Radio Control Car Action Magazine 1996-01

108 Pages·26.2 MB·English

by  Air Age Media

THE WORLD'S LEADING R/C CAR MAGAZINE January 1996
-I H
TESTED
XiVjjj y^i
• Improve your driving with radio
know-how m. Make opening doors
• Tune your touring car
6 Editorial
MfiflB
8 Letters
D E P A R T M E N TS
10 Readers' Rides
16 Inside Scoop
by Chris Chianelli M*6 Co/hfoo
19 What's New
220 Grassroots Racing
VOLUME 11, NUMBER 1 'JANUARY 1996
248 National
Organizations
264 Index of 40 Inside the Worlds' Winners
Manufacturers A look at Matt Francis' and Mark Pavidis' winning setups
by George M. Gonzalez
265 Classifieds
68 Reader's Ride of the Year
266 Chris's Back Lot
by Chris Chianelli Randy Coolbaugh's awesome
spy/assault vehicle • by Frank Masi -
;
78 Fifth Annual Car
I C O L U M NS |
Action/Kyosho gas Off-
Road World Challenge
20 Troubleshooting
by George M. Gonzalez 160 nitro burners take the motor city
by Frank Masi
26 Pit Tips
115 ROAR On-Road Nats
by Jim Newman
Racers shine through despite the weather
by Rick Schwartz
32 R/C Doctor
by Doug Mertes 124 How To: Make
Opening Doors
36 Getting Started
Adding hinges to your ABS plastic bodies
by Brian Leslie
by Kevin Hetmanski
198 Tech Head 132 New for'96
by Frank Masi Preview all the hot products for the coming year
by John Howell, Chris Chianelli and George M. Gonzalez
| T H R A SH T E S TS 144 Project Formula 1, Part 1
Building a bodacious Benetton • by Mike Ogle
46 Tamiya Chevy S-10
A desert truck that's "like 164 How To: Touring Car Tuning
a rock" Techniques
by Jeff Bartlett Set up your sedan for the best ride possible
by Doug Mertes
52 A Tale of Two Opels
Testing Tamiya's Opel 192 Equal Opportunity Racing
Calibra V6 DTM and Accommodating the physically challenged
Kyosho's Opel Calibra V6 at your local track • by Mike Ogle
by Stacey Granelli
and Derek Buono 256 How To: Make Your
Own Racing Log
60 BoLink Super-T Keep an accurate record
Putting this budget of your r$ace semtups
NASTRUCK through by Garth Finley
its paces
by Kevin Holmlund
ON THE COVER: Tamiya's Chevy S-10 walks
the wasteland (photo by John Howell).
E D I T O R I AL
Who's Really
Group Publisher LOUIS V. DeFRANCESCO JR.
Steering This Ship?
Publishers DR. LOUIS V. DeFRANCESCO
YVONNE M. DeFRANCESCO
Associate Publisher GARY DOLZALL
i
t's hard to believe, but another year has gone by. Group Editor-in-Chief TOM ATWOOD
That's 12 months of "Thrash Tests," product Executive Editor FRANK MASI
reviews, columns, interesting tidbits and mind-bog Senior Editor CHRIS CHIANELLI
gling features—all in your number-one R/C car magazine. Editor JOHN HOWELL
As is customary in every January issue, we've taken on Associate Editor GEORGE M. GONZALEZ
the enormous and difficult task of choosing the Reader's Ride Editorial Assistant STACEY GRANELLI
of the Year. But how did we pick just one from the more than
Copy Director LYNNE SEWELL
100 that have appeared in the past year of Car Action?
Senior Copy Editor KATHERINE TOLLIVER
^aj I II tell you, it was a close race, but in the end, no one
Assistant Copy Editors ANNETTE PARKER MARTIN
^mtr could dispute that Randy Coolbaugh's awesome T3 KATHLEEN J. DOHERTY
spy/assault vehicle was the most impressive in both Managing Art Director ALAN J. PALERMO
design and execution. You'll see more on Randy's ride in Art Director BETTY K. NERO
this issue. Assistant Art Director ANGELA A. CARPENTER
On to the big question: who's responsible for the contents of Graphic Artist MICHAEL BOUSE
this magazine? It's you! We're just your humble editorial ser Staff Photographer WALTER SIDAS
vants. It's you who tell us, through letters, faxes, e-mails and, Image Technician CHRISTOPHER HOFFMASTER
yes, even "Readers' Rides," what should be on these pages.
