Kagama Just shouting out a little Kagama love.

[VaporTrail]

I run 3s in my Bandit when I get an itch for speed. I rip it up and down my street, which actually turns into my driveway (dead end). I run some cheap Duratrax sct tires/wheels, which balloon like the Dickens! LOL. I have no idea how fast it goes, but after struggling to make the slight curve into my driveway at speed, a blip of the throttle and it just flips over backwards on it's lid a slides for a hundred feet up my driveway!! What a site!! LOL. Unless it starts tumbling, which is when I get concerned, not!!

Yes, I remember the slides and the tumbles. The wing on the bandit does not take well to either. I remember mine went around looking like it had a Jim Carrey flat top.

My Bandit is currently in pristine condition as I haven't run it off road yet. It started life as a VXL Rustler circa 2008-09 and has undergone several transformations; Rustler, Stampede, Bandit, back to Rustler, Drag slash conversion and then to the current Bandit. I've actually been thinking about changing it back to a drag Slash.

This all sounds like hilarious fun, but......Traxass. No can do! Spawn of Satan RC and all that.

1/10th scale rigs seem nippier, and I'm reliably informed that 1/12th scale rigs are even more ridiculous.

I suppose with modern brushless systems, better power density in our batteries and much more compact electronics, mini RC's can be ridiculously fast. But they're no good on bumpy stuff or grass, so that's why I never even entertained the notion.

However, I quite like the idea of hosting a carpet race in my living room, with 1/28th scale cars, something like....
View attachment 6520
Go small, or go home! Err, I'm at home already...

That looks waaay to techy for a 1/28. Holy cow.

 

[KnowAir]

Yes, I remember the slides and the tumbles. The wing on the bandit does not take well to either. I remember mine went around looking like it had a Jim Carrey flat top.

My Bandit is currently in pristine condition as I haven't run it off road yet. It started life as a VXL Rustler circa 2008-09 and has undergone several transformations; Rustler, Stampede, Bandit, back to Rustler, Drag slash conversion and then to the current Bandit. I've actually been thinking about changing it back to a drag Slash.



That looks waaay to techy for a 1/28. Holy cow.

LOL, the wing was the first thing to go off the Bandit. I straightened it a few times, then tossed it. Looks better without IMO. Mine was gifted by my bro, XL-5. He also gave me a 3s VXL combo with a "bad" motor.. the bad motor needed bearings, LOL. I just use and abuse them, Bandit and Rustler, I know they have some potential, but I'd just assume keep them simple and cheap. More funner that way!!

 

[VaporTrail]

the main reason why I got my traxxas models was because everyone saw it as a basher. They said that it wouldn't amount to much on the track compared to the higher end brands. I was determined to prove em wrong, but never got the chance since they never had a 2WD Stadium or Buggy class race. I did race a 2WD Slash, but I ended up coming in 3rd. Recently I heard that a racer took a 2WD Rustler and won some national event. Imagine that!

Nowadays I shy away from Traxxas because of their shenanigans. Seems a little money-grabby to me. Shame.

My second time back into RCs and my mindset is still roughly the same; I'll take a "basher" and set her up to be competitive at least at the club level. There was one dude who came out with his ET48 2.0 and I gave him a rough time with the Muraco. This was after he kinda snobbed the Muraco, saying it was more of a basher-level platform. He hasn't been around much, which is a shame. The Shogun is performing way better than the Muraco did.

Simple and cheap is often the recipe for fun, most definitely agreed! Just like at that bar back in 09...

 

[KnowAir]

the main reason why I got my traxxas models was because everyone saw it as a basher. They said that it wouldn't amount to much on the track compared to the higher end brands. I was determined to prove em wrong, but never got the chance since they never had a 2WD Stadium or Buggy class race. I did race a 2WD Slash, but I ended up coming in 3rd. Recently I heard that a racer took a 2WD Rustler and won some national event. Imagine that!

Nowadays I shy away from Traxxas because of their shenanigans. Seems a little money-grabby to me. Shame.

