Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car Overview

fastie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car

Some critical characteristics to an excellent road racing car is weight-distribution for good balance and handling, excellent power to weight ratio for quick acceleration, and an efficient drive train system for getting good range for sustained performance. Wait, we are talking about RC cars right? Well, even in RC racing, these are some key characteristics to winning races and the Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car comes well prepared for competitive RC racing. It has some of these race winning design features such as an efficient shaft drive system, good weight distribution of the motor versus the battery pack and excellent use of graphite components for low weight for good acceleration, but the strength and stiffness needed for good handling.

Reedy Radon 17-turn motor

Built to improve on the race winning design of the TC3 chasis, the TC4 provides some nice design features to give you a competitive edge in your touring races. Looking at the layout of the components on the chasis, Team Associated has thought about the centerline balance for good roll characteristics of the car as it transitions through the turns quickly. Having better balance makes the car easier to tune and the oil-filled shocks help dampen the motions on your most challenging tracks. More grip from good tuning, equals better power to the tires and the on-board Reedy Motor provides good power to the driveshaft 4WD system. Also, included with the car is a LRP digital speed control, Team Associated XP2 Radio system installed, and many factory team parts as well. All that is needed is a 6 cell battery pack and charger to get your model on the track. One downside is that in the configuration as shown, this model is not set-up for using LiPo battery packs. Also, as of this post Associated also has a TC5 model in kit form which is worth considering. But, for RTR action the TC4 is tough to beat and will get the beginner out racing in no time.

Specifications:

Team Associated TC4 RTR Touring Car chassis

Scale: 1:10
Power: Electric
Type: Touring Car
Length: 373mm
Width: 190mm
Weight: 1375g
Wheelbase: 273mm
Internal Gear Ratio: 2.5:1
Drive: 4WD

Features:

Treaded tires mounted on chrome 8-spoke wheels.

Body Painted V-Type Touring Car (190mm)
Electrical Motor, speed control, radio system
Shocks Composite-body VCS
Differential Carbide-ball Associated differential
Wheels & tires 8-spoke chrome wheels (standard 12mm hex) & treaded tires
Driveshafts Composite CVDs
Turnbuckles Steel
Ball bearings shielded bearings

See Team Associated's website for all the details.

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy Overview

fastie — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy in action

Designed and built for competitive 1/8th scale nitro buggy racing, Steve O'Donnell crafted an exceptional platform. Being a kit and made for serious competitors, this model will require your choice of radio, engine, and even racing tires. The parts and materials chosen are first class for this type of RC buggy, positioning of components on the chasis are ideal for excellent performance. With it's race proven chasis, O'Donnell's Z01-B would be an excellent choice for the serious buggy racer looking for an adjustable, race-capable platform moving up from the RTR models popular in your clubs.

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy in action

O'Donnell Racing's website has detailed descriptions for this competition capable 1/8th scale buggy platform. The features of this model include CNC-machined and hard-anodized aluminum parts, nickel-plated drive components which reduce wear and friction, carbon fiber mounting plates for servos and accessories, and nicely crafted aluminum full bodied shocks. A good race car comes with adjustability for the track and environment you are racing at, and this car has adjustable caster, camber and rear ride-height. If purchasing this kit, please also make note of the "tech notice" advertised on the Z01-B website it refers to some construction tips missing from the issues manual. Below are also some of the specs on the buggy.

Specifications:

O'Donnell Z01-B Nitro 4WD Buggy

Length: 20 in (510 mm)
Width: 12 in (305 mm)
Height: 7.5 in (190 mm)
Weight: 6 lb (2,720 g)
Wheelbase: 13 in (330 mm)
F/R Track: 10.25/10.5 in (260/275 mm)

DuraTrax Mini Quake 4WD RTR Truck Overview

fastie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

DuraTrax Mini Quake 4WD RTR Truck

The DuraTrax Mini Quake is a 1/18th scale 4WD truck with Monster Truck styling. It should have good performance with it's 8 oil filled shocks and a simple, but effective chasis layout. DuraTrax also offers the 1 year Stress-Tech Guarantee on i's plastic components. This model is an excellent choice for someone just starting out in RC or even a seasoned RC racer looking for something to run around the yard for fun.

