Traxxas
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Traxxas is a hobby level radio control model manufacturer based in the United States. Their more popular Nitromethane powered models include the T-Maxx, S-Maxx, Sportmaxx, Nitro 4-tec, Nitro Stampede, Nitro Rustler, Nitro Sport, Revo, and recently Jato. These cars are gas operated and intended for Nitro enthusiasts. But, for electric enthusiasts, Traxxas also makes electric cars such as E-maxx, Bandit, Spirit, Rustler, and Stampede. Although some models appear to simply be "nitro" adaptations of their electric counterparts, they usually are quite different.
Traxxas produces a variety of cars and boats. Generally they offer electric and nitro powered versions of all their models (except the Revo and Jato, although fans are anticipating the possible release of electric version of these models).
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[edit] Products
[edit] Nitro Engines
Traxxas' first engines, in 1992 were the Image .12 engines, which for the most part are ultimately forgotten, failed experiments. As primitive as they were, manufacturing qualities were poor and the engines failed frequently. The advent of the Velocity and the TRX .12 engines were a dramatic improvement over the Image .12 and subsequently the vehicles Traxxas made skyrocketed in performance, quality and popularity. (edit)
The Velocity .12 and the TRX .12 were entry level engines, and put out mediocre performance by today's standards. Later, Traxxas introduced the TRX .15 and Pro .15 engines. These produced slightly more power and accepted the EZ-Start system. Traxxas named their early engines with the size in cubic inches, which is relatively common for US-made model engines. They were still considered entry level, and were often replaced with more powerful after market engines when they wore out. Traxxas' boats used a version of the TRX Pro .15 which had a water cooling cylinder head. The Nitro Stampede 2wd monster truck, Nitro Sport 2wd truck, and Nitro Vee boat model still use the Pro .15.
Traxxas has converted most of its models to a new engine called the TRX 2.5, or the Race-tuned TRX 2.5R. The 2.5 is the displacement in cubic centimeters, rather than cubic inches to differentiate the newer engine from the old Pro .15. The actual displacement volume is nearly the same, but Traxxas refined the crankcase, cooling head, port timing, and other components to produce better power, more in line with aftermarket offerings. The engine is physically taller, and moved the exhaust manifold from a rectangular port on the side of the engine to a circular port on the rear of the engine. Traxxas also replaced the rotary carburator with a slide valve version, requiring a slightly different servo linkage on its updated models.
In Spring, 2006, Traxxas introduced a new, larger displacement engine, the TRX 3.3. The 3.3 cc displacement is about equal to 0.20 in³, 67% larger than the original TRX .12, and about 3 times the power output. Despite nearly doubling the displacement since the TRX .12, Traxxas still maintains the same engine mounting dimensions, conforming to the industry standard, called "Small Block".
[edit] TQ Radio System
All of Traxxas' models come with the TQ™ radio system. The TQ consists of a hand-held transmitter and a small electronic receiver installed in the model. The TQ transmits on the 27 MHz band, may use two or three channels for controlling the model, and comes with one of 6 frequency choices. The frequency choices may be set by inserting the appropriate frequency crystals into the transmitter and receiver. Any TQ radio may control any model that uses the TQ receiver, so one transmitter can be used to control a number of models. Using two transmitters on the same frequency at the same time will cause conflicts in the signal.
[edit] T-Maxx
The T-Maxx is a monster truck model successful enough to add an entire category of formalized racing to the industry. Previously there was no monster truck class of radio control racing. ROAR, the leading sanctioner of racing in the USA, is creating an entirely new class to include the monster trucks, mostly due the popularity of the T-Maxx.
The design of the T-Maxx, like many other hobby class models, has been revised since it introduction. The first revision lengthened the suspension arms and added a more powerful motor, thus becoming the T-Maxx 2.5. Further revisions received their own names, but were essentially the same truck.
The Sport Maxx model omitted the differential and drivetrain to the front wheels. The reverse capability was also left out. The S-Maxx (or Stadium Maxx) was essentially the same as the Sport Maxx, but it came with a different body shell, more race oriented tires and a two speed transmission.
In spring of 2006, Traxxas introduced a new T-Maxx, which beniffited from the TRX 3.3 (0.20 in³) Racing Engine. The T-Maxx 3.3 includes a Revo-Spec driveline, with the Torque-Control slipper clutch. Also, the black plastic was replaced with a stronger grey composite material. The T-Maxx 3.3 also includes the Optidrive reverse system (originally only on the Revo) instead of the mechanical reverse on the original. When they released the 3.3 T-Maxx, Traxxas also released another 2 new versions: the 2.5R Maxx, and the improved 2.5 Maxx. The 2.5R Maxx is the same as the 3.3 Maxx, except it has the 2.5R engine. The new 2.5 Maxx is the same as the original 2.5 Maxx, except all the black plastic parts were replaced with the grey composite ones. The most exciting part to the new T-Maxx 3.3 by Traxxas is that it comes with a custom wheelie bar which is perfect for handling the new power. Traxxas T-MAXX 2.5 is capable of reaching speeds of over 40 MPH. That goes the same for the 2.5R version. The 3.3 however, can go over 45 MPH.
In 2005, Traxxas began sponsorship of a full-size T-Maxx monster truck to promote the radio controlled version.