My second time back into RCs and my mindset is still roughly the same; I'll take a "basher" and set her up to be competitive at least at the club level. There was one dude who came out with his ET48 2.0 and I gave him a rough time with the Muraco. This was after he kinda snobbed the Muraco, saying it was more of a basher-level platform. He hasn't been around much, which is a shame. The Shogun is performing way better than the Muraco did.

Simple and cheap is often the recipe for fun, most definitely agreed! Just like at that bar back in 09...

Good stuff!! My bro and I buy bashers and use them as "racers". We know the difference, but the cost of a legit race level rig is steep, then replacement parts.. also, since it's just two cowboys running around a backyard track that's pretty much a minefield, no point in ponying up on the expensive rigs. Besides, I just ain't got the finances for the high end stuff. I see the Tekin electronics, Promodeler servos, Sanwa or Futaba radios and I'm like, theres 3 more rigs I could've bought!! LOL. Is the high end stuff better? I sure hope so, would a cowboy in his backyard ever notice? Not likely. How I see things anyway.

 

[Horatio]

the main reason why I got my traxxas models was because everyone saw it as a basher. They said that it wouldn't amount to much on the track compared to the higher end brands. I was determined to prove em wrong, but never got the chance since they never had a 2WD Stadium or Buggy class race. I did race a 2WD Slash, but I ended up coming in 3rd. Recently I heard that a racer took a 2WD Rustler and won some national event. Imagine that!

Nowadays I shy away from Traxxas because of their shenanigans. Seems a little money-grabby to me. Shame.

My second time back into RCs and my mindset is still roughly the same; I'll take a "basher" and set her up to be competitive at least at the club level. There was one dude who came out with his ET48 2.0 and I gave him a rough time with the Muraco. This was after he kinda snobbed the Muraco, saying it was more of a basher-level platform. He hasn't been around much, which is a shame. The Shogun is performing way better than the Muraco did.

Simple and cheap is often the recipe for fun, most definitely agreed! Just like at that bar back in 09...

Agree entirely with what you are saying. Cheque book racers can buy all the gear they like, but they still have to drive the car right.

A well driven anything can beat the latest greatest rig. You could certainly race a Kronos/Shogun/Muraco type platform against truggies at club level. Well driven, I see no reason why they couldn't hold their own, depending on the track of course. They're a bit weighty.

My first races with the old Savage - once it was set up with steering and brakes that worked - saw lap times that would have placed me in the 1/8th buggy A finals.

As far as budget brands go - I'm all for promoting an underdog. But not ones that are hell bent on creating a monopoly, or batteries motors and esc's that use brand specific connectors etc, tying you in to only their brand. Not helpful at all when you're racing. Especially if they're making you pay top dollar in 2024.

 

[KnowAir]

Agree entirely with what you are saying. Cheque book racers can buy all the gear they like, but they still have to drive the car right.

A well driven anything can beat the latest greatest rig. You could certainly race a Kronos/Shogun/Muraco type platform against truggies at club level. Well driven, I see no reason why they couldn't hold their own, depending on the track of course. They're a bit weighty.

My first races with the old Savage - once it was set up with steering and brakes that worked - saw lap times that would have placed me in the 1/8th buggy A finals.

As far as budget brands go - I'm all for promoting an underdog. But not ones that are hell bent on creating a monopoly, or batteries motors and esc's that use brand specific items, trying you in to only their brand. Not helpful at all. Especially if they're making you pay top dollar in 2024.

Well said brother. However TRX is certainly no underdog. I suppose I have to take some blame for that.. LOL.
Why just last evening I was flogging a TRX Hoss around the track with a set of zero offset SCT tires and wheels on it, talk about an identity crisis!! Short wheelbase, HCG MT on race tires!! I definitely can't call it fast, but on 3s more than enough to make it challenging to try. It really is fun to try going fast with. Between it's desire to wheelie on throttle and traction roll in the turns, it's like a moped, fun to ride, but I don't want anyone to see me doing it!!

