Traxxas
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Traxxas is one of the leading hobby level radio control model manufacturers based in the United States. Traxxas produces a variety of cars and boats. They offer electric and nitro powered versions of most of their models. Traxxas' nitro powered models like the Revo, Jato, and T-Maxx run on a special nitromethane/methanol type fuel, and are intended for nitro enthusiasts. For electric enthusiasts, Traxxas also makes electric cars such as E-maxx, Bandit, Spirit, Rustler, Electric 4-Tec, and Stampede. Although some models appear to simply be electric adaptations of their "nitro" counterparts, they usually are quite different. All of their models are geared for the "backyard basher". Though they have no racing team or competition kit versions of any of their models, the Traxxas Revo is raced internationally and has won many championships. Traxxas is known for their great customer service and easy to use cars.[citation needed]
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[edit] Nitro Engines
Currently, as with all of recent Traxxas products, All Traxxas engines are now designed in house at their Plano, Texas head-quarters and manufactured in their own manufacturing facility located in Taiwan.
Traxxas has equipped most of its newer models with engines derived from the TRX 2.5. The current engine lineup consists of the older TRX Pro .15, the TRX 2.5, 2.5R, and the newest TRX 3.3 racing engine. The 2.5 represents the displacement in cubic centimeters, equivalent to .15 cubic inches. Although the displacement is roughly the same, Traxxas designed the 2.5 from the ground up with a refined crankcase, cooling head, port timing, and other components to produce more power, in line with expensive aftermarket offerings. The engine is physically taller, and the exhaust manifold is a circular port on the rear of the engine. In Spring 2006, Traxxas introduced the TRX 3.3 small block. The 3.3 cc displacement is about equal to 0.201 in³. The Traxxas 3.3 still maintains the same engine mounting dimensions as the 2.5, allowing the 3.3 to serve as a drop in replacement for 2.5 equipped Traxxas vehicles.
Traxxas' first engines were released in 1992. The Image 12 was a standard rebranded engine of average performance. The advent of the later TRX .12 engines were a dramatic improvement over the Image .12 and subsequently the vehicles Traxxas made increased in performance, quality and popularity.
The TRX .12's 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.
[edit] T-Maxx
The T-Maxx is a monster truck model successful enough to create an entirely new vehicle class in organized racing. Previously there was no monster truck class of radio control racing. ROAR, the leading sanction of racing in the USA, has created 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 its introduction. The T-maxx uses a single plate chassis, braced by underneath beam supports, and supported by 4wd independent dual a-arm suspension mounted to bulkheads in the front and rear. It uses 8 coil-over oil-filled piston type shocks and springs, two for each suspension arm. The first revision lengthened the suspension arms and added a more powerful engine, 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 introduce a new T-Maxx, which benefited from the TRX 3.3 (0.20 in³) Racing Engine. The T-Maxx 3.3 includes a burlier Revo style driveline, with the Torque-Control slipper clutch on the spur gear. Also, the black plastic frame pieces were 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 purely mechanical reverse on the original. The most visible part to the new T-Maxx 3.3 by Traxxas is a stock wheelie bar which allows extended wheelies made possible by the new engine. Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 is capable of reaching speeds of over 40+ MPH. That goes the same for the 2.5R version. The T-Maxx 3.3, with a good tune, can easily reach speeds in excess of 45+ MPH.
[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 trades the central metal chassis for a molded composite chassis housing a remote shifted two speed transmission, two 550 sized electric motors, related electronics and batteries. Because they are quieter than nitro, the electric motors are 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. A common modification is to run two 8.4 volt packs, yielding 16.8 volts for better performance. The E-maxx's Titan 550 motors can also be replaced with 19 turn 540 sized motors with the stock EVX2 electronic speed control. The E-Maxx is capable of speeds of up to 30-40 MPH while using 8.4 volt battery packs. Recently at an RC speed event a heavily modified E-maxx broke the 70MPH barrier.Traxxas'most recent modification is a complete redisign of the E-Maxx, making it completely sealed and waterproof, and adding a Revo slipper clutch and an all new transmission.[citation needed]
[edit] Revo
The Revo was introduced as a complete redesign of a monster truck chassis with a more advanced and reliable design than the T-Maxx. The Revo has become popular in racing, and is also well suited to "bashing" environments such as a backyard or a construction site. Notable characteristics include the inboard suspension system, a complex "monocoque"-type aluminum chassis which lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, a stronger transmission that features electronically controlled reverse, and an updated version of Traxxas' famous TRX 2.5 engine, the TRX 2.5R.
Alongside the T-Maxx 3.3, a new Revo version was launched. Because of the demands of revo owners, the chassis was lengthened for more stability, and the motor mount area was braced to prevent it from bending. New add-on upgrades were released, including a center differential, that helps transfer power between the front and rear differentials to increase handling, and a rear-braking module that must be used with the center-differential.
In april 2008 the new version "Revo Platinum Edition" is being released as a limited edition, equipped with most of traxxas tuning parts available.
