces.  The centre of gravity is lowered, which is also effective as a high-side countermeasure.  The Japanese manufacturer also has new horizontal body mounts compatible with rear body posts that protrude rearward, such as BD12, these mounting parts reliably receive downforce and increase rear traction.  Compatible with Twister/Twister Special bodies, the mounting parts are secured to the body using the wing fixing screws. Offset can be adjusted by using the fixing direction of the parts and the included spacers. The height of the body can also be fine-tuned by adjusting spacers on the body post side, such as BD12. This optional part is highly beneficial for race users as it can minimise problems caused by body damage due to crashes, etc.

View horizontal body mounts here


December 26, 2023

Yokomo Esprit RPM Motor 27T reissue

Yokomo has announced that in conjunction with the reissue of the Super Dogfighter 1:10 Buggy, the Esprit RPM motor that was very active in the off-road scene in the 80’s is also being revived.  The pink labelling that recalls the image of Yokomo at the time has been perfectly reproduced, and of course, it is the perfect match when mounted on the Super Dogfighter.  You can drive the Super Dogfighter as if it were a Yokomo works machine.  At the time of its release, the motor was a small-turn modified motor, but this new release is a 27-turn brushed motor to meet modern conditions.  Use this motor as a companion for your Super Dogfighter and you will be able to bring back the images of the 80’s.

View fitted to Super Dogfighter here