Welcome back everyone! We’re hoping you are all doing well and surviving this heat wave that is affecting nearly the whole globe, as of the last weather projections I’ve seen, and are enjoying some indoor bench racing, indoor crawling or micro racing where the AC is blasting. This week has seen quite a few new releases from JConcepts, Traxxas, Team Associated, Arrma and Pro-Line Racing. Also, this week saw America’s 250th birthday and celebrations not only across the nation but around the world. We’ll touch on this historic event a bit later. Let’s dive in and see what’s new!
JCONCEPTS
New this week from JConcepts are a host of parts including a new Colorado ZR2 crawler body, a new set of Goldenyears Tires for the Losi Mini LMT, a new- green compound version of the Dirt Trac tire, an Aluminum/Forged Carbon setup board and titanium 8/32″ countersunk screws suited for the Team Associated RC10 vintage series.
Up first is a new 12.3″ wheelbase version of the midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. This body fits most 1/10 scale trail trucks on the market and is sized narrow enough to allow for a significant amount of tire clearance. Given the popularity of high-offset wheels in the full-scale truck market, seeing the majority of the tire outside the fenders is not that out of the question. Both front and rear overhangs have been shortened significantly to add approach and departure angle while making the truck look like it was modified to survive something akin to 4Wheel and Off-Road’s Adventure Week. Included in each package are a full-color detail decal sheet, window masks and a pre-applied overspray film.
Item #0727 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crawler Body https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/07/jconcepts-new-release-2020-chevy-colorado-zr2-crawler-body/
Up next are the vintage styled Goldenyears monster truck tires, this time sized specifically for the Losi Mini LMT and available in both pre-mounted and unmounted versions. This scale tire features the vintage style rounded carcass and full height cleats for both style and function. Molded in the soft “blue” compound and supported by React open cell foam inserts this tire maintains a great appearance while giving the truck a significant bump in performance. Each package includes one pair of tires and the pre-mounts arrive on #3455G Mini Tribute wheels, ready to go!
Item #4126-01 Goldenyears For MIni LMT, Unmounted
#4126-41914 Goldenyers Pre-Mounted On 3455 Mini Tribute Wheels
#4126-41914 Goldenyears Pre-Mounted on #3455G Mini Tribute Wheels
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/07/jconcepts-new-release-golden-years-mini-lmt-tires/
Dirt oval racers now have a new tire option for those days when the traction is up or the temperature is down thanks to the Dirt Trac tire in the super soft Green Compound. This tire features uniform rows of large, square tread blocks, each of which have been sliced and cut for flexibility. The low profile carcass helps to reduce the tires tendency to fold over under hard cornering and the SCT sizing is perfect for the Traxxas Mudboss, Traxxas Modified, Traxxas Late Model and the Traxxas Slash 4×4, of which JConcepts has pre-mounted options to fit, both front and rear. Inside each tire is a profiled, molded closed-cell foam inserts for support and each package includes one pair of tires.
Item #4151-02 Dirt Trac SCT 2.2″/3.0″ Tire, Un-Mounted https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/07/jconcepts-new-release-dirt-trac-tires/
A great way to reduce weight on your chassis is to swap out your heavy black oxide screws for aluminum or titanium versions. One screw does not represent a significant amount of saved mass but when replacing every screw in the chassis with a lighter material the weight savings can besubstantial. JConcepts now offers precision machined titanium screws in a 8/32″ diameter and lengths of 1/4″, 5/16″ and 1/2″. Each screw has a precise 3/32″ hex machined into the head and are a perfect addition to your RC10, RC10T, RC10GT, RC10DS or any other retro ride that uses SAE countersunk hardware.
Item#5336 8/32″x1/4″ FHCS Titanium Screws
#5337 8/32″x5/16″ FHCS Titanium Screws
#5338 8/32″x1/2″ FHCS Titanium Screws
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/06/jconcepts-new-release-8-32-titanium-screws/
Trying to perfect your setup on an uneven surface is like trying to herd cats; it’s just not going to happen. JConcepts has announced the release of their new aluminum/forged carbon fiber setup board that is ultra-flat, smooth and stiff, ensuring that your setup is built off of a flat, level platform. Inside the forged carbon is either a touch of blue or red for a pop of color while the aluminum is anodized black to blend in with the carbon. The carbon slab is a full 2.5mm thick for stiffness and each corner is radiused to eliminate the risk of a sharp edge finding your fingers or even worse. This setup board was designed with 1/10 and 1/8 on-and off-road vehicles and thanks to its light weight and slim design fits easily into your pit bag or rolling case.
