Offroad

Losi Mini-Late Model 1/18th Scale Oval Racer

Sean — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:50:40 -0500

Not very long ago, Losi released their 1/18th scale Mini Slider, which gave life to a usually un-heard of class, 1/18th scale oval racing. Now that there was an easy way to get into the action, many Mini Sliders were sold, and RC tracks all over the country were building small purpose built oval tracks just for these trucks. Now, losi has given us all another option for a miniature scaled oval racer, their all new Late Model 1/18th Scale Oval Racer.The oval racer is packed with tons of new features like a longer, more stable chassis, multiple battery mounting locations, a RX-280 high speed motor, long arm suspension with oil-filled shocks, a low profile rear shock tower and short shocks, and much more.

Released: 2008 Traxxas Revo Platinum Edition

Sean — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:12:17 -0600

The Traxxas Revo has been loved ever since the begining. Being known as one of the most versatile and adaptable trucks on the market, it got to where it was today, that is a truck that holds 6 National Championship tites. Traxxas has now released a 2008 platinum edition of their already great racing truck. Being called simply the Traxxas Revo Platinum Edition, it has over 50 new proven chamionship features, and a whole lot to brag about. Traxxas has to say this about their new production truck:

Updated: HPI Savage XL Offical HPI Video

Sean — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:26:03 -0600

Recently released by HPI, the offcial video for their newest edition to the Savage line-up of trucks, the Savage XL. 55mm longer, and 25mm wider, HPI has created another monster. Here is the new video recorded by HPI, it looks great, has great effects, and is in my personal opinion, one of HPI's best. Take a look, and see if this truck might be the one for you.

Released: Hpi Savage XL 5.9cc!

Sean — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:32:17 -0600

Thats right! HPI has just announced the release of their NEXT addition to the Savage family! The Savage XL is faster, stronger, and not to mention 55mm longer and 25mm wider than the Savage X 4.6! The new Savage XL is also powered by the all new K5.9 motor, which is a whopping .36 cubic inch sized motor! With re-designed TVP's, new tires, a new body, a stock 3 Speed transmission, strengthened differentials and uprights, and several other new features, the Savage XL is ready to hit the bashing grounds!

How to Disassemble and Clean The Savage X

Sean — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:13:42 -0600

I always hear alot of talk on all the popular forums that the HPI Savage is a difficult vehicle to work on and clean, so I am making this to possibly help out a little bit. Since I went mud bashing the other day, I thought it would be wise to tear the truck down and give it a good clean. Here are pictures, and a detailed explaination of everything that I had done.

Before break down, it looked like this.

A very dirty Savage X

After disasembling it.

Disassembled

And then, this is what it looked like after cleaning:

Freshly cleaned Savage X

What you will need -

Large Phillips Screw Driver
Hex Set
Possibly a Flathead.

Instructions:

Disassembling your Savage is actually quite easy. Here are the screws that you will need to remove to get the front and rear end completely off.

You will need to remove these screws on BOTH sides of the TVP.

Front end removal: Un-screw the eight yellow screws in the front remove the complete front end, radiobox and all. You will need to slightly bend the TVP's to remove the entire piece.

Rear end removal: NOTE: The red arrow is pointing at two screws that attach the motor plate to the transmission, you will need to flip the truck over to remove these. There is one on each side of the bottom, at the furthest point forward on the TVP. Remove those screws, and the other ones highlighted in yellow on each side. You will need to slightly bend the TVP's to remove the entire piece.

To complete the disassembly process, pop the ball cup off your carburator, and remove the screw from your servo horn. Also, remove the exhaust manifold spring, and un-screw your exhaust from the mount. If you don't want to loose screws, Invest in a small tuppaware container with dividers in it, availiable at most grocery stores.

