Innehållsförteckning för July 2022 från RC Car Action

It is said to build something up better, sometimes you need to put it through its paces and break it down first. In the case of Axial’s SCX6, I had a hard time breaking it down—even after running on some rougher-than-rough trails. In fact, I was unable to manage the feat even when I ran it on a 1:1-scale trail. Instead, I decided just to bypass the breaking-down part and fully lean into building it up. I had put relentless hours of trail time on my SCX6 JLU Wrangler in its completely stock form. After some major trail runs and bash sessions, the large vehicle hasn’t flinched a bit. I didn’t break anything on it, but it had plenty of trail rash and has waded through its fair share of…

A huge crowd-pleaser at this year’s RCX was the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix, presented by Toyota Mirai. Filling up half of an entire hall at Fairplex, the exciting competition featured hydrogen-powered RC cars that were campaigned by high school student teams. The Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) is a comprehensive science and engineering program that gives high school students from all over the world the opportunity to apply their talents as they learn about environmental sustainability, renewable energy and alternative fuels through variety of science experiments and curricular materials. This year’s RCX hosted the California state final. The six-month-long 2021-2022 H2GP California season concluded when 20 teams took to the track on March 26 for their chance to finish in the top three spots in the race’s endurance portion. Those…

Having recently reviewed Axial’s new 4-wheel-steering Capra, I was inspired to convert our test Capra to mimic its newly improved sibling. Four-wheel steering, or 4WS as I’ll be referring to it, is just what it sounds like—steering at both the front and the rear wheels of the vehicle for improved turning capability and maneuverability. This is especially handy for a crawler, which benefits from the exacting precision of the 4WS design. What I found when researching the conversion is that it is actually quite simple and only requires a handful of necessary parts along with a couple hours of time. Follow along as we go over the process. The Parts We will need a mirror copy of the front axle, along with the associated steering components. Below you will find…

The fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny hails from a storied line of highly regarded compact off-roaders that specialize in bringing driving fun to the masses. Like its full-scale cousin, FMS’ 1/12-scale RC version of the Jimny also aims to bring fun to its driver. FMS delivers the latest generation Suzuki Jimny (JB74) into the hands of RC and scale model enthusiasts in a big way. The 1/12-scale JB74 is a highly detailed RC vehicle that’s as detailed as any static model we’ve encountered before. FMS’ RC version comes in an accurate neon yellow rendition of Suzuki’s Kinetic Yellow paint scheme. We really like the bright color choice. Since Suzuki left the U.S. market back in 2013, many of us may not know much about the latest version of the Jimny. Let’s remedy…

Slash. The name is well known throughout the RC universe. For some, the truck served as their entry point into the RC hobby. For others, it’s the centerpiece of a radio-controlled addiction that knows no end. The Traxxas Slash is a legendary vehicle that has been adapted to serve any number of purposes. From competitive short course truck racing to all-out bashing fun, the Slash in every one of its forms has proven to be a solid RC model that performs as well as it lasts. Traxxas is masterful at keeping its platforms fresh and relevant, and it’s exciting to hear that the venerable Slash has now its been updated with factory-installed front and rear LED lighting as well as all-new ProGraphix paint jobs. This new-for-2022 all-inclusive Slash package also…

Need a kit that does it all? Have you thought about a buggy? When it comes down to it, buggies are designed for agility and performance, and this day and age we even have buggies that are contenders for extreme bashing and speed. The ARRMA Typhon 6S BLX V5 happens to be one of those buggies. This all-around high-performance buggy is not only meant for tight turns and maneuvers but can output downright speed and bash with the best of them. Join us as we jump in and take a closer look at this badass buggy. BUILT BLX TOUGH The Typhon 6S BLX V5 was designed as a sleeker, faster alternative to its similarly sized truck siblings. The Typhon at its base is a 1/8-scale buggy through and through and…

Are you feeling the heat yet? Summer is officially in full swing and a day by the lake sounds like the proper way to cool down and enjoy a sweltering-hot day. We recently visited to our own nearby lake to enjoy one of Pro Boat’s latest RC water bashers, the Sonicwake V2 speedboat. The newly updated Pro Boat Sonicwake V2 is an improved version of the original Sonicwake. Like the V1 iteration, Sonicwake V2 is also a 36-inch-long RC boat that features a Deep-V hull configuration. Performance updates found in this latest edition of the boat include longer turning fins, a screwadjustable trim tab, a modified rudder design, dual water pickups that help cool the brushless system, upgraded steering rod and more. Suffice it to say the myriad updates make…