An Electric Version, called the E-Revo will be Launched in May of 2008... With a street price around $400-470. It contains dual Titan 550 motors, EVX-2 Waterproof ESC, and waterproof high torque servos. The front and rear assemblies do not differ from the original revo, but the chassis is injection molded plastic instead of a semi-monoque chassis. Best of all it's brushless ready. In addition a sleek new body is included.
[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, and replaced the Nitro Rustler as Traxxas' high end stadium truck. Features that make it stand out from competitors include the "EZ Start" system, an automatic two speed gearbox, 2.8" wheels and tires(compared to the traditional 2.2"), 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 stock two-speed transmission, but many local clubs allow it to race. The Jato can be made race legal by replacing the 2-speed, wheels, and the engine with appropriate replacements offered by Traxxas or 3rd party manufacturers.
Jato 3.3 The newer Jato 3.3 is powered by a TRX 3.3 and has a top speed of 65+ MPH. It also features new wheels and street-type low-profile tires, a strengthened drive train, and modifications to the suspension (such as front and rear anti-sway bars) to keep the truck stable at high speeds. The top end reported speed is only attainable on pavement, due to traction and smoothness not available off-road.
[edit] Stampede
The Stampede is Traxxas' 2wd 1/10 scale monster truck. It is only available RTR (ready-to-run) and features a rugged design with a sturdy suspension and an electric speed control module. (Earlier discontinued versions offered a mechanical speed control option). The Stampede is very similar to the Rustler, except for the central chassis, which is rectangular. Also, the front and rear suspension components are mounted about 1" below the tub, with braces to make it sturdier. Many manufacturers such as RPM, Integy, Fast Lane Machine, Hot Racing and STRC have made aftermarket parts and accessories for the electric and nitro Stampede. Traxxas also makes it's own aluminum upgrades for the Stampede and Rustler. The nitro Stampede has a top speed of nearly 35 mph. The electric stampede is currently available in two models. The stampede XL5 uses a standard brushed type motor and is capable of up to 30 MPH while the newly released Stampede VXL model uses a brushless motor and is capable of speeds in excess of 65 MPH using lithium polymer batteries. The Stampede can be a great entry level model however the VXL model is not to be considered entry level and is currently the fastest RTR monster truck available.
[edit] Rustler
The Rustler is Traxxas' 2wd 1/10 scale Stadium Truck. 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 difference is the chassis, which is shaped like that of a buggy and has 2 decks. The front and rear ends and suspension are the same as that of the Stampede but are mounted flush with the chassis, making the rusler sit lower for better handling at high speeds. This model is available both as an electric and nitro vehicle. The Nitro model contains an aluminum lower deck and a plastic upper deck. The electric rustler, like the electric stampede is currently available in two models. The rustler XL-5 uses a standard brushed type motor and is capable of speeds up to 35 MPH while the Rustler VXL model uses a brushless motor and is capable of speeds up to 70 MPH+, using lithium polymer batteries.
[edit] Nitro Sport
The nitro sport was another of Traxxas' entry level stadium trucks. It is powered by the Traxxas Pro .15 engine.It shared many parts with the Rustler series although a few items, such as the steering mechanism is simplified. The Nitro sport is offered as a lower cost alternative to the high end Jato.
[edit] Bandit
The Bandit is a 2wd electric sharing the design of the electric Rustler. It has shorter control arms all around, and narrower buggy wheels and tires. Also, the Dodge Ram styled body of the Rustler is replaced with a traditional buggy body. The electric Bandit, also like the electric Rustler and electric Stampede is currently available in two models. The Bandit XL5 uses a standard brushed type motor and is capable of up to 33 MPH while the newly released Bandit VXL model uses a brushless motor and is capable of speeds up to 70 MPH using lithium polymer batteries.
[edit] Spirit
A 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] Sledgehammer
Another discontinued model, the Sledgehammer was an entry-level one-tenth scale, electric, rear-wheel-drive monster truck. It had four wheel independent suspension and eight oil filled shocks. It came with an early 90s regular cab Chevrolet truck body. The three versions produced include the original with white tub, white shocks, and gold aluminum plates; the second version (circa 1994) with white tub, black shocks, and black aluminum plates, and the third and final version which was all black plastic and blue aluminum plates.
[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 2007 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 on-board 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 geared to a rear engine shaft and a wiring harness to start the nitro engine in a way similar to full size automobiles. The wiring has leads to the electric motor and the electrically heated glow plug. The starter battery is kept separate from the model in a wand-like device. The end of the wand is inserted into the vehicle's receiver, and then the user presses the button on the wand. The electric motor turns the rear shaft until ignition, or until the wand's 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. Some models may be started with starter or "bump" boxes, allowing the installation of engines with no on-car starting method, no rear shaft (and no leaking shaft seal), and less rotating and overall mass.
[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. This operates by applying the brake which activates gearing that couples an electric motor to the propeller shaft of a nitro powered boat. This enables the boat to be returned to shore.
[edit] Customization
Traxxas is a top retailer in the hobby level radio control market. Their designs 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][2][3].[not in citation given] According to the US Military the troops built this from the ground up; however, American troops clearly used the chassis and other inexpensive off-the-shelf E/T-Maxx parts. It is used to scout for roadside bombs, which when spotted are then removed safely.
[edit] External links
- Traxxas - Official site.
