European X-Grip distributors Mikimodel have introduced a new balance harness for 2S LiPo batteries. The pre-wired charge cable uses a protective sleeve to bundle the wires, it comes pre-soldered with industry-standard bullet-type connectors, a 2mm balance plug and XH balancer port.
Source: Mikimodel [mikimodel.net]
Coming from Answer RC and made for HB Racing’s D8 series of buggies, such as the D817, D815 and D812, are carbon fibre arm stiffeners. The purpose of the carbon arm covers is to stiffen the arm and give a less flexible suspension set up and reduce traction a little. Ideal in high grip situations or to tune the handling of the car. These UK-made items vary in several ways to the standard HB items and Answer RC’s other own brand items in so far as they do not use countersunk holes for the securing screws giving a two fold benefit. No countersunk gives a stronger securing surface and by virtue of not being countersunk they are now not sided so that they can be flipped and used either side meaning if drivers have a tendency to damage one side they don’t end up with a collection of carbon covers for the alternate side. Another problem faced by some users is that the stock 2.5mm screws can pull out from the arm over time. Included with each set are 10 x 3.0mm screws as well as the 2.5mm screws which allow re-use of the arm even when the screw threads have become damaged in the arm. Also included is a 2.5mm drill bit which is ideal for opening the stock hole up if going straight to 3.0mm screw fitment. The arm covers are available separately for the front or the rear of the buggy.
View the rear arm stiffeners here
Following extensive testing and several teasers, Serpent have officially announced the release of their new Project 4X Evo 1/10th 4WD electric touring car kit. The car makes use of the proven 4X platform but features several updates and improvements to further improve durability, performance and ease of maintenance. On the chassis side of things the Evo variant comes with a vertical top deck for less tweak issues, the chassis received an update to make for better flex characteristics and the new motor mount offers improved flex control. The suspension compartment features bigger heave dampers that hold more oil and utilise larger springs while fixed length moulded pull rods make setup more precise and convenient. New to the Evo are also lower mounting positions foe the RRS links, updated front and rear brackets improve durability, a blade-less front spool makes for better performance as do improved centre shaft holders. Last but not least come an updated steering system for a more linear feel, as well as new front and rear bumpers for easier access and improved performance. The kit will hit stores by end of March.
PSM have introduced their new battery positioning system for the Xray X1’18 formula car. This battery positioning system was designed to hold the battery securely in place while maintaining the option to move it forward and backwards in order to fine-tune the weight bias. In addition PSM have added the possibility to hold it down with the included O-ring to make battery changes easy while because of its special design, the battery mount will not affect the chassis flex at all. Manufactured from PSM’s proven quality carbon fibre and including all necessary hardware, the assembly weighs in at only 9 grams in total.
Coming from Xray and made for the RX8 1/8th on-road car are steering blocks with two additional eccentric roll centre positions to make it a total of six. The small yet tough steering blocks are moulded from a special composite material for great durability and additional mounting holes allow the use of carbon fibre aero discs. The steering blocks are available separately for the left and the right hand side of the car from now on.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Italian company 7075.it have introduced aluminium front and rear shock towers as well as alloy lower suspension mounts for the Mugen MBX8 buggy. All parts are made of Swiss 7075-T6 aluminium and come hard anodised for looks and wear. The rear tower is of a heavy duty 5mm thick design and the suspension mounts also received updates to make them more durable than the standard items. Coming very soon is also a dedicated main chassis plate.
The final round of the INES points series was hosted by 46RC recently. With watering mid-round the grip was more consistent but the tight, red clay track required running extra soft slicks with aggressive tyre sauce. In the 2WD and 4WD classes Jared Phair finished 2nd to take the overall titles from Stephen Maizer (PR Racing) 2nd and Bryan Kata (Team Associated) on the 3 spot with the two also rounding out the championship top 3 results.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Shepherd have introduced the new Velox E8 4S 1/8th electric on-road kit. Based on the Velox E8 platform, the car was developed to meet the demand for a cost-efficient and high-performance electric car that complies with the regulations of the newly created EFRA 1/8th electric on-road class. The updated radio-plate now takes two shorty-LiPos as well as the speed controller. The batteries are centred in the middle of the vehicle allowing for optimal balance. By positioning them as far backward as possible the traction was improved significantly, which is required when using high-torque electric motors. The speed controller is mounted directly on the chassis for easy access and good cooling efficiency. The redesigned motor mount accommodates a variety of different 1/8 electric motors and a built-in carbon fibre fan mount allows the installation of a large 40mm fan. The symmetrical chassis plate is characterised by ventilation openings and supports the cooling of the electronic components. The kit will hit stores very soon.
