Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i RC Car Action

Traxxas has delivered yet another hit with the Mini Maxx, a 1/10-scale monster truck that combines extreme performance, rugged durability, and cutting-edge technology. Designed for enthusiasts who demand big thrills in a portable package, the Mini Maxx is ready to dominate any terrain. We first laid eyes on this mini monster truck in person at the 2024 edition of the SEMA tradeshow. Its compact size and promise of speed and power built up excitement over the kit. We immediately wanted to get the easy-tofit-in-a-backpack-sized truck out onto the field to see what it could do. BL-2S POWER At the heart of the Mini Maxx is the BL-2s Brushless Power System, delivering a top speed of over 30 mph. The motor features a 3300kV rating, an integrated cooling fan, and efficient…

The world of RC construction vehicles just got a lot smaller—literally—with the introduction of the Nano Tracks N320, a fully functional miniature excavator designed to bring the excitement of heavy machinery to your desk, sandbox, or anywhere in between. Created by Jonathan Abbott of Raleigh, North Carolina, the N320 made waves on Kickstarter, smashing its $20,000 goal in just nine minutes and eventually raising over $345,000. This tiny powerhouse has captivated RC enthusiasts and casual hobbyists alike. A VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE Jonathan’s journey to create the N320 began with inspiration from a YouTube group playing with tiny RC construction vehicles. Unable to find an excavator that matched his vision, Jonathan decided to create one himself. Without prior engineering experience, he spent two years learning CAD, prototyping with 3D printers,…

Neil Leyesa of Bonards Garage has truly outdone himself with his latest custom RC rock crawler: a stunningly accurate scale replica of Expedition Overland’s Atigun Toyota Tacoma. For fans of lifesized overland rigs, this RC creation is a masterclass in precision and craftsmanship, bringing the spirit of the real Atigun pickup truck to the world of RC. THE INSPIRATION Expedition Overland’s Atigun is an overland truck designed to conquer the toughest trails across the globe. Built on a Toyota Tacoma platform, it’s equipped with a custom Patriot Campers system, a self-sufficient setup perfect for extended adventures. With its robust build and unparalleled utility, Atigun has inspired countless enthusiasts—and now it’s the basis for Leyesa’s latest RC masterpiece. FROM VISION TO REALITY Neil started his project with an MFab 4x4 Tacoma…

In the golden age of RC, also known as the ’80s, Tamiya became a literal household name with famous off-road releases such as the Hornet, Grasshopper, and Frog, but its first RC offering, back in 1976, was an on-road kit—a detailed Porsche 934. Tamiya’s on-road efforts didn’t end there. Many successful smooth-surface releases followed. In fact, Tamiya has racked up an impressive five IFMAR world championships—all on-road. So, it’s clear Tamiya can make high-end competitive race machines, such as the TRF421. At the other end of the spectrum, they offer the incredibly popular and simple TT-01 and TT-02 kits, which are perfect for bashing and spec-style parking lot racing. Landing somewhere in the middle is the TA08 platform. And, leaning toward the competitive end but sparing some of the complexity…

The Tamiya Radio Control Car World Championships take place annually in Tamiya’s hometown, Shizuoka City, Japan. Alongside the RC World Championships, the Tamiya Autumn Fair offers a wide array of activities and displays for the public and participants alike. Highlights of the fair include the Japan Cup 2024 Mini 4WD Championship races, new product announcements, the Shizuoka Plastic Model Club exhibition, full-scale racecars on display (this year featuring the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a 1998 Subaru Impreza Rally Car, and the 2024 GR Yaris Rally 1 Hybrid), a fullscale military vehicle display, an RC Tank Club meeting, and a Special Tamiya product sale. Additionally, prominent Japanese RC radio manufacturers, such as Futaba, KO Propo, and Sanwa showcased their latest innovations. CHASING VICTORY IN JAPAN This year’s event took place on…

Upgrading your RC vehicle with aftermarket parts can take it to the next level in terms of durability, performance, and overall driving experience. We recently upgraded our Arrma Kraton 6S with suspension and drivetrain components from RPM R/C products, and the results were nothing short of transformative. Here’s a breakdown of the RPM parts we installed and why they make a significant difference. FRONT AND REAR A-ARMS The first upgrade was swapping out the stock A-arms for RPM’s 6S Front and Rear A-arms, specifically designed for V5 and EXB editions of Arrma vehicles. These A-arms are built 30% thicker for increased strength and durability, reducing flex and providing more predictable suspension performance. This improvement translates to better handling and cornering, especially during high-speed runs or rough terrain. The lower A-arms…

TRAXXAS 2S LIPO USB-C COMPLETER PACK If you’re running a Traxxas vehicle or a vehicle powered by a Traxxas ESC, you’ll be glad to know that the company’s latest Traxxas 4-Amp USB-C Multi-Chemistry Charger is a great solution for your battery charging needs. The charger delivers power and convenience in a compact form factor and is available by itself or as part of a Completer Pack, which pairs it with your choice of a 2s or 3s LiPo battery. We recently had a 2s LiPo USB-C Completer Pack on our test bench for a closer look. The Completer Pack comes with the USB-C Multi-Chemistry Charger and a 3000 mAh 7.4-volt 2-cell LiPo battery and is designed for use with Traxxas BL-2s or Titanequipped vehicles. EFFORTLESS CHARGING WITH ID TECHNOLOGY One…

To learn more about Vintage Trans-Am racing, we started doing some digging. It wasn’t long before we connected with Rob King, who turned out to be not only the webmaster but the behind-the-scenes, one-man director of the Association. Here’s the oral history of the Vintage Trans-Am racing class in Rob’s own words: “Around 2007, Marty Hageman started the Vintage Trans-Am class as a fun alternative class at Trackside Hobbies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was Scotty Ernst’s track at the time. As accessory items, HPI was making the tires and bodies, which Marty saw and centered the class around. It was 4-cell and 27-turn brushed motor power, which was on its way out in favor of LiPo and brushless. Old handout motors from races were plentiful, as well as NiMH batteries.…