TQ R/C & Hobbies

Roche RC has released the Rapide, a F103/F104 conversion kit. The wheel base is based on the F104 as 270mm, with a selectable width of 187mm (F104) and 200mm (F103). With a newly designed motor mount set, the width between the left & right mount is wider than the Tamiya original by 5mm meaning the main drive shaft bearing is closer to the wheel adaptor. At the back there is a simple design with adjustable “U Plate” rear suspension and there are different thickness “U Plate” to setup for different track condition. A narrow main chassis design makes it more stable with faster corner speed and moreover the chassis is compatible with Tamiya F104 bodies.

We were taken into a quiet room and shown the new line of competition .21 engines from Salvatore Schepis called Bliss. Available as a 5 port version called F5 Buggy and a 7 port circuit motor called F7 Onroad with lightened and balanced crankshaft, the main new element of this engine is the CLC system. This patented design use a conical shim, similar to that used for mounting a flywheel, which allows for a quick and easy adjustment, or removal, of the carburetor by simply loosening two screws from the top. We can expect a release in March/April with a .12 on road engine to follow in the future.

Team Orion have a range of completely new .21 buggy engines, comprising of 3 motors, as well as a fourth for truggy. The new line all use the CRF technology and are available in one standard and two factory versions. All include the new crankcase which has been designed to improve strength with all the internals improved upon. The piston and liner have been updated with the piston having been machined from a different material to improve the quality, which together with the updated crankshaft timing help to improve the fuel mileage of the engine. The standard line is noticeable by the silver crankcase and will come in a 3 port version, while the 2 tuned engines have a black crankcase and come in 3 and 5 port versions and include ceramic bearings and hand finished internals. All the improvements to the manufacturing process have improved the cost of the engine which is being passed onto the customer. Finally in the engine line the .12 will get a new aluminium carburetor and we were told that the .21 on road engine will finally become available this year as a 7 port motor.

Losi have introduced their updated 1/24th Scale RTR 4WD Short Course Truck and 4WD rally car. With their 8750Kv brushless system, both cars are super fast and you can run it practically anywhere, inside or out. And when running it with friends, you won’t run into interference problems as the newly included Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM radio system offers a bulletproof interference free link.

The DX2E from Spektrum is the perfect answer for any surface enthusiast looking for their first upgrade into the world of 2.4GHz technology. Powered by Spektrum 2.4GHz technology, the DX2E offers class-leading signal assurance at a wallet-friendly and budget conscious price point. Until now, those wanting the reassurance and convenience of 2.4GHz technology have been unable to benefit from Spektrum technology at this price point meaning that they’d either have to settle for something else or spend more. Now though with the DX2E, Spektrum have redressed the balance, making their marine-compatible patented surface DSM signal transmission available for the first time at this price-point driven end of the market.