Xray have introduced new graphite composite steering blocks for the XB2 and XT2 line of off-road buggies and trucks. Moulded from a special composite material that uses graphite to further reinforce the parts, the steering knuckles are harder than the previous “hard” compound for improved rigidity, making them ideal in high to very high grip track conditions where they can improve stability and corner speed.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
First images and information on HB Racing’s forthcoming D418 1/10th scale 4WD buggy have appeared on the internet, showing a greatly revised platform. The car is based on an all-new aluminium chassis with raised side guards, similar to what can be found on the company’s successful E817 1/8th scale buggy. HB Racing’s trademark monocoque suspension arms are supplied in a harder compound as standard for a more precise handling while the centre bulkhead is now split for easier access to the centre differential. The highly adjustable suspension offers optimised suspension travel and shock length and the kit will be topped off by a JConcepts body shell and wing. No information has be given on a release date but it is understood that the kit is about to hit stores soon.
View a list of all new features here
Coming from Yeah Racing and made for Traxxas’ TRX-4 trail truck are aluminium front and rear damper mounts. Using the parts will increase overall stiffness and suspension efficiency and with the front mount also doubling as panhard bar mount, the chances of a failure of the whole assembly is greatly reduced. Both the front and rear mounts are made from high-quality aluminium, they come black anodised and are available separately.
View the rear shock mounts here
Coming from T-Works and made for Mugen’s new MBX8 1/8th nitro off-road buggy is a full range of option parts. On the suspension side of things the Asian company offers a 4-piece set of spring steel shock standoffs, aluminium pillow balls with titanium or spring steel shafts, hard-coated aluminium front A-arm reinforcing tubes, as well as a hard-coated 7075 aluminium suspension ball set, 64 titanium turnbuckles and also POM front upright adjuster nut spacers, POM front upright adjuster nuts with POM spacers as well as brass front upright adjuster nuts with POM spacers. As for the drivetrain compartment, T-Works offers hard-coated aluminium front and rear axle shafts, cup joints and aluminium centre driveshaft collars along spring steel diff joints. Last but not least comes a stainless steel rear chassis protector set as well as 64 titanium UFO and gold-plated steel screw sets.
Traxxas’ popular E-Revo monster truck has received a massive overhaul with the 2018 edition being considered faster and stronger than ever before. The truck builds on an innovative low centre of gravity chassis with major components such as batteries being placed as low and close to the centreline as possible. Key areas were targeted for added strength and rigidity, such as the battery compartments and bulkhead mounts while new front and rear top braces resist flex and further protect the inboard shocks. Upgraded front and rear differentials with massively larger ring and pinion gears use over twice as much steel for extreme durability while heavy weight oil gives them the performance feel of limited slip differentials. The steel drive cups fit over 8mm hardened steel output shafts which ride on oversized sealed bearings.
Coming from Speedzone is their new 6000mAh 4S LiHV battery pack for 1/8th scale applications. Made from high-performance 100C cells the back measures 138.5×46.5x49mm and it weighs in at 556g. The hardcase battery comes pre-wired with an industry-standard balance and T-plug power connector and it is available now.
Source: Speedzone [speedzoneusa.com]
Thunder Alley of Beaumont, California held a club race this past weekend that attracted some of the state’s fastest off-road racers. In the Expert Nitro Buggy A-main it was Mugen’s Adam Drake with the win in the 20-minute encounter from new Serpent signing, Cody King who ended the race some 4 seconds short of Adam. In 3rd and a lap down Mugen’s Anthony Westergaard completed the top 3 podium result.
Image: Adam Drake
Coming from RC Speed Secrets and made for the Yokomo YZ-2 DTM 2WD buggy are two new titanium screw kits. Available as 70-pieces upper and 26-pieces lower set, the fasteners are made or Grade 5 quality titanium and they feature deep sockets for easier wrenching and less stress on both the screw heads and tool tips. The sets are available in a rainbow/oil slick finish or in a stealth black finish to make them stand out.
View the chassis bottom screw set here