Item #5409-21 Aluminum/Forged Carbon Fiber Setup Board, Blue
#5409-27 Aluminum/Forged Carbon Fiber Setup Board, Red
TEAM ASSOCIATED
Drivers of the SWB (Short Wheelbase) version of the SC10 now have a clear version of the Contender body to design their own paint scheme for and fitting this chassis like a glove. Molded from crystal clear polycarbonate this body not only fits the Pro2 SC10 (LT and DK versions) but also fits the RC10DR. Each body includes window masks, overspray film and detail decals for an MSRP of $49.99.
Item #72125 PRO2 SC10 Contender Body, Clear https://60years.associatedelectrics.com/pro2-sc10-swb-contender-body-clear/?searchid=0&search_query=72125
TRAXXAS
Making good use of their Nissan license and following up on the S14 240SX Drift version of the 4-Tec Drift car, Traxxas has announced a new 240, this time an S13 underpinned by an AWD 4-Tec 2.0 chassis powered by the new VX3 3s power system and featuring many of the upgrades seen on the latest Traxxas releases. The S13 is a clipless body with a mild, tasteful body kit and not only a stock-style low profile spoiler but also an optional tall wing out back for an added touch of early 2000’s “cool”. Under the pre-finished shell lies the 4-Tec 2.0 chassis with its direct-drive, dual differential drivetrain, spun by a steel center driveshaft supported by a center support bearing. Plastic body Ultra shocks damp the ride at all four corners and feature X-ring seals and red powder coated springs that match the color accent of the faux brake calipers. Captured ball ends ensure your fun time won’t be cut short by a popped link and, in the rear, the 4-Tec includes two camber link mounts. An adjustable battery hold down strap can accept either a 2s or 3s battery pack for speeds up to 50+ mph with no gearing change. Spinning that AWD drivetrain is the new VX3 brushless system featuring the V3300 vented brushless motor and the Velineon VX3 ESC. A new metal gear 2057 steering servo takes its orders from the TQi Sport transmitter and a 3-channel TSM (Traxxas Stability Management) receiver with telemetry capabilities (telemetry modules sold separately). A waterproof receiver box keeps the receiver safe and dry while all other electronics are waterproof on their own. Rolling stock on the 240 includes staggered 6-spoke tuner-style wheels wrapped in long wearing street tires while faux rotors peek out through the widely spaced spokes.
Item #93424 4-Tec 2.0 Brushless Nissan 240SX https://traxxas.com/4-tec-20-nissan-240sx-brushless-93424-4?learnmore=y
ARRMA
Horizon is fully leaning into the popularity of its partnership with Cleetus McFarland with their newest colab releases: a 1/10 and 1/16 version of the Freedom Flyer, a full-size monster truck built for special events at the Freedom Factory. Beginning with the 1/10 version Arrma utilized the 2wd 223s powered monster truck chassis that is also seen on trucks like the Gorgon. This chassis is tough as nails, simple to work on, includes a slipper clutch to protect the drivetrain and the mid-mounted motor aids in handling. The 223s power system can propel the 1/10 Freedom Flyer to 50mph utilizing a 3s battery while a Spektrum SLT2 radio system with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that sends its signals to a 45a 2-n-1 brushless ESC/RX combo. Handling the steering duties are a Spektrum S681 steering servo that is stuffed with metal gears and is waterproof for all-weather fun. Unlike most in this class the Freedom Flyer comes with a battery and charger to get you going as soon as the charging tone is set off; the battery is a 4000mAh 2s SMART lithium battery that gets its juice from a 1x100w USB-C charger.
Item #ARA3530SFFT1 1/10 Freedom Flyer RTR w/Battery and Charger https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/arrma-1-10-freedom-flyer-223s-2wd-rtr-brushless-monster-truck-battery-and-charger-included/ARA3530S.html
For the 1/16 Freedom Flyer Arrma chose their 4×4 GROM platform as a base and added the beautiful FF suv to it to create a great looking little basher, great for kids aged six to 106! While the 223s 1/10 truck is a brushless muscle truck, the 1/16 version makes do with a 380 brushed motor, a 25a 2-n-1 ESC/RX combo, a Spektrum SLT2 radio system and a SX110 metal gear steering servo, a 1400mAh 2s lithium battery and an S10 SMART mini 2s charger. Sealed differentials are included as a future-proof upgrade while the brushed power system provides speeds up to 20mph for beginner friendly action.