Custom Multi-color Body

DuraTrax has combined some nice features in this a value based 4WD Monster truck. You have a choice of 6 nicely detailed body colors, the chasis is already assembled and Ready-to-Run (RTR), a 2-channel Radio, electronic speed control, and even the 6-cell NiCad battery and wall charger. So, with this kit it isn't just RTR, but everything is included - just charge and go. At just under 10" long, the performance of the truck should be pretty good with the included 380 sized motor. And, when your ready the list of hop-up parts is impressive including some graphite components which should reduce the weight quite well.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Length: 9.5 in (240 mm)
Width: 7.4 in (185 mm)

Factory Assembled Chassis

Height: 4.7 in (120 mm)
Weight: 25 oz (725 g)
Ground Clearance: 1.25 in (32 mm)
Includes: 2-channel DuraTrax® pistol radio made by Futaba® with RX-100 receiver, SX-100 servo and 8 "AA" batteries, ESC5000 Electronic Speed Control, 6-cell, 600mAh NiCd, AC Wall Charger

For more information, check out the DuraTrax Website.

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat Overview

fastie — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0500

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat

Need a relaxing RC model to spend a quiet day with your girlfriend or family at the local park? The Paradise RTR Sailboat is just the ticket. You would be surprised at home much fun it is watching a sailboat cruise around the pond with wind power, and these RC models are great for kids to experience some RC fun without worrying about crashing into the ground or can they handle the speed of the car or truck. Just show them how the wind powers the boat and they seem to take to this quickly and are amazed at what a simple breeze will do to the boat.

Comes with different colours of sails

Having built a kit sailboat and even testing the hull design in a flow tank while in college, I can quickly see that this design is simple and has just the basics for a sailboat design. But, it's performance should be adequate for a day at the park and just having some fun while you wait for the batteries on your hydroplane to recharge. Also, at 26" in length it's a good size for most ponds and not too small. One caution would be that the ballast weight is on a long keel, which you need to consider if you have weeds or grass in the area you plan on using your boat. This could quickly get snagged compared to having a larger hulled sailboat with a shorter and heavier keel. Overall, for being a RTR sailboat, Aquacraft have put together a nice system that will get you on the water quickly. The boom and mast are made of strong aluminum and the lines are numbered for easy set-up. See all the details and even a video on Aquacraft's website.

Aquacraft Paradise RTR RC Sailboat

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 26 in (660 mm)
Height: 50.5 in (1283 mm)
Beam: 5.25 in (133 mm)
Weight: 3 lb (1360 g)
Requires: 12 "AA" batteries

L-39 Ducted Fan Airplane Overview

fastie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:43:25 -0500

Ready for action

The L-39 Ducted Fan ARF Airplane from ElectriFly is a sport scale ducted fan rc airplane with excellent performance and awesome scale looks. The power system included is an efficient and powerful in-line brushless motor mated with the ElectriFly "Hyperflow" system. As the videos show on the ElectriFly website, this is an easy to build and impressive performing model complete with a nice display stand for your office or home.

L-39 has a convenient magnetic hatch

Looking at the construction characteristics of this plane, it has some very nice features which contribute to it's sport flying capabilities. First, it is constructed of "Aerocell" foam which keeps the weight lower, but this foam also has good strength which equals an airplane with good strength-to-weight ratio. In modeling airplanes, this is key to top performance. A side benefit of this foam is that you can easiely repair a mishap with regular CA glue and not have to use foam safe CA as per ElectriFly's website. Second, the model has an excellent ducted-fan system complete called "Hyperflow" complete with using an Ammo brand brushless motor. These motors are efficient and you then have a powerful, yet light propulsion system. The L-39 has good attention to detail with it's nice finishing scale looks and also some detachable armaments for when you have the plane on it's stand. For the field the L-39 has easily accessed battery compartment with convenient magnetic latches. The only downside I see to this plane, is that you probably need to be an advanced intermediate to an expert RC pilot to handle the speed and snappy performance. Beginners should stay away from this model until they gain some flight time with a sport trainer. Be sure to checkout all the details and videos on ElectriFly's website.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Showing components in kit

Wingspan: 25 in (635 mm)
Wing Area: 141 in² (9.1 dm²)
Weight: 17.5-18.5 oz (500-520 g)
Wing Loading: 17.9-18.9 oz/ft² (55-58 g/dm²)
Length: 31 in (780 mm)
Includes: HyperFlow Ducted Fan Unit with 20-40-3500 Ammo In-Runner Brushless Motor
Requires: 3-channel radio w/3 micro servos, 25A brushless ESC, 910-1250mAh 11.1V LiPo battery

Aquacraft: Rio 51 RC RTR Gas Vee Racing Boat Overview

fastie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

AquaCraft Rio 51 RC Gas Boat

The exciting AquaCraft Rio 51 is an “enormous” RC gas boat with an overall length of 57 inches. This RC model is a ready-to-run (RTR) and comes complete with 28 cc gas engine and a 2 channel FM radio. The design of the this boat includes many performance features with the included GrimRacer performance parts. Also, this model is available three color schemes - blue, yellow and red. Ready to make a big splash at the local pond, this boat has what it takes.

