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* IN STOCK NOW - 9/3/08 *
Key Features
OverviewA worldwide first, Losi’s Mini-Rock Crawler utilizes design elements from real-world rock crawling competitors. A multi-link suspension and solid 4mm axles provide the ultimate combination of lightweight agility and strength. The full-time 4WD drivetrain powers all 4 wheels through a center-mounted 3-gear transmission with a spool and slipper, providing grip and torque at each and every wheel. The positioning of the transmission provides the Mini-Rock Crawler with outstanding balance for tackling the toughest climbs and maneuvers. Heavy-duty metal ring and pinion gears, solid axles and axle shafts combined with a full set of ball bearings provide the Mini-Rock Crawler with durability for extreme, precision climbs. Specs
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Fall Points Series Schedule and Rules
The Fall 2008 Points series is set. This will be bigger, faster and with more payouts than our Spring series. Check racing information for class details. SCHEDULE Final Trophy Race - Saturday, August 16 - 5PM Race 1 - Saturday, September 20 - 5PM Race 2 - Saturday, September 27 - 5PM Race 3 R- Saturday, October 4 - 5PM Race 4 - Saturday, October 11 - 5PM *No Racing October 18 - iHobby Expo* Race 5 - Saturday, October 25 - 5PM Race 6 R- Saturday, November 1 - 5PM Race 7 - Saturday, November 8 - 5PM Race 8 R- Saturday, November 15 - 5PM Race 9 - Saturday, November 22 - 5PM *No Racing November 29 - Thanksgiving* Night Of Champions - Saturday, December 6 R = Recoils on the roadcourse See the menu bar or click here for our racing page |
Speeders Corner
Electrics are getting BIG
By Keith Hollifield
One of the biggest changes in RC modeling has been the emergence of electric power systems. Electric power systems now dominate the smaller scales and the move toward larger scales is quickly gathering steam. In aircraft we are seeing a large number of what would have been called "40 size" aircraft coming out with electric power systems. In surface vehicles electrics are dominating 1/10 scale and are becoming an attractive option in 1/8 scale vehicles. Let's take a look at some examples of the trend.
Airplanes -
There are several new electric airplanes out that are considerably larger than a parkflyer. Eflite is definitely leading the charge with their line of "25e" planes. The planes use a brushless motor that Eflite equates to a .25 glow engine but the aircraft themselves are closer to a typical .40 size. Wingspans are in the 50-65" range and weight is typically 3.5-6lb. Power is no problem. Despite its designation as a 25 the actual thrust from this power system is MUCH higher than a typical .40 glow engine due to the much larger and more efficient propeller. Speeders has several of these aircraft in stock.
Helicopters -
Not to be outdone the helicopter guys are coming out with their own mid-size offerings. While smaller than a 50 class machine they compare well to 30 class helicopters we have seen in the past. With a typical setup they exceed the power to weight ratio of a glow machine. The most popular offerings in this class are the TREX 500 from Align and the Hurricane 550 from Gaui. These use blades from 425mm to 550mm and generally run on 6S 2200 to 3300 lipos. We have both helicopters and all the accessories in stock.
Boats -
Electric power systems have always been popular in scale boats. We are now seeing the fast electrics setting records that the nitro boats can't touch. The fastest one I've seen is a documented run exceeding 130mph. While that is a little extreme we have several electric boats that will exceed 40mph on their stock power systems. Believe me... That's fast!
Cars/Trucks -
We've seen the electric vehicles go from 25mph fun to 70mph+ insanity in just the last couple of years. The brushless revolution is taking hold here just like it did in aircraft. Want a monster truck capable of wheelies on command at any speed... No problem. How about a sedan that can run with traffic on the interstate... Check. How about an 1/8 scale buggy that can make the nitro guys wonder why they even bothered to show up... Definitely. With the new Castle Creations Mamba and Sidewinder systems all of this performance is easy. We are even seeing growing availability of nitro conversions so if you get smoked and the car that blew by you doesn't we can help you catch up.
Final Note -
The cost of the power systems for these larger electric vehicles has come down considerably in the last few months and that is the reason for the explosion in offerings. I did some quick comparisons between these and their nitro powered cousins. In almost every case the cost per run of the electric vehicles was lower. The difference is that you buy all your fuel up front in the form of a battery pack. With nitro fuel increasing in price at an alarming rate it is good to know that we have alternatives that offer terrific performance like the examples above. We'd love for you to come by and check this stuff out.
'til next time...