Cool builds take time and Lonnie Sexton has built a rig that is beyond cool and has taken more than five years to complete. In late 2007, I was online on a forum and remember running across his idea to build an RC EarthRoamer Xpedition vehicle. I ensured that I had the post marked so that I could track the progress. Lonnie indicated that the idea for the build had started when he was on scale4x4rc.org and he had seen a group of builders starting a competition for a camper build-off.

The world of Spektrum radios is one of constant evolution, sprinkled with a bit of revolution now and again. From the early days of the module systems that converted existing radios to 2.4 GHz, people have looked to Spektrum for the latest spread spectrum innovations to keep them glitch-free. The newest release is the DX4S, which introduces DSMR, an update to DSM (Digital Spectrum Modulation) and DSM2. With each iteration, DSM technology has become more reliable with less chance of interference.

Set yourself up with a quality set of RC-specific tools like the Pro-Series tools from HPI and you will find wrenching much more enjoyable. These eye-catching, high-quality tools are sold individually so you can just purchase the ones you know you will use. HPI offers everything from Allen drivers to box wrenches to blade and Phillips head screwdrivers, and even a body reamer. Each tool features a great-looking CNC machined aluminum handle that is polished for a shiny finish. The handles were quite comfortable to hold with the diameter sized just right to allow you to apply the proper amount of pressure to your hardware. Knurled grips at the tip ends of the handles are a nice feature that kept my fingers from slipping. The opposite end is fitted with a plastic cap that sits nicely in your palm. HPI laser etched each tool to make identification effortless and the tips are factory-ground and then hardened and black-coated for a long life and a high-end appearance.

The Vaterra name is one that you will be seeing a lot of in RC. Horizon Hobby recently launched this “adventure driven” brand of ultra-cool, ready-to-run (RTR), scale-looking vehicles, each purposefully designed to be driven in the type of terrain native to its full-scale inspirations. To this end, each is equipped with a proven Spektrum 2.4GHz radio system, a powerful Dynamite motor system, waterproof electronics and a handy Dynamite battery charger.

We all start somewhere when getting into RC and it can happen on different levels. Some get into RC from the toy level and then get into hobby grade vehicles and others start right on the hobby side. When Gearbest.com …

A short while back I was lucky enough to review the ballistic ARRMA Talion rtr electric off road truggy.  This near bullet proof truck is fast, durable, handles well and looks great right out of the box.  That said, why …

Traxxas has started two major fads in the radio control industry. The first was with monster trucks when they released the nitro powered TMaxx. The second began with the Slash and started the current short course craze that most everyone is obsessed with. Now, it looks like Traxxas is …

Drifting is one of those segments that rolls back and forth in popularity, but there are a number of groups out there that have never strayed away from their passion for driving sideways. With that underground following, the drift scene has evolved in many ways. No longer are people just converting sedans or adapting bodies, there are plenty of purpose-built kits and bodies that fit the part. Companies like Tamiya have addressed the needs of this segment with cars, bodies and accessories and now we’re seeing the evolution of some intense products. Tamiya’s latest high-end offering, the TA05 VDF II, is loaded with performance design that will give you the control you expect in a competition ready drifter. It’s time to look deep into this machine and see what makes it tick, and then we’ll see how it performs.

So many of us who became addicted to this hobby in the 80’s, did so because of a Tamiya vehicle. Mine was the Monster Beetle, but I know several others who got hooked on the Tamiya Wild One. The buggy was sold …

Back in the day when I started racing, the transmitters were pretty simple. There were no digital readouts or hidden antennas and if someone was on your channel, you had to run back to the pits to change the frequency crystals in your car and radio. Dials were limited to EPAs and Dual Rates and, if you had the big bucks and could afford it, you had an awesome black antenna. Not only were the transmitters much simpler, but the drivers were much thinner too (from all the running around)!

RC4WD produces awesome scale 1/10 electric off-road truck kits and the Gelande II D110 shown here is among their newest releases. These kits are truly an awesome RC building experience as they arrive in attractive boxes with the parts housed …

The power supply is that component that rarely gets much attention yet is the essential device to power our multi-chemistry battery chargers, lights and other pit gadgets. With that being said, LRP did not take that same viewpoint when they designed the new Competition 20A Power Supply. LRP made sure to create a high-quality power supply that was not only powerful, but also compact, lightweight and equipped with some clever features.

As RC fanatics, when someone mentions monster trucks we have a pre-set notion of what that is in our hobby. We think of 1/8-scale (or larger) trucks that include big tires, big suspension, big horsepower—just big everything. With the release of the Maximus, I think DHK might be in the same mindset as us! The Maximus, which coincidentally is Latin for “greatest” or “largest”, is a big ol’ beast that not only includes our monster truck wish list, but also does it at an extremely affordable price. Bring on the MT playground!

Once upon a time the RC4WD Trail Finder 2 was released and like any new product, there wasn’t much support for it. Fast forward to today and there are bumpers, body parts, panhard setups, drive shafts, shocks, 4-link, fender flairs, and more available to tune your Trail Finder 2 however you see fit. You name it and RC4WD now makes it for this vehicle so you can create a truly unique build. It’s hard getting past the incredible scale look of this vehicle and the performance that is just as amazing as its appearance.

3 Editors – 3 HPI Mini Trophy Projects In the October 2010 issue of RC Driver, we reviewed HPI’s TSA Mini Trophy Truck, a 1/12-scale truck that caused quite a stir with its realistic body panels, cage and suspension. This …