 

[Horatio]

Well said brother. However TRX is certainly no underdog. I suppose I have to take some blame for that.. LOL.
Why just last evening I was flogging a TRX Hoss around the track with a set of zero offset SCT tires and wheels on it, talk about an identity crisis!! Short wheelbase, HCG MT on race tires!! I definitely can't call it fast, but on 3s more than enough to make it challenging to try. It really is fun to try going fast with. Between it's desire to wheelie on throttle and traction roll in the turns, it's like a moped, fun to ride, but I don't want anyone to see me doing it!!

Sorry, I meant underdog at a race track.

 

[Horatio]

Anyone feeling hungry?

Legitimate, standard trading name...

 

[KnowAir]

Sorry, I meant underdog at a race track.

I figured as much, and to be honest, they need so much to be competitive that one has to really like TRX to go to such lengths to get it there.. value>cost. Not worthy IMO. Too much plastic to be a racer.

View attachment 6533
Anyone feeling hungry?

Legitimate, standard trading name...

"Grease to please"? LOL. I'll take the "coronary assault deluxe", please!!

 

[Horatio]

I figured as much, and to be honest, they need so much to be competitive that one has to really like TRX to go to such lengths to get it there.. value>cost. Not worthy IMO. Too much plastic to be a racer.


"Grease to please"? LOL. I'll take the "coronary assault deluxe", please!!

I'll mail it to you!!

 

[KnowAir]

..and a diet Coke to wash it down also.

 

[CCB-MN]

..and a diet Coke to wash it down also.

Lmao, I’m guessing that the meal would be properly cold and properly warm by the time it gets there! Mmmm, delicious!

 

[VaporTrail]

Good stuff!! My bro and I buy bashers and use them as "racers". We know the difference, but the cost of a legit race level rig is steep, then replacement parts.. also, since it's just two cowboys running around a backyard track that's pretty much a minefield, no point in ponying up on the expensive rigs. Besides, I just ain't got the finances for the high end stuff. I see the Tekin electronics, Promodeler servos, Sanwa or Futaba radios and I'm like, theres 3 more rigs I could've bought!! LOL. Is the high end stuff better? I sure hope so, would a cowboy in his backyard ever notice? Not likely. How I see things anyway.

Very much agreed! For backyard shenanigans, simple and cheap will do just fine. Even at club level, if you just want to go out and have fun and experience the race environment. Heck, I raced my Rustler against a pack of rabid chihuahuas (read as: CRT.5's). My finish wasn't officially counted, but it was fun to mix it up with them. Think I came in like 4th or 5th. Out of 6.

The expensive rigs and equipment are usually for when 10ths of a second and consistency matters. Backyard antics? I agree...one would be hard-pressed to fully appreciate and/or notice the difference. Especially when you're hemmin' and hawin' and generally laughing so hard you're trying to see through your squint.

Agree entirely with what you are saying. Cheque book racers can buy all the gear they like, but they still have to drive the car right.

A well driven anything can beat the latest greatest rig. You could certainly race a Kronos/Shogun/Muraco type platform against truggies at club level. Well driven, I see no reason why they couldn't hold their own, depending on the track of course. They're a bit weighty.

My first races with the old Savage - once it was set up with steering and brakes that worked - saw lap times that would have placed me in the 1/8th buggy A finals.

As far as budget brands go - I'm all for promoting an underdog. But not ones that are hell bent on creating a monopoly, or batteries motors and esc's that use brand specific connectors etc, tying you in to only their brand. Not helpful at all when you're racing. Especially if they're making you pay top dollar in 2024.

Aye, 'tis truth. We have a bunch of those kinda folks that show up every now and again. Deep pockets, great gear. One of 'em even came out with his nearly thousand dollar Tx. I made him my target not out of jealousy, but because when I invited him to the race, he replied with "ok, let me see what I can use. My cars are set up for racing, not a homemade track."

His "racing" was in a parking lot in front of a hobby shop, with cone markers and 4 90deg turns. The infield was a 1 1/2 "S". Our "homemade" track was set up with PVC piping, 13 90deg turns and 1 small "S". I'm not trying to toot a horn here, but I soundly trounced him and the rest of the field. The 2nd place finisher was about 4 laps behind in the 1st qual and 7 laps behind in the main.

