TQ R/C & Hobbies

Kyosho have introduced the PureTen FW-06 GP Audi R8 LMS Red ReadySet 1/10th scale nitro on-road kit. The proven, shaft-driven FW-06 4WD chassis offers mild control responses, making it the perfect introduction to GP touring cars. A 2-speed automatic transmission and the high-power GXR15 engine combined with the same rear suspension as the World Champion V-One RRR also meet the demands of expert-level drivers, making the car race-worthy as well. Included with the ready-to-run package also comes a 2.4GHz Syncro KT-231P transmitter with failsafe function and the kit is decked off with a red Audi R8 LMS bodyshell.

Japanese company KO Propo have introduced the RSx3 line of standard size high-performance servos. The range includes the RSx3 Response HC (0.06s/17.6kg-cm) and RSx3 Power HC (0.11x/31.6kg-cm) with aluminium upper cases as well as the RSx3 Response (0.06s/17.6kg-cm) and RSx3 Power (0.11s/31.6kg-cm) with composite upper cases. All four feature aluminium middle sections with laser-etched graphics, they are high-voltage compatible, allowing to use them with up to 7.4V input, they are equipped with hard-anodised aluminium gears, coreless motors, gold-plated connectors and black servo leads. On top of this the RSx3 line makes use of KO Propo’s new Highspeed Communication System HCS, in combination wit HCS-compatible receivers, for a more linear steering feeling and they are programmable using the company’s ICS Servo Manager software in order to fine-tune the servo’s behaviour for different classes or track conditions.

Coming this February is Schumacher’s new Cougar KD dirt spec 2WD buggy kit.  Designed for low-traction dirt tracks the prototype of the buggy already showed some great performance at the European Off-Road Championships in Spain where Schumacher factory driver Michal Orlowski finished third on the podium. The KD has the adjustability to conquer loose dirt to hard packed clay tracks as well as other low-grip surfaces thanks to a new 3-gear stand-up gearbox with 14-ball differential and a newly designed 2.5mm aluminium chassis that is usable with a range of battery layouts including saddle, square and shorty. Carbon fibre side pods make for advanced chassis stiffness tuning and an updated suspension geometry ensures fast and consistent handling. Other features include shocks with bleed screw and vented options, a lightweight twin-pad slipper clutch and a new sleek bodyshell.

Coming soon from Spektrum is the S6240RX digital high-speed servo and receiver unit. The servo itself features the durability of metal gears and is capable of delivering down to 0.08s transit times along with 15.0kg-cm of torque. The built-in SR2010 2-channel receiver gives racers a sense of response that feels almost instantaneous, especially when used with a DSMR radio capable of 5.5ms transmission. Both the servo and receiver are housed in a 20mm case that measures 30mm in hight which is in-between a standard and a low-profile servo. The servo and receiver unit is best used for 2WD buggy applications but may also suit many other classes.

Highest have introduced the new high-voltage compatible D1000 servo with all-aluminium case. Capable of speeds down to 0.08s and offering a dynamic torque of 14.8kg-cm the coreless motor standard-size servo is ideal for off-road applications and a popular choice of Highest team drivers such as David Ronnefalk and Robert Batlle. The search offers a full-aluminium case including upper and lower case as well as the middle section and it is available now.

Team Corally have introduced the Eclips 2100 Limited Black Edition AC/DC dual output charger. It offers the same specifications as the standard variant but it comes with a black and red case design and a special carry case with embossed Team Corally logo, balance boards and charge leads. The device is limited to 400 pieces world-wide and it is available now.

Traxxas have introduced their upgraded X-Maxx 1/8th electric monster truck. With the current model already being a pretty impressive piece of kit, the 2017 variant will offer even more strength and power. The X-Maxx 8S is packed with new 8S-rated components engineered to handle the brutal torque and incredible speed of 30+ volts 8S LiPo batteries. Full steel-gear driveline, larger driveshafts, larger main bearings, strengthened bulkhead, new heavy-duty ring and pinion gears, dual-fan motor cooling and more make the truck ready for the use with two 4S LiPo packs. The new torque-biasing center drive unit distributes the power for maximum wheels-up punch and unrelenting acceleration. For current X-Maxx owners Traxxas will offer an upgrade kit that brings the truck to 2017 specifications. The X-Maxx 8S will hit stores in February.

Coming soon from Castle Creations is the Mamba X sensored brushless speed controller for 1/10th scale applications. Capable of handling 2S to 6S LiPo battery packs the waterproof controller features an adjustable standard and high-voltage BEC system, it is telemetry and data logging capable, and it works with Castle Creations’s 1406, 1410 and 1415 sensored motors as well as other sensored brushless motors of comparable specifications. An addition cooling fan keeps the speedo, that is housed in an aluminium case, cool in demanding applications.

LapMonitor is a new personal lap-timer for RC cars that can also be used to time multi-driver races. The device is simple and fast to setup; it will be installed on the outside track, then connected with the Bluetooth of any mobile device and it is good to go. In terms of functionality LapMonitor will not only announce lap times but also a full live race commentary in many languages while also enabling to store and share the timing results. It has been tested and adopted by 2016 European Cup 1/8th IC winner, Stephane Bouche and the LapMonitor Training Pack is now available on Kickstarter with a 40 percent discount. The pack includes one LapMonitor and one transponder. Multi-transponder packages are also available and the system is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and it features a Bluetooth range of up to 80m.

Coming from Team Orion is the Battery Protection box. The military-style steel box is equipped with inner foam padding to protect LiPo battery packs during storage and transportation while rubber seals making the box air-tight, reducing harm and external damage in the unlikely event of a battery going boom. Carry handles allow for easy transportation and Team Orion prints give the storage box a cool racing look. The protection box is available in the three sizes of small, medium and large.