Tamiya are present here at the fair as ever, showing off their range of plastic models of ‘fun’ products, but amongst all that on the TRF stand is the new Tamiya 801X 1/8th scale buggy. Details are sketchy from staff on the booth, and we can only go on what we saw, but this new buggy is still in the testing phase and features the trend of the moment of having the engine slanted in the car.
German company Shepherd had their new Velox V10 on display and when they stated earlier that the car would be revolutionary, they weren’t really kidding. This car looks the part, all decked out in aluminum, while still in protoype stage the car will retain the current balance between aluminium and plastic. Most noticeable thing on the car is the Velox braking system on the rear which clamps the rear gear differential. Similar in function to that of its larger stable mate, it has been reduced in size to fit.
Incorporated in the Xray stand was of course Hudy, who were showing lots of new products. The tool maker has branched out to making other racing accessories and these include a handy new pit bag, which is made from a durable cloth material and can be folded flat in a matter of seconds. Large enough to carry everything you need into the pit lane, it is super lightweight and perfect for the travelling racer. While in the pits you can wear the new Hudy apron or while in a foreign country you can use their ‘just for fun’ coin bag, a handy place to store your change while at an international event.
The Xray stand was the first port or call today and as usual the Slovakian manufacturers display was extremely well presented. On show was a number of updated cars, including the 2009 XB808 1/8th scale buggy. This car retains the basics of the previous model, launched here 1 year ago, but features some new improvements including new bulkheads that have a redesigned bearing retaining collar for better durability. Also for improved performance over a period of time, the new shock absorbers have new boots to keep the dirt away, while other small changes include stronger ball joints, new rear body holder and whats new on all the gas cars, a new fuel tank lid that has a unique one piece rubber seal system to stop ant leaking. Finally the car sports a new low profile air filter that enables the use of a new sleaker body shell.
We have arrived at the annual toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany and even though it is set up day we were kindly shown around the HPI Racing/Hot Bodies stand on which we found the new, yet to be released HB D8T. This new truggy is making its debut here at the show and definitely looks the part, with an agressive looking bodyshell and forward mounted engine, staying with the trend of the current crop of cars in this class. Mounted on the D8T are new wheels the company are producing, and while they are currently mounted with Pro-Line tires we are assured that a similar line of tires are on their way under the HB brand in the next few months.
Landfill Raceway is the biggest off-road track in the Caribbean and recently received a huge makeover with better jumps and more banking on the corners and so far this facility is a state of the art off-road track with great night lights, huge covered driver stand, covered pit space and a concrete pit lane are just some of the features. Last weekend was the first race of the Landfill Raceway Championship and it attracted more than 60 entries in both Buggy and Truggy classes. In the 45 minute long Buggy final it was a battle from the start with TQ Juan Torres and Eliud Hernadez battling it out for about 10 minutes until both cars hit mechanical problems allowing n-road Mugen Team Driver Andy Báez to take the win in the end by a lap from his recovering teammate Juan Torre, while Losi driver Manuel Vázquez took 3rd position having bumped up from the B Main. In the Truggy class Miguel Cotto driving a Losi took the TQ and win followed by José Rodríguez in 2nd position and Jaime Negrón in third, with his Associated.
Thanks to Zobeida Ocasio for the report
We already know from previous notices by Xray, that the Slovakian company will be releasing updates for their XT8, XB808 and NT1, but as the new picture (click for large version) taken from the company’s website shows, they are also releasing a completely new car into their product line, the X10. Although not confirmed, we are pretty sure looking at the picture that it is a 1/10th scale pan car, fitted with a Worlds GT bodyshell and most probably is based off the company’s recently released XII. We will be at the toy fair from tomorrow onwards and hope to bring you confirmation of this as well as full details from all the new Xray line.
Source: Xray [teamxray.com]
Murnan Modified Motors, in conjunction with Novarossi, have introduced what they claim to be the ultimate .12 on road racing engine, the M353R Modified. Based on the Novarossi 353, it has undergone the Murnan treatment and so the engine internals have been hand selected to ensure the best tolerances and then modified to Murnan Modified Motors specifications. This new engine includes a rear ceramic bearing and the cooling head has been etched with special marking to denote this special edition engine. Thought has gone into making the most powerful engine possible, while still making more than 5 minutes of runtime. This engine is intended for serious racing applications.
