The last 12 months have been like no other in human history. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown changed life for not only Americans but citizens around the world in ways we didn’t expect; our sense of what is important has changed, family once again became the most important thing and our hobby became more important than we could have imagined. Spending more time at home meant more time for hobby activities but the highest unemployment rate since the great depression also meant less expendable income to enjoy the hobby. Manufacturers released fewer vehicles, fewer parts, and in general were subject to operating at reduced capacity. What this meant for the hobbyist was a slimmer selection of drool-worthy new bits and bobs to put on our wish list. While the list may not have been long, the parts released this year have been the best in RC history; more features, more speed, more power, and despite all that has gone on during the last lap of the Sun this was a great year to be a part of the hobby. Today we will be taking a look back at all of the new releases, reviews, and projects from the last year and picking out our favorites.
TOP NEW PRODUCT
#3 Team Associated DR10 RTR Drag Car, January 24, 2020. Team Associated was the first to bring a Ready-To-Run No Prep drag car to market with their DR10 brushless RTR. The DR10 has DNA that can be traced all the way back to the SC10, with hints of SC5m and B5m thrown in for flavor. The car features the wheelbase of a short course truck with the width of a 1/10 buggy to suit the dimensions of the current No Prep rule book and available bodies. With an included muscle car style body and wheelie bar the DR10 definitely looked the part of the stop-light drag racer and with the Reedy brushless combo and slicks it definitely has the performance to back it up.
#2 Pro-LIne 1985 IROC No Prep Body Shell, November 20, 2020. I admit, this release ranks so high on our list because I have such a soft spot in my heart for 3rd Gen F-bodies. My first car was a 1991 Camaro and it still puts a smile on my face to see a 3rd gen driving around. The Pro-Line version includes the pre-1991 ground effects (without the NACA ducts that came in 1991), two different spoiler options, a comprehensive decal sheet and the ubiquitous hood scoops.
#1 Axial Racing SCX10iii Gladiator RTR, August 20, 2020. The first release of the SCX10iii was a massive success and included a new Jeep JL body that was packed with details. Despite this, the Gladiator was the bigger news. The truck shell was proportionally accurate, came in two distinctly OE colors and performed astoundingly well thanks to its longer wheelbase mixed with the AR45 portals. Spektrum’s SMART technology made an appearance, along with a new combination ESC/RX that was packed with features for a RTR unit. Included options of dig or a 2-speed were in the box and required no additional parts to function (dig was the included option and needed to have the servo switched to make the 2-speed work). Injection molded detail pieces finish off the shell in grand fashion and include a grille, bed rack, headlight and taillight buckets, wipers, door handlges and more.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR: Redcat Gen8 PACK, January 28, 2020.
Again, this project holds a special place in my heart. My Dad had a black Toyota SR5 with a lift and big BFG All-Terrains when I was a kid and I loved that truck. That was my Dad’s monster truck and it was better than your Dad’s truck, end of story. When I got the opportunity to review the Pro-Line SR5 body along with some 1.9″ BFG’s I knew I had to build a replica of Dad’s truck. I chose the Gen8 to underpin this project as I had heard quite a bit about the truck but had never driven one myself. Since I would be replacing the body, wheels and tires anyway I chose to start with the PACK and save a few bucks. The PACK arrives pre-assembled with a forward mounted transmission and center mounted transfer case with steel MOD1 gears, 32p spur, 4-link rear suspension, 3-link with panhard bar front suspension, chassis mounted servo, adjustable wheelbase, 47 degree steering angle, the list goes on and on, all for only $169. I added some budget friendly electronics to keep the investment down but the performance up including a 25kg servo with alloy horn, a GoolRC 35t brushed motor, a Radioling RC6F receiver, an Axial AE-2 ESC and a Castle Creations 10a BEC. Finishing touches included the aforementioned Pro-Line Toyota body with gray Classic interior pan, Denali 1.9″ beadlocks, 1.9″ BFG All-Terrains and a Yeah Racing Dark Drifter light kit. I custom cut the silver Toyota logos to match the 1:1 and painted the body pearl black to match the 1:1.
Originally I had the body set a little too high to hide the fact that the wheelbase was a little off but later on I added a cantilever rear shock setup to lower the ride height and shortened the wheelbase to more closely match the body. Now the truck sits with the proper stance and looks much more scale.
Driving the truck has always been a treat. It will climb up and over anything it can get a tire on and sidehills with confidence. Its capability makes even the most novice driver look like a pro; on his first outing my Dad was running lines that I was doing with my modified SCX10 without needed the hand of God. He drove a few packs with it that first weekend and really enjoyed the truck. I enjoyed seeing it drive away in the back of his car even more. The truck was built for him and although I miss driving it from time to time I know that it gets used and is well loved.
NEWS STORY OF THE YEAR
Horizon Hobby buys Pro-Line Racing, August 10, 2020.
This one really came out of left field. Horizon was already the largest group of RC OE manufacturers in the USA after its acquisition of Hobbico and related brands but now it is also in possession of the #1 tire and body manufacturer in the industry. Arrma owners in particular have benefit from the buyout as Pro-Line has developed many new products for Arrma’s 3s, 6s and 8s lines of vehicles since August. The acquisition has not slow development for other brands however as new parts for Traxxas, Associated and many others continue to this day.
So there you have it folks, the best that 2020 had to offer. All that remains now is to look forward to 2021. New kits, new parts, more new ways to enjoy this wonderful hobby with our families and friends. What products would you like to see featured in the coming year? Is there a new brand that we have not covered that you would like to see? Did you have a favorite that wasn’t on the list? Drop a comment below or on our Instagram page @1ircofficial.