December 29, 2023

Moto-Obscura Schumacher Aluminum SACS Pivot Blocks

Moto-Obscura has announced their first of a line of vintage Schumacher parts with their Aluminium SACS front suspension pivot blocks.  SACS (Schumacher Active Caster System) was a novel design that was an option on many 2wd buggies and trucks during the 90’s and early 2000’s.  Conversions were even available for other brand’s vehicles as well like Team Associated’s RC10 buggy.  Machined from durable 6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy, the SACS blocks eliminate the biggest weakness of the system by replacing the original plastic piece.  The new aluminium part is beautifully finished with smooth black anodising.

Source: Moto-Obscura [moto-obscura.com]


December 29, 2023

Avid Avant Coated TLR 13mm Shock Bodies

New from Avid Racing Concepts is their new low friction Avant Coating TLR 13mm shock bodies offering 22 and 22X-4 racers the plush feeling of the larger bodies while utilising all your other G3 components with 3mm shafts.  When Cecil and his team at Schumacher developed the 13mm shock bodies in 2011 for the Cougar SV, the US market didn’t take notice because our tracks were so different.  The benefits were undeniable though when AE released theirs in the US for their B6.4.  In 1:10, pack is not something racers strive for like they do in 1:8 scale. The larger 13mm body allows for less volume displacement under compression which allows for a much more predictable feeling on the track. This is why Avid have included (2) 2.0mm thin blank pistons for you to get going.  With the piston face being larger at 13mm, this requires more oil to be moved so the standard piston configuration of 2×1.5 in the front and 2×1.6 in the rear does not work the same.   It is recommended starting with 2×1.7 in the front and 2×1.8 in the rear.  If the track is super bumpy or choppy go up to 2×1.8 in the front and 2×1.9 in the rear.  Avid’s new Avant Coating offers the same strength as our mil-spec type III hard anodising but with an even smoother low-friction surface.

Source: Avid [avidrc.com]


December 29, 2023

WMH Racing V2 540 and 550 Rotor Masters

New from WMH Racing is its V2 540 and 550 rotor masters which are designed to measure the strength (gauss) of your rotor.  Measuring the strength of your rotor is important for a number of reasons as the rotor strength changes, so does the performance of the motor. By being able to measure the strength of the rotor you can measure the change and determine when it’s time for a new rotor. New rotors often bring back better performance into used motors.  Testing different rotor combinations in your motor by measuring the rotor strength you can determine the difference between 2 otherwise identical rotors.  Have a weaker or stronger rotor plays a huge role in the timing and gearing used for that motor.  Gearing/timing/rotor strength can be optimised for your track, giving you the performance advantage.  You can also compare your power package to your friend-enemies. If you know your friend has the same motor and is much slower/faster with the same gearing/timing, there is likely a difference in rotor strength. By measuring the rotor strength you can determine the reasons why you are slower/faster.

View Features & Specs plus carry case here


December 29, 2023

JConcepts T6.4 | SC6.4 precut chassis protective sheet

JConcepts continues its tradition of making tape since 2008 with the newest release of the Team Associated T6.4 and SC6.4 chassis protective sheets. Pre-cut to line up to the popular 1:10 trucks, the abstract design catches the eye and carries on a legacy of high-end chassis protectors. The 2-piece design, which includes three separate rear chassis pieces features italicised graphics in a high-speed fashion, embodies all that is great about competition.  The chassis protective sheets are produced in a highly durable material making it ideal for carpet, turf, and dirt off-road racing.  The profile lines the chassis shape and tucks into the front kick-up of the chassis and rests underneath the bumper to limit forward edge access.  With 2 complete sheets included per package, the durable and resilient material fits each chassis layout like a glove and adds protection and style in one easy package.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]


