Shepherd have introduced new shock absorber springs for the Velox V8.2 1/8th scale IC track car. The new springs are a little bit harder compared to the standard kit springs offering additional setup options for various track conditions.
Source: Shepherd [team-shepherd.com]
Coming from T-Works are their new half-thread UFO hex head screws. Available as M3x6mm and M3x8mm variants, the screws are ideal upper shock mount fasteners as they fit snuggly into the 3mm shock mounting holes of on-road shock towers, improving overall shock mounting accuracy while also looking the part. The screws sport a shiny polished finish, they come in sets of eight and are available now.
Horizon Hobby have introduced the new Spektrum S1100 AC Smart charger that quickly replenishes batteries with its 100W power output. It also provides balancing and peak detection capabilities, and includes thermal, reverse polarity, short circuit, over current, and low input voltage protections. The charger’s large, 2.4-inch color LCD display makes it easy to read charging parameters and Smart battery data from any angle. An upgraded touch wheel user interface simplifies menu navigation. When using the S1100 AC Smart charger to charge a Spektrum Smart battery, the battery’s type, cell count, charge current rate, and capacity are all set automatically. The charging process is simple: Just plug in the Smart battery. The correct charging parameters are sent from the battery’s microchip memory through the IC3 connector’s data wire to the charger. The S1100 AC Smart charger begins correct, safe charging automatically following the battery’s built-in parameters. Because the charger is backwards-compatible with older EC3 connectors, owners can charge non-Smart batteries like you usually would. The Spektrum S1100 AC Smart charger firmware is updatable by connecting the charger to a PC through the USB port. Measuring a compact 122x118x63mm, the unit is easily portable and fits even on crowded workbenches.
View a list of the features and another image here
Kyosho have released a first teaser image of a forthcoming new vintage re-release on-road kit. The kit in question might be the iconic Fantom EP 4WD EXT 1/12th scale pan car kit, a 1980’s classic with a chain-driven 4WD drivetrain, double deck chassis and simple suspension components. The car platform has a pretty large fan base in Japan and with more and more vintage races being held especially in Europe, it is not of much surprise that Kyosho now also steps into the on-road world following numerous 1/10th EP off-road re-releases. We bring you more information on the kit as they become available.
View images of a modernised version of the Fantom EP 4WD platform here
Coming from Samix and made for the Axial SCX10 III are new stainless steel 5.8mm upper suspension balls. The pivot balls are machined from high-quality material for strength and reliability and they fit the all-new SCX10 III as well as the older specification SCX10 II and I, and also the Yeti, AX-10, Wraith, and Scorpion kits. The balls have a polished surface finish for smooth operation and they come in sets of four.
T4works from Japan have introduced their new aluminium front bumper designed for vintage Tamiya buggies such as the Grasshopper, Hornet and many more. Of a sturdy yet lightweight design the bumper improves chassis protection while also looking the part and it is available in ten different colour variants to match about any car and body colour. Beside the Grasshopper and Hornet the bumper also fits the Lunchbox, Midnight Pumpin, Pajero, Wild One, Attack Buggy, Monster Beetle, Blackfoot, Subaru Brat and all other chassis that utilise the above mounting patterns.
View more images and the colour variants here
Ruddog Distribution from Germany have introduced the new Revolution Design Racing Products B74 LCG front and rear shock towers that were developed for the use with the Team Associated B6.1 and B6.2 shock absorbers. The result is an overall lower centre of gravity for the Team Associated B74 4WD buggy, which helps to increase corner speeds on high-bite surfaces such as carpet, astro turf and prepped clay. Machined from high-quality carbon fibre and featuring a reinforced design for durability, the front shock tower is a direct fit when using 23mm shock bodies and 21mm shock rods while the rear LCG shock tower was developed for the use with 27.5mm shock bodies and shock shafts. Both the front and rear LCG shock tower feature a single row inner camber link mount design as this is the most preferred option among most racers and they are available from now on.
View the rear shock tower here
Dash have announced the release of their recently introduced R-Tune V3 modified motor in additional winding variants. New to the range are 3.5T, 5.5T, 6.5T, 7.5T, and 8.5T variants to complement touring car, 1/12th pan car, and 1/10th off-road classes. The next generation of the R-Tune features a high airflow aluminium can with arrow-shaped cut-outs for improved cooing efficiency, a lower weight and minimised power fading during a run even in high ambient temperatures. In addition the can also features a special slot to meet the homologation requirements of IFMAR, ROAR and EFRA. The V3 motor will feature the same 2019 Reedy Race winning stator for a much lower internal resistance, an increase in torque and overall performance. The motor also features a balanced 12.3mm rotor to ensure a smooth power delivery with optional rotors being available to fine-tune the characteristics of the motor. The V3 will hit stores in 4.5T and 5.0T winding variants.
Source: Dash [dash-rc.com]
