Everybody’s Scalin’ – A Home Run

I’d assume that most anyone reading this weekly scaling blog has probably already read our Traxxas TRX-4 review, but in case you haven’t you can click here to check it out.

I’ve got to give it to Traxxas here- instead of jumping into the crawling game with a “me-too” rig several years ago when everyone was clamoring for them to, they bided their time, saw what Axial and other companies were doing that worked and did not work, and then put their own spin on it.

The biggest thing that myself and many of my crawling colleagues were skeptical of was the remote locking diffs. It seemed like a superfluous addition to what appeared to otherwise be a hardcore scaling rig. I was wrong.

In practice it gives the truck a lot more drive-ability as you can have fun wheeling it even when you aren’t in crawling situations. Sure, the true hardcore enthusiast may not care for this, but it opens things up for the guy wanting a little versatility. I can see this really being accentuated when a nice brushless system is installed and higher top speeds are on tap.

It does add to the complexity of the running gear, but having been the owner of a Traxxas Summit I can tell you that it’s not that bad. If you have average wrenching skills you will be just fine.

The remote lock feature wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans if the truck couldn’t crawl, and crawl well it can. The portal axles are the shiznit and the tires are ace for a RTR. Couple that with great weight distribution of the chassis and you’ve got something ready to dance. I suppose it could use a steering servo with more oomph, but then again that’s pretty much every stock unit.

I’d be lying if I said the first time I held the truck wasn’t bizarre, but it was. I just never thought I’d see Traxxas produce a solid axle vehicle; especially not one with chassis mounted steering, portal axles and a spectacular body that looks like something one of the guys at the Scale Builder’s Guild produced!

And yet, here we are. The TRX-4 works great. Well done Traxxas! Let’s just hope that the supply chain can keep up with the demand. I can’t wait to see what kind of crazy stuff the aftermarket can do for it!

Up next: time to see what HPI’s new rig can do.

Before I go, I want to wish every one of you a Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you are out trailin’, BBQin’ or watching the Indy 500, please take a moment to give thanks to those who gave all to allow us the freedom to do so.