In this section we will discuss some of the examples of actual RC car and trucks models and the companies that manufacture them. Every RC vehicle constructing company offers some specific type of RC models. So we will know which company has what type of expertise and what the offer. Also, some discussion on each of their most famous models will give us more insights and help in understanding the functionalities, key features and capabilities. By this information you can even choose the RC car or truck that you plan to buy.
Traxxas
Traxxas is one of the leading RC cars and trucks manufacturers that deals in RC models primarily related to hobby level participation. Traxxas is based out of Plano in Texas, United States. Traxxas offers a wide variety of RC vehicle models (cars, trucks and boats) that include both electric powered as well as nitro powered versions. Traxxas, apart from leading the RC models making, actively promotes a number of RC car and truck racing competitions. They have both launched new RC car racing competitions and have also supported already continuing competitions. Through their active participation in this field, Traxxas has contributed in taking this hobby to the next level of popularity and development. For example, Traxxas entered into title sponsorship of the brand new Traxxas TORC car racing series very recently in 2009. This is a big step as this series is a national level off-road version RC cars racing event in United States.
Traxxas offers different families of RC vehicles that cater to different type of models and different type of uses with specific features. These model families include:
E-Maxx 16.8V 4WD RTR
Maxx Family
The Maxx family includes the descendants of the T-Maxx which was one of the very first models of monster truck type introduced by Traxxas. This first member or the family, the T-Maxx monster truck was introduced during 1999. The T-Maxx holds the credit for starting the monster truck race as it got extremely popular and started a new generation of RC trucks.
The T-maxx one of the very advanced models in its class at the time of its introduction, therefore it set various benchmarks related to technologies and components used in the model. The chassis was made of single plate type aluminum material that was further supported by beam supports that are placed underneath the chassis. The suspension structure uses a completely independent design that is known as a double A-arm. It is further supported with eight coils of shocks, with two placed on each of the corners. The drive mechanism consists of a center-mounted engine that is Pro .15 type nitro engine. A centrally mounted dual speed transmission drives a permanent 4wd (4-wheel drive) mechanism that does not use any center differential in the system. The model uses massive sized 5.75 x 3.5 inch tires. These tires were “chevron” style and were mounted on special 3.2 inch wheels. Several versions of T-Maxx were introduced later on with minor improvements that included T-Maxx 2.5, T-Maxx 2.5R, T-Maxx 3.3 and T-Maxx Classic.
Thereafter, three other models, primarily around the design of T-Maxx but have significant improvements were included in to the family. These new incarnations of the T-Maxx include SportMaxx (introduced in 2003), S-Maxx (introduced in 2003) and the E-Maxx (introduced recently in 2007).
- Revo Family
Revo family includes a number of models that have been designed around the first version of Revo model. Though Revo was a so called advancement of the T-Maxx, it was actually a completely redesigned version of the original with a completely changed chassis used for monster truck that provided highly advanced and robust design as compared to the T-Maxx. The first version of Revo was introduced during 2004.
Traxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL RTR
The Revo model was successful in gaining lot of popularity in the field of RC racing as it show consistent performance and tremendous capability while racing in some of the most hazardous environments and race tracks including dirty or rocky race tracks. There are many characteristics that make the Revo a special and extremely rugged model. The first notable feature is the suspension system which contains an inboard pushrod and includes a new “GTR” shock system and springs. It also has a special chassis which is a complicated “monocoque”-type made of aluminum. It helps in lowering the CoG of the vehicle. It has a much stronger transmission system that incorporates electronic control based reverse, sealed controlled slip differentials, pivot balls that are rubber sealed as well as reliable ball bearings and drive shafts. The wheels are 3.8 inches in size wheels with rugged “Talon” tires suitable for all terrains. The engine is an updated and improved version of TRX 2.5 class engine made by Traxxas and is named TRX 2.5R. This model has shown exceptional speed performance reaching up to speeds of 40mph and even more.
