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A new shell for 1/28 pan car racers

Reflex Racing has a new body on the way for the 1/28 pan car crowd. The MF-1 Clear Lexan Body is coming soon with a $24 street price, and it represents a reworked version of the company’s earlier plastic MF-1 shell.

The headline feature is the choice between two weights. The 13g version is the more durable option and is better suited to lower traction conditions. The 11g version is aimed at high-bite tracks, making it the pick for courses that already have plenty of grip. Instead of one fixed body design, racers can match the shell to the track surface.

Neutral handling with a low center of gravity

According to Big Squid RC, the MF-1’s handling character is built around a neutral feel on corner entry, with nice rotation in corners and stable exit behavior. The report also calls the body very stable, with a low center of gravity.

The body also gets more downforce. Reflex Racing designed the MF-1 with increased downforce for the demands of 3500 and Open Modified classes, while keeping the shell low and stable.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t a from-scratch design. The clear lexan MF-1 was carefully revised from the previous plastic version, so racers familiar with the older shell will find a familiar foundation with updated performance.

Part of a bigger 1/28 body lineup

The MF-1 sits inside a broader Reflex Racing/RadBody catalog for 1/28 cars. Retailer listings show the line includes models like the Mako GT, Mako X, Mako X2, Skillet, Catfish, and Ocho, alongside the MF-1. They are different shells with different goals, but they show the same company applying low-CG, handling-focused thinking across its 1/28 range.

The Mako X2, for instance, is described as the top qualifying and most popular body at the 2025 PNWC, with updates that include more steering, a lower center of gravity, and more consistency. It was also optimized for the PNWC’s new 45mm wing height rules. The Skillet, meanwhile, was designed specifically for PNWC pan car competition and is listed as fully legal and ready to race, with a low CG and balanced feel for rubber-tire racing.

Other bodies in the line show how varied the catalog is. The Ocho is described as a high-downforce, balanced wedge-style body for 1/28 scale, but it is not legal for PNWC competition. The Catfish is said to offer mellower initial steering but higher corner speed than the Mako and Mako X. These are all separate projects, but they help explain the design language behind the new MF-1.

The same retailer listings show Reflex Racing also offers small support hardware for 1/28 racers, including Wing Things wing-mounting parts. The V2 sets available in blue and black are lighter and smaller than the original version; the two mounts and two M2x4 screws add roughly 0.5g to the car, according to the one28 listing.

Retail presence

Specialist 1/28 shops are already in the mix. Iron City RC Hobbies lists Reflex Racing among the brands it is authorized with, while one28.ch carries a dedicated Reflex Racing/RadBody lexan body section.

Price and availability

Reflex Racing’s MF-1 Clear Lexan Body is street priced at $24. The body is listed as coming soon, and Big Squid RC has pointed readers to its Reflex Racing news section for more updates.

Phat Bodies has a new clear bodyshell for 1/10 front-wheel-drive touring cars, and this one is wearing the look of the VW Polo GT Cup. The Halo Frontie Clear FWD TC Body is now listed on the Phat Bodies website at £25, roughly $33. It ships clear, so the cutting, trimming, and painting all happen on the buyer’s side.

Built for 1/10 FWD touring cars

The Halo is designed for 1/10 FWD touring cars and, according to Phat Bodies, fits any 1/10 on-road chassis with around a 257mm wheelbase and 190mm width. The shell is made from 0.75mm race-weight Lexan polycarbonate, a material the company calls super tough and high quality. The body and rear wing together weigh approximately 86 grams once painted and stickered, as pictured in the product listing, and the shell is BRCA approved.

The official product listing describes the Halo as a 1/10 front-wheel-drive TCR on-road race bodyshell. The official storefront heading marks it as a new front-wheel-drive Frontie bodyshell. The bodyset includes:

• Bodyshell and rear wing
• Pre-cut vinyl window mask set
• External overspray film
• Front and rear lights plus grill/vent stickers
• Phat stickers

Because the body is sold clear, the painted cars in the product photos are meant to represent the finished item, not the shell as delivered.

