Team Losi 1/18 Mini-Rock Crawler BND Bind-N-Drive - LOSB0222BD

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my first crawler and will be posting videos on it very soon!  Here is the info from Losi on it....

This is the Team Losi 1/18 Mini-Rock Crawler Bind-N-Drive. The world's most popular 1/18-scale rock crawler is available in a money-saving Bind-N-Drive version.  Just add a Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM transmitter, and you are ready to go!

Features:

• Bind-N-Drive - vehicle does not include a transmitter, allowing you the freedom to use the Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM transmitter of your choice
• Metal Twin Vertical Plate (TVP) chassis design
• Multi-link crawler suspension design
• Heavy-duty metal ring and pinion gears, axles and axle shafts
• Gusseted drive cases for increased strength and durability
• A true locked-out rear end design, no steering spindles
• Heavy-duty universals with slide-type outdrives and metal yolks
• Alloy lower suspension links with captured ends
• Extra long oil-filled shocks, front and rear
• Solid axles with optimized drive shaft angles allow for a freely rotating driveline throughout the entire suspension travel
• Telescoping slider driveshafts
• 3-gear center transmission with spool and slipper
• 4WD with locked differentials
• Ball bearings throughout
• 1.9" Beadlock-style wheels with 12mm wheel hexes
• New electronic FWD/RWD rock crawling specific speed controller (ESC) with extra drag brake
• High-torque rock crawler specific motor
• Mini high-torque rock crawling servo
• Tuber-style body with scale looks of full-scale rock crawling machines
• Features Mini-Rock Claw tires for superior traction (modeled after the National Champion winning 1/10-scale Rock Claw 2.2 tires)
• Losi receiver featuring Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM technology for crystal-free operation
• 7.2V 1100mAh NiMH battery and charger

Overview:

Losi's Mini-Rock Crawler Bind-N-Drive utilizes design elements from real-world rock crawling competitors. A multi-link suspension and solid 4mm axles provide the ultimate combination of lightweight agility and strength. The full-time 4WD drivetrain powers all 4 wheels through a center-mounted 3-gear transmission with a spool and slipper, providing grip and torque at each and every wheel. The positioning of the transmission provides the Mini-Rock Crawler with outstanding balance for tackling the toughest climbs and maneuvers. Heavy-duty metal ring and pinion gears, solid axles and axle shafts combined with a full set of ball bearings provide the Mini-Rock Crawler with durability for extreme, precision climbs.

On top of the outstanding handling elements, Losi has loaded the Mini-Rock Crawler with the electronics you need for serious control and torque. A Losi receiver with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM technology provides crystal-free, no-interference control. Power comes from a high-torque Losi electric motor, controlled by a crawler-tuned forward and reverse electronic speed control that keeps the Mini-Rock Crawler smooth and stable on the most uneven terrain. An extra amount of drag brake was added to hold the vehicle in the steepest of grades. The Crawler also features a high-torque rock-crawling-specific servo packed with power.

To fully achieve the scale look of the full-scale rock crawling machines, Losi designed a Tuber-style body, available in Gun Metal Gray or Electric Green for the BND version. To provide the traction that rock crawling demands, Losi adapted their unbeatable 1/10-scale Rock Claw 2.2 tires for the smaller size, resulting in Mini-Rock Claw tires. Mounted to beadlock-style wheels, the Mini Rock Crawler can clamber and climb nearly any obstacle with ease. With a rechargeable battery pack and wall charger included, the Mini-Rock Crawler is the only choice for 1/18-scale rock crawling performance.

Specifications

Type: 1.9 Rock Crawler

Scale: 1/18

Length: 12 inches (304.8mm)

Width: 7 inches (177.8mm)

Wheelbase: 8.5 inches (215.9mm)

Weight: 2.04 Lb (926g)

Chassis: Metal Twin Vertical Plate (TVP)

Suspension: Multi-Link

Drivetrain: 4WD with Lock Differentials

Tire Type: Mini Rock Claw Tires

Speed Control: Electronic FWD/RWD with drag brake

Radio: Losi Receiver with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology

Batteries: 7.2V 1100mAh NiMH Battery (included)

Charger: Wall Charger (included)

Wheel Size: 1.9 inches (48.26mm) (hex is 12mm)

Kit/RTR: Bind-N-Drive

Body: Prepainted, Tuber-Style

Ball Bearings: Complete

Thanksgiving Bash

This year at Thanksgiving we had some pre-dinner stampede bashing.  Presently the stampede is configured as follows:

• 3S Lipo
• Proline Tires
• 54/9 gearing
• MIP drive shafts

I have a fan on the motor but no fan on the ESC.  The Traxxas VXL-3s ESC gets very hot when running at 3S.  On a side note it really pisses me off that Traxxas advertises this as 3S lipo capable when it really is NOT.  In fact, if you burn out your ESC after one month then you are out of luck because it is out of warranty.  Anyhow, with the 54/9 it is good to run for about 10-15 minutes then I let it rest to cool off.

Here is the video with a couple jumps and a few speed runs in semi tall grass.  Note how those speed runs are mostly in a wheelie :-)

An interesting effect of running the proline trencher tires with the 3S is the ballooning that occurs.  This aids in giving the stampede much more top end with the 54/9 gearing.  I estimate that on the pavement it was exceeding 50mph.

Check out this video demonstrating the ballooning effect

Nitro Buggy - Featuring Joshua Riewe

Joshua Riewe running a flawless heat, finishing first, at Mikes Hobby Shop in Carrollton, TX

Bashing Slash with new castle motor and sidewider ESC

This is my first time out with my slash after installing the Castle Creations Sidewinder SCT short course truck brushless motor/ESC combo.  The 3800 KVT motor definately has more power than the Traxxas motor it replaced, plus runs cooler and longer off of my 2S Lipo.  Running stock 54/13 gearing.

To learn more about this setup check out the review here

Traxxas Stampede Jumping At Stuart Trails

Pure jumping action with the Stampede 4x4 VXL Brushless running stock gearing with 2S lipo.

Slash Bash On Lake Ray Robets Beach

Having fun tearing up the beach at lake Ray Roberts on a Sunday afternoon. Traxxas 4x4 Slash, stock gearing and 2S lipo with Proline Continental Tires.

Slash Catching Air At Stuart Rd. Trails

The title says it all. First 30 seconds is warming up, jumps get progressively better, and so do the wipe outs.  Please rate the video and comment on it.  Thanks!

Traxxas Bashing At Lake Ray Robets

Here is some footage from Lake Ray Roberts Lake located north of Denton, TX.  I was at the beach located in the Isle Du Bois State Park.

4WD Short Course Truck Action

4WD Short Course Truck Action at Mikes Hobby Shop on 9/24/2011.  Actually, looking back over the video I think this is the 2WD Class.