Following close on the heels of last weeks Ascent-18 1/18 RTR release Redcat has gone in the opposite direction with the new Vigilante! This 1/5 scale,, 8s powered monster truck is packed with features that set it apart from the competition, while also being draped in classic sytle that is certainly easy on the eyes.
A molded composite chassis provides the backbone for the Vigilante and is braced by metal upper chassis braces to reduce flex fore and aft. Lower skidplates enclose the drivetrain as well as tie the front and rear bulkheads together making for a smooth, tough underbelly. Generous battery boxes provide a safe home for (2) 4s batteries and hook-and-loop straps keep them firmly in place even when the terrain gets rough.
Transferring all of that brushless torque to the tires is an oversized 3-diff drivetrain with compound gearing at the center differential for increased gear reduction without sacrificing space or strength. Splined driveshafts connect the center differential to the front and rear and each diff is tunable via differing viscosities of fluid. Oversized metal driveshafts are the final link in the drivetrain, spinning massive 24mm aluminum wheel hexes. Unlike most other large scale vehicles in this class the Vigilante is equipped with aluminum axle carriers front and rear as standard equipment, no upgrade necessary.
Softening the massive landings and keeping the tires on the ground falls on 24mm threaded aluminum body dampers with adjustable limit straps that help to prevent stress on the shock components while also allowing for simple ride height changes. Ultra-thick camber and toe links keep the wheels pointed in the right direction while also withstanding the strain of the trucks’ 24lb dry weight. Massive 8″x3.7″ tires with an aggressive off-road tread pattern turns all of the motor’s torque into rapid forward acceleration. Classic style satin chrome wheels add a touch of vintage style that is matched by the 80’s-esque pickup body and its two-tone paint scheme. Front and rear clamp-style body mounts eliminate the need for unsightly body pins while molded roof skids with internal supports and plastic bed rails protect the lexan from harsh impacts and embarrassing road rash. The vintage style front bumper is LED ready and also includes a period correct push bar.
Finally, Redcat has packed the Vigilante with quality electronics from stem to stern. A genuine Hobbywing 160a 8s ESC powers a 4985 1250kV brushless motor; both equipped with their own electric fan to keep them cool under severe use. A Redcat 4-channel 2.4gHz radio system provides reliable signals while a 70kg servo provides the yank to the front tires.
