Inside scoop

Radio Control Car Action, Oct 2003 by Howell, John

Losi Goes Mini

Team Losi mini triple-XT

We can't divulge how we obtained this picture, but we can tell you that this is a spy pic of Team Losi's prototype mini Triple-XT. Look closely at the photograph, and you'll easily discern the size of the mini as it sits alongside its full-size counterpart. Judging by the looks of the little critter, we'd say it is right around 1/18 scale and looks much like the full-size truck (at least, its suspension design is similar). Let's hope this spurs a whole new category; we're sure Losi wouldn't mind. We can see it now ... a slew of new race trucks taking over the race scene. Pretty cool stuff! Stay tuned. Team Losi; distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc. (909) 390-9534; teamlosi.com.

Mighty Mini

XRAY t1 Mini

XRAY is getting ready to release a mini version of its successful T1 touring car. The new T1 Mini has scaled-down versions of all the popular features of the T1 touring car family, including a graphite chassis and top deck, front and rear shock towers, a battery holder, upper links and a narrowed, double-wishbone suspension, shortened drive shafts and shorter front drive belt. The T1 Mini is approximately 1/12 scale and is designed to accommodate a 4-cell battery pack, and it accepts all the standard-option and spare parts available for the entire T1 family.

Some of the T1 Mini's hot features

* Fully ball-bearing equipped (22 ball bearings).

* CNC-machined lightweight graphite chassis, upper deck, shock towers, battery strap.

* CNC-machined T6 Duraluminum bulkheads with built-in belt tensioner.

* Ball-bearing-supported center-point steering with built-in dual Ackerman servo-saver.

* 4-step externally adjustable XRAY racing shocks with adjustable and non-adjustable keyed pistons.

* Lightweight, externally adjustable, long-wear ball differentials (heat-treated and hard-coated) with Labyrinth Dust Covers.

* Rebuildable universal drive shafts with low-friction drive clips and integrated ultra-true hex hubs (heat-treated and hard-coated).

* Handmade, high-tensile spring-steel transmission parts.

* Simplified C-hub suspension.

* Axial ball bearings for differential (with larger balls for smoother diff operation).

* Starburst plastic-composite wheels.

XRAY; distributed by Serpent USA (305) 639-9665; teamxray.com.

Heavy-metal cells! Trinity Epic Monster Metal 3300 Plus Ultra Voltage Batteries

Looking for some of the baddest batteries around? These new Epic Monster Metals will definitely interest you. Epic has teamed with GP to produce its own custom-made, hand-picked cells, that, according to Epic, boast the highest voltage and capacity in RC today. The new Monster Metal 3300s are made with the latest NiMH technology and tweaked for maximum RC performance. They're available in a variety of trims, from the top-of-the-line Team "VIS-matched" packs to the more cost-conscious Race Matched cells (that feature the same run time as the Team cells but have lower voltage).

Trinity Products Inc. (732) 635-1600; teamtrinity.com.

Enter the Matrix CEN Racing Matrix and Genesis prototypes

No, these aren't Keanu Reeves' new RC cars! We're talking about CEN's prototype Matrix 1/8. scale buggy and the new nitro-powered Genesis monster truck. Here's the scoop so far (don't lock these specs in yet; final production specifications may vary).

Genesis

Some of the Genesis' main features are: aluminum main chassis plate; 4-wheel steering; 4-disc-brake system; .21 big-block racing engine (may even be .26 or .30); racing tuned pipe with high-flow manifold; huge, 7.5-inch-tall tires; full ball bearings; hardened-alloy drive train; light-metal telescoping drive shafts and center shafts; hard-anodized Teflon-coated aluminum threaded shocks; 12 oil-filled, adjustable shocks with reservoirs (eight main shocks with four aftershocks); three sealed, low-CG diffs (front, rear and center as on an 1/8-scale buggy); electric starting system; transmitter-controlled reverse; 2-speed automatic transmission with adjustable shift point; adjustable toe/camber (front and rear); large, 210cc fuel tank; high-impact front and rear bumpers; protected radio box; titanium turnbuckles.

Matrix

The new Matrix XRB ready-to-run 1/8-scale off-road buggy will come with 7075 T6 aluminum chassis plates and shock towers; fully enclosed receiver/battery compartment; high-volume coil-over, Teflon-coated oil-filled shocks; 3.5mm shock shafts; silicone-oil-filled differentials; four 2mm vented brake discs; fuel brake splashguard, adjustable front and rear brake bias; 3-shoe aluminum clutch system; CVS drive shafts with protective boots; full set of high-quality stainless-steel ball bearings; high-impact side guards; front and rear swaybars. When we get our hands on one, you'll be the first to know!

CEN/Genka Trading Corp. (714) 792-1923; cenracing.com.

smokin' side pipe

Tsais Custom Side Pipe Pro

This pipe is just too cool-looking. And it isn't just for show-it actually works! The new Tsais Custom Side Pipe Pro for the HPI Racing Savage .21 is a true, dual-chamber, aluminum tuned pipe. Currently, it's available only for the Savage (it also fits other .21-equipped monster trucks), but a Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 version should be available soon.