May 26, 2023

MonTech M23 235mm Pan Car Body

Coming from MonTech is their new M23 235mm pan car bodyshell.   The new M23 has aggressive and sharp lines, which give it excellent stability and perfect cornering with lots of traction out of corners.  Molded from premium quality polycarbonate, the kit includes window masks and headlamp and grille decals.  The kit also includes the rear spoiler and the fixing screws.

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May 26, 2023

Xray X4F’24 FWD Touring Car

In a busy week for 1:10 Front Wheel Drive Touring Car kit releases, with the unveiling of the new Team Magic E4FWD and Schumacher FT8, Xray presents its new X4F’24.  All-new Feature of the car include a 2mm shorter wheelbase that improves steering and handling characteristics.  A Lower profile motor mount with more slick design eliminates collision with top deck when flexing.  New 3mm centering pins improve motor mount reliability when using limited mounting screws for flex tuning.  The car gets a narrower motor bulkhead insert which moves the motor 1mm inward for better chassis roll characteristics and provides more space for the pinion gear.  Durability is improved with heavy duty lower bulkheads while maintaining ultra-low weight with heavy duty upper clamps improve durability in hard crashes.  In the area of suspension 9mm shorter XLP shocks improve cornering speed, steering response, and stability for better control on all surfaces.  The 2.6g lighter shocks remove 10.4g from the ends of the chassis improving weight placement while retaining the same internal oil volume compared to ULP shocks for consistent dampening.  8mm lower front shock tower lowers CG with two optimised shock mounting positions while the rear shock tower is strengthened to improves durability in severe crashes and improves CG and optimise handling.  Also new is a redesigned servo mounting system with a bit more frontward servo position provides better weight balance and improves clearance between servo and pinion.  New 2x50g chassis weights relocated under the front driveshafts at the centreline of the front suspension improve on/off-power weight transfer for better balance and rotation.

View the full X4F’24 presentation here


May 26, 2023

HUDY 1:8 Onroad Camber Tool

Slovakian tool manufacturer Hudy has released this very niche 1:8 Onroad camber adjustment tool.  The handy tool features the iconic Hudy tool handle and a rod that is inserted into the adjustable turnbuckle hole on the 1:8 on-road cars for camber adjustment.

View usage graphic here


May 25, 2023

MonacoRC Pro Level Set-up Board system

MonacoRC has released their new “Pro Level SetUp Board” system, designed to maximise your model’s setup process.  Almost everyone uses a setup board to adjust their model, but how many do it correctly?  What’s the point of having a reference surface if it’s not used properly?  Working on a flat and level surface is crucial for correct geometry setup.  While working at home, you can be reasonably sure of working on relatively straight surfaces, but often this is not the case on the track.  The “Pro Level SetUP Board” is an aluminium appendage that can be attached to your own SetUp Board. Thanks to adjustable feet, it allows you to level the same Set-up board even when it’s on highly inclined surfaces. 

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May 25, 2023

Schumacher FT8 1:10 Competition FWD Touring Car

Schumacher Racing has released details of its new FT8 front wheel drive 1:10 competition touring car.  The FT8 has been developed by British manufacturer’s world class engineering team to make a fast and great handling front wheel drive touring car.  With a low centre of gravity, light weight, and fine attention to detail, the FT8 is a pleasure to build, maintain, and to drive.  The FT8 contains all the features and adjustments you need from a high end front wheel drive to take you to the top of the podium.  The car in prototype form has achieved some excellent results including BRCA FWD National Win, 2nd’s and 3rd’s in the hands of Andy Murray, Aaron Rose and Jamie Hickin and the Essex Winter Series overall championship win thanks to Shane Chipolina.

View key features and more images here


May 25, 2023

Shepherd finds new ‘World Champion’ owner

Some great news coming from Germany is that onroad nitro manufacturer Shepherd has found a buyer that will see the brand continue into the future.  Having recently announced it would cease operations in June, the brand that found its start from the chassis project of iconic Italian engine manufacturer Picco, is set to be taken over by a former World Champion with Shepherd announcing on social media, ‘We are thrilled to announce that a successor has been found for the iconic brands Shepherd Micro Racing and Brilliant RC. Brace yourselves for a revelation like no other!  Imagine a former IFMAR World Champion, boasting an impressive track record of over 20 years in the RC-Car industry. The anticipation is building as we speak, with the final details of this monumental arrangement being ironed out behind closed doors. In just a matter of days, the veil of secrecy will be lifted, revealing the visionary who will lead these brands into a glorious future.  Stay tuned, dear friends, for the emergence of a new chapter shrouded in mystery and allure. We cannot wait to share this thrilling news with you all very soon. Keep your eyes peeled, for greatness awaits!’   Definitely exciting developments for the nitro onroad scene and we look forward to the announcement of the new owner in this 1:8 Onroad World Championship year, this the 23rd running of the Worlds for IFMAR oldest category.  We suspect the new owner might have no issues sourcing engines!!

Source: Shepherd Micro Racing [Facebook]


May 25, 2023

Flavio Elais claims 5th South American 1:8 Onroad title

Team Shepherd driver Flavio Elias has claimed his 5th South American 1:8 Onroad Championship title at Club de Aeromodelos de Chile.  The leading Brazilian onroad nitro driver showcased his exceptional skills, securing an astonishing fifth title in this prestigious competition.  Elias demonstrated his dominance right from the start, winning all four qualification rounds and claiming the pole position for the final race. With high expectations surrounding him, he was poised to deliver yet another remarkable performance.  As the final race commenced, Elias wasted no time at the start and quickly pulled away from the rest of the field.  With each passing lap, he extended his lead, impressing the audience with his rapid and precise manoeuvers with his Velox V8.2.  After 45 minutes of intense racing, he crossed the finish line as the commanding leader over the Infinity of Matias Otaegui.  The other Shepherd drivers also left their mark on the competition.  Alexandro Giardino delivered a solid race, securing a excellent fourth-place finish. Displaying his talent and technical understanding of the model car, he showcased the strength of the Shepherd team.  Alvaro Jara achieved an impressive fifth-place finish, while Pablo Riveros, Reinaldo Gil and Pablo Baudino secured a respectable 8th – 10th place position, contributing to the overall success of the Shepherd team.

Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]


May 25, 2023

Mattia Collavo joins Serpent Factory team

Following on from the significant announcement that Oliver Mack has joined the brand, Serpent has added experienced 1:8 Onroad specialist Mattia Collavo to their factory line-up.   Making the move from Mugen to Serpent, Collavo will campaign the company’s latest 990 1:8 Onroad chassis with Ielasi Tuned engines for power.  Commenting on news, the personable Italian said, ‘I am very happy to join the serpent team, i see it as the beginning of a nice and long cooperation, i will do my best at national and international race, thank Serpent and Star RC for the opportunity.’

Source: Serpent [serpent.com]