The Backyard – It’s Pronounced He-la-mon and other news
Hello everyone and Happy Friday!
Several big bits of r/c news dropped this week to help break through the monotony of winter!
The 1/8 Axial AXP8 Gilamon 2.2 4×4 RTR Brushed Trail Buggy was announced yesterday after several days of being teased.
This is a totally new Axial release featuring all new parts/moldings and the big feature of which is the new ASD (Axial Selectable Drive) Transmission. Here’s how Axial explains it –
What’s so revolutionary about the AXP8? Let’s start with its heavy-duty, high-clearance, front and rear AF16P portal axles – and especially the rear-axle ASD (Axial Selectable Drive), a more advanced and highly capable drivetrain version of cutting brakes. While cutting brakes are only as strong as the brakes themselves, ASD physically and completely locks a wheel. It’s better than cutting brakes. And unlike front dig, which locks the entire axle, ASD can lock either of the rear wheels individually. That gives you an even tighter turning radius and greatly improved maneuvering capabilities.
The AF16P front axle and advanced new AT6 transmission are also designed to accept optional ASD setups, giving you an unprecedented amount of vehicle control. With ASD assigned to a 3-position switch on your transmitter, you can activate locking or constant 4WD functions. Using a 5-position switch, you’ll be able to configure the ASD system to drive, to free wheel, or to lock.
The transmission also has 30% underdrive to the rear axles. These features, combined with the gigantic size of the rig, show that it’s designed for serious trail crawling.
Changing gears, with the running of the Daytona 500 this weekend, Losi made a statement letting everyone know that their 1/12 NASCARs are coming back in the Spring. Losi’s parent Horizon Hobby echoed the sentiment, but also added they are going to continue to sponsor the full size Front Row Motorsports NASCAR team this year.
No new vehicles were shown off (most likely because licensing is still being worked on), but it’s great that HH/Losi got out in front of things and let hobbyists know that the mega popular cars will be back, and here to stay! I’m hoping to get one this year…especially if a rumored throwback version comes to fruition!
Last thing to discuss this week- Team Associated started shipping RC10GT kits to those who preordered…and they just announced an engine is on the way for it! The engine was the final piece of the puzzle for many hobbyists, as while the kit itself was cool, the question was what engine to put in it. The Team Associated 15S Engine looks to release this spring for the price of $124.99. Color me VERY interested in one of these now. Gas stadium trucks were an absolute BLAST back in the day, and having one of these to take a few hot laps in every once in awhile would be a ton of fun.
Ok, that’s it for me this week. Lots to be excited about as we inch ever closer to warmer weather!
Until next time, keep it on all 4’s!
