This week saw the annual National Retail Hobby Store Association (NRHSA) show in Las Vegas, NV; essentially the SEMA show for RC which this year brought us quite a few new releases in our segment of the hobby from companies like Traxxas. Axial, Pro-Line, Team Associated and Arrma. Lets dive in and see what’s new and upcoming!
TRAXXAS
New from the Traxxas team is a third member of the 1/6 X-MAXX family, joining the original X-MAXX and XRT. The new X-Monster Chassis is a fresh take on the original T-Maxx and E-Maxx in a much bigger package. The 8.6″ tall belted chevron tires hearken back to the wide terra tires of the first Maxxes but are molded in a very soft compound for the utmost traction even on pavement. New vintage style wheels maintain the old school look and fit right in with the Bigfoot 8, Ford F-150 or Chevrolet C/K body sets (each sold separately). Yes, you read that right, this truck, priced at $1,099.95 requires the purchase of a $199.99 body set before running. Add in two 4s batteries and a charger and suddenly you’re looking at an invoice for nearly two grand, out the door. That is enough to make anyone’s wallet scream for mercy! Heavy duty suspension arms afford just enough flex to be durable without sacrificing suspension performance while a 2085XL servo (with 450 oz-in of torque) keeps those giant chevrons pointed in the right direction. Extreme HD output yokes from the Pro Scale Sand Car find their way onto the rear of the X-MT with additional steel making these the strongest yokes in the MAXX lineup.
Link: https://traxxas.com/77036-4-x-monster-chassis
AXIAL
Transitioning from the large-scale to the small we find the new Axial SCX30; a 1/30 scale crawler that can actually perform (within its own scale, that is). Worm drive axles and four link suspension allow this truck to crawl over keyboards like a champ while a clipless body mount system retains the molded body’s good looks. The same 88t motor found in the SCX24 finds its home inside the SCX30, this time providing ample torque to drag this little truck up and over most obstacles with impressive torque for its size. Taking notes from the comp scene this tiny truck is fitted with an angled skid, high clearance rear links and ramped axle housings that combine to reduce hangups. The Bronco version is fitted with ICON bumpers front and rear as well as ICON Nuevo wheels shod with Micky Thompson Baja Boss soft compound tires while the Jeep JLU receives Yokohama Geolandar X-MT tires wrapped around Black Rhino wheels. LED headlights and taillights add a touch of scale realism to your afternoon Rubicon adventure across the Paperclip Pass while the JLU is also fitted with a host of overland gear to add to the scale realism. A Spektrum 2s 160mAh LiPO is included in the package making the process from box to desk crawling a simple affair.
Link: https://www.axialadventure.com/product/1-30-scx30-jeep-wrangler-jlu-4×4-brushed-rtr/AXI-2261.html
Link: https://www.axialadventure.com/product/1-30-scx30-ford-bronco-4×4-brushed-rtr/AXI-2048.html
PRO-LINE
While Pro-Line is known for stepping out of their comfort zone and releasing new products that aren’t their typical fare I don’t think anyone saw this one coming. If you have a mini off-roader and want to see some daylight between it and the ground Pro-Line has you covered with the new Pro Air Triple RC ramp set. This molded trio of ramps each have a different use: a tall kicker, a medium launch ramp and low roller; variety keeps things run and fresh for hours of yeeting fun. The ramps can be connected side by side with either stakes or zip-ties for added stability. While Pro-Line advertises these as being for 1/10 and smaller at only 27″ wide (for the tallest ramp, 26″ for the medium and 25.5″ for the low roller) these are better suited to smaller scale vehicles.
Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/big-air-triple-rc-ramp-set/PRO641800.html
Despite having just covered the Big Air ramps that are suited to small scale vehicles we don’t cover much mini or micro content here at 1i-rc. To be honest I struggle seeing smaller scale vehicles, especially the faster bashers and race cars; they are just too small and fast for my eye to track and focus on. For that reason I typically don’t feature much mini content but this month Pro-Line released a slew of new parts for the new Axial SCX30 and Arrma GROM series of vehicles. Below are links to each part and a photo of each, however if you are interested in any of these parts please check out the links for details, links to buy and more photos of each part.
