Review: Hong Nor SCRT10 Short Course Truck
Review: Hong Nor SCRT10 Short Course Truck
With the Short Course scene exploding beyond everyone’s expectations, it was only a matter of time before 4wd trucks became popular. With the introduction of the 4×4 class, Hong Nor released their SCRT-10 racing truck; a 4wd Short Course truck kit aimed at doing battle with the Traxxas Slash 4×4. While kits are great for racers, a RTR is needed in the lineup for those wanting instant gratification. Enter the SCRT-10 RTR; a fully loaded 4wd Short Course truck based on Hong Nor’s racing rig!
THE FACTS
WHO MAKES IT Hong Nor
WHO IT’S FOR Beginner to Advanced Racer
HOW FAST 23.35mph
HOW MUCH $295
BUILD TYPE RTR
VEHICLE TYPE 1/10-scale electric 4wd short course truck
THE BOTTOM LINE A more-than-capable RTR for the entry level crowd; a few upgrades and it becomes a more-than-capable track threat!
PROS & CONS
+ Simplistic, 4wd 1/8th scale chassis layout
+ Includes three, oil-filled differentials
+ Rides on a full set of ball bearings
+ Capable electronics for the RTR crowd
+ Tons of tuning options built into the suspension
+ Exterior packages looks great
+ 2.4GHz radio system
- Jumps a little nose-heavy
- Only accepts a 2S battery
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• The chassis design is based on a 1/8th scale buggy, meaning it is very basic but completely functional. Front, rear and center transmissions are all braced to the 3mm chassis and contain fluid-filled differentials. The battery is mounted on the left side of the chassis to offset the motor and servo, both of which are mounted as close to the centerline of the truck as possible.
• Speaking of the electronics, the SCRT-10 comes loaded with a Hong Nor brushed ESC, 12 turn brushed motor, steering servo and slick little 2.4GHz radio system. While the transmitter feels pretty good and is 2.4GHz, it’s completely analog so you’ll have to set the trims with itty-bitty rotating dials. The servo has plenty of torque to steer the SCRT-10 in the direction you want to go. The ESC/motor combo, however, won’t set any speed records. This system is spunky and will probably take quite a bit of abuse, but it will be one of the first things you’ll want to upgrade. Dropping in a quality brushless system will definitely give you the ultimate happy-smile time.
• The SCRT-10s suspension has a ton of adjustment to tune to any track condition. Included in the SCRT-10 box is a little goodie bag with additional anti-squat plates, camber link plates and ride height shock adjustment clips.
• The SCRT-10 comes equipped with front and rear SC bumpers. The front bumper seems a bit under-designed, while the rear one looks like it came off a Sherman Tank. Both mount to the chassis and shock towers, forming a pretty strong triangle shape.
• I’m impressed with the balance of the SCRT-10. The chassis looks huge with everything mounted so close to the centerline of the truck. It will only accept a 2S pack, however, so all you speed junkies will need to wait a bit for a 3S or 4S battery holder to be released.
• I love the look of the SCRT-10’s wheels. Match those up with the red beadlocks and chrome screws and you have some of the best looking RTR wheels out right now. The tires provide good traction and should last quite a long time.
ITEMS NEEDED & USED
- 7.2 or 8.4V stick pack, or 2S 7.4V LiPo
- Battery charger
- 8 AA’s for transmitter
+ Peak Power Flo 4000 LiPo pack
+ LRP Pulsar Competition 3
TOOLS INCLUDED & NEEDED
+ Turnbuckle wrench
- A quality SAE Allen Driver set is recommended
SPECS & TUNING OPTIONS
SCRT-10
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH 21 in. (526mm)
WIDTH Front – 9 in (229 mm), Rear 10.1 in (258mm)
Suspension
- Shock position— 6 on towers, 2 on suspension arms
- Camber (F&R)— turnbuckles
- Ackerman— 2 positions
- Toe— front; turnbuckles, rear; toe plates
- Wheelbase— rear hubs can be spaced
- Droop— set screws in the arms
Drivetrain
- Diff stiffness— grease or silicone diff fluids (all 3)
Hong Nor SCRT10 Chassis Shot
PERFORMANCE SCORECARD
Test Conditions: Smooth with high traction
STEERING Understeer Neutral Oversteer
At low speeds, the SCRT-10 has surprisingly good steering for a 4wd truck. At higher speeds, however, the front of the truck loses all grip and just plows straight ahead. There could be a couple things happening here; the front tires just can’t hold on at higher speeds or the servo saver spring is too soft. Doing a little ‘bench-testing’, I noticed the servo saver spring was very soft, and you could flex the servo saver quite a bit. My suggestion would be to replace this spring with an aftermarket one (that is stronger) or just crank down the servo saver. Be careful, though, not to go to much or you could damage the servo. A new set of racing rubber (on all 4 corners) should help in the steering department, too.