Polo GT Cup styling and handling notes

Phat Bodies says the Halo is inspired by VW Polo GT Cup racecars. The company also says the body handles like Civic-type bodies but adds more front-end grip at low speed. The Frontie name links it to Phat Bodies’ other FWD touring shell, the VTCR. SpeedRC, which lists the VTCR, says that body is aimed at the new Frontie FWD touring car class and will also fit most 4WD touring cars. The same listing gives the VTCR a 192mm width and a 255mm ±3mm wheelbase, with a double front splitter and a BRCA legal rear wing. Its styling is based on WTCR and BTCC touring cars, according to SpeedRC. SpeedRC also says the VTCR was extensively tested over six months by pro and club drivers on indoor carpet, outdoor tarmac, and in the rain. The VTCR listing adds that it is designed and made in the UK.

Company background

Red RC notes that Phat Bodies is best known for its 1:12 Mini bodies. The British brand’s featured lineup on its homepage includes several M-chassis shells. The BRZ Fat Dog and ROKIT bodies fit Tamiya M07/M08, Xpress, and 3Racing cars and are priced at £20 each. The JCW Challenge MINI and Mk2 Escort M-chassis shell are also listed at £20; the Mk2 shell uses a 225mm wheelbase. For smaller Mini racers, the M.A.D. Mini Max is available for Mardave and BattCave chassis at £16.

Price and availability

The Halo Frontie is priced at £25 (about $33). It is available from Phat Bodies’ product page, and the company’s homepage currently features it as a new product. The Halo’s product page is live on Phat Bodies’ Big Cartel-powered shop. Big Squid RC’s release note also lists the same £25 price, roughly $33. The bodyset includes the clear shell, rear wing, pre-cut window masks, external overspray film, light/grille stickers, and Phat stickers, so the buyer handles cutting, trimming, and painting to make it fit.

R1 Wurks has added four new front spring options for the R1B, all softer than the springs that come standard in the kits. The news, published by RC Car Action on September 14, 2026, comes directly from the company.

“We’ve added four new front spring options to the R1B range, giving you even more flexibility to fine-tune your setup.” — R1 Wurks

The company also said the new springs “slot in front of the existing range” and are meant to make it easier to find the right balance for a driver’s style and conditions.

The new springs

The product page title reads “R1B 13mm Front Springs [L42mm].” Each new spring is a 13mm front spring with a 42mm length. They are sold in pairs, with two springs per package. The price is $9.99 per set. All four springs are priced the same. Here are the four part numbers and their rates:

• #920308 – Brown, 2.85 lb/in (50.9 gf/mm)
• #920309 – Pink, 3.0 lb/in (53.6 gf/mm)
• #920310 – Gold, 3.1 lb/in (55.4 gf/mm)
• #920311 – Black, 3.2 lb/in (57.1 gf/mm)

Each set includes two springs of the selected color. The part numbers run from #920308 to #920311, and the product name on R1 Wurks’ site identifies them as 13mm front springs with a length of 42mm.

The R1 Wurks announcement lists these as “genuine replacement / option parts.” The product page on R1 Wurks’ website describes the 13mm front springs as the “standard and optional” front spring range for the R1B. The four new colors are marked as “NEW” on the spring chart.

Build and manufacturing

R1 Wurks lists the springs as genuine replacement and option parts. They feature precision ground flat ends, which allow the springs to seat evenly against the perches and collars; according to the company, this helps keep the spring rate consistent when compressed. The manufacturing process is held to tight tolerances, so spring rate, free length, and rated load capacity are consistent. The springs are formed from high-quality spring steel, with durability cited as a feature.

Standard kit springs

For reference, the standard front spring in the R1B dirt kit is gray at 3.4 lb/in. The standard front spring in the carpet kit is purple at 4.6 lb/in. The four new springs are all softer than both of these kit standards, with rates from 2.85 to 3.2 lb/in.

That means the gray spring remains the dirt kit standard, but it is now the fifth-softest option in the full range. The new springs effectively extend the R1B front spring range downward, giving drivers more choices below the kit defaults.

Full spring range

The R1 Wurks product page includes a complete spring chart with rates in both lb/in and gf/mm. The conversion values come directly from the product page. Here is the full range:

| Color | Rate (lb/in) | Rate (gf/mm) |
|—|—|—|
| Brown (NEW) | 2.85 | 50.9 |
| Pink (NEW) | 3.00 | 53.6 |
| Gold (NEW) | 3.10 | 55.4 |
| Black (NEW) | 3.20 | 57.1 |
| Gray | 3.4 | 60.7 |
| Blue | 3.6 | 64.3 |
| Yellow | 3.8 | 67.9 |
| Red | 4.0 | 71.4 |
| Orange | 4.3 | 76.8 |
| Purple | 4.6 | 82.1 |

The four new springs occupy the four softest positions on the chart. The remaining six springs—gray, blue, yellow, red, orange, and purple—were already part of the range and remain unchanged.