December 28, 2023

12-year-old Thilo Baldes joins Serpent Team Europe

Serpent has announced that 12-year-old German racer Thilo Baldes will be racing for Serpent Team Europe from the 2024 season using its recently released 990 Evo 1:8 Onroad chassis.   Coming from a strong nitro onroad racing heritage, his father Joerg an accomplished racer and his uncle Uwe well known both as a racer and race promoter, the announcement comes off the back of Thilo’s best season yet.  In September 2023, the youngster from Adenau near the famous Nuerburgring achieved his greatest success to date, becoming German Champion in 1:8 nitro onroad racing (Class 2 and German Junior Champion in this class).  Set to compete in regional, national and international races, commenting on his new chassis deal, he said, “I am extremely happy and also very proud to be a member of Serpent Team Europe.  This is a great opportunity for me.  The support is huge!  I would like to thank everyone involved for this support and trust, especially Jirka Hassler from 2 speed”.  Also supported by Italian engine brand Reds Racing, his father Joerg added, “With the new Serpent 990 Evo and powerful engines from REDS, which we have been using successfully since the Summer, we have an excellent package for the new challenges when Thilo has to move up to National Class 1 after his title win.”

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]


December 28, 2023

Hobbywing LCD Program Box Pro

Capping off a year in which all four electric World Championship title winners used it products, Hobbywing has released a new LCD Program Box Pro.  With multiple functions and easy operation, the new box gets an upgraded 2.8-inch display which support 20 levels brightness adjustment.  A new single Roller interface makes navigating a speed controller’s setting easier than ever.  As an independent parameter adjustment device, the Program Box Pro allows you to directly use the built-in LCD screen to display, set, and share ESC parameters.  Connect the ESC to a computer using a USB adapter and use the USB Link application software on the computer to upgrade the ESC firmware and set parameters.  With the OTA Bluetooth module to establish wireless connection with your smartphone, you can use the mobile APP to set ESC parameters, upgrade firmware, and read data.  Another feature of the box is it can detect the overall voltage of the lithium battery and the individual voltage of each cell.  The scope of application can also be understood by previous ESCs that the old LCD G2 program box and OTA Bluetooth module supported.

view Specs & more images here


December 28, 2023

JConcepts BIGFOOT 4 Louisville ’90 Ford F-250 body set

Having become extensively involved in the RC monster truck scene in recent years thanks to owner Jason Ruona’s own personal love of all things BIGFOOT, JConcepts has released its latest body for the iconic truck with the BIGFOOT 4 Louisville 1990 Ford F-250 body set.  They designed the body to accept the included wrap-around front bumper and rear bumper assembly.  A tough task considering most polycarbonate bodies are not produced to hold injection molds parts in this manner.  The front clip of the body was built to accept a drop-in injection molded and chrome 3D front grille assembly.  They also elected to add an assortment of injection molded and chrome plated engine accessories to this set. These items include the dual and vertical air-filter assembly commonly used on BIGFOOT #4 during this time.  An included fastback is built to attach to the body with inner roll-bar assembly which is already injection molded blue in colour.  The inner roll-bar assembly makes it possible to mount the included mock light buckets on top and during assembly, add the iconic fluorescent pink light covers to finish off the look.

View more images here


December 28, 2023

JConcepts Teazers 1:8 Truck tyre

New from JConcepts is the Teazer tire which the Florida company has created for the competitive world of 1:8 truck racing.  Packed with almost 4000 individual pins, the Teazer uses a multi-height and multi-width pin system to incorporate the dense pin count.  The square based, angular lugs alternate in height and width to connect with a track surface by allowing the taller pins to reach deep and contour with the terrain.  The shorter pins stiffen the base, add surface area, and provide increased longevity for long main events.  JConcepts started this design with conditions in mind that were very typical of 1:8 offroad.  Dusty, bumpy and sometimes wet and dry areas make this form of racing the most difficult to tame and the Teazers have all the ingredients. The tires feel to the touch much like a field of grass, the individual blades of tire tread grip independently to form the ultimate low traction or slick groove condition tyre.  Alternating bars support sections of the tire where more forward grip is desired while the half-height design of the bar still allows flexibility.

Source: JConcepts [jconcepts.net]