TQ R/C & Hobbies

Team Corally have introduced improved versions of their famous range of tire traction compounds. Developed in conjunction with World and European Champions to provide the highest level of grip with unprecedented levels of consistency from the start of the race to finish line, careful consideration was given to extending the life of the tire and even though it provides the traction champions require it also claimed to help reduce tire wear. For asphalt there is a green and red sauce for rubber tires and foam tires respectively while for carpet there is blue and yellow sauce again for foam and rubber tires respectively. The sauce comes in 100ml bottles and is supplied with a dauber brush for easy application.

New through Zen Racing in the UK, the Pocket Pit lap counting system uses a small line of sight infrared transponder to send a predefined code to the track side receiver box. The receiver box in turn connects to a mobile device using Bluetooth to automatically count and time your laps using a real time stopwatch within the Pocket Pit app. You can therefore listen to your lap times live as you race using headphones or through your devices speakers. Lap times can be saved with notes enabling you to keep a database of setups for the tracks you race. Currently available for iOS only it requires 3x AAA batteries which are not included.

Zeppin have released this new Voice Lap System which provides accurate lap time measurement to racers in real time. Similar to other systems on the market, you mount the IR transponder to your car and place the receiver next to the track and the system will collect your lap times. The Zeppin system will output human voice lap time announcements through the 3.5mm audio jack, which can be connected to a speaker or wireless audio transmitter (not included) and with 10 channels available you can be sure that you can collect your times even with other systems being used on track at the same time.

Following continuous development of their ET48, Tekno RC have released the ET48.3, what they claim is the new standard in the 1/8th Electric Truggy class. New rear hubs allow the option of using the stock CV axles or upcoming universal driveshafts and they now also offer the rear hubs in aluminium as an option. At the front of the vehicle are new trailing steering spindles and spindle carriers whose components vastly improve high speed bump handling in addition to smoothing out the steering response. The vehicle initiates turns more predictably and finishes corners better than ever before. Larger bearings are also now fitted to the front spindles for improved durability and the spindles will also accommodate the upcoming universal driveshafts.

T-Work’s have released this new front spool for the Yokomo BD7 2015 an the HB Pro 5 electric touring cars. The main housing of the spool is machined from 7075 aluminium for lightweight while for strength the spool cups have been made from high quality spring steel. The set comes with all fasteners to assembly the spool minus the kit pulley.

Coming in late September is Kyosho’s all-new TF7 4WD touring car kit. The car is based around a new chassis that features both a floating servo and a floating battery mount which resolves some issues with asymmetrical flexing of the chassis. Mounted exactly on the center-line this allows the carbon fiber chassis plate to be completely symmetrical, which makes the chassis flex much more predictable, and therefore, the handling is more responsive and predictable. The lower chassis plate is milled from 2.25mm carbon fiber, and the upper plate is 2.0mm milled carbon. The carbon shock towers measure at a robust 3.5mm thickness, which provides a solid, durable mount for the updated shocks.

The latest incarnation of the Vaterra Ascender off-road chassis is the 1972 Ford Bronco. The truck is based on the proven Ascender chassis that features stamped-steel ladder frames, over 45 degree of steering travel and one of the most capable off-road suspensions available. The chassis rides on a 3-link panhard bar front suspension and a 4-link rear suspension. All suspension links are machined from aluminium to handle the most punishing conditions. Oil-filled, threaded shocks soak up the bumps and give a variety of pre-load settings. The steel, C-channel frames form the backbone of the chassis and give four wheelbase lengths from 314mm down to 278mm. The single-speed, metal gear transmission is engineered for steep inclines and rugged, rocky terrain. The battery tray floats over the front axle and is designed to accept 96mm shorty packs. Placing the weight of the battery over the front axle gives the front tyres extra traction when crawling over rocks and tackling steep inclines while the front bumper features moulded tow hooks. An opening on the front bumper leaves plenty of room for a winch cable. Included with the RTR kit comes a 35T brushed motor, a waterproof ESC, Spektrum metal gear steering servo and 2.4GHz radio system.

Tamiya USA have announced the re-release the Monster Beetle 1/10th 2WD kit. The reincarnation of the 1980’s icon will feature some subtle changes to make the vehicle 2015-ready and so rear universal driveshafts with protective rubber boots and a large dust cover come included with the kit that will also sport large diameter 130mm tyres, chrome-plated wheels and an ABS bodyshell with sticker sheet. The rugged original ABS space frame chassis has been kept and it utilises double-wishbone front, and trailing arm rear suspension setups in tandem with CVA oil-filled dampers. No definite release date is available yet but according to Tamiya USA the 2015 Monster Beetle will become available “soon”.