Availability and next steps

The new springs are listed directly on R1 Wurks’ website. The announcement, carried by RC Car Action, does not mention any other suspension or spring changes for the R1B. The four new options are additions to the existing front spring lineup, not replacements for any current part. The part numbers and pricing are consistent between the RC Car Action announcement and the R1 Wurks product page.

The springs are available now through R1 Wurks, according to the announcement. No further releases or updates have been announced.

MotoHelix is adding Montreal Green and Rosso GTA Red to its 1:18 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA diecast, with the new color versions scheduled for Q2 2027.

The news surfaced in a Diecast Society report on September 13, 2026. It follows the model’s 2024 debut, which Diecast Society still counts among its favourite releases. The Giulia GTA is a die-cast metal model with opening parts, and the new colors continue that format rather than introducing a new body.

The reference numbers listed for the two new versions are M89019 and M890120.

MotoHelix and Motorhelix Models

The company behind the model is MotoHelix, with official product pages identifying the maker as Motorhelix Models, based in Shenzhen, China. The pages describe Shenzhen as a city tied to innovation and precision manufacturing, and they say the company creates 1:18 and 1:64 scale models that combine advanced technology with a passion for automotive excellence. The brand adds that each piece embodies its dedication to detail, quality, and artistry for collectors worldwide.

The two color-specific pages are titled “Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA Montreal Green” and “Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA Rosso GTA Red,” matching the color names in the announcement.

What the Montreal Green listing shows

Retailer AutobarnModels has posted a product page for the Montreal Green version, describing it as an exclusive limited edition built in small numbers. Each model is said to carry a unique serial number. The listing goes on to call the green edition a rare find. It highlights:

• A detailed interior with dashboard, seats, and steering wheel
• Opening doors, trunk, and hood
• Rubber tires and alloy wheels
• A finish matched to the real Montreal Green color

The retailer copy calls the full-size Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA a symbol of Italian automotive artistry and a high point in the brand’s history. It says the scale version mirrors details from the front-end design to the body’s aerodynamic curves, with every element designed with the collector in mind. MotoHelix is described as a brand known for meticulous attention to detail, and the listing frames the model as a celebration of Alfa Romeo’s legacy and a tribute to high-end craftsmanship. The same page presents the model as suitable for display in a glass cabinet or as a gift for an enthusiast.

A red-finish companion

A second AutobarnModels page covers a red-finished Giulia GTA with the same opening-parts style: opening doors, a detailed engine bay, realistic headlights and taillights, and a fully modelled interior. It says every curve, vent, and feature of the original car is faithfully replicated in 1:18 scale. The listing also refers to a limited production run and says the red finish stands out in any collection. The page describes the full-size car as a pinnacle of Alfa Romeo engineering and says owning the scale model is like owning a piece of that legacy. It also describes the model as a display centerpiece and an ideal gift for car fans.

The listed features line up closely with the opening-parts format of the 2024 release.

Availability and timing

The Montreal Green listing says the model can be found at select retailers or online die-cast specialists. It also recommends acting quickly because production is limited.

Diecast Society’s report appeared on September 13, 2026, while MotoHelix’s new exterior colors are scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. That timing places the announcement well before the stated delivery window.

For now, the confirmed plan is straightforward: the existing 1:18 Giulia GTA gains two new exterior colors, with Montreal Green and Rosso GTA Red both pointed toward Q2 2027.

AUTOart’s re-released Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 (930) is getting another colorway, and this time it’s Guards Red.

The new edition carries product number 78114. According to Diecast Society, North American availability is possible around December 2026 or early 2027, though no exact release date has been locked down. AUTOart has not given a more specific timetable in the announcement.

The New Guards Red Edition

The Guards Red finish joins AUTOart’s lineup as a fresh option for the re-release of the 930 Turbo. Several retailers have already opened pre-orders for the 1:18 replica. Mint Models, Diecast Legends, Modelkars, and Network Shuttle all carry listings for model #78114.

The model is described as composite/diecast construction with functional openings — doors, hood, and trunk are among the opening panels on the miniature, with replicated engine detail underneath. AUTOart’s composite approach combines a die-cast interior with injection-molded ABS body panels. According to product copy from Mint Models, the material allows for smoother surfaces, sharper creases, cleaner gaps around vents and openings, and thinner panels than die-cast zinc, resulting in a body closer to true scale. The same listing describes the replica as hand-painted and polished, with replicated undercarriage, suspension, brakes, and exhaust.