Includes a performance GrimRacer prop

Highlights of the Aquacraft Rio 51

The Aquacraft Rio 51 R/C RTR Gas Vee Racing Boat is a larger size RC boat ready to demonstrate some exciting performance. The complete system includes the Rio 51 boat with all electronics including a high-torque rudder servo, a 28 cc Fuji-Imvac gas engine, and a 2 channel FM radio. The features of this boat include a GrimRacer Cu-Be-Ti metal propellor, CNC-machined aluminum turn fins, GrimRacer stainless steel trim plates, a black anodized CNC-machined aluminum surface drive system and a water pick-up tube for cooling the engine and exhaust header. The included marine gas engine uses regular gasoline and 2-cycle oil and includes a recoil starter so no special equipment is needed to operate. See the specifications below for some accessories needed for the model.

Showing scale of this larger RC Boat

Model Specifications

Hull Length: 51.5 in (130 cm)
Overall Length: 57 in (145 cm)
Width: 13.5 in (34 cm)
Height (including rudder): 13 in (33 cm)
Weight: 13.75 lb (6.4 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 26 oz (768 cc)
Run Time: Approx. 30 minutes per tank
Engine: Fuji-Imvac 28 cc gas marine engine (included)
Radio: Tactic 2-channel FM radio w/high-torque rudder servo (included)
Requires: Standard gasoline, 2-cycle oil, AquaCraft cable oil (AQUB9550), 12 “AA” batteries

For more information, checkout the AquaCraft website.

AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat Overview

fastie — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0500

AquaCraft Mini Rio electric RC boat

AquaCraft has produced a great small boat called the Mini Rio. This electric RC boat with it’s offshore boat styling is ready-to-run with an electric propulsion system and 2 channel RC radio. The design will provide some exciting thrills on your neighborhood pond. Featuring some great performance and handling characteristics, even seasoned boat enthusiasts will enjoy this model.

Included charger and battery pack

AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat Highlights

The AquaCraft Mini Rio Electric Boat features a ready-to-run electric RC boat complete with 2 channel FM radio, 380 size electric motor, electronic speed control, 1100 mAh NiMH battery, 12V DC peak charger and pre-applied decals. The model is available in four awesome colors with excellent graphics applied to a white hull including blue, yellow, orange and red flame-style patterns. This model include some excellent performance and design features such as an easy-access, waterproof compartment, a lightweight ABS hull, a 380 motor with a water-cooling jacket, a “Dual Wedge” rudder steering, a micro-flex drive system and protective side rail cushions. Also included, is a stand to showcase your model. Imagine seeing four of these models screaming around your local pond, tell your friends and get ready for some exciting RC racing action.

Exciting mini size fun

Model Specifications

Hull Length: 14.25 in (362 mm)
Overall Length: 16 in (406 mm)
Width: 4.75 in (108 mm)
Height: 2.5 in (63 mm)
Overall Height: 3.25 in (82 mm)
Includes: 2-channel AquaCraft FM pistol grip radio with waterproof receiver and 1 mini servo; 380-size water-cooled motor; waterproof electronic speed control; 1100mAh NiMH battery; 12V DC charger
Requires: 8 "AA" batteries for the transmitter

See AquaCraft's website for all the details.

Flyzone SkyFly 2 Overview

fastie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

Tactic 3-channel radio

New from FlyZone is an exciting trainer airplane called the SkyFly 2. What makes this airplane unique is the pusher style prop which provides the efficient thrust and also helps protect the propellor on the inevitable hard landings newcomers are bound to have during their first few flights. The SkyFly 2 comes as a complete ready-to-fly electric airplane so you will be ready to get to field in no time.