Systems Manager GORDON OPPENHEIMER
You see, without a link to you, deciding what goes into the
Director of Marketing GARY DOLZALL
magazine every month would be a guessing game that would
undoubtedly result in a mediocre magazine, at best. So if you're Circulation Manager ARLENEA. DELGIUDICE
hesitant to write to us because you think, "Aww, these guys get Circulation/Marketing JENNIFER KELSEY
Coordinator
so much mail, I bet they'll never read my
Production Manager MARY REID McELWEE
letter," think again. We read every let
Production Assistant ARLENE MELKO
ter, fax and postcard that comes
through our hallowed mail slot. Advertising Manager SHARON WARNER
Believe it! Advertising Account JILL ELLEN MOLINARO
Executives JENNIFER IZZO
HILARY BURKE REICHHELM
New People Advertising Traffic ELISE SILKOWSKI
Administrator
and New Products
Advertising Coordinator ANN T. WIEBER
I'm extremely pleased to wel
Air
come George Gonzalez on
board as a full-time, dyed-in-
PUBLISHING '
the-wool associate editor. If
the name sounds familiar, SUBSCRIPTION PRICES:
U.S. & Possessions (including APO & FPO): 1 year (12 issues),
it's because George has been a contributing writer for more than $34.95; 2 years (24 issues), $59.95. Canada: 1 year, $51.31; 2
years, $91.97 (includes G.S.T.). Elsewhere: 1 year, $47.95; 2
four years. He has always impressed us with the quality of his years, $85.95. Payment in U.S. funds. Single-copy prices: $4.95
(USA); $5.95 (Canada). Canadian G.S.T. number R130754872.
work and his knowledge of the hobby. Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian
Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 0609153.
For his first assignment (and to see whether he could
RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION (ISSN 0886-1609, USPS
take the pressures of an editor's life), George helped 001-087) is published monthly by Air Age, Inc., 251 Danbury
Rd., Wilton, CT 06897, USA. Connecticut Editorial and
Chris Chianelli and John Howell to compile this Business Office, 251 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897. Phone:
issue's mammoth "New for '96" epic saga. It 2E0x3ec-8u3ti4ve-2 O90ff0ic. erF; AYX.P: .2 J0o3h-n7s6o2n-,9 8P0re3s. idMeincth; aGel. EF. . DDeoFyrlaen, cCeshcieof,
highlights new goodies from all the major players Vice President; L.V. DeFrancesco, Secretary; Yvonne M.
DeFrancesco, Treasurer. Second Class Postage Permit paid at
in the R/C car industry, and you'll see it all here first. Wilton, Connecticut, and additional Mailing Offices. Copyright
1995 by Air Age, Inc. All rights reserved.
••% I'll spare you the gory details about how we get this type of
CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Radio Control
top-secret information, but, suffice it to say, this project Car Action become the exclusive property of Air Age, Inc.,
unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher.
* involved hundreds of phone calls and lots of Jimmy Olsen- The Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materi
al. Only material accompanied by a SASE will be returned.
type cub reporting. As expected, George came through
ADVERTISING: Advertising rates available on request. Please
unscathed—Chris and John, on the other hand.... send advertising materials, insertion orders, etc., to Radio
Control Car Action, Advertising Dept., Air Age, Inc., 251
Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897. Phone: [phone]. FAX:
203-762-9803.
- * S T —- CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Don't miss any issues! Send your
new address to Radio Control Car Action, Subscription Dept.,
P.O. Box 427, Mount Morris, IL 61054, six weeks before you
Frank Masi, Executive Editor move. Include the address label from a recent issue, or print
the information exactly as shown on the label. The Post Office
will not forward copies unless you provide extra postage.
Duplicate issues cannot be sent.