A standard divided container

How I like to clean my truck:

What I used-

30gal air compressor (Yours can be much smaller)
Simple Green
WD40
Shop towels

Once I had my truck torn apart, I shot the front and rear ends generously with Simple Green. I then fired up my Air Compressor and let it fully pressurise. Carefully clean the TVP/Transmission portion with one of your Shop Towels, spraying small amounts of Simple Green, being carefull not to get the brakes wet. Now, work your way back to the front and rear ends. Give them another light go over with your simple green, and then blast them with your Air Compressor, until they are clean to your satisfaction. Be careful with the front end of your truck, you don't want to get your servos or receiver wet. Once they are clean and dry, blast your bearings with WD40, and if you would like, blast the entire piece of the truck. It gives it that like new shine, and also protects it from rust. Now, once your truck is completely clean to your satisfaction, re-assemble it doing the exact opposite of what you did to disassemble it.

FINAL STEP: This is by far the most crucial step. Sit back, and look at your beautifully cleaned truck!

HPI Savage X 4.6 Review

Sean — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 23:55:13 -0600

One of the most well known things about HPI is their "Savage" line up of vehicles. The savage has been around for many years, and has always been considered one of the toughest trucks on the block. With the Savage 21 RTR, Savage SS, Savage 25 RTR, Savage 25 SS, Savage X RTR, and Savage X SS, HPI has just recently released another Savage, the Savage X 4.6 RTR. The X 4.6 has all the same great qualites of the new Savage X RTR, but with even more. A much more powerful F4.6 .28 engine produced by HPI powers the rig, and to slow the big truck down, HPI added their dual red fibre brake system. Not only a much needed upgrade, but looks great too. This, and several other things were added to make the Savage even tougher than the rest.

HPI Wheely King 4X4 1/12th!

Sean — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:00:48 -0600

Not too long ago HPI announced the release of their Wheely King two wheel drive 1/12th scale monster truck. Many people became aroused by this, and once it was released, the truck became a huge hit. Soon after, it was becoming obvious that people really wanted a four wheel drive version of the truck. Although the two wheel drive version was exceptional, people started to seek less of the "Wheely" factor and more of the "King". HPI responded quickly, and soon after released a 1/12th scale Wheely King that was a 4X4! The RC community was very pleased, and the truck went flying off the shelves. With the refreshed demand for the Wheely King, it will forever be remembered as a hit RC product.

What Is a Buggy?

Sean — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:26:35 -0600

Buggies are one of the oldest types of hobby quality Remote Control Cars (Hobby Quality just means, actually well built, more like the expensive ones like we see today) and are one of the most popular. Buggies are built to be on a race track. They are hung low to the ground, have fast engines, and racing suspension set ups. They are normally easy to drive, thanks to their 4WD make up and short wheel bases. If you want to become a racer, and have something that is easy to drive, and loads of fun, consider 1/8th buggies! read more »

Ofna Jammin CRT .5 RTR

Sean — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:14:10 -0600

Ofna has had nothing but good luck since when they released their Jammin X1 CRT, their 1/8th scale truggy, designed by Jammin Jay Hasely. It has taken many major titles, as well as hundreds and hundreds of small club races, and privately held events. Not too long ago, Ofna decided to release a miniature 1/10th scale version of their Jammin X1 CRT, myself, along with tons of other people were VERY excited to see what it could do. Packed with awesome features such as full size servos, a Jammin .12 nitro offroad engine, and a 42mph top speed, its bound to be a monster. Badged the Jammin CRT .5 RTR, it is a mean, lean, track eating machine! Here are the factory specs for the RTR version of the truck.

What is a buggy?

Sean — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 06:06:58 -0600

If you are getting into RC and look to race, you will hear the term buggy used for many of the vehicles you will probably be looking at. Buggies are usually 1/10th-1/8th scale RC's, and are pure bread racing machines. Buggies sit low to the ground, to provide the optimal CG (Center of Gravity), and also are long while not being to wide so that they can coner on a dime. Buggies usually only have one gear, and have no transmissions. They are usually ran directly from the clutcbell to a center differential, which is made up of a spur gear and differential that puts the power to the front or the back of the car more depending on the differential fluid it is filled with. They are fast, handle great, durable, and are a blast to drive. If you are looking to race, a buggy could be the right thing for you. read more »