Coming from Xray are the new 3 dots/1 stripe linear springs for the XB4, XB2 and XT2 1/10th scale off-road kits. Individually measured, controlled, inspected and matched the springs will offer maximum precision and in terms of hardness they are softer than the standard 1 dot linear springs. They also come marked for easy identificaton and they are sold as pairs for the front and rear.
Schumacher have released first information on the forthcoming re-release of the 1986 CAT XLS 1/10th scale 4WD buggy. The Schumacher CAT revolutionised off-road racing when it was introduced in 1986, and it became an international success winning British, European, Japanese, Australian, and American championships. It was later updated with a longer wheelbase and in the hands of a certain Masami Hirosaka it won the 1987 1/10th 4WD IFMAR World Championships in Romsey, England. The 2017 kit is a replica of the buggy that won Masami his first in many Worlds titles and it features the Cecil Schumacher invented ball differentials, a unique integrator system offers adjustable torque split between front and rear, and a double wishbone suspension makes for massive (1987-ish) suspension travel. Also included in the re-release kit will be alloy coil over oil filled shock absorbers.
US CEN Racing distributors HRP have introduced the US-exclusive Colossus XT mega monster truck. Based off of the Reeper monster truck but with a different name and colour scheme the Colossus sports a massive footprint of 750x480mm and it weighs in at 7kg. A dual vertical plate chassis frame and a heavy duty drivetrain with oversized driveshafts make for enormous strength that is needed to tame the 1450kv brushless motor that is coupled to a 150A Hobbywing speed controller. The truck is powered by dual 2S LiPo battery packs although a dual 3S setup is possible without reliability issues. 25mm diameter shock absorbers soak up imperfections in the terrain and genuine Savöx steering servo helps to get the massive truck on track. The kit is rounded out by a 3-channel 2.4GHz radio system.
Coming from Avid are gold-anodised Triad M4 wheel nuts. Being of Avid’s unique Triad 3-corners design they are usable with a standard 7mm wrench and they are anodised with a unique process that makes them reflective to resemble gold plating. Each nut weighs in at 0.3g and a serrated back section allows for secure wheel tightening. The M4 nuts fit all modern 1/10th on-road and off-road vehicles and they come in sets of four.
Source: Avid [avidrc.com]
Following the F2 body for the YZ-2 JConcepts have now also introduced the S2 body for the YZ-4 buggy. A slammed overall height allows the S2 to whisk through the turns with a low centre of mass while the progressive cab design provides plenty of front-end force for balance and steering. A channelled roof directs the flow through the centre of the body while also increasing the rigidity of cockpit. The dual side-window design that has become famous on the JConcepts bodies remains to bring a traditional feel to the layout. The upper side-pods feature distinct vents used to help relieve hot air build-up inside the body for those high-powered runs or hot days at the track. Carved and detailed side-pods edge the body giving the highly aero unit a stylish look with a tight fit and finish. The clear body comes including window masks, a decal sheet and two Aero rear wings.
JConcepts have a new 3-D-printed body mount flange for the Yokomo YZ-2 buggy available. Designed for the JConcepts S2 and F2 body the part assists in maintaining the rear body height and space between the body and spur gear assembly while utilizing the forward or rearward mounted shock configuration. The part installs on the front-side of the rear shock tower and it is available through JConcepts’s Shapeways store.
Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]
Revolution Design Racing Products have introduced a set of titanium pivot balls for the Team Associated RC8B3 buggy. Made from high-quality material the titanium pivot balls scrub a good amount of weight compared to the kit’s steel parts while also being much less prone to corrode and wear, making them virtually a fit and forget. The titanium pivot balls are compatible to all 3rd generation RC8 kits including the RC8B, RC8B3e, RC8T3 and RC8T3e.
Vampire Racing have introduced their new 6000mAh 80C LiHV competition battery pack. Made from high-quality high-voltage Lithium-Polymer cells with a constant 80C rating the standard size 2S battery offers a nominal voltage of 7.6V and it weighs in at 305g. The pack utilises 5mm tube-type connectors, Vampire Racing’s new black design stickers, it is both EFRA and BRCA legal and available from now on.
Source: Vampire Racing [vampire-racing.com]
