Spec-R introduce hard suspension parts for the R1 1/10th electric touring car. Available now are a carbon fibre reinforced C-hub set, a front steering knuckle and rear hub set as well as a suspension arm set made from the same material. The parts are a direct replacement for the stock items and come in handy when running on high-bite tracks or in hot ambient temperatures as they tend to flex less resulting in a more precise feeling of the car.
Previously 3D printing techniques, or rapid prototyping, was used to built mock-up products too brittle for on-track use but with improving materials 3D printed parts become usable “in action” too. A good example is the Vizion touring car rear wing made by a company called Shapeways. U.S. on-road legend Josh Cyrul introduced the Vizon branded wings to the public with the 190mm TC wing being available as a high and medium downforce version, both greatly improve the overall grip and stability of car. The wing comes white and in a slightly grainy finish and it has to be painted not only to match the body’s colour but also to make for more flexibility and durability as the porous material soaks up the paint. We understand that more Vizon products will surface very soon with several 1/12th scale rims and option parts being in the making.
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Futaba introduce the T4PX, the company’s latest top-of-the-foodchain radio system. Offering a completely new design compared to the 4PK series, the transmitter is around 15g lighter than the 4PKS-R with an aluminium frame being part of the body to make for a more rigid structure. The 2.4GHz radio makes use of Futaba’s T-FHSS, S-FHSS and FASST-C2 transmitting systems with the T-FHSS system response being 30 percent faster compared to the 4PKS-R’s. Incorporated into the case is a QVGA 3.5 TFT colour screen that allows to monitor all of the radio’s software features such as the the comprehensive mixing and telemetry functions. For sanctioned races all telemetry functions can be disabled. It is understood that the radio will become available by August.
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Gravity RC introduce their new G-Spec touring car tyres. Coming pre-glued as Type A asphalt or Type C carpet tyre, they make use of beefy wheels that are made from a blend of plastic which includes polycarbonate to be durable and very true. The tyres have already had success by being the tyre of choice for the “Mile High Indoor Champs” event. The tyres are easily distinguishable with the appropriate markings moulded on the sidewall and they are available now.
Source: Gravity RC [teamgravityrc.com]
Tamiya Japan released first images of their forthcoming TB Evo.6 and TB-04 Pro II shaft-driven 4WD touring car kits. Seen as renderings some time ago, the TB Evo.6 marks the latest evolution step of the company’s competition TB Evolution line of chassis. Based on a 2.25mm carbon fibre chassis and coming with a 2mm upper deck, the kit features a transversally mounted motor to overcome the negative “torque steering” effects of a longitudinally mounted motor. Other features include low-profile aluminium shock absorbers, aluminium shock tower brackets, a floating servo mount and suspension components taken over from the TRF418 kit. The TB Evo.6 is set for a release around end of June.
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SkyRC now have a nitro engine heater available. Fitting all .19 to .26 nitro engines, the heater is powered by a 12VDC power source such as respective battery packs or a power supply and it pre-heats the engine to 60°C to 70°C within 10 minutes. Pre-heating a nitro engine will result in less “pinch”, the engine is easier to start and both the engine and glow plug will wear less compared to a “cold” start. Made from tough fabric an upper access port allows to insert a glow plug igniter or thermometer. Included with the heater comes a XT60 DC adapter wire.
Source: SkyRC [skyrc.com]
F.V.S.S. introduce their new Ghost bodyshell stiffeners. Made from carbon fibre rods and steel eyelets, the stiffeners prevent the body from becoming deformed in the event of a crash or under heavy load but still allow a certain amount of flex increasing the steering response of the car. Each set includes 6 body stiffeners and 12 specially designed clips for easy and convenient mounting to the body.
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To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, Japanese manufacturer Sanwa introduce a special edition of the M12 top-of-the-foodchain radio system. Coming in a special piano lacquer design, with an engraved serial number plate and new offset steering wheel, the radio highly differs from the standard M12. It is understood that the set will include a total of three receivers including a RX-471, RX-472 and a RX-471 Dual-ID-Ver. Also included is a transmitter battery pack and a suitable charger.
Source: Sanwa [sanwa-denshi.co.jp]
