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.
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.
Arrma have upgraded their popular Kraton 6S BLX 1/8th electric speed monster truck with the 2018 variant sporting some subtle updates to further up performance and durability. The ’18 variant features revised transmission housings and a redesigned servo mount whose added material reinforces the part’s structures for improved durability while the safety battery mount incorporates adjustable hook and loop straps and wire guides to ensure the battery and wires stay where they belong. New shock cap protectors prevent damage to the upper parts of the shock absorbers, a larger RC box now takes larger aftermarket receivers if needed, and the 2050kV motor and 150A speed controller combo makes for top speeds of over 95km/h. The ready-to-run set is rounded out by a Tactic 2.4GHz radio system, dBoots multi-terrain tyres and a pre-decorated body shell in two colour schemes.
Coming from Imbue are the V4 baffled brass shock pistons for 1/8th off-road vehicles. The patent pending pistons offer an innovative design that allows to fine-tune the shock package using interchangeable shims. The 16mm diameter pistons are machined from high-quality brass material and include medium and high pack baffles with the overall design allowing for a very progressive shock action and a compression speed depending pack which will result in increased car control, saver landings and an overall easier-to-drive-hard-car especially in low traction and rough track conditions. The sets include four pistons, they come as 5-hole 1.45mm and 8-hole 1.15mm/1.35mm variants and are available for Xray, Kyosho, JQRacing, Team Associated, Tekno, Mugen MBX7 and HB Racing D8 series kits.
JConcepts now offers a new 3-D-printed chassis brace for the Team Associated B6 chassis, called the roller coaster brace. Available directly through Shapeways, the uniquely shaped and designed brace offers flexibility fore and aft as well as side to side. The part fits directly into the B6 vehicle with laydown style transmission and installs using the standard hardware.
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
