“Big” news out of the Southwest as Redcat Racing have announced the release of their new TC-8 Marksman 1/8 ready-to-run trail truck. Packed with quality electronics and based upon the Wendigo platform the Marksman brings big tire flat fender fun to the 2.2 class of scale trail trucks.
Beginning with the chassis the Marksman is underpinned by a 1.5mm steel c-channel ladder frame. Incorporated into the rails are wheelbase adjustments that can change the wheelbase from 355mm to 379mm (with options for 361, 367mm and 373mm settings in between). Metal 5mm suspension links hang the XR247 straight axles in a 4-link rear, 3-link with panhard bar front configuration. Inside the diamond shaped axle housings are CNC machined spools for added durability and reduced slop while the housings themselves feature double shear mounting points for more strength and less chance of a failure. The front axle features constant velocity axles that combine with specially designed steering geometry to generate 47 degrees of outside steering angle and 32 degrees on inside angle. The rear axle is a straight axle design for added strength and more precise axle movement. Long travel 100mm length aluminum body shocks keep the axles under control. The shocks have a diameter of 14mm for added oil capacity and a more consistent feel. There are nine upper shock mounting locations for fine tuning ride height in conjunction with the threaded shock bodies and preload collars.
The Marksman utilizes a front motor and transmission layout for optimized weight bias and feeds power to a divorced center transfer case. An adjustable slipper clutch feeds power into the all metal MOD1 pitch transmission. A short driveshaft feeds the transfer case which then sends power through splined telescoping driveshafts to the axles.
Besides its larger size, the electronics package is the Marksman’s most standout feature. Included in the package are a Hobbywing Quicrun 80a Crawler ESC, a Holmes Hobbies 12t Crawlmaster 550 brushed motor, a 2.4gHz transmitter and receiver and a 25kg Hexfly servo.
Rounding out the package are officially licensed INTERCO SS-M16 hybrid performance off-road tires mounted on Raceline Avenger 8-spoke 3-piece beadlock wheels. A flat-fender Jeepster style body tops off the Marksman and gives it its unique appearance. A molded cage protects the rear of the shell while also adding to the appearance. An interior is molded into the body and is topped with an injection molded head with cowboy hat detailing. Other scale details include headlights and off-road lights that are LED ready, the front bumper has a non-functional winch molded in, an optional tire carrier is included (a spare tire is not included in the package though), inner fenders and what Redcat calls a “scrape away paint system”.