POSTMASTER: Please send Form 3579 to Radio Control Car
We want to hear from yOU: Write, fax, or e-mail us over the Internet: Car Action, P.O. Box 427, Mount Morris, IL 61054.
Action, Air Age Publishing, 251 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897; fax: [phone]; e-mail:
Chris Chianelli—[email protected]; John Howell (Doog)—[email protected]; Frank Masi— ^
[email protected]; George Gonzalez—[email protected]. Stacey Granelli: Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
[email protected] PRINTED IN THE USA
6 RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION
L E T T E RS
QUIT YER GRIPIN '! seem to forget that we about the track; you'll When it's time to rebuild
After reading your are racing off-road and become a better driver your shocks, Andrew,
October '95 "Editorial" not on dirty concrete. If when you learn to race your best bet is to buy a
about racing, I started it is the same for every on slippery, adverse con direct-replacement
thinking about racing in body why should any ditions. shock cartridge. It's the
general. It's unfortunate body care about the con KHAL DAGHESTANI easiest and least compli
that more of the people dition of the track? Last, Skokie, IL cated way to rebuild
involved in R/C cars do under no circumstances, shocks. Inspect the shock
not get involved in rac should an argument Well, Khal, I couldn't shafts closely for dam
ing. They don't know develop. Most track have said it any better age (scratches and
what they're missing! I owners make very little myself! I totally agree nicks), or you'll be
was recently at a race profit off the race entries with everything you replacing that shock car
where the track was on and will soon tire of rac say—especially the part tridge again sooner than
the rough side. A few of ers' complaints about an about everyone being you might want to.
the racers decided that it off-road track being, equally matched on a As for your other
wasn't suitable for racing actually, off-road with rough track. That's so question: no one yet
and complained to the bumps, moguls and true! Frank and I offers a 4WD conversion
race directors. It was 103 inconsistencies. received a phenomenal kit for the Losi Double-X.
degrees outside, but the Many racetrack own number of responses to As far as I know, MIP
argument got even hot ers have probably given that Editorial. It was was the only company
ter. It was horrible; rac up business because of pretty funny—some peo that made a 4WD con
ing is supposed to be impolite, unappreciative ple took everything we version kit for a 2WD
fun! Furthermore, racers racers. Racers of the said to heart; others buggy, and it was
should not argue with world, have fun and let knew we were being sar designed for an
the race director. People the race director worry castic and were joking. I Associated RC10. If
have also been to tracks you're interested in
at which the racers were 4WD, I recommend that
thrashin' on the track you check out the
^•ipilJ§iP
mmmmi W>*~~3 '^ i | : owner because, in their Kyosho Lazer ZX-R, the
, I \ '—! I '" I opinion, conditions were Yokomo YZ-10, or the
not "perfect." Fine, then; Schumacher Cat 2000
if you don't like it, go E.C.S. Doogie
make your own "per
ENDURANCE LIMITED EDITION CAST STATUES
fect" track and race on
Limited to only 5000 pieces world wide, these hand
that. I'd like to see how
painted cold cast porcelin statues are a thing of beauty.
8" tall on a wooden base with engraved plaque. Each quickly all those whining
statue depicts one of the best Formula 1 drivers in the racers shut up when WRITE TO US! We wel
world in ac lassic pose. List Price Your price! nflt they hear the track come your photos, draw
DD2000 Nigel Mansell $129.00 $99.99 owner say that his track ings, comments and sug
DD2001 A. Senna (pictured) $139.00 $109.99 is closing down and gestions. Letters should be
DD2002 Michael Schumacher $129.00 $99.99 addressed to "Letters,"
they'll have to find
DD2003 Jimmy Clark $129.00 $99.99 Radio Control Car Action,
DD2004 Graham Hill $129.00 $99.99 jfo-.m another place to race. 251Danbury Rd., Wilton,
DD2005 Alan Prost $129.00 $99.99 M • 4sfc You have the right atti CT 06897-3035. Letters may
DD2006 Niki Lauda $129.00 $99.99 •'---•-','" tude, Khal. Thanks for be edited for clarity and
your input. Doogie brevity, and each must
1/43 SCALE DIORAMA DISPLAY BASES include a full name and
address or telephone num
You'll never display your F-1, Indy or Touring car DOUBLE
collection on a dusty, boring shelf again. New ber so that the identity of
Microworld race track dioramas add that X PLANATION! the sender can be verified.