The SkyFly 2 is a complete RC airplane system including a 3-channel Radio system, a 380-size electric motor, a 8.4 V 900mAh NiMH Battery, electronic speed control with auto cut-off and a 12V DC Peak charger with AC adapter. With this complete kit the beginner is more focused on flying and learning the basics of RC flight. At the field, the beginner is further helped by the design features built into the model. It has rubber band attached wing which helps soften the damage to the wing in case of a rough landing. The pusher style motor design has the benefits of protecting the prop behind the front of the nose cone of the plane. In addition, the landing gear are built study and rugged to help with those hard landings. The fuselage is even designed to be flexible and more impact-resistant. The fuselage and wing also has nice graphics which also help in orienting the plane in flight. Go to the FlyZone planes SkyFly 2 for more details and some videos of the plane in action.

SkyFly 2 has a flexible and rugged fuselage

Model Specifications:

Wingspan: 42 in (1065mm)
Wing Area: 186 in² (12 dm²)
Weight: 19.2 oz (545 g)
Wing Loading: 14.9 oz/ft² (45 g/dm²)
Length: 30.75 in (780 mm)
Requires: .Eight AA batteries

DuraTrax Evader EXB Electric RC Buggy Overview

fastie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0500

DuraTrax Evader EXB Electric R/C Buggy

Evader EXB in action at the track

The DuraTrax Evader EXB is a 1/0th scale RTR electric 2WD racing buggy that has what it takes to get starter in this exciting hobby. Designed as an entry level 1/10th scale machine, this buggy is very capable and has some nice standard equipment for the aspiring racer. This buggy is also RTR so you will be racing in no time after a quick charger and some basic set-up at the track.

Evader EXB showing the knobby rear tires

The DuraTrax Evader EXB is not your ordinary entry-level racing buggy. This car comes with some nice standard features including a 2-channel Tactic Radio, the Sprit 2 ESC, and a Photon Speed 2 540 electric motor. Being 2WD, the entry-level racer will find this buggy easy to set-up and with Duratrax Stress Tech 1 year guarantee on the plastic components your racing will be backed-up with nice protection. The DuraTrax Evader EXB also comes with your choice of 6 color schemes and nicely detailed graphics. And, when you are ready there is even more excitement with the array of nice aluminum and graphite parts to hop-up the performance of your racer. So, what are you waiting for, this buggy is sure to help you launch an exciting hobby as an R/C racer. Check out all the awesome details at Duratrax Evader EXB's website.

ElectriFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane Overview

fastie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0500

ElectiFly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane

Pluma's Parts are laser cut

The Electifly Pluma Electric 3D Aerobat Plane by Great Planes is an exciting new entry in their collection of foamie electric airplanes. What makes this almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) airplane unique is it's strong solid fuselage which gives the plane excellent stiffness for fine aerobatic performance. This plane is ready for some serious 3D stunts with an experienced pilot on the stick in just about an hour with it's easy assembly. The ElectriFly Pluma is one exiting aerobatic plane for your next indoor or outdoor flying meet.

Strong Fuselage with room for a variety of batteries

Flat foamy performance is just an hour away as you prepare this exciting new electric plane from ElectriFly. It has excellent features to ensure exciting 3D aerobatics for the experienced pilot such as a strong center fuselage, laser cut parts, 3M Blenderm tape for great hinges for the control surfaces, and excellent graphics. The Pluma is also designed to use the Rimfire Outrunner motors for excellent performance both indoor and outdoor.

The following specs show the recommended set-up:

INDOOR:

Motor- Rimfire 28-22-1380 (GPMG4505)
Prop- GWS 8x4 (GWSQ2009) or APC 8x3.8 slo-flyer (APCQ5000)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 300mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0595)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-8 brushless (GPMM1800)

OUTDOOR

Motor- Rimfire 28-26-1000 (GPMG4525)
Prop- GP 10x4.5 slo-flyer (GPMQ6660)
Battery- GP Power Series 11.1v 640mAh LiPo 20c(GPMG0601)
ESC- GP Silver Series SS-12 brushless (GPMM1810)

Electrifly Pluma is the right size for indoor or outdoor fun

Model Specification:

Stock Number: GPMA1130
Wingspan: 32.5 in (830 mm)
Wing Area: 518 in² (33.4 dm²)
Weight Range: 8.4-9.5 oz (240-270 g)
Wing Loading: 2.3-2.6 oz/ft² (7.2-8.1 g/dm²)
Length: 38 in (955 mm)
Requires: 4-channel radio w/3 micro servos, out-runner brushless motor, 8A brushless ESC (minimum) & 11.1V 300mAh LiPo battery.

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