First up are new Pro-Spec dampers for the Axial SCX30:
Next are the Coyote high performance polycarbonate bodies for the SCX30 in clear, blue or red.
Need some new tires to go with that new high performance body? Pro-Line has two new options for this desktop trail runner: the BFGoodrich Krawler T/A and Pro-Line’s own Aztek tire. The BFG’s are mounted to the stock SCX30 JLU’s Nuevo wheels and have the famous aggressive tread pattern that works on a variety of surfaces (although I’m not sure if Formica is one of them). The Aztek’s are mounted to handsome Black Clobber wheels and are a modified chevron design with scalloped centers for added tread conformity.
If the Arrma GROM series is more your taste Pro-Line has you covered as well. New tires, bodies and even full-on conversion kits can now be had for these little bashers, all from one source.
Up first are the bodies for the Quake and Gorgon monster trucks, of which includes a clear or painted version of a school bus as well as a clear, blue or red Brunt MT body. Limited edition Chevrolet Silverado Trophy Truck bodies for the Mojave GROM are available in three color options, a new VW Bug Class1 body is available as a body-only or in a complete conversion kit with Flat Iron MT tires mounted on chrome Diablo wheels fitting the Typhon GROM along with three colors of the Axis race-style body also for the Typhon GROM.
Painted School Bus Body Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-16-pre-cut-pre-painted-school-bus-yellow-body-for-arrma-gorgon-grom/PRO368815.html
Clear School Bus Body Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/pro-line/new-items/?prefn1=discontinued&prefv1=false&start=0&sz=24&return=true
Limited Edition 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trophy Truck Body, Mojave GROM, Strike
Limited Edition 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trophy Truck Body, Mojave GROM, Fire and Ice
Limited Edition 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trophy Truck Body, Mojave GROM, Tyson
Volkswagen Bug Class 1 Clear Body
Brunt Body for the Gorgon and Quake GROM, Clear (painted for illustration purposes only. Clear doesn’t photograph well…)
Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-16-brunt-clear-body-for-arrma-quake-grom/PRO368917.html
Brunt Body For The Gorgon or Quake GROM, Blue
Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-16-brunt-blue-body-for-arrma-quake-grom/PRO368913.html
Brunt Body For The Gorgon or Quake GROM, Red
Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-16-brunt-red-body-for-arrma-quake-grom/PRO368912.html
Volkswagen Bug Class 1 Clear Body, Typhon GROM
Volkswagen Bug Class 1 Conversion Kit, Blue, W/Flat Iron M/T Tires on Diablo Wheels, Typhon GROM
Volkswagen Bug Class 1 Conversion Kit, Red, W/Flat Iron M/T Tires Mounted On Diablo Wheels, Typhon GROM
Limited Edition Axis Body, Typhon GROM, Tribe
Limited Edition Axis Body, Typhon GROM, Jagged
Limited Edition Axis Body, Typhon GROM, Splat
Following all of those bodies is an equally impressive lot of tires and wheels, this time for more than just minis (although the minis do get a majority of the attention).
First out of the gate are the new Dreadnaught tread pattern, this time size for the Arrma Gorgon and Quake GROM models, conveniently pre-mounted to the stock wheels. These tires are molded in the medium M2 compound, are fitted with soft, open-cell foam inserts and come in a handy pack of four.
Up next are the 1.9″ BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR EVO tires in G8 compound. These tires measure in at 4.46″ landing it directly between Class 1 and Class 2 options. Soft, open-cell foam inserts support the sidewalls, providing a balance of terrain conformity and sidehill performance.
Pro-Line’s classic Flat Iron tread pattern is back, this time for the Typhon GROM. This tire is included in the aforementioned Volkswagen Class 1 conversion kit and is available separately here as well. These tires are excellent for multi-terrain use and can find traction on grass, rock, loose dirt and even asphalt. Soft, open-cell foam inserts find their home between the tread and the 12mm hex chrome Diablo wheels. Similar to the Dreadnaught tires above these Flat Iron’s are sold in packs of four.