missing action and excitement to your 1 /43rd You are the best in R/C We regret that, owing to
race car collection. cars, so maybe you can the tremendous number of
List Price Your price! DD1003 answer two questions I letters we receive, we
DD1000 Single Car Display $24.99 $20.99 have. On the Losi can't respond to every one.
DD1001 Chicane $29.99 $25.99 StIoncdky cbaars easn d Double-X buggy, the
DD1002 Wet Track $59.99 $55.99
coming soon! shock-cartridge body INTERNET ADDRESSES:
DD1003 Tamburella Curve $61.99 $57.99
comes assembled with Frank Masi:
OUARTZO STOCK CARS-ONXY F1 AND INDY the O-rings inside. Do [email protected]
WE HAVE THE LOWEST PRICES! the O-rings have to be John Howell:
johnh@airage. com.
Speed Metal™ changed? If so, how do I Chris Chi an ell i:
get them out?
1901 E. Linden Ave #8 chrisc@airage. com.
Dealer Linden, N.J. 07036 VISA Also, is there a 4WD Stacey Granelli:
conversion for the [email protected]
inquiries Ph: 908-862-1705 MASTER
Double-X buggy? George Gonzalez:
Invited FX: 908-862-6875 AMEX
ANDREW MILLER [email protected].
Union, KY
8 RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION
Fa
R E AD
BLAZIN INFERNO
David Feltner of Toledo, OH, sent us this shot of his
Kyosho Turbo Inferno. It's equipped with
Futaba radio gear, a Kyosho fuel warning
light, full rubber sealed bearings and
turnbuckles. On race days, it's powered
by a Paris Racing modified Picco p5
buggy engine. But for photos, David
prefers the OFNA Super Force 6
port, the red head of which
matches his candy-red to
candy-purple, three-tone-fade paint
job. Now that's a stylin' wardrobe!
WATCH OUT FOR THAT R/C T-REX!
It looks as if Dr. Grant took a wrong turn and ended up in
Mike Rinck's backyard in The Dalles, OR. Actually, this is a
Tamiya jeep Wrangler made up like a Jurassic Park Jeep.
What? You say you already knew that? Mike's Jeep has a
Novak Rooster ESC, a Futaba 4NBL radio, a 20-tooth pinion
gear, a Trinity EX Tech 16-turn double modified motor, and
working headlights and fog lights. As a finishing touch, Mike
added tires and wheels from Tamiya's Mitsubishi Pajero kit.
Mike brush-painted the body and made the decals out of a
poster. Now all you need are some R/C dinosaurs to com
plete the scene, Mike!
JEFF'S GEM
This killer ride comes from Jeff
Johnson of West Fargo, ND. His
Losi Double-X has been modified
with the following goodies: MIP
"Readers' Rides " is our way CVDs, Tecnacraft titanium turn-
of recognizing the unique, buckles, a lightweight Losi motor
innovative—and sometimes
plate and a lightweight Losi alu
bizarre!—vehicles that our
minum top shaft in the gearbox.
readers have created. Send us
Jeff has been painting bodies for
a sharp, uncluttered, well-
exposed color photo of your almost 10 years, and this Dahm's
car or truck (no Polaroids, Tiger X body sports his latest
please!), along with a brief design.
description, to Readers' Rides,
R/C Car Action, 251 Danbury
Rd, Wilton, CT 06897. If we
choose your photo, you'll
receive a 6-month subscription GO, CO STREET RACER
to Car Action, or an extension
of your existing subscription. After thrashing monster trucks for 9
You'll also be eligible for the years, Kevin Hunt of East Leroy, Ml,
fifth annual "Reader's Ride of decided to join the street-racing crowd.
the Year Contest" in the fall of Except for the Trinity Green Machine
1996. Write your address and motor, his Tamiya Alfa Romeo 155 V6 is
phone number on your letter
entirely stock. He painted the body
and on the back of each photo
with some guidance from R/C Car
you send, in case we need to
Action, and he says that now he can go
contact you.
racing in style. Have a blast, Kevin.
