Paul Busby

This one: https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/305253/ Looks like you get value out of the extra cash. Can run 4S... I don't see the Tekno in the typical UK distributors. I guess it's more of a USA thing? Do they get sold under a different name in the UK perhaps?

Out of interest, if I decided not to go for a kit and would go to an ARTR, what brands/models should be catching my eye? Anything in 1:8 that is worth the extra cash?

Something like this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GoolRC-Waterproof-3650-3500KV-Brushless-Motor-with-60A-ESC-Combo-Set-UK-STOCK/401858525398?hash=item5d90a278d6:g:7yQAAOSwrw1cvUxQ

After a chat with the online tool on the Traxxas site, the rep said the only difference is "chamber links". From looking through the specs myself, it seems that way to me also. The only other thing I spotted are the wheels/tyres, but again I would probably look for an upgrade to even the VXL ones anyway. My finger is now getting itchy 😁

I definitely want to go the direction of a Kit, which is why I wouldn't look at second hand.. Looks like there will be a bit of investigation necessary into finding out all the difference's between the kit, the XL-5 and the VXL. Im thinking that if I buy all the aftermarket parts I want, I can just sell the original parts unused and make back a few quid. Adjustable links should be pretty cheap, so I will certainly get those from the get-go. I've bought a Brushed GoolRC for my Strada as a straight swap for the stock motor as it was dirt cheap and I dont have to change the ESC, still waiting on that to arrive. Are the GoolRC kits really the way to go if I'm trying to build a brushed "mid-range" basher from scratch? I see mixed responses when reading about them in other threads. I'm not opposed to investing in a solid set of electronics from the get go, but if the GoolRC stuff is 90+% as good and reliable, then perhaps I can save money? If buying a more "known" hobby western brand will get me guaranteed performance or reliability improvements, then I would be willing to put in the extra money (assuming we're not talking £200-300 to get those improvements, ofc). I guess one thing I could buy now, and test out with my Strada would be the Radio handset, as long as I get a 2.4 unit, it should be "pair-able" right?

Hi Guys, I'm reasonably new to the hobby, just with a couple of Mackerick RTRs and after pulling them apart and repairing them, doing a few upgrades, I'm now feeling like I want to build from scratch. As I'll probably only ever be a hobbyist, unlikely to do anything competitive, I have been looking at monster trucks for stunts and bashing. Something similar to the Maverick MT in style, form factor, and size, but a bit higher end. Is this a good direction to go in, or am I better with a different brand of kit? https://www.modelsport.co.uk/index.php?product_id=439067&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoebsBRCHARIsAC3JP0IlX-dplI8SfPvytYlFFcHkq1lVDRqPQ-9Tsf67cNPco7ZUc01oi0EaAh-eEALw_wcB Lot of Tamiya ones around but I'm not sure how they compare in terms of modern RC trucks, as a lot of them seem to have been around a while. Any other solid recommendations for kits? Is it sensible to build an RC fromt he ground up with the parts or does that make no financial sense? I'm quite happy to go bigger, and more expensive (within a sensible reason), just want to make sure I buy the right starting point for a brushless RC car that will take a beating and have parts available for a long time.

Look at part numbers for the Himoto E18

Another bump of an old thread but I am also having issues with my Strada XB and universal shafts. I ordered based on the HSP part number and looking at diagrams I tried the Silver ones which are all over Ebay and Asian e-tailers but they don't seem to work right with the XB as both the thread is not long enough to engage the nylon in the locking wheel nut and the hole for the hex nut pole is too close to the bearing. As soon as you tighten the nut, the wheel locks us completely which I guess means the plastic hex nut is pressing against the hub. Perhaps some of the metal wheel nuts could resolve this as they come in various thickness'. I have ordered some anyway as they're only a few quid, so I will experiment, but I'm not hopeful, frankly. I haven't taken a gamble on the black ones that seem to be everywhere, as the only difference seems to be the colour. Saying that, the universal mounts on the official ones also seem to have similar dimensions to the cheapo ebay ones as a glance... I have taken a gamble from amazon on these as they look completely different, so I'll let you know how that goes. Although perhaps not directly the same comparison as I'm using the XB rather than MT, but the HSP XSTR does seem to be essentially the same car (other than perhaps the affor mentioned driveshaft quirk), the Redcat Tornado and Shockwave are again pretty much the same throughout and you can search for the product numbers based on the exploded diagram from the Redcat website. I think the Volcano might be worth a look at... Caution is advised with the Himoto parts though, certainly for the XB it seems there are some differences between the E10 XB and the Strada XB, I suspect the same can be said for the rest of the Himoto E10 1:10 range vs Maverick 1:10. Himoto 1:18 E18 range seem to be the same as the Maverick ION range, though. The Himoto HI3101 seems closer to the Strada XB in the chassis and suspension, but I notice that it uses 0.6m motor parts, rather than the 0.8m on the Strada. The manual here seems to suggest this is the series to look for also for the other Strada models. Have a read through here for some, largely outdated, but useful information.