This Week in Radio Control – AE Buggies, a Midget and some Carpet Goodies
This week brought two new Team Associated 4WD buggies, a highly adjustable dirt-oval Midget, XRAY’s latest Formula car and enough carpet-tire choices to make a tire box require its own setup sheet.
Here is what caught our attention.
Team Associated Updates Its 4WD Buggy
Team Associated has announced the new RC10B84.1 Team Kit and RC10B84.1D Team Kit.
The two 1/10-scale 4WD racing buggies share most of their updated components. These include a wider front section of the chassis, revised side rails, new steering posts and bellcranks, adjustable-height gearboxes and 73mm gull-wing front suspension arms.
Drivers can also adjust chassis bracing, motor position, battery position, caster, rear roll center and wing height. Both versions include 13mm big-bore shocks and a low-profile body.
The main difference is found in the center drivetrain. The B84.1 uses a decoupled slipper clutch, while the B84.1D includes a center differential and molded ring-and-pinion gears.
The carpet kit is listed at $639.99 while the dirt kit at $619.99 and both are available for preorder.
90058 Team Associated RC10B84.1 Carpet Team Kit
Link: www.AMainHobbies.com
90059 Team Associated RC10B84.1D (Dirt) Team Kit
Link: www.AMainHobbies.com
Custom Works Releases the Beast 2 Midget
The Custom Works Beast 2 Midget is now in stock after a summer of prototype testing.
This second-generation dirt-oval kit includes several configuration choices. Builders can use a stand-up or laydown transmission, mount the steering servo near the front or middle and select from multiple chassis-offset positions.
Custom Works also added a revised battery locator, camber-link mount, top shaft, spur-gear hub and carbon rear shock tower. MDX big-bore shocks are included at all four corners.
The kit is available now for $499 through Custom Works. Detailed release photographs can be viewed here.
0652 Custom Works Beast 2 Midget Kit
Link: www.CustomWorksRC.com
XRAY Builds Two Versions of the X1’27
The new XRAY X1’27 Formula car is offered in separate aluminum and carbon-fiber configurations.
The carpet-oriented version uses a 2mm aluminum chassis and solid rear axle. The asphalt model combines a 2.2mm carbon chassis with a gear differential.
Both receive a redesigned front suspension that makes ride height, droop and camber gain easier to adjust. XRAY also revised the rear pod, battery mounting system, wing holder and chassis-flex adjustments.
XRAY released the full presentation on September 18. U.S. pricing and delivery were not confirmed on a dedicated American product page.
370710 Team XRAY F1’27 Carbon Edition
Link: www.TeamXRAY.com
370711 Team XRAY F1’27 Aluminum Edition
Link: www.TeamXRAY.com
JConcepts Adds More Carpet-Tire Choices
JConcepts expanded its carpet and turf lineup with a new brown rubber compound, additional purple-compound tread options and React tire inserts.
The new brown carpet compound sits between JConcepts’ existing pink medium compound and its softer purple rubber. It is intended to provide additional grip without moving to the softest available option.
The expanded selection includes JConcepts’ unusual 3DP carpet tire, which combines a dense center-pin pattern with flexible outer bars. The tire is available unmounted or pre-mounted.
JConcepts also introduced React carpet-tire inserts in soft and medium densities. The soft insert is recommended for pink and brown compounds, while the medium insert provides more support for purple tires and very high-grip conditions.
For beginners, the important lesson is simple: tire compound and insert density can change handling as much as many suspension adjustments. Try not to rebuild the shocks when the tires are the ones causing trouble.
3152-010 JConcepts Fuzz Bite LP 2.2 Rear Tire
Link: www.AMainHobbies.com
6017S (and M) JConcepts React – Carpet Rear Insert
Link: www.AMainHobbies.com
6019S (and M) JConcepts React – Carpet Front Insert
Link: www.AMainHobbies.com
Team EAM Builds a Battery for 1/28 Racing
The new Team EAM 488mAh 1/28-scale LiPo is another sign that micro racing is developing its own equipment ecosystem.
The 2S hardcase pack has a claimed 70C discharge rating and uses recessed 2mm connector sockets. It measures 45 x 24 x 13mm and weighs approximately 22 grams.
Compatibility should be checked carefully because micro cars do not all use the same battery dimensions or connector arrangement.
Team EAM Graph-X 488. Mini Z Battery
Link: www.TeamEAMotorsports.com