10 RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION
R E A D E RS
A PAIR OF PULLERS
wMtirtitpf^yy*?*^^
The husband and wife team of Dave and Carol Queen of
Dearborn Heights, Ml, runs these identical trucks in the
dual-motor modified class at local pulling events. The
"Wild Thing" and the "Twilight Zone" feature scratch-
built chassis, two Pullmaster 4 motors, 14 Stage III
matched cells and Futaba radio gear. These trucks can
pull up to 450 pounds.
BP^ twmtr •
4^ _<ftli
H
HHHKHHHHH
LUCKY #7 GODZILLA
This cool-lookin' Legend comes to us from Dee Dutro of Felix Leung of Surrey, B.C., Canada, decided that it was
Zanesville, OH. Dee's ride is set up with a Futaba radio system time for an overhaul and facelift for his Tamiya Clod
and ESC, a 6-cell battery pack and a closed-endbell Mabuchi Buster. He added: a Tamiya ball-bearing kit; long, yellow
540 motor. Dee's husband, Fritz, and her son, Mike, also race shocks; flashing headlights; an ESP aluminum lower chassis
identically equipped Legends in an informal group that runs brace, suspension stabilizers and lift kit; homemade front
weekly at a variety of tracks where they say it's common to and rear aluminum lower bumper protectors and skid
have eight to 10 cars on the track at a time. Run times are 20 plates; aluminum, side, body guards; and a polished
to 25 minutes, and the races they attend have gone 150 laps. aluminum wing. The beast is powered by six, Sanyo,
4400mAh D-cells and controlled by KO radio gear.
A Parma Hemi engine rests under the Parma Clod Buster
Lexan body. Felix says it took him 1V2 months to design
and paint the body. Nice job Felix! It's a hot ride!
SUPREME SAND RAIL
Is this a wild-lookin' machine or what?
Dale Badger of Phoenix, AZ, sent us this
photo of his completely scratch-built V10-
scale sand rail. The rail has seats, pedals,
a functional steering wheel, a gear stick
(which is actually the on/off switch for
the Futaba radio gear), lights and an
O.S. .21 engine. The roll bar is made of
mig-welded, chrome-plated Vfe-inch
piano wire. Dale told us that he has
received quite a few comments from a
ton of people—understandably so! It's a
nice-lookin' rig. Maybe we'll pass along
another look to our readers in a future
14 RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION
In search of fun
and glory, 'cause
life's too short
by Chris Chianelli • to be a sheep
"Scoop's" 10 Predictions
H
EY, YOU, yeah, you!
for the Mew Year
Pay attention! You
product hounds who
regularly turn to my pages 1. Pro-Line will make a tire that will enable you to drive your R/C car on the ceiling.
for all the latest-breaking
info on the really cool 3. Tekin will produce an ESC that will not only give you 30 extra seconds of run time,
stuff that's just hitting but it will also help you with your calculus homework.
the market, turn to our of the 10 cars in the A-Main
has to run the track backwards without hitting any of the other cars!
"New for '96" article in
5. A future space-shuttle mission will consist of launching an issue of CAR ACTION
this issue. We've featured
into deep space in the hope of spreading ultimate coolness throughout the galaxy.
all the coolest stuff that
6. All Associated RCIOGTs will be required to meet California emissions standards.
will be coming out in the
new year. Those of you who
I^^!TH^TBI rv«THnHTnrHKiini
need to see some off-the- day late for the '96 Off-Road ROAR Nats.
wall, out-of-the-ordinary 9. Chris Chianelli will join the cast of "Friends."
stuff, stick around. 10. We will meet all of our deadlines!
