Team Associated have introduced chrome shock shafts for the RC8B3 and RC8T3 1/8th scale off-road kits. They offer a smoother surface than the titanium-nitride coated shafts supplied with the kits and thus help to make shock action more efficient. The shafts come in pairs and in four different length of 30.5mm up to 42.5mm.
Source: Team Associated [teamassociated.com]
Coming from Exotek and made for the Xray XB4 series of buggies are 12 degree C-hubs. They are machined from high-quality 7075 aluminium for improved rigidity and come polished and black anodised for a factory look. Laser-etched marking help with easy identification of the parts that add to the already existing 9 degree variants made by Exotek.
Mon-Tech Racing from Italy have introduced a range of aluminium option parts for Xray’s X1 formula car in the form of a main chassis plate, a rear lower pod plate and a wing support plate. Starting with the chassis and the rear lower pod plate, the parts are CNC-machined from 2mm aluminium with the chassis being 3mm wider in the centre area where the suspension links attach to the chassis. Both parts come black anodised and with laser-etched MT logos. It is understood that the somewhat stiffer parts make for improved handling especially on high-bite surfaces. Also new is a 3mm thick wing support plate that makes for more rigidity of the rear pod. Machining of the centre section reduces the overall weight and the part allows to lower the wing up to 6mm.
Coming from Serpent are low-friction shock parts for the Eryx 4.0 touring car. Made from a new orange-colour material the shock pistons and lower shock bushings help to reduce the friction within the dampers for improved shock efficiency and on-track performance. All parts are fully machined to ensure high precision and a perfect fit. The pistons are available as 1 to 4-hole variants in sets of four with the shock bushings also coming in a 4-piece set. An upcoming running change to the Eryx 4.0 is the updated front bumper whose posts sit closer together to better suit today’s bodyshell lines. The respective carbon fibre bumper plate is now available separately and it will also find its way into the 4.0 kit from the next batch on.
Coming soon from Kyosho is the much-awaited RZ6 mid motor conversion kit for the Ultima RB6 buggy. Run by Jared Tebo to secure the runner-up spot at the 2015 IFMAR World Championships in Japan, the kit will include everything needed to convert a standard RB6 2WD buggy into the RZ6 2WD hybrid buggy. Designed especially for high to very high bite surfaces such as astro turf and carpet, the vehicle builds on an aluminium main chassis that connects the standard RB6 front end with the rear end taken over from the ZX6 4WD buggy. It is understood that the conversion will include all needed drivetrain components including motor mount and the rear gearbox, gear differential and rear driveshafts as well as the rear shock tower, anti-roll bar and suspension hangers. Not part of the package are rear lower A-arms and shock absorbers but the kit includes the new RZ6 bodyshell. The conversion is set for a release this month.
Italian company Capricorn have introduced new composite plastic option parts for the LAB C03 1/10th 200mm nitro on-road car. First up is a centre bulkhead and layshaft mount that was designed to replace the standard aluminium parts. The composite mounts offer greater flex compared to the metal assembly, which can be beneficial in low-grip track conditions. The bulkheads additionally feature a new system for the belt tensioner adjustment. Also new is an upper servo saver arm made from composite plastic. Offering greater flex the part decreased the steering sensitivity for an improves steering feeling. The lever fits both the LAB C03 and LAB C802 kits.
Source: Capricorn [capricornrc.com]
Coming from H-Speed, the brand of multi-time European Champion Hupo Hönigl, is a range of pre-trued 1/12th scale tyres. The tyres have been tested thoroughly to ensure maximum performance on a range surfaces including the popular “ETS” carpet that will be in use at the forthcoming EFRA European Championships. The tyres come on flex-optimised wheels for maximum corner speed and traction with the front ones being of a slightly smaller diameter than others to ensure a perfect split between the fronts and rears. To make compound picking easy the tyres are available in three different front and four different rear variants.
Xray have introduced a range of heavy brass lower A-arm mounts made for the T4 line of touring cars. 3-times heavier than the standard aluminium parts they help to add 30 gram of weight without the need to use unsightly wheel balance weights while also allowing for easy weight distribution changes. Using the mounts in the front can help to reduce traction roll on high-traction surfaces while the rear parts improve rotation and steering, making them ideal for medium traction conditions. The suspension holder are available as front FF (11.5g), front FR (11.7g), rear RR (11.0g) and rear spilt 2-piece ARS mount (10.8g in total).