The next version of Revo had the TRX 3.3 class engine that was Traxxas’ advanced, newer, more powerful verson of the Traxxas engines. Its launch period coincided with the T-Maxx 3.3 during the year of 2006. The further versions of Revo included Revo Platinum (launched in April 2008), Revo 3.3 (launched in late 2008), and a more advanced Revo 3.3 in July 2009).
The successor of Revo was E-Revo, which was the electric powered variant of the Revo and was introduced during May 2008 by Traxxas. The electronics were similar to E-Maxx’s version 16.8 and consists of dual type “Titan” 550 motor model, EVX-2 version Waterproof ESC as well as advanced higher torque servos that are waterproof. The rear and the front assemblies are similar to that of the initial revo model. However, the chassis has been modified and is now made of plastic that is prepared by injection molding in place of the earlier chassis that was made of semi-monocoque aluminum. Other considerable features are enclosed battery enclosures incorporating air intake vents assisting in the cooling of system and a full sized skidding plate completely enclosing the transmission assembly and centrally placed drive shafts.
Revo TRA5608-450
The other two members of Revo family are Summit and Slayer. The Summit model was launched during the early part of 2009 and hence it is among the newest models or Traxxas. It was actually meant to be the planned entry of Traxxas into the class of Rock crawlers. Many of the components have been inherited from E-Revo model that included the chassis, major part of the suspension and all the components required for steering, major components of the transmission assembly and the drive line, and lastly a waterproof ESC. Apart from the adapted old components, there were lot of new components as well such as the new tires that were 7 inches in diameter and were termed as “Canyon AT” which was a rock crawling or all terrain style tire. These tires were filled with the soft foam material and were used on new 3.8 inched “Geode” wheels that were beadlock style. The model also feature the innovative front and rear side remote controlling and electronically locking differential arrangements, new versions of CV joints with high articulation, new “TQ4″ transmitter with four channels built by Traxxas, and a ten piece LED illumination system integrated within the bumpers using four white colored LEDs (meant for use in headlights) and six red colored LEDs (meant for use in tail lights).
Another model, the Slayer is a four wheel drive nitro powered racing truck meant for shorter length courses. This model of Traxxas RC vehicle family has many parts in common with the other two models of nitro Revos such as the suspension (apart from the suspension arms, which have been made shorter and now contain only a single hole for mounting pushrod)and the chassis from Revo 2.5 model, and engine from the Revo 3.3 model. Another different is that the Slayer has a somewhat larger body as compared to the normal size of the 1/10 scaled RC vehicles; the difference it makes is that the tires are moved inboard in place of being moving outboard as it happens in the stadium truck models that are available these days. The Slayer kit is available in the RTR form incorporating the TRX 3.3 version racing engine that makes it possible to speeds of more than 50 miles per hour.
- Jato Family
The Jato family primarily has two members – the Jato 2.5 and Jato 3.3.
The Jato 2.5 model was released in the year of 2005 (that is simply called “Jato” in common usage). The Jato 2.5 is a totally new model based on the design of 1/10 scaled truck with a rear wheel drive that is a popular model in the industry. In fact, the new Jato 2.5 model substituted the Traxxas Nitro powered Rustler model high end range of stadium trucks. It uses the same engine as used by Nitro Rustler which is TRX 2.5 nitro powered engine but also has various newer hight tech features, out which some are taken from Revo which makes this model unique. Here are some of the new features that were incorporated into the model. Firstly, it included a more sophisticated two-speed automatic transmission system, which helped in improving acceleration and also the top speed as compared to te single speed Nitro powered Rustler. Another important and sophisticated feature was the suspension design. It also included “GTR” shock and spring systems that were new and were inherited from the Revo family, with a difference that it was used in the older configuration rather than the new pushrod configuration of Revo model. Also the suspension system included front and rear mounting points for optional sway bars, which were offered as Traxxas accessories in three different thicknesses.