/\l\\N\/l\/MVM
PURPLE SCREW SETS PURPLE SCREWS AND NUTS
TRINITY
EV0142 Evolution 10, On-road $19.99 D1052 4-40x3/8 Cap Head Screws, 12pc $4.99
EV0157 Evolution 10, SS or LSD $19.99 D1053 4-40x3/8 Flat Head Screws, 12pc $4.99
RE1027 Revolver 12, On-road or SS $13.50 D1054 8-32x7/8 Flat Head Screws, 8pc $2.99
D1055 4-40x11A Cap Head Screws, 12pc $4.99
ASSOCIATED EV0150 2-56x1/4 Button Head Screw, 12pc $5.99
EV0146 10L, On-road or LSO $11.99 EV0151 8-32x5/8 Flat Head Screw, 12pc $4.99
EV0156 12L, On-road $11.99 EV0152 4-40x1 /2 Socket Head Screw, 12pc $5.99
EV0147 RC10 Buggies, All Styles $14.99 EV0153 4-40x1/2 Flat Head Screw, 12pc $4.99 Free Sticker in
EV0148 RC1OT Trucks, All Styles $18.99 EV0154 4-40x3/4 Socket Head Screw, 12pc $4.99 Each Package!
EV0143 4-40 Mini Lock Nuts, 8pc $3.50
BOLINK EV4054 8-32 Nuts, 8pc $3.99
EV0158 Bolink, On-road or SS $12.99
TRNTY
TEAM LOSI
EV0149 Losi XX Buggy $12.99
1901 E. Linden Ave #8, Linden, NJ 07036
EV0155 Losi XX Truck $12.99
it & PH: 908-862-1705, FX: 908-862-6875
NEWS ^T BRIEFS
9 s a,
C hosn reXe F,y AjtacK ofthe Killer Apache
A New Losi Team
helicopter, and it sure looks
great. The Apache has the
We always like to hear good news
same features as the original
about good people, and this is
Hyper Fly that I previewed in
one of those times! We just
the March '95 "Scoop." For
received word from the folks over
those of you who missed it,
at Team Losi that Gil Losi Jr. got
here it is again: the Apache
married! Junior and his longtime ....^g^^^—..
Hyper Fly is an affordable,
girlfriend, Julie Rodgers, were
entry-level electric helicopter
married at his parents' house on
that has a basic, easy-to-under-
September 16. Congratulations,
stand gear train (the entire drive
Gil, we all wish you and Julie the
system, including the Le Mans AP29 motor, is factory-installed) and a fixed tail rotor.
very best!
The Hyper Fly Apache is easy to assemble in a few hours with the tools that most
R/C'ers already have on hand. All you need to get up and running is a 2-channel radio
system (aircraft frequency) with servos, a 7.2V 1000mAh Ni-Cd battery and a charger.
WtftcA Out for the Baty in *Ae Euyyy
2-Timing
TosoJJni
Aware that his on-road, a commanding lead over the
superstar-driver Joel other babies in their buggies.
This mild-mannered-looking lad has proven to be Johnson will The tyke chalked up the
a formidable VHcale on-road driver. His name inevitably become win thanks, in part, to
is Chris TosaHni, and he recently won Ms second too old to race Trinity Zip Pak power!
consecutive ROAR ^-scale On-Road National someday, Trinity's '4 Just imagine if the baby
Championship. To clinch Ms latest title, Chris battled Ernie Provetti went • buggy had been hit with
out scouting for 1 some Trinity Buggy Grip
the likes of gas-racing legends Ralph Burch and Art
new, up-and-com • traction compound; this
Carbonell. Expect to see more on Chris and Ms BMT
ing drivers. We were > "Vio-scale" driver might
car in this magazine (mostly because be lives near told that this little • have lapped the entire
us and won't leave us alone!). driver was out with ' field!
I
Trinity PinionS...Ours are precision
machined from 6061 T-6 aircraft alumi
num and teflon impregnated for smooth
Trinity Brand "R"
meshing and minimum friction.
Zero Pinions
Gravity Are All
Pinions So Over-
Are Weight,
Super Power is
Light! Reduced!
^^Brand"R"
U"\ ...They have
J poSt tooth finish and .
"-> They don't mesh
spur gear.