Modelkars notes the images on its pre-order page are illustrative and that the final product may differ. Diecast Legends goes further, saying the model has not yet been manufactured and that a buyer’s card will not be charged until the order is processed for despatch.

Why the 930 Matters

For many collectors, the real Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 — commonly known as the 930 — was the first supercar. Porsche introduced it at the Paris Auto Show in October 1974, with sales starting early the following year. The original reason for building the Turbo was to homologate the car for racing in the 1976 season, but it quickly won over roadgoing buyers.

Early 930s were powered by a 3.0-liter engine. Product copy varies slightly: one retailer lists output at 256 bhp, while another puts it at approximately 260 horsepower. The early cars used a four-speed gearbox and were unmistakable thanks to their whale tail spoiler, wider rear arches, and larger tires. Diecast Legends reports a 0–60 time of around 5.2 seconds, with later variants proving faster still.

The 930 was also demanding to drive. Diecast Legends notes that turbo lag could produce sudden, delayed oversteer that caught drivers off guard, earning the car its widow maker nickname. Porsche enlarged the engine to 3.3 liters for 1978, lifting power to 296 bhp and prompting a range of changes that altered the car’s handling. The 930 remained in production through the 1989 model year, when the underlying G-series platform gave way to the 964.

Timing and Next Steps

With product #78114, AUTOart gives collectors another way to own the 930 in one of Porsche’s signature colors. Guards Red has appeared in Porsche’s color catalog since the brand’s early days, according to Modelkars. The model is currently listed as a pre-order at multiple retailers, with no firm release date from AUTOart.

For North American buyers, the current estimate is December 2026 or early 2027.

A Reddit builder known as Low-Junket9298 has created a four-lens digital camera built from Raspberry Pi hardware and designed specifically for wigglegrams. Each of the four capture modules pairs a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, and all of them fit inside a custom 3D-printed body. The result is a camera that captures four nearly simultaneous images of the same scene from slightly different angles.

What Is a Wigglegram?

Wigglegrams are animated images made by quickly alternating between two or more photos shot roughly eye-width apart. The effect is also called wiggle stereoscopy, and that name hints at why it works: the rapid alternation creates a sense of depth, much like a stereoscopic image, without requiring each eye to see a different image. The format is trendy right now, which is what prompted this build.

The design draws on older multi-lens film cameras. Both the Nimslo and the Nishika N8000 were 35mm film cameras, and both used four lenses for 3D-style effects. When the shutter was pressed, all four lenses fired together, exposing two half-size images onto each of two film frames. More recently, Retrospekt released the RETO3D, which works in a similar way with 35mm film but uses three lenses to expose a single frame. The film approach has a clear drawback: 35mm film is expensive and development is hard to find. This build is entirely digital, so it avoids those headaches while still capturing four images at once, similar to a Nimslo.

Inside the Build

The camera is effectively four separate cameras packed into one body. Each one is a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 paired with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. A custom carrier board holds all four Raspberry Pi computers and handles power delivery plus the shutter trigger. Cooling comes from small blower fans, and one of the Pis drives an OLED and/or LCD panel for status readouts and image previews. The build also includes an external flash connection.

The four cameras are hardware synchronized, and Low-Junket9298 says the four cameras fire within 1/1000th of a second of one another, leaving virtually no motion between frames, even with cars driving down the road. One of the Pis acts as the main controller, coordinating sync and communicating with the other camera nodes over Wi-Fi. A 0.91-inch OLED status display and a 1.14-inch rear display handle preview duties, and the camera charges over USB-C and runs for about two hours per charge.

In a post on the Raspberry Pi subreddit, Low-Junket9298 described the project this way:

I made a digital wigglegram camera powered by 4 Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, with all four cameras hardware synchronized to capture the same moment from slightly different angles.

Low-Junket9298 describes the result as a real-time wigglegram effect similar to the stopped-time shots made famous by The Matrix. The 3D-printed enclosure gives it the look of a real camera body rather than a homemade gadget. In the sample wigglegrams, the sense of depth is strong and the scene appears frozen in space.

A Growing DIY Scene

Low-Junket9298 isn’t the only maker who has gone down this path. Animator and designer Evan Poliquin previously built a Raspberry Pi quadrascopic camera using an Arducam quad-camera kit, after searching for a way to produce wigglegrams without film. Poliquin chose the 16MP version of the kit; Arducam later updated it to a 64MP version. In an Arducam interview, he explained that his motivation was the lack of a true digital counterpart to film-based wigglegrams.

