Xray have introduced the 2018 variant of their EFRA European Championship and ETS winning X1 formula car kit. The vehicle is based on the 2017 variant and features some subtle updates compared to the previous car. First up and most visible is an all-new chassis design with the ’18 main plate being 24mm narrower compared to the ’17 car in order to eliminate chassis scrub in high speed corners and when running on high-bite surfaces.
Coming from Samix and made for the Traxxas TRX-4 trail truck are brass spring retainers. They are machined from high-quality material, come with a black surface coating for wear and looks and their closed design ensures they will not fall off even when the going gets tough. The spring cups weigh in at 25g and thus they add weight to one of the lowest parts of the chassis for improved climb performance. The set includes four direct-fit spring retainers.
Coming from RPM and made for the Losi Baja Rey truck are a front bumper and skid plate set. With the original Losi front skid plate being too stiff, preventing the bumper from absorbing impacts, RPM have designed an all-new assembly by moving the entire skid plate from between the chassis plate and differential to below the aluminium chassis plate. This move solved a couple of problems, it offers additional chassis protection while also creating a flex zone on the skid plate that would allow more movement of the bumper in impact situations, ultimately saving from costly repairs. The bumper was redesigned as well, strengthening the mount between the skid plate and bumper, yet also creating another flex zone that allows the bumper to compress under extreme impacts, yet return back to its original shape once the impact energy has dissipated, ultimately protecting the more fragile areas of the truck such as the front differential and chassis plate since the bumper now absorbs the impact instead of transferring that energy into the chassis. The bumper and skid plate are moulded from RPM’s renown nylon composite and the set will hit stores soon.
Source: RPM [rpmrcproducts.com]
T-Works have introduced four carbon fibre gearbox shim sets for the Team Associated B64 buggy. CNC-machined from high-quality material and coming including mounting hardware the sets are available in 1.5mm, 2.0m, 2.5mm and 3.0mm specification to raise the rear and front gearboxes for optimised driveshaft angles and grip. Included are also suitable chassis brace shims made from carbon fibre.
Coming from Exotek is the XT6 1/10th 2WD stadium truck conversion kit for the Team Associated T5M and B6 kits. The kit is an essential laydown type chassis conversion and it features a specially designed 7075 alloy +6mm chassis that will help update the ageing T5M to the laydown type platform that is needed for today’s high grip tracks. The design allows the use of the newest B6 components such as the gearbox, battery layout, rear bulkheads, front bulkheads and steering, which then uses the T5M suspension components and body. The conversion includes heavy duty USA made 5mm carbon fibre front and rear shock towers that matches the stock T5M geometry and also included are front and rear T5M body mount adapters along with a detailed instruction sheet. Required for the conversion are a donor T5M and B6 kit or new parts including bulkheads, steering, gearbox and suspension.
Coming from IGT8 is the GTe 1/8th electric GT chassis kit. Based on the successful IGT8 GT 2017 platform, the electric car has an optimised battery, motor and ESC layout to improve handling and corner speed. The car features a sturdy aluminium chassis, front and rear aluminium chassis braces, lightweight carbon fibre shock towers and centre bulkhead plate, as well as a sliding motor mount, a spacious composite battery compartment with hook & loop straps and also a large front bumper with carbon fibre body post brace. The kit accepts popular 1/8th GT bodies and it is available now.
Factory RC have introduced the carbon fibre gearbox shim set for the Yokomo YZ-2 series of 2WD buggies. It allows 1mm and 2mm adjustments to the gear box height to change the CG and dog bone plunge angle on the car. For carpet the team often runs the gear box shimmed up 2mm while using the Yokomo Z2-304C-2 and Z2-018-2 pieces. This shim set can also be used without these parts on dirt/clay tracks to increase rear grip on those services that need it. The set is compatible with every version of the YZ-2 including the 1st Gen, CA, DT, and DTM kit. Set includes both 1mm and 2mm shims for the gear box, rear “CA” style brace, and waterfall shims all made in carbon look plate. 1mm or 2mm ball stud washers are used on the rear DTM mount for adjusting height. The addition of the water fall shim prevents bind up in the transmission assembly allowing for additional flex and grip.
Capricorn from Italy have announced the soon release of the C803 EP 1/8th electric on-road kit. Based on the C803 nitro car with whom it shares all suspension parts and geometry, the electric-powered kit was developed for the use with dual 2S shorty-style LiPo batteries. The car will become available as kit only and without electronics from end of October.
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