Pro-Line is releasing the new Electron 2.0 for quite a few different scale’s and applications. The new tire feature increased tread density for longer tire life and consistent traction as well as while the trad design has been optimized for today’s high bite, grooved surfaces.
First up are the 2wd buggy rear tires in the MC compound, fitted with firm, closed cell inserts
Link: https://www.prolineracing.com/product/electron-2.0-mc-rear-2.2-off-road-buggy-tires-2/PRO832217.html
Next are the MC compound 2wd buggy fronts, also fitted with closed cell inserts
Pro-Line didn’t forget the 4wd buggy guys and has an Electron 2.0 for the front of those rigs too
The 2wd buggy front is also available in S3 compound
Both 2wd and 4wd buggies can make use of the Electron 2.0 in S3 compound as well
Similar to the 2wd front variants the 4wd crowd also gets an S3 compound option
For racers that prefer small scale buggies Pro-Line has you covered as well with a 1/28 Electron 2.0 for the Losi Micro-B, as well as truck versions for the Micro-T (the truck versions are available mounted to white or yellow wheels). The buggy versions are supported by open-cell foams as are the shorter, but wider, truck versions.
Link: Yellow https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-24-electron-2.0-buggy-f-r-tires-mounted-7mm-yellow-4-micro-b/PRO1031412.html
Link: Yellow https://www.prolineracing.com/product/1-28-electron-2.0-t-f-r-tires-mounted-7mm-yellow-4-micro-t/PRO1031512.html
Next up are a series of limited edition wheels and wheel and tire sets. First we have the new Raid SC Limited Edition wheels in black/bronze as well as black/grey. These are sold in pairs and include both 12mm and 14mm hexes to fit most popular SC platforms. If big wheel fun is more your thing Pro-Line has four new sets of large scale meats for your X-MAXX or Kraton 8s, including the Badlands MX43’s mounted on grey/black or bronze/black Impulse wheels or the Trencher 4.3″ mounted on grey/black or bronze/black Impulse wheels.
Finally, Pro-Line has updated their Twin I-Beam kit, originally designed for the SCX10ii, to now be compatible with the SCX10iii. Included in the kit are the front I-beams, scale swingset steering, rear mounted battery tray, stainless steel links with stainless pivot balls and trailing arms with three wheelbase adjustment settings. This all-in-one kit converts your SCX10iii into a 2wd desert truck ready to tackle sand washes and choppy dunes with the best of them.
ARRMA
Finally we have Arrma and their new Quake GROM 1/16 4×4 brushed monster truck. The 4×4 sibling to the Gorgon GROM, this truck storms out of the box completely ready-to-run with a LiPO and charger included. A Spektrum SLT2 radio system is fitted and, funny enough, is nearly as big as the truck. This truck is described as “Bash Anywhere Sized” meaning it can handle playground terrain as well as skate park antics. Adjustable suspension keeps the tires in contact with the surface while a robust drivetrain transfers power from the brushed motor to the scale chevron tires with authority.
PROJECT UPDATE
Unfortunately our Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro went down again this week. I emailed customer support through the previous ticket and explained the issue. Six days later I got a response. That response? Your printer went out of warranty today and is no longer eligible for support. It seems that the new trolley assembly we installed less than two months ago has gone bad and needs replacing again. This printer worked great for about six months. No hiccups, would print complex files without issue, zero complaints. Then overnight, without the printer even being powered on, parts began breaking. Up until the end Anycubic’s customer support was great but waiting until the warranty ran out to respond left a really bad taste in my mouth. I have my eyes on a Bambu Labs X1 Carbon as my next printer, despite its much higher price tag but am open to other suggestions if you have first-hand experience; just drop a comment below and let us know!
The print files for the Sand Rail side panels are ready to print, as are the body mounts for the Mid Motor Bandit; as soon as I’m able to print them I’ll update those projects both on their pages and here.
Thank you again, one and all, for joining us again for TWIRC. We greatly appreciate your readership and wish you a great week ahead! Until next time, be good to yourself, be good to others, be good to your RC.