From Magic Motor Sports $5.99
In 48 pitch from 12 to 30 teeth • In 64 pitch pitch from 15 to 50 teeth
• J We Are Your Source to ALL fi/O Fizi'Suii) Nz'd'Jz
Trinity Products Iric, 190f E. Linden Ave, #8, Linden, NJ 07036 • [phone] • Fax
TI W H tA eT ' S w|
ASSOCIATED
Car Carrier
Boxes
Tote your gear like a Team
driver. The new carrier bag
is made of black nylon
with a brass zipper. It fea
tures a heavy-duty carry
ing handle and is designed
to fit over the heavy-duty
carrier box. The carrier box
FUTABA is made of double-wall,
FP-S3003
corrugated cardboard and
Standard Servo has been tested to carry
up to 275 pounds; it
This new servo is standard
comes with three
equipment with Futaba's
12x24x6-inch insert boxes.
2VR and 2CR 2-channel
Part nos.—SP-415 (carrier bag KYOSHO
radio systems. It uses
only), SP-100 (carrier box with 'Pure Ten" GP 4WD Spider
advanced design and man
three insert boxes), SP-101
ufacturing techniques to (replacement boxes); prices— This new 4WD falls under the "Pure Ten" designation; it's
produce performance $39.95, $15, $5.25. closer to scale and much more detailed than any
that's virtually identical to Associated Electrics other body/chassis configuration. It's available in
that of the popular SI 48— Inc., 3585 Cadillac two body styles—the Porsche 911 and the Nissan
but at a more economical Ave., Costa Skyline. A powerful GS-1IX pull-start engine is
price. Mesa, CA included in the kit.
Partno.—FP-S3003. 92626-1403; Part nos.—KYOC0446 (Porsche 911 with GS-1 IX), KYOC0447
Futaba Corp. of America, (714)850- (Nissan Skyline with GS-1 IX); prices—$349.99 each.
P.O. Box 19767, Irvine, CA 9342; fax Kyosho; distributed by Great Planes Model Distributors, P.O. Box
92713-9767; [phone]; fax [phone], Champaign, II 61826-9021; [phone]; fax [phone].
[phone]. 1744.
."^^^ttiUfta^-
TEKIN TRINITY
Titan Midnight
This high-power, high-fre This new 27-
quency, reversing ESC fea turn stock
tures 12 GoldFET transis motor features:
tors for more speed. The an internal
QuickTune setup adjusts to Magnetic Flux
your radio in seconds. Collector™;
Part no.—2110; price—$210. narrow cross-
Tekin Electronics, 940 Calle section bush
Negocio, San Clemente, CA ings; a short-
92673; [phone]; fax (714) stack, slotted
498-6339. armature
with Thermal Transfer
JliiSiiSSi Gateways™; a 1.3mm-thick
can with v.5.2 wet magnets
GLOBAL HOBBY DISTRIBUTORS and cooling tunnels; pre-
Pro-Max AC/DC Adjustable soldered, hard-compound,
laydown brushes and
Current Charger
capacitors; and removable,
This reliable, economical charger can charge any 100 to black-anodized heat sinks.
1800mAh, 4- to 8-cell Ni-Cd pack. Features include: Part no.—RC2095; price—$39.99.
adjustable charging rate; resettable circuit breaker; built-in Trinity Products Inc., 1901 E.
jacks for monitoring voltage peak with a digital voltmeter; Linden Ave. #8, Linden, NJ
15-minute mechanical timer; automatic trickle with indica 07036; [phone]; fax (908)
tor light; input clips that attach to a 110V AC source or a 862-6875.
12V DC source battery; cooling vents; tough polycarbon
ate case. Descriptions of the products shown here were taken from manufacturer and/or advertising agency press
Part no.—885610; price—$64.99. releases. The information given does not constitute an endorsement by Radio Control Car Action or
Global Hobby Distributors, 10725 Ellis Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92728- guarantee product performance or safety. When contacting a manufacturer about any product described here,
8610; [phone]; fax [phone]. be sure to say you read about it in Radio Control Car Action. Manufacturers! To have your products
mentioned here, send press releases to R/C Car Action, What's New, 251 DanburyRd., Wilton, CT 06897.
