While I love all sorts of RC, I’ve been recently drawn more and more to RC based on real vehicles. The Ford Raptor is on my must-have bucket list (both RC and 1:1 scale) and it appears today is the day I can cross at least one of those off the list! Thankfully Greg was in a meeting when Vaterra’s big-box-of-Raptor showed up so I quickly scooped it up and took some photos. Not only did they hit the mark with the styling, they added a bit of flare by giving it the Pre-Runner look. They’ve also based the chassis off the Halix which not only features 4WD and a pretty stout suspension system, it also comes equipped with waterproof electronics and, get this, the ability to hit speeds of over 55mph. I can’t wait to get this sucker juiced up and hitting the streets (and rocks and dirt and…). If you’re a Ford Raptor fan, this just might be the truck for you!
FACTS Manufacturer: Vaterra RC Product: 1/10-scale 4WD Pre-Runner Power system: Electric Kit type: RTR What’s in the box: Assembled truck with body painted and electronics installed, 2-channel radio, four “AA” batteries, bag of spares and manual Needed to complete: 2S LiPo or 6-cell NiMh battery, charger Water-resistant: Yes Part Number: VTR03009 Price: $449.99
The side of the box points out a few cool features including the SRS4200 AVC Receiver, waterproof electronics, Fuze brushless power system and the fluid-filled differential.
The Raptor comes pre-assembled and includes a Spektrum DX2E radio. A 4-way wrench, bind plug, manual and sealed bag-o-spares round out the box contents.
Vaterra did a great job replicating the licensed Raptor body all the way down to the indented front and rear light buckets.
The Raptor looks awesome from the front. They’ve even given the Ford a special flat-black treatment to the fenders and grille.
To compliment the pre-runner look, this Ford features a quick-fill fuel tunnel and a pair of radiator fans.
Pop the top and we get a good look at the chassis layout. Based on the Halix chassis, the Raptor features a completely sealed center driveline.
From the side, the Ford has great ground clearance and a sealed tub chassis to help keep debris out.
Dynamites Fuse brushless ESC and 3300kV 4-pole brushless motor not only have gobs of torque, this set up can push the Raptor to speeds of over 55mph!
The 313WP waterproof servo sits just inside the water-tight receiver case and swings the front tires via a short turnbuckle.
Meaty parts mean less breakage and, as you can see from this pic, that front end looks rugged! Threaded shocks help tame any rough terrain.
The bottom of the Raptor is completely sealed but, instead of just making a standard chassis, they spiced it up a bit. I’m liking this step-away-from-the-norm.
A dual-bellcrank steering system is protected by a Vaterra-V-shaped skid plate. Pretty slick.
While you’d expect a set of hard-compound all-terrain tires, this Raptor seems more ready for dirt and rock action than the street. They tires seem to have a good amount of ‘give’, meaning great traction on uneven surfaces.
The suspension looks tough as nails with the right ingredients to make it durable. Aluminum hexes, thick slider shafts and solid camber links all look great!