I was running a 3S Racing Sakura S64 with an alu chassis, XR10 Pro esc, Castle 5700kv motor, Fantom 2S 8000mAh batts. My 64 went up against Mugens, Xrays an Associated and a couple of other 64s. It was an Open class. The only restriction was all cars had to run on 2S. Yes, no matter the car and gear, you still have to drive.

And I agree; brand specific shenanigans are turn-off. Even worse when they threaten legal action for how other companies word their selling descriptions for their products. Can't have the word "For" in their advertising, has to be "Fits". Sheesh.

 

[Horatio]

Very much agreed! For backyard shenanigans, simple and cheap will do just fine. Even at club level, if you just want to go out and have fun and experience the race environment. Heck, I raced my Rustler against a pack of rabid chihuahuas (read as: CRT.5's). My finish wasn't officially counted, but it was fun to mix it up with them. Think I came in like 4th or 5th. Out of 6.

The expensive rigs and equipment are usually for when 10ths of a second and consistency matters. Backyard antics? I agree...one would be hard-pressed to fully appreciate and/or notice the difference. Especially when you're hemmin' and hawin' and generally laughing so hard you're trying to see through your squint.



Aye, 'tis truth. We have a bunch of those kinda folks that show up every now and again. Deep pockets, great gear. One of 'em even came out with his nearly thousand dollar Tx. I made him my target not out of jealousy, but because when I invited him to the race, he replied with "ok, let me see what I can use. My cars are set up for racing, not a homemade track."

His "racing" was in a parking lot in front of a hobby shop, with cone markers and 4 90deg turns. The infield was a 1 1/2 "S". Our "homemade" track was set up with PVC piping, 13 90deg turns and 1 small "S". I'm not trying to toot a horn here, but I soundly trounced him and the rest of the field. The 2nd place finisher was about 4 laps behind in the 1st qual and 7 laps behind in the main.

I was running a 3S Racing Sakura S64 with an alu chassis, XR10 Pro esc, Castle 5700kv motor, Fantom 2S 8000mAh batts. My 64 went up against Mugens, Xrays an Associated and a couple of other 64s. It was an Open class. The only restriction was all cars had to run on 2S. Yes, no matter the car and gear, you still have to drive.

And I agree; brand specific shenanigans are turn-off. Even worse when they threaten legal action for how other companies word their selling descriptions for their products. Can't have the word "For" in their advertising, has to be "Fits". Sheesh.

Crikey! That's quite a disparity in racing ability - 4 laps between 1st and 2nd!!

With that kind of gap, we'd always try and group racers into heats during qualifying according to their last round's final placing.

Controversy used to happen when visiting quick racers got placed in with last rounds F final heat, due to the fact they hadn't raced previous rounds! No exceptions.

 

[Horatio]

My flight is delayed. So I present to you the new Skoda Fabia Rally 2 RS.......

 

[KnowAir]

My flight is delayed. So I present to you the new Skoda Fabia Rally 2 RS.......

View attachment 6536View attachment 6537

Sharp!! We had the Ford Focus RS briefly here, turns out there isn't much demand for a $40k hatchback apparently. At least not in the states.

 

[VaporTrail]

Crikey! That's quite a disparity in racing ability - 4 laps between 1st and 2nd!!

With that kind of gap, we'd always try and group racers into heats during qualifying according to their last round's final placing.

Controversy used to happen when visiting quick racers got placed in with last rounds F final heat, due to the fact they hadn't raced previous rounds! No exceptions.

View attachment 6534View attachment 6535

Actually, there were several people that didn't race and I'm glad for it. If the field had a hard time with me, they'd have been absolutely ramrodded by the others. One guy has a heart condition, so he can't afford to get excited. The other guy had just finished about 2 years rehab for a nearly fatal motorcycle accident. The third one is a genuine phenom. Interestingly enough, the first two (and occasionally the third) are the ones that I'm currently cutting my teeth on in the offroad scene.