SPEKTRUM S6230 ULTRA TORQUE LOW-PROFILE DIGITAL SERVO FEATURES The Spektrum S6230 is a digital steering servo designed for use in 1/10th-scale surface applications where servo mounting space is limited. This lower-profile servo is fully sealed and waterproofed, making it a great choice for crawlers and other outdoor RC models. The S6230 uses Spektrum’s innovative removable connector design, with multiple optional lengths available so you can choose the exact cable length needed for your vehicle. The servo outputs an impressive 311 oz./in. of torque with 6V supplied power, making it a true compact powerhouse. TheS6230features steel internal gearing and dual ball bearing support, along with a 7075 aluminum output shaft and main gear for durability. A coreless digital motor is installed for precise steering input. The S6230 also features an aluminum…

My background in RC started in the fall of 2018 when I purchased a Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL. I have always had a passion for racing, and this got me one step closer to some fast-paced 1/10-scale off-road racing. After multiple off-road series championships and podium finishes racing 1/10 SCT, 2WD buggy and even 1/8-scale models, the local series dried up in 2020 due to COVID. However, my RC addiction never went away. I just had to get my fix. With the tracks and hobby shops closed, my only option to run my purpose-built racecars was in the yard or the street. Not ideal for these prized builds. Crawling and scale RCs never appealed to me. I never understood why someone would want to drive slowly. Yeah, crawlers and scale…

A few issues ago we featured an RC build by Marc Jay, the RC customizer behind the YouTube channel Mechanic After Hours. If you’re familiar with his channel, you’ll know that Marc’s custom RC work is unique, meticulous and just plain fun to gawk at. His custom Axial SCX10 III featured in the April 2022 issue of RCCA was not only popular with readers, but with our staff as well. It was only a matter of time that we revisited Marc’s stable of vehicles to see what other RC creations he has built. One look at his lineup and we knew that it was a no-brainer that we needed to get a closer look at his famed Tamiya Blitzer Beetle 2011, aka “The Vixen.” THE BEETLE Tamiya’s Blitzer Beetle was…

After a couple of years of lockdowns, it was nice finally getting out to have some fun with fellow radio control enthusiasts. The 2022 edition of Radio Control Expo, better known as RCX, brought a weekend of nonstop action and excitement to the Fairplex in Pomona, California, March 26 and 27. The event brought together thousands of spectators and RC enthusiasts for a full weekend of fun that showcased the best in new products, Try-Me driving, product discounts and giveaways, full-size show cars, drag racing, planes, helicopters, FPV drones, rock crawlers and more. RADIO CONTROL EXPO Plenty of RC companies were present to show off their latest releases and giving hands-on demos of their most popular vehicles and gear. Aside from all the RC action going on, RCX attendees were…

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to race an RC track in the comfort of your own home? How about bringing an RC track with you everywhere you go? Our friends at SoCal Hobbies showed us how to do just that with the help of Kyosho’s line of 1/24-scale Mini Z RC cars and a track made by RCP Tracks. Kyosho Mini Z RCs come in many different styles, including on-road racers, off-road trucks and even racing buggies. These pint-sized vehicles are known for their incredibly accurate scale looks and their hop-up potential. The upgrade market is robust and the racing is fierce, especially for the on-road segment. Due to their smaller 1/24 scale, it’s easy to see why Mini Zs are the preferred RC to race where space…

FEATURES Traxxas Anaconda street tires are made especially for bashing on the asphalt and pavement. The Anaconda tire is made with a high-wear rubber and an aggressive tread pattern that is perfect for all types of on-road conditions. These tires come expertly pre-mounted on a set of RXT composite wheels for a super cool look. Each tire is precision glued to the wheel and includes a molded foam insert for the best possible performance. The wheels and tires are sold in pairs and fit perfectly on all four corners of 4WD Rustler models and the front end of 2WD Rustlers. 2WD rear-offset wheels and tires are also available (P/N 6768). TESTING The RXT wheels and Anaconda tires bolt up to the 4WD Rustler without any fitment issues, providing the perfect…

If you’re looking to up your scale build’s detail game, you’ll definitely want to look into a detailed engine upgrade to stuff under your RC’s hood. JE Designs of Anchorage, Alaska, builds 3D-printed engines and other accessories that are mindblowingly realistic. Perfect to use as displays or to augment your RC car or truck, the company’s wares are as detailed as it gets. JE Designs’ owner, Jon Enriquez, who founded the company in 2018, tells us that he had quit his job at a drivetrain shop in town and bought a 3D printer in order to embark on a new passion of his, that of creating 3D-printed scale products. “I thought that I’d make all kinds of cool stuff for the RC community,” Enriquez says, “but I hit a bump…