Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från RC Car Action

In the ever-evolving world of 1/18-scale RC crawlers, Traxxas has released a genre-redefining model in the TRX-4M. This compact powerhouse is not just a miniature replica; it’s a formidable crawler that’s redefining the small-scale RC experience. Inspired by its quality build, design and the promise of unparalleled upgradability, we embarked on a journey to transform our TRX-4M Land Rover Defender into the ultimate crawling beast. ALL TRAXXAS MODS Diving deep into the extensive Traxxas catalog of modification parts, we left no stone unturned in our quest for enhancements, both functional and visual. With the assistance of RCCA’s seasoned contributor, Mike Wiene, we worked to craft a machine that would conquer any terrain in its path using only Traxxas upgrade parts. Our first aesthetic decision was to bid farewell to the…

Shopping for radio-controlled (RC) vehicles in Tokyo, Japan, can be an exciting experience, given the city’s vibrant culture and enthusiasm for technology and hobbies. We were fortunate enough to travel to Japan twice in 2023 and, of course, we just had to swing by a few RC shops while we were there. One thing you’ll notice when browsing the stores in Japan are that you are definitely not in the States any more. The usual names that we see on store shelves are mostly there, but the ratio heavily favors Japanese brands for sure. Of course, Tamiya, Kyosho, Yokomo are the headliners, and as far as accessories, parts and tools are concerned, there are many brands that aren’t offered at your local shops. KO Propo, Futaba and Hitec are all…

AT A GLANCE TYPE On-Road SCALE 1/10 DRIVETRAIN 4WD POWER Electric BUILD RTR PRICE $178 Japanese automotive history is packed with iconic vehicles, but few cars hold the nostalgic status of the Datsun 240Z. A sleek, performance-driven masterpiece, the 240Z set a standard for sports cars that resonates to this day. Now, Team Associated is reviving this Japanese classic in radio-controlled form, blending the nostalgia of the full-size legend with the cutting-edge technology of the Apex2 Sport chassis. The Datsun 240Z, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, is a sports car that achieved iconic status in the 1970s and is renowned for its sleek design, spirited performance and affordability. Its exterior design was influenced by European sports cars of the time, featuring a long hood, a fastback…

1. Vanquish Products Brass F10 Portal Knuckle Weight The Vanquish Products Brass F10 Portal Knuckle Weights are built to maximize the down-low weight and lower your COG and are a direct replacement for Vanquish’s F10 portal knuckle covers. Weighing in at over 120 grams, these are the heaviest F10 knuckle weights on the market. They are compatible with the plastic VPS08607 or the machined aluminum VPS8640 / VPS8641 F10 portal knuckles. Made in the USA. P/N: VPS08650 MSRP: $89.99 URL: vanquishproducts.com 2. Team Brood Doomsday 540 TS-2 The Doomsday is built upon Team Brood’s Dual Magnet 540 Teardown, a powerplant designed specifically to make insane torque and have superior braking and holding power. These Teardowns feature a CNC-machined can that provides optimal performance over a stamped can due to the…

AT A GLANCE TYPE Off-Road SCALE 1/10 DRIVETRAIN 4WD POWER Electric BUILD Assembly PRICE $280 Tamiya, a brand beloved by RC enthusiasts worldwide, has rolled out its latest original creation—the Squash Van. Looking like a mild-mannered Midnight Pumpkin, this big-tired “monster SUV” is inspired by the classic 1950s American panel vans. This isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill RC, as we shall see in this article. Get ready for a dose of nostalgia served up with a side of fun, as Tamiya unveils the Squash Van on its gear-driven 4WD GF-02 chassis. A BLAST FROM THE PAST Channeling the spirit of vintage American panel vans, the Squash Van boasts a polycarbonate body that’s not just for show. It sits proudly atop the all-new GF-02 chassis, a variant of Tamiya’s comically inclined GF-01.…

Because we can’t leave well enough alone, we had to try our hand at upgrading the already impressively detailed RC4WD Trail Finder 2. This time, the kit we modify is the Trail Finder 2 Truck kit “LWB” with 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 Lexan body. This special project has been curated with a host of officially licensed aftermarket upgrades from the scale detail hounds at RC4WD. THE UPGRADES The list of officially licensed RC4WD upgrades reads like a crawler enthusiast’s wish list. On the front end is the scale-accurate Warn 8274 winch, adding not just aesthetics but trail recovery functionality. The Warn scale Manual Locking Hubs further enhance the truck’s trail prowess, ensuring it’s ready to tackle any obstacle with ease. Powering our customized rig is a powerful Castle Creations…

AT A GLANCE TYPE Off-Road SCALE 1/10 DRIVETRAIN 4WD POWER Electric BUILD RTR PRICE $499.99 Axial is taking a stroll down memory lane with its latest release, and it’s nothing short of nostalgic. Axial’s all-new SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 is the retro off-road ride we’ve all been waiting for. In a nod to its roots, Axial brings the all-American spirit of adventure to the world of RC with the 1/10-scale Jeep CJ-7. The CJ-7 blends a detailed look with performance and durability on Axial’s vaunted SCX10 III platform. The Jeep CJ-7, introduced in 1976, is a classic American off-road vehicle that became an icon in the Jeep lineup. The CJ, which stands for “Civilian Jeep,” was the civilian version of the military Jeep that gained popularity during World War II.…

AT A GLANCE TYPE Off-Road SCALE 1/18 DRIVETRAIN 6WD POWER Electric BUILD RTR PRICE $139.99 Chevrolet trucks need no introduction. The brand has been at the forefront of the American truck industry since 1918. The Apache made its appearance in 1958 and was produced as a popular light-duty pickup. Now let’s fast forward to the present. FMS steps into the arena, wielding Chevy’s blessing to craft a 1/18-scale remote-controlled vehicle that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the original Apache. With this six-wheel-drive version of the Apache, FMS manages to mesh nostalgia with some cutting-edge RC tech. AMPING UP TRADITION Chevy’s iconic Apache gets the scaled-down treatment, but don’t call it a model. It’s a detailed RC replica that authentically captures the spirit of Chevrolet’s past. Whether it’s sitting…