This week was a slow one for us RC enthusiasts; only two releases made their way into our inbox over the last seven days. First up is a new “retro” styled mini buggy from Team Associated and the second is a new small scale licensed Toyota Tacoma from the folks at FMS, the first officially licensed Tacoma we’ve seen from any manufacturer despite its immense popularity here in the US (and abroad as the Hilux). Let’s dive in and see what’s new!
TEAM ASSOCIATED
What would a week in RC be without another RC10 classic kit release? This week doesn’t bring us another RC10 but rather a mini tribute to the OG in the form of the new Reflex 14B Classic. This mini sized 4wd buggy is packed with race specific features designed to lower lap times while paying homage to its gold and white grandfather. In addition to its classic white colored plastics the Reflex 14B Classic includes gold anodized threaded body shocks, three oil filled differentials, lightweight aluminum center driveshaft, gold anodized wheel hexes, adjustable camber and toe links, inserts for caster blocks and rear hubs to adjust caster and wheelbase, respectively, a gold anodized aluminum steering rack, new rally wheels and tires, a new updated battery strap system, a clear version of the Reflex 14B body and a mini version of the RC10 Protec rear wing. This is a kit and requires assembly, painting and fitting of user-supplied electronics.
Item #20193 https://60years.associatedelectrics.com/reflex-14b-classic-kit/
FMS
Tiny Toyota’s are all the rage these days; from Axial’s Lexus GX470 and Toyota 4-Runner to FMS’ own FCX10 Land Cruiser, there is a capable off-roader from the land of the rising sun to suit most any taste. FMS is getting in on the indoor scale scene with their new FCX24m Toyota Tacoma (in the TRD PRO trim, at least judging by the grille), a hard-bodied scale trail truck that mixes scale realism with a host of performance features, all in a package that fits neatly in the palm of your hand (well, it fits in mine, I have large hands!}. The FCX24m builds off a steel ladder chassis that is designed with optimized geometry for added performance. Coil-over dampers keep the axles in check while counter-rotating driveshafts minimize torque twist. Larger diameter tires add ground clearance while also looking tough with the Tacoma “sheetmetal”. A longer 153mm wheelbase adds stability and keeps the body in perfect proportion. Included in the package are a 2s 380mAh LiPO battery with USB charger, a 2.4gHz radio system with 2-in-1 RX/ESC and 050 sized brushed motor and a plastic geared micro-sized servo keeps the front tires pointed in the right direction.
Item #FMS12451RTRGY https://www.fmshobby.com/products/fms-1-24-fcx24m-toyota-tacoma-rtr?srsltid=AfmBOorgY3ONKF9FNS6UN7IQsgmi_evs87ZA9DFQN7iV8TwMBP_fjUwW
THIS WEEK IN 1i-RC
This week we celebrated Veterans Day, a day that means the world to my family as we have had a member of family serve in every military conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War. Military service is a family tradition, and as such we take Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day more serious than most. On Memorial Day we visit the graves of fallen friends and family, to clean head stones and place new flowers, and to let those who gave their lives to protect our freedom that their sacrifice was not in vain. For Veteran’s Day I got the chance to have a conversation with my great uncle Junior, who served before and during the Vietnam War. I cherish these conversations as he gets to share his story with the next generation and I get to learn a little more about the impact that my family has had on this country. Retelling those stories keeps those memories alive; it keeps the memory of his fellow service members alive, both living and deceased.
I say all of that to say this: if you have a service member in your life let them know how much they mean to you. Sit down and let them tell you their story; it will benefit them as much as it does you.
We thank you again for choosing 1i-rc for your RC news, your continued support means the world to us and is exactly why we do what we do. Until next time, be good to yourself, be good to each other and be good to your RC.