The Jato 3.3 model was released in the year 2006. Changes as compared to older versions included the incorporation of Traxxas’ more superior TRX 3.3 nitro powered engine, taller first and second gear ratios, new wheels fitted with “Anaconda” tires oriented for the streets, standard form of front and rear sets of sway bars, standard type wheelie bar, new exhaust pipe made of aluminum and tuned with the resonator and a new scheme for the body paint. The body was also slightly modified to accommodate the TRX 3.3′s larger cooling head. It has a claimed top speed of 65+MPH.
- 2WD Stadium Truck Family
The 2WD Stadium truck family consists of a long list of nitro powered and electric powered models based around the electric Rustler model. These models include the Rustler, Nitro Rustler, Stampede, Nitro Stampede, Nitro Sport, Bandit and Slash.
- 4×4 Stadium Truck Family
This is the latest family of Traxxas products and consist only one member as of now. This member is Slash 4×4. The launch of the newest model is planned in late 2009, the Traxxas Slash 4×4 model is a four wheel drive 1/10 scaled version electric powered truck designed for short-course races and it features a new platform from Traxxas, the after the Jato model was launched in 2005. The name may be misleading as this model of the Slash which is a 4×4 version has only very few parts common with the previous two wheel drive Slash, or even the VXL 1/16 Slash. The only parts that were inherited from the old two wheel drive Slash over to the new Slash 4×4 include shocks, spring attachments, rear drive shafts and axle carriers. Apart from these features, the rest of the design of Slash 4×4 is a complete redesign in regard to the whole functionality and working of model. The central chassis of this model is in the form of a semi rectangular unit that has been molded from gray plastic which features triangular reinforcements throughout. The model also incorporates a four wheel independent unequal length double wishbone suspension with four oil filled coilover shocks and progressive rate springs in staggered lengths.
Traxxas 1/16 Slash VXL 4WD RTR
Just a little time after the first version of Slash 4×4 was introduced; the next “Platinum Edition” which was race ready was introduced as well. Similar to the Revo Platinum Edition, this version also lacks the already painted body, however includes most of Traxxas’ built accessories as the stock equipment. The other new features are its large bore shocks made out of aluminum, a centrally placed differential, hubs and axle carriers made of aluminum, wheel nuts made of blue anodized aluminum, front and rear placed sway bars, and compound tires for racing.
- 4-tec Family
The 4-tec family has two members which are 4-tec nitro model and 4-tec electric model.
The first model of the Traxxas 4-tec family that is Nitro 4-tec was first launched in 1998 and is Traxxas’ version of four wheel drive nitro powered touring car. It had the Traxxas’ powerful Pro.15 nitro powered engine and also featured a dual speed automated transmission and a four wheel drive system driven by belt. Another notable feature was the four wheel independent suspension and the chassis made of aluminum as well.
- 1/16 Scale Models
E-Revo VXL 1/16 is the 1/16 scale model from Traxxas.
It was launched in late spring of 2009. This E-Revo VXL 1:16 scaled model is actually a down-scaled version of the comparatively larger 1/10 scaled actual E-Revo. This version is almost the same with regard to features of wheels, body, the tires, components in the drive system or even the suspension to the actual 1/10 scaled E-Revo. The only difference is that it is a scaled version of the original one. This model is powered by a Velineon 380 4000kv model motor which is a type of brushless motor and a VXL-3m ESC, again a brushless motor. Both of these motors are scaled down forms of the original Velineon 3500 and VXL-3s ESC generally used in all the 1/10 scaled brushless vehicles of Traxxas. Obviously, some inevitable sacrifices had to be made that were inherently attached with the shorter version due to smaller size. These compromises include the missing option of 2 speed transmission assembly, number of components sealed with rubber, and double steering servos that were generally available in the 1/10 scaled version. The speeds that this model could achieve ranged from 30 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour depending on the number of batteries used to power the vehicle.