ACCELERATION Poor Fair Good Excellent
The stock electronics and Peak 30C pack provide great acceleration. The RTR tires dig in and pull hard from a standstill, keeping the SCRT-10 pointed straight the whole time. This acceleration only lasts about 3 seconds, however, and then you’re hitting top speed. But around our test track, it pulled away from all but the fastest 1/8th scales, only to be eaten alive on the straight. I’m ok with that…another tooth (or two) on the pinion and we’re in the game!
BRAKING Poor Fair Good Excellent
There’s nothing that compares to 4wd when it comes to braking. While never really providing ‘strong’ brakes, the RTR electronics provided consistent braking power throughout the entire run. Even the rear of the truck felt planted while trail-braking into corners.
SUSPENSION Poor Fair Good Excellent
The SCRT-10’s suspension was pretty good through our test run. In RTR form, the oil felt a little soft, causing the truck to rely mostly on the springs for suspension. This caused the truck to dance around a little in the rough sections. The truck would also lift the nose quite a bit under acceleration and dive hard when braking; an indication that the suspension is pretty soft. If you plan on racing the SCRT-10, fill the shocks with heavier oil and you should be good to go.
JUMPING Poor Fair Good Excellent
During our test runs I found the SCRT-10 to jump nose-down quite a bit. I adjusted the way I approached the jumps, but still found the front of the nose wanting to dive in the air. If I applied a bit of throttle in the air I could get the truck to jump level, but I had to remember to do it! A change in the shock oil or spring (or maybe even ride height) would certainly help the SCRT-10 in this department.
DURABILITY Poor Fair Good Excellent
I gave this truck a good thrashing around our test track. At one point, one of the larger 1/8th scale SC trucks missed the braking point at the end of the straight and proceeded to launch me into the wall! No problem…my ‘Sherman Tank’ rear bumper took all the impact and helped protect the truck from damage. After a full battery pack of beating…er, testing the truck, I handed the controller over to one of the locals that had been eyeing it all day. I told him to ‘treat it like it wasn’t his’…he told me that would be no problem! He jumped it, rolled it and rubbed fenders with everybody on the track. Examining the truck I noticed the front bumper had started to pull out from the screws under the chassis. I’m pretty sure it’s time for a replacement.
MAINTENANCE AND TUNING TIPS
• After your first full battery, check the servo saver to make sure it is still tight. You might even want to tighten it down a couple turns before running.
• Heavier weight oil in the shocks is a must! You’ll want to change that out after the initial run (enjoy the truck FIRST before tweaking on it!)
THE LAST WORD
In my opinion, 4wd and Short Course are 2 words (ok, three words) that should go together. Combine these and create an affordable RTR package and you have yourself a definite winner. Is it better than the other 4wd SCer’s out right now? It’s hard to say, but I can say that I see more and more of the Hong Nor’s popping up (and some of the other dropping off). I think the 1/8th scale look and feel certainly give the SCRT-10 a definite advantage in both handling and maintenance department, plus this type of chassis layout begs for more power. This is a great truck for someone wanting into the 4wd scene, yet still has major potential to win races.
Links
Hong Nor, hongnor.com.tw/eng/index.asp
Peak Racing, distributed by Kyosho, kyoshoamerica.com/PeakRacing_c_7.html
LRP, distributed by Team Associated, teamassociated.com
[as seen in: RC Driver Magazine]
