Axial’s lineage of naming products after reptiles continues with the release of the new AXP8 Gilamon, a 1/10 2.2″ trail rig that is a clean sheet design for the big A. This buggy is more than just a Capra with larger tires but rather a look into the technology of the future for RC crawling.
While portal axles are nothing new in RC the Gilamon’s axles are noteworthy thanks to their axle disconnect (cutting brake) design that allows one tire to lock independently of the other for a much tighter turning radius. Both front and rear axles are capable of this feature, however only the rear is equipped with the mechanism out of the box. A micro servo disengages the axle shaft on the side that is to be locked and allows the truck to pivot around that tire; essentially turning around in its own footprint. The servo does not however re-engage the axle shaft, instead relying on a spring to return the shaft into the locker. The transmission is equipped with a similar system allowing for independent front and rear dig functionality, making for the utmost maneuverability on the rocks. Heavy-duty WB12 splined center shafts send power to the axles, offering greater durability thanks to their increased size over the previous WB8 shafts. Finally each axle is geared differently giving a 30% overdrive ratio to the front axle.
New, internal spring oil filled shocks keep the axles in check; however out of the box they are set up with the spring on top of the piston for a more traditional ride. Removing the springs and installing them (or another smaller spring like the Mini-T spring that are used in many builds) under the piston will result in a lower center of gravity and improved crawling performance. Double triangulated 4-links front and rear keep the axles in check and are completely adjustable.
Inside the molded plastic cage lies a host of Spektrum electronics, including a Boulder 550 21t brushed motor, a 70a FIRMA Smart ESC, the S682 metal gear steering servo (with 25t output splines), a SX108 metal gear micro servo and a DX3 SMART transmitter bound to a SR515 5-channel receiver, Officially licensed Raceline glue-on wheels are wrapped in Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T tires measuring in at 5.5″ tall. A complete set of LED rock lights illuminate the trail after dark and can be set to a multitude of different colors for added style points.
Item #AX-1207T1 https://www.axialadventure.com/product/1-8-axp8-gilamon-2.2-4×4-rtr-brushed-trail-buggy/AXI-1207.html