Item #http://ARA2130F 1/16 Freedom Flyer GROM Monster Truck, RTR w/Battery and Charger https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/arrma-1-16-freedom-flyer-grom-4×4-rtr-brushed-monster-truck-battery-and-charger-included/ARA2130.html
PRO-LINE RACING
To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Pro-Line released a series of pre-finished bodies for the Losi NASCAR chassis that includes the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the Chevrolet Silverado, the Ford Mustang, the Ford F-150, the new Ram Truck Series shell and an all new 1986 Monte Carlo (which is also available in clear to recreate your own favorite scheme). Each body features a unique “250” themed paint scheme that looks amazing no matter which body you purchase. The new 1986 Monte Carlo brings the iconic looks of the mid-80’s G-body to the 1/12 Losi in quite faithful proportions. I can see a bunch of Dale Earnhardt, Darrel Waltrip and Tim Richmond replicas on the starting line of tracks across the country soon!
Item #PRO365421 2024 Ford F-150 Truck Series 250 Body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-2024-ford-f-150-nascar-truck-series-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO365421.html
Item #PRO365320 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Truck Series “250” Pre-finished body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-2024-chevrolet-silverado-nascar-truck-series-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO365320.html
Item #PRO369920 RAM NASCAR Truck Series “250” Pre-Finished Body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-2024-ram-nascar-truck-series-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO369920.html
Item #PRO370820 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo “250” Pre-Finished Body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO370820.html
Item #PRO375120 Ford Mustang Cup Series Pre-Finished Body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-ford-mustang-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO375120.html
Item #PRO375020 Chevrolet Camaro Z:L1 NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Finished Body https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-pre-painted-chevrolet-camaro-america-250-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO375020.html
Item #PRO370817 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Cup Body, Clear https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/pro-line-racing-1-12-pre-cut-1986-chevy-monte-carlo-clear-body-losi-nascar-race-car/PRO370817.html
THOUGHTS FROM THE WORKBENCH
I wanted to start a new column this week that encompasses not only project updates but also anything that springs to mind while I’m at the workbench. As a middle-aged man I feel like I do my best thinking when I’m sitting at my bench, just tinkering and letting my hands entertain themselves with a 2.0mm hex driver or a bottle of shock oil while my mind deals with its own quandaries. When I still had my sight and could drive and ride my motorcycle nothing cleared my head like heading out for a short jaunt and talking to myself, be it in the car or just inside my helmet. No one to bounce ideas off of, just the universe and God to hear me. Now the wall behind my bench has taken over the job of listening to my Earth bound thoughts (God still has my back on the next plane of existence) and sometimes that’s all I need to feel better mentally. I urge everyone out there, if you are struggling with something and feel like you need help, please reach out to a professional. a Priest or Pastor, a close friend you can trust, or if you feel that none of those are a good fit for you and you have no one else, please leave me a comment and I’m always here to listen. I know this will sound cliche but though I do not know you personally I love you as a person and know that your soul is worth saving. You matter. You are appreciated. And above all, you are loved.
I want to wish everyone out there a very happy and safe Independence Day weekend and I hope that the gravity of this weekends celebration leaves its impact on you all. This experiment we call democracy has had its problems, there is no doubt about that, but we’re not known as the greatest nation on Earth for nothing. Similar to how we welcomed our FIFA fan friends from around the globe during the past month we have a big, beautiful green lady standing at Ellis Island to welcome those who wish to pursue the American dream. As a man who can trace his ancestry back to the Royal family of Scotland in the 14th century (on my great-great-Grandmother’s side) as well as having the sale report for my Great Great grandfather from when he was bought as a slave in Virginia, fresh off of an African slave vessel, I can say that I am truly blessed to live in America. In a state that embodies natural beauty. In a home I call my own. Writing for a multimedia company that I founded and own. That is the American Dream, and for that I am truly grateful. Finally, I wish to extend a sincere thank you and debt of gratitude to every member of the US Armed Forces, both past and present, for their sacrifice protecting us. Those who have giving their lives protecting us in the homeland from the evils of tyrannical men to the National Guard members who put their lives on the line during natural disasters and civil unrest here at home, I say thank you. I say that your efforts are not in vain. I salute you.
Thank you, one and all, for joining us again this week for another edition of TWIRC. Until next time, be good to yourself, be good to others, be good to your RC.