Red RC

August 14, 2013

Team C TM4 4WD buggy – Sneak Peek

After launching the TM2 2WD mid-motor off-road buggy Team C Racing now takes the platform to the next level by announcing the TM4 4WD buggy. The TM2, simply spoken, is a mixture of a 4WD rear end combined with the front end of a 2WD buggy and is designed for 2S Shorty LiPo battery packs only. The motor is located on the opposite side with the steering servo and receiver being mounted in the front “2WD part”. By the looks of things the upcoming TM4 will make use of the exact same weight distribution and design concept: Shorty LiPo pack in the rear together with motor and speedo while the servo and receiver sit in the front. Given the CAD rendering the chassis will be made from aluminium in a long wheelbase configuration while the motor mount and suspension brackets are also being made from alloy. Other features one can spot are big bore shock absorbers and possibly large 14mm wheel hex adapters. No word on a release date yet but maybe we can spot prototypes at next month’ IFMAR World Championships in California.

Source: Team C [teamcracing.net]

August 13, 2013

Yokomo B-Max2 front bulkhead insert

Yokomo B-Max2 front alloy & brass front bulkhead

Yokomo Europe introduce a new option part for the B-Max2 buggy in the form of a brass insert for the aluminium front bulkhead. Incorporated into the optional bulkhead is a pocket that takes the new 11g brass insert to add more weight if needed. The weight is a direct fit and available now.

Source: Yokomo Europe [teamyokomo.eu]

August 13, 2013

Driving Sponsorship Forward

When I began racing in the late 1990’s, the racing scene was (as you’d expect!) very different from what it is today. One of the biggest differences I’ve seen has been the evolution of supported and sponsored drivers. Back then, I wasn’t aware of any “full time” drivers. There were a number who worked for a manufacturer or distributor, and sponsorship was something that drivers aspired to achieve. Outside of the top echelon of drivers, someone may have been fortunate to get a bit of money off with their local model shop, but that was usually the best you could hope for.

Continue reading Oli’s column here

August 13, 2013

HPI Nitro Start F3.5 V2 pullstart engine

New from HPI Racing comes the Nitro Star F3.5 V2 3.5cc pullstart engine. it features a new crankcase and heatsink design with larger heatsink fins for improved cooling. The new design makes the engine 22g lighter and 4mm taller compared to its predecessor. The updated pullstart utilises a one-way bearing encased in a large 14mm hex for increased durability. The race-legal .21-size engine features a true ABC construction, with a chrome-plated brass piston and cylinder surrounded by the lightweight aluminium case. Included with the engine comes a suitable air cleaner and R5 glow plug.

Click here to view the specifications and another photo

August 13, 2013

Team Magic Black Magic tool line

Team Magic introduce a new tool line called Black Magic. Available are several metric and imperial tool tip variants including Phillips, flathead and hex drivers all of which are made from HSS material for a long life and high precision. The grips are machined from aluminium, come black anodised and with lazer-etched size markings for easy identification while their design allows for easy tool tip changes if needed.

Source: Team Magic [teammagic.com.tw]

August 13, 2013

Tamiya FF-03 Evo FWD chassis kit

Available from end of August is Tamiya’s latest front-wheel drive kit called the FF-03 Evo. The high-end FWD touring car makes use of a gear transmission and features a new 2.5mm carbon main chassis and 2.0mm upper deck. The IFS front damper layout with inboard shock absorbers makes for a low centre of gravity and an optimised weight distribution while the new chassis has the drive battery mounted in-line of the left side with the servo and electronics being located on the opposite side of the chassis. Included with the kit come many option parts such as a heatsink motor plate, rear aluminium bulkhead, blue anodised turnbuckles and TRF shock absorbers.

Source: Tamiya [tamiya.com]

August 13, 2013

JQ THECar 2013 radio plate set

JQ Products introduce their 2013 radio plate set for the THECar 1/8th nitro buggy. Seen for the first time at this year’s European Championships the set offers an optimised weight distribution and includes redesigned battery and receiver boxes for a front or rear mounted receiver battery pack, a new CNC radio tray and on/off switch mounting tab. The parts are available as set or as separate items.

Source: JQ Products [jq-products.com]

August 13, 2013

Team Losi Racing 4WD buggy spotted

It has been rumoured for a long time and now LiveRC shot some exclusive photos of the mysterious ‘next generation’ Team Losi Racing 4WD buggy. Only one day after the ROAR 1/10th off-road nationals at the Silver Dollar Raceway TLR came there for their own version of a pre-worlds testing with what appears to be a XX-4 “2.0”. Looking at the pictures it appears that the designers kept most of the iconic XX-4’s design elements such as the suspension geometry, weight distribution and (3?) belt drivetrain. On some of the photos it looks like the 4WD prototype sports the same front motor/front main gear setup as Team Losi’s first 4WD buggy two decades ago. The now aluminium chassis is designed along the “4’s” outer shape and even the suspension geometry with the somewhat widely spaced shocks and the front ‘reverse’ steering knuckle/hub construction can be found in the new buggy but the suspension and bulkhead parts sport a modern look as known from the current 22 line of buggies and trucks. We do not have any other information on the car that is believed to make a first public appearance at the World in September but we keep you posted.

Click here to view more photos