TQ R/C & Hobbies

Ty Tessmann tore up the track at the 2014 IFMAR 1/8 Scale Off-Road World Championships running an O.S. Speed Tuned B2101 engine tailored to his winning specs. Now O.S. makes that same setup available to other drivers — in the Ty Tessmann Limited Edition Speed Tuned B2101. The engine features the same tuned pipe, manifold and carb restrictor used by Ty to win the 2014 IFMAR Championships. Its T-2090SC pipe is paired with an M2002SC manifold whose added length increases torque in the low to middle range. The 5.8mm restrictor — not available on any other O.S. engine — matches what O.S. supplied to Ty for extending run time in competition. Like the standard B2101, this version has a lowered cylinder head, DLC crankshaft with balanced tungsten weights, and a Type 21J carburettor. Only a small number are being produced, making this engine both competitive and collectible. The Ty Tessmann Limited Edition Speed Tuned B2101 is easy to distinguish from the standard model due to the natural-colour cylinder head and Ty’s name laser-etched onto the crankcase, crankshaft and tuned pipe.

German company Absima introduce the Thrust BL 1/10th brushless speed controller and motor combo set for the use with RTR or entry to intermediate level kits. Starting with the speed controller, the 45A rated ESC is housed in a compact plastic case and it features a large heatsink and an integrated fan unit to reduce the temperature during operation. The 2S-compatible controller offers 8 degree fixed timing, a 6V/2A BEC system and automatic battery detection for NiMH and LiPo packs. The controller comes pre-wired with a T-plug connector and includes a 4-pole 3421kv brushless motor with aluminium heatsink can and pre-wired gold-plated bullet-type connectors.

Axial has a range of new option parts for the Wraith, SCX10, AX10 and the Yeti and Yeti XL available. First up is the Spawn body, a classic SUV body with a modern twist. The body is usable with the SCX10 and AX10 and, after cutting the wheel arches and bumpers, it also fits the Wraith to give the truck an aggressive appearance. Included come headlight buckets for separately available LED lights, pre-cut decals, window masks and instructions.

German Kyosho distributor Robbe introduce the iconic Mad Force 1/8th 4WD monster truck is now available with some subtle updates such as an improved steering for an increased steering angle. Also new is a different suspension setup for a lower centre of gravity while the dual plate sandwich chassis and rigid axles are still in place. The 2.0 variant is available as electric-powered VE including a genuine Team Orion brushless motor and speed controller or as nitro-powered GP truck with a pre-mounted KE-25 big block engine. Both feature pre-mounted wheels, pick-up style bodyshells and they come ready-to-run including Kyosho’s T-231 2.4HGz radio system.

Reedy’s HV Digital Competition Servos are race-proven and feature numerous enhancements including precision metal gears for added strength and smooth operation, and an advanced microprocessor that improves vehicle control and on-track performance. Its state-of-the-art aluminium mid case lowers operating temperatures for fade-free operation. High voltage compatibility means that LiPo RX batteries or increased ESC BEC output voltage can be used without fear of damaging sensitive internal components. Available in a choice of hi-torque (RT1508) or hi-speed (RT1206) models.

New from Novarossi comes the 2015 Elite range of TOP engines for off-road and on-road applications. Starting with the top-of-the-foodchain Elite 8 Off Road, the engine is of a long stroke design and features an 8-port sleeve. Coming with a turbo glowplug combustion camber insert and 14mm turbo crankshaft the engine is available with standard steel or high-quality ceramic ball bearings.

Team Orion’s Vortex R8.1 Pro brushless speed controller is a purpose-built 1/8th scale ESC for heavy duty competition use. Based on the World Championship winning R10 Pro the R8.1 offers an aluminium heatsink case, dual sensor ports and an advanced and highly programmable software to fine-tune the throttle and brake settings to your liking. The 4S-compatible controller also sports an adjustable 6V to 7.2V BEC system to allow the direct use with high-voltage compatible servos and a specially designed fan guard helps to protect the highly stressed fan unit.

Following a first teaser Roche now have more images available of their forthcoming P12 1/12th scale competition kit. The comany’s first ever full car kit is constructed from high-quality carbon fibre and 7075 aluminium and builds on a 2.5mm graphite material chassis with aluminium motor pod and a class-standard link-type rear suspension. The front end of the car is highly adjustable in terms of caster, camber and toe settings while the aluminium suspension blocks also allow to fine-tune the wheelbase in a range of ±2mm. The servo mount takes micro or mini-size servos and the battery compartment allows for inline or transversal battery mounting. A sturdy aluminium rear brace takes the combined battery and roll damper mounts and the rear axle is located in specially designed brackets that allow axle height changes using spacers and wheelbase adjustments in a ±1mm range. The kit is rounded out by steel turnbuckles, aluminium side spring pre-load nuts and a lightweight graphite rear axle with ball differential and 16 ball Xenon main gear. The kit is set for a release in March.

New from Speed Passion come the V4.0 Stock electric brushless motors. Designed to meet EFRA, BRCA and ROAR specifications the motors build on the V4.0 Modified series in terms of can design but they offer improved cooling vents for better heat dissipation and lowered running temperatures. Taken over from Modified motors is also the new end bell design that incorporates a plug-in system using bullet-type connectors over the standard solder tab design used by other companies. The motors come in a range of windings including 10.5T, 13.5T, 17.5T, 21.5T and 25.5T variants.

From Yokomo and made for the use with touring car kits comes this highly precise ride height gauge. Machined from aluminium the tool it offers a measuring range of 3.5mm to 8.0mm in 0.1mm increments thanks to the 2-side design that has “even” measurements on one side and “odd” numbers on the other side. A black coating with silver chamfered edges makes for a robust yet ecstatically pleasing appearance.