And I'll be the last one to toot about my racing ability. The other guys were trounced mainly because they didn't come out and put in the work. They ran the track once or twice, but that was it. Me, I was putting in at least 10-12 hours a week, sometimes more. The difference in practice time caused the huge gap on race day. Well, that and I had fire under my bum. And wouldn't ya know it? It looks like the same story is starting to unfold in the offroad scene. I think we're going to have a race if not by the end of the year then maybe early next. No other racers have come out to at least sample the track, but I've been out there working at it and trying to get better. I have a feeling that difference in training/practice is going to make for some pretty bewildered faces again. Perhaps even moreso when they see it's a "basher" platform that's been giving them a hard time.

My flight is delayed. So I present to you the new Skoda Fabia Rally 2 RS.......

View attachment 6536View attachment 6537

Gorgeous.

Sharp!! We had the Ford Focus RS briefly here, turns out there isn't much demand for a $40k hatchback apparently. At least not in the states.

my friend has one. I think he's been more of a menace with it than he was with his turbocharged Mustang.

 

[Mark383]

I’m running the Arrma’s

https://www.arrma-rc.com/en/product....8-pre-mounted-tires-17mm-hex-2/ARAC8795.html

And Sweep Terrain Crushers most often.

https://www.sweepracingusa.com/Mons...reglued-on-WHD-Black-wheel-2pc-set_p_797.html

Yes, the asphalt eats up the tires in no time. If I’m off road, then I’ve had good luck with the bf lp’s because they don’t tend to balloon as much as the stock tires did but the asphalt (tarmac) eats them up in no time, at least imo.

On road, the mt’s and sweeps have been awesome.

I’d like to try the Sweep Road Crushers as well but I haven’t gotten that far.

https://www.sweepracingusa.com/Mons...reglued-on-WHD-Black-wheel-2pc-set_p_796.html


I can’t wait to see what you decide on building next H!

Sorry for not getting anything up on the Sparko F8e yet, life has been getting in the way a little bit lately but things seem to be settling down now. I’ll try to get a build log up in the near future, I took lots of pics. It was not the easiest build to say the least but now that’s it’s complete, it’s pretty freakin dope and it drives like it’s stuck to the ground. I’m beyond happy.

View attachment 6490

View attachment 6491

View attachment 6492

View attachment 6493

View attachment 6494

View attachment 6495

WOW that buggy is IMMACULATE!! Nice job.. I follow RC racing on YT and heard Ryan Cavalieri is racing their cars/Truck and I have to say I'd never heard about the brand before. Are they new or a company that's been around but now chasing the racing market?

lol, honestly my TC and SSTE are still my favorites to drive around. I should follow the lead of some of you and try build a TC into a competitive truggy.

YES that would be awesome to see! I absolutely LOVE my Muraco with the Louise racing tyres on it handles so well. I don't own a proper race Truggy yet ( Plan to get the TEKNO later this year ) so I don't know how different the Muraco would feel to one but on its own it's great!! Let us know when you do it!!

 

[Horatio]

WOW that buggy is IMMACULATE!! Nice job.. I follow RC racing on YT and heard Ryan Cavalieri is racing their cars/Truck and I have to say I'd never heard about the brand before. Are they new or a company that's been around but now chasing the racing market?


YES that would be awesome to see! I absolutely LOVE my Muraco with the Louise racing tyres on it handles so well. I don't own a proper race Truggy yet ( Plan to get the TEKNO later this year ) so I don't know how different the Muraco would feel to one but on its own it's great!! Let us know when you do it!!

Sparko are coming out of the same factory as Sworkz.

My understanding is that Sparko is C-hub with geometry based on Kyosho, whilst Sworkz has 'balls'...like an illegitimate love child between Mugen and HB.

I'd love to see a Sparko Truggy, which may be in the pipeline by all accounts.

 

[Horatio]

@CCB-MN - that body on your Sparko is really quite something.

I think we're all really looking forward to your build thread here.

I'm still torn between building a Tekno, Mugen or Sparko.

That said, I'm also really tempted to do something completely different and build an MCD gasser.

Then there's the billet engine I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on and installing that into the Baja....I've seen an 29.5cc SCZ reed engine for about £310...

Decisions, decisions...