[edit] E-Maxx
The E-Maxx is the electric brother to the T-Maxx. It shares the same suspension and differential parts as the T-Maxx, but is better suited to low-noise areas. The E-Maxx runs on two 7.2 volt battery packs, using a total of 14.4 volts to run the system. The E-maxx also has a two-speed manual shift transmission and is easily capable of running off of 16.8 volts (two 8.4 volt packs) which yields much better performance.
[edit] Revo
The Revo is a monster truck with a more recent and reliable design than the T-Maxx. Notable changes include the inboard suspension system, a complex aluminum chassis which lowers center of gravity, a more powerful transmission and engine, and the addition of an electronically controlled reverse.
Alongside the T-Maxx 3.3, a new Revo version was launched. To compensate for the more powerful 3.3 cc engine, the chassis was lengthened and the motor mount area was braced. New add-on upgrades were released, including a center differential (which replaced the reverse mechanism), and a braking module for the rear output shaft. i love it.
[edit] Jato
The Jato is Traxxas' newest nitro model based on the 1/10 scale rear wheel drive stadium truck format popular in the industry. Features that make it stand out from competitors include the "EZ Start" system, an automatic two speed gearbox, larger than standard wheels and tires, a 55 mph top speed, and increased suspension travel. The Jato, as it comes out of the box, is not legal to race alongside more traditional stadium trucks in industry sanctioned events due to its two-speed transmission, but many local clubs allow it. The muffler is made of plastic.
Jato 3.3 The newer Jato 3.3 is powered by a TRX 3.3 and has a top speed of 60+ MPH.
[edit] Stampede
The Stampede is Traxxas' entry level monster truck. It has become very popular with new enthusiasts. It features a rugged design with a sturdy suspension and an option for mechanical or electric speed control modules. The Stampede is very similar to the Rustler, except for the tub, which is rectangular. Also, the front and rear suspension components are mounted about 1" below the tub, with braces to make it sturdier. Recently many manufactures such as RPM have started making aftermarket parts and accessories for the electric and nitro stampede.
[edit] Rustler
The Rustler is Traxxas' entry level stadium truck. Another popular truck for new enthusiasts, it is very similar in design to the electric Stampede. It shares the same engine, transmission, electronics options, and suspension as the stampede. The only differences are the tub, which is shaped like that of a buggy, and the front and rear suspension being mounted on top of the tub. This makes chassis sit about 1.5" lower than that of the Stampede. This model is available both as an electric and nitro vehicle. The Nitro model contains an aluminum lower deck and a plastic upper deck.
[edit] Nitro Sport
The nitro sport is another of Traxxas' entry level stadium trucks. It shares many parts with the Rustler series although a few items, such as the steering mechanism is simplified to accommodate amateur drivers. The Nitro Sport was recently revised by Traxxas and now includes race inspired features such as a TRX .15 pro engine, full ball bearings throughout the truck, chrome wheels, and a new paint scheme.
[edit] Bandit
The Bandit is the buggy version of the electric Rustler. It has the same rear end, but shorter control arms in the front, and narrower buggy wheels and tires. Also, the Dodge Ram styled body of the Rustler is replaced with a traditional buggy body.
[edit] Spirit
A now discontinued entry level touring chassis, featuring a truck body. This model had very few adjustment options, and was meant for hobbyists not likely to customize or tune the vehicle. This vehicle was available as an electric model only
[edit] 4-tec
The 4-tec is a touring sedan advertised as being extremely fast right out of the box in rtr form. Available as both electric and nitro, the nitro version was renowned to be capable of over 60 mph. The newer 3.3 model for 2006 is capable of reaching speeds of over 70 mph. The 4-tec was a much more complex touring vehicle than the Spirit, featuring 4 wheel drive with front and rear differentials, fully adjustable suspension and steering angles, and a belt driven powertrain. Although they shared the same name, the nitro and the electric 4tec are extremely different in their design, and share very few parts.
[edit] Features
[edit] EZ Start
Traxxas brought onboard electric starting systems into widespread use for nitro fuel powered models. Most of their nitro powered models carry this "EZ Start" system. It consists of a small electric motor and a wiring harness to start the two-stroke nitro engine in a way similar to full size automobiles. The starter battery is kept separate from the model in a wand-like device. When plug on the wand is inserted into the vehicle's receiver, the user presses the button on the wand, and the electric motor spins the engine until ignition, or until the battery drains. Traxxas has also released pull start systems for their engines, so that the EZ Start system can be replaced if the owner so chooses.
[edit] Return To Shore
A patented system employed on Traxxas's boats, the return to shore system provides similar user security to that of a fail safe on a nitro car or truck. The return to shore system is an electric motor that drives the propeller so that a nitro boat can be driven to shore, in the event that the engine cuts out during use.
[edit] Customizing
Traxxas is a top retailer in the hobby level radio control market. Their sturdy designs, while not always well-suited for racing, make many customizations and modifications possible. The E-Maxx has been used as a base chassis by the US Troops in post-invasion Iraq as a bomb scout [1]. Ultimate Traxxas describes the complete customization of many of Traxxas' land models.
[edit] External links
- Traxxas - Official site.
- [2] Information on Traxxas T-Maxx, E-Maxx
- Traxxas T-Maxx and E-Maxx pictures, videos, information an more
- Doggy's RC-Car Page with many information about Traxxas E-Maxx
- review of the T-Maxx (German language)
- more information about the E-Maxx (German language)
- more information about the REVO (German language)
[3] Pictures of Traxxas Products
