The Spotter’s Guide to Axial SCX10 Models

The Axial SCX10 is a very popular truck; probably the most popular scaling rig of all time. It’s available in many different “flavors” and at press time there are currently six versions on the market. The differences aren’t all cosmetic as some have different wheelbases, tires, lights, etc. It can make a newbie’s head spin. Here’s a handy guide to see the main differences between models…which hopefully will help clarify things for those that are confused. For brevity I’m going to just list the notable features of each one. We’ll start with all the “ready-to-runs” (RTR) and then delve into the kits, organized by average street price. Click the “Read More” below to check it out.

Trail Honcho, RTR – $355

The Trail Honcho was the flagship version of the SCX10 until Axial landed the vaunted Jeep license a couple years ago. The truck includes an AE-2 ESC, 27 turn brushed motor, AS-3 Servo and AX-3 2.4 ghz radio. This is the standard electronics loadout that all the RTR’s in the series share (with the exception of an upgraded servo in the new C/R edition Jeep). All the SCX10’s also share a 3 link front / 4 link rear setup. The shocks are the standard dual rate threaded plastic.

Wheelbase: 12.3″ (313mm)
Links: Plastic
Body: Trail Honcho Truggy (truck/cage hybrid)
Tires: 4.3” tall Ripsaw w/ spare (R35 compound)
Wheels: Black/Chrome Walker Evans
Bumper: Honcho w/ aluminum plates, no rear
Lights: 4 LED (2 front, 2 rear)

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon JK, RTR – $379

The silver JK was Axial’s first Jeep release. It shares the same long wheelbase as the Honcho and sports many cool licensed scale goodies. This was also the first version to come with the licensed Maxxis Trepador Tires.

Wheelbase: 12.3″ (313mm)
Links: Plastic
Body: Silver 2012 Jeep Rubicon 4 Door Unlimited
Tires: 4.6” tall Axial Maxxis Trepador w/ spare (R35 Compound)
Wheels: Black/Chrome Walker Evans
Bumper: Licensed Poison Spyder Rock Brawler front w/ rear tire swing-out

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited C/R Edition, RTR – $419

The newest truck in the RTR SCX10 lineup is the Casey Currie themed JK featuring licensed Rigid Industries lights, BF Goodrich KRAWLER T/A’s, and a Tactic TSX45 Servo.

Wheelbase: 12.3″ (313mm)
Links: Plastic
Body: White 2012 Jeep Rubicon 4 Door Unlimited
Tires: 4.7” tall Axial BF Goodrich KRAWLER TA’s w/ spare (R35 Compound)
Wheels: CRC Black Rock
Bumper: Licensed Poison Spyder Rock Brawler front w/ rear tire swing-out rear
Lights: Rigid Industries Light Bars w/ 10 LEDs total

Dingo, Kit – $249

Now we are into the builder’s kits section. Starting with the Dingo, all the following trucks include no electronics and must be assembled. They all also include a very important hop-up that the RTR’s don’t – aluminum bottom 4 links and steering. The Dingo is notable for having the shortest wheelbase of any SCX10 (nearly an inch less than the Honcho or Unlimited Wranglers).

Wheelbase: 11.4″ (290mm)
Links: Aluminum (bottom 4 link and steering)
Body: Unpainted Dingo (Land Rover inspired)
Tires: 4.3” tall w/ spare (R35 compound)
Wheels: Black Walker Evans
Bumper: Standard Axial Front and Rear

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon JK w/ Hard Top, Kit – $329

This builder’s kit is similar to the silver Wranger RTR except with a few notable upgrades. It has the kit standard aluminum links, aluminum ICON shocks, and includes an optional lexan hardtop.

Wheelbase: 12.3″ (313mm)
Links: Aluminum bottom 4 link and steering
Body: Unpainted 2012 Jeep Rubicon 4 Door Unlimited w/ optional Hard Top
Tires: 4.6” tall Axial Maxxis Trepador w/ spare (R35 Compound)
Wheels: Black Walker Evans
Bumper: Licensed Poison Spyder Rock Brawler front / rear tire swing-out
Shocks: Licensed ICON Aluminum

Jeep Wrangler G6, Kit – $299

The G6 kit takes it’s name and inspiration from the grueling RECON G6 Adventure Series of r/c events and is setup as the “hot rod” of the line. The wheelbase is in between the shorter Dingo and longer Trail Honcho/4 Door Wrangler models. It sports a dove tailed 2 door Jeep body with molded front flares that makes it easier to squeeze between obstacles (and more easily accommodates bigger tires). The truck has no rear bumper and carries no spare tire. The top light bar (LED kit sold separately) is also a very noticeable cosmetic addition.

Wheelbase: 12″ (305mm)
Links: Aluminum bottom 4 link and steering
Body: Unpainted Dovetailed 2 Door Rubicon Jeep w/ molded front flares
Tires: 4.6” tall Axial Maxxis Trepador (R35 Compound)
Wheels: Black Walker Evans
Bumper: Licensed Poison Spyder Rock Brawler front, no rear
Shocks: Licensed ICON Aluminum

Hopefully this information helps a prospective scaler pick the right load-out. Those that are wanting to customize their rig with a new lexan shell will want to pay attention to the wheelbase measurements; it really sucks getting a new body only to have it not fit correctly. Choose wisely and good wheelin’.

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