S H O O T I NG
by G e o r ge M. G o n z a l ez
If you have a technical
problem that your hobby
shop or racing friends
can't resolve, give us a
HITTING ROCK BOTTOM shout at Radio Control
Car Action, and we'll see
About a year ago, I will be considerably thicker for you. Check out the
if we can chase down
bought a Tamiya Stadium than that used in the ones that the fast guys an answer for you.
Blitzer, and it has two stock setup. This should use, and use them. I Questions should be of a
problems: first, whenever take care of your bottom- know this sounds kind of technical nature and
it goes over a jump, its ing-out problem. lame, but that's how I should be addressed to
suspension bottoms out; It sounds as if your usually decide which tire Troubleshooting, Radio
second, whenever it goes truck has a bad case of combinations to use. Control Car Action, 251
around a turn, it spins oversteer. In other words, DanburyRoad, Wilton CT
06897. We regret that,
out. Can you please help? your truck's front tires
owing to the tremendous
BOBBY PHILLIPS have more traction than number of letters we
Anchorage, AK the rear tires. To remedy receive, we can't
this, install rear tires that % respond to every one.
Thanks for the letter, have more traction.
Bobby. Here are a couple You didn't men
of tips: fill your shocks tion what kind
with high-quality, 100- of surface
percent-silicone shock you run
fluid. Team Associated, your truck
Team Losi and Trinity on, so I
offer this in an assort can't rec
ment of weights. Start ommend
with 30 to 40WT, which rear tires
LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS DIFF
I've been driving R/C cars First of all, Craig, the simply rotating the spur diff apart, it's a good time
for about three years now, slipper and the diff have gear and making sure to replace the diff balls
and I recently bought an their own distinct sounds, that the slipper pad and rings.
RC10T. I have a couple of and you have to know the rotates true and that To adjust the slipper,
questions. First, the slip difference between the there aren't any gaps pre loosen the slipper-adjust
per clutch is making a lot two before you can fix sent. If it checks out, ment nut until the slipper
of noise. I've tried tight the problem. The slipper move on to the diff. starts to slip. This setting
ening it and loosening it, has a smooth, whining To test the diff, lock up will vary greatly, depend
but that didn't help. I sound, while the diff the slipper clutch by ing on the type of surface
then rebuilt the slipper makes more of a rough tightening the adjust you drive your truck on;
and diff, but the clutch screech. From your ment nut until the coil there is no way to set the
still makes noise. What's description, it sounds as if spring collapses com slipper so that it works
wrong? your diff may not be pletely. Then place your perfectly on all types of
Also, which company properly set. Before you truck on your driveway or surfaces. I set up my slip
makes an adapter kit that check the diff, however, carpet, and push down per clutch to slip for
will allow me to put a make sure that the slipper on the rear end so that approximately 3 feet
Losi Hydra Drive on my clutch has been set up the suspension bottoms before it engages the
truck? If you could help, I correctly. Check for gaps out. While you're pushing tranny, and this has
would really appreciate it. in the slipper pad (it's down on the rear end, try proven to be a good
CRAIG HELLER between the two slipper- to rotate the spur gear. It starting point.
Manheim, PA clutch pressure plates) by shouldn't move at all; if it Now, let's move on to
does, you'll have to tighten your Hydra Drive ques
the diff. TheRCIOThasa tion. Team Losi offers a
5/64 diff-adjustment screw top shaft for the Stealth
on the inside of the left transmission that allows
outdrive (it could be on you to install the Hydra
the right side if you Drive traction-control unit
installed the diff back on your truck, but I only
ward). Tighten the screw, recommend this hop-up if
then repeat the same you plan to do some
process until the spur hard-core racing on
gear is almost impossible bumpy tracks with hot
to rotate. If the diff con modified motors. If you
tinues to slip, you've plan to bash around your
probably stripped the diff neighborhood, you would
nut; replace it before you be better off investing
damage the diff gear. your hard-earned cash in
Also, while you have the more battery packs.
20 RADIO CONTROL CAR ACTION