This article was originally published in RC Driver’s May 2015 issue.
By Chris Kovachevich
schelleracing.com
STRETCH CHASSIS FOR THE HOT BODIES D413
Here is a +4mm chassis for the ROAR champion Hot Bodies D413 4×4 buggy. Designed to take a bit of the rapid pitch of the car over challenging terrain in addition to smoothing out throttle input when adjusting the attitude of the car in the air, this carbon fiber chassis helps make the D413 work better in the hands of mere mortals like ourselves. Plus the longer chassis tends to be much smoother in high speed sweeping turns – which can result in better lap times for ‘the rest of us’. Part no. SCH1100, $85.00
bsi-inc.com
ULTRA-CURE TIRE GLUE
Bob Smith Industries has long been a leader in the production of adhesives of all types for all types of hobbies. The latest offering is Ultra Cure medium visosity glue that works extremely well for mounting RC tires by both experienced and less experienced hobbyists. The reason for this is the longer set time of 5 to 10 seconds (depends on temperature and relative humidity). The somewhat slower set time allows that last minute adjustment of the placement on the rim that will help many of us achieve a truly world class tire mounting. Part no. BSI-130 (3/4 oz.) – $4.99
TRACKSTARhobbyking.com
NITRO ENGINE HEATER
New from the folks at TrackStar is this forward thinking 12 volt heater for nitro engines. It’s common knowledge that pre heating an engine not only makes it easier to start but also preserves the ‘pinch’ which allows maximum performance for a longer time. This convenient heater attaches directly to a 12 volt power source (normally a battery) and has built-in LED indicators of both heating and low voltage to keep from draining your power source. Part no. 9052000064-0, $18.62
PURE-TECH
puretechproducts.com
5-INCH EXTREME STRAPS
Pure Tech is a longtime leader in advanced strapping products. Their 5-inch extreme straps are designed to hold RC items such as batteries to chassis and other high stress applications. Purtech offers their straps in a variety of sizes and colors. If you need a custom strap, they probably have it. Part no. 215=BL, $7.99
AKA RACING PRODUCTS
raceaka.com
2-IN-1 HAND HELD TIRE BALANCER
Sometimes those of us who race have a tendency to over complicate beneficial racing processes. One of these processes is balancing tires; it’s necessary if you want maximum performance from your vehicle but can be a tedious, time consuming pain. To the rescue (again) are the folks from AKA with their new, hand held tire balancer. It handles most 12mm and 17mm hex wheels (all but stadium truck) and does so without taking up a lot of tool box space. So that you are up and balancing as quickly as possible, a package of AKA Balancing Clay is included. Part no. 48006, $38.95
DURATRAX
duratrax.com
PREMIUM VINYL MASKING TAPE
If you use masking tape as a part of your painting regime, you know historically it’s a love/hate relationship. Many times the best masking efforts are ruined by the dreaded ‘bleed under’ caused by either inferior masking tape or inferior setting of the tape to ensure a hard/sharp line. To the rescue are the folks at Duratrax with their line of vinyl masking tape. This tape is so much easier to lay down properly and allows sharp corners with less chance of bleed-through. Available in four sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch. Part no. L5EJSC02 (1/16-inch), $2.99