A report from XDA-Developers notes the creator has not shared GitHub links or build files for the project. Tom’s Hardware coverage also said the project was not open source and mentioned the possibility of selling components like the custom PCB that holds the Pis and camera modules.

Reedy Power just expanded its competition electronics lineup with a two-servo announcement aimed squarely at racers from 1:10 through 1:8 scale. The new RT3507A low-profile servo and RT7011A standard-size servo are both brushless, high-voltage units built around steel gears, precision ball bearings, 25-tooth splines, and full CNC aluminum cases with integrated heat sinks. According to Reedy, the two models together cover all 1:10 to 1:8 racing needs.

At a glance

| | RT3507A (#27179) | RT7011A (#27180) |
|—|—|—|
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Size | Low-profile | Standard |
| Input voltage | 6.0–8.4 V | 6.0–8.4 V |
| Speed at 6V / 7.4V / 8.4V | 0.1 / 0.08 / 0.065 sec/60° | 0.16 / 0.13 / 0.11 sec/60° |
| Torque at 6V / 7.4V / 8.4V | 306 / 389 / 486 oz-in | 625 / 763 / 972 oz-in |
| Weight | 53 g | 81 g |
| Price | $156.99 | $171.99 |

Reedy also lists broader speed and torque ranges for both models: the RT3507A spans 0.065–0.1 sec/60° and 305.5–486.1 oz-in, while the RT7011A spans 0.11–0.16 sec/60° and 624.9–972.1 oz-in.

Reedy’s competition pedigree

Reedy has leaned on its competition record in the announcement, pointing to 30 IFMAR World Championships. The company says those titles were not accidental — they were “made by hard fought battles and determination in the face of competition.” Reedy expects the new servos to add to that tally: “We have no doubt that these new servos will add to that historic number.” It also described the brand as synonymous with power, reliability, and consistency, with countless hours spent developing servos for its team.

RT3507A Low-Profile: Built for 1:10

The RT3507A is designed for 1:10 off-road and on-road racing, specifically for builds where space and weight savings matter. Reedy lists the servo’s speed at 0.1 sec/60° on 6 V, 0.08 sec/60° on 7.4 V, and 0.065 sec/60° on 8.4 V. Torque numbers are 306 oz-in on 6 V, 389 oz-in on 7.4 V, and 486 oz-in on 8.4 V, with metric equivalents of 22, 28, and 35 kg-cm. The low-profile case measures 40.8 x 20.2 x 25.6 mm, and the servo tips the scale at 53 g. It carries part number #27179 at a price of $156.99.

RT7011A Standard-Size: Torque for 1:8 and 1:10

The standard-size RT7011A targets 1:8 and 1:10 racing and is optimized for steering plus throttle/brake duty. Reedy describes it as offering extreme torque, efficient power delivery, and the durability of steel gears. Its speed ratings are 0.16 sec/60° at 6 V, 0.13 sec/60° at 7.4 V, and 0.11 sec/60° at 8.4 V. Torque ranges from 625 oz-in on 6 V up to 763 oz-in at 7.4 V and 972 oz-in at 8.4 V, or 45, 55, and 70 kg-cm. The larger case is 40.3 x 20.2 x 37.6 mm, weight is 81 g, and the part number is #27180 at $171.99.

Steel gears and 2026 lineup moves

The new servos are not Reedy’s first steel-gear competition models of the year. Earlier in 2026, Reedy introduced heavy-duty steel gear versions of its RT2007A and RS1606A low-profile competition servos, building on an existing titanium-gear lineup. That release added #27171 RS1606HD and #27172 RT2007HD models, with replacement gear sets #27173 and #27174. Reedy said those HD servos were a direct response to feedback from team drivers and customers, with precision-machined steel gears offering improved resistance to impact and fatigue. The company also said CNC-machined aluminum cases with heatsink fins help lower operating temperatures.

Reedy background

Reedy’s history stretches back to the early 1970s, when Mike Reedy founded the company as a slot car motor manufacturer before it moved into the R/C car market. Distributor CML Distribution, which carries Reedy products in the UK, says Reedy competition batteries, electric motors, nitro engines, and accessories are conceived and designed in Lake Forest, California. UK retailer Wheelspin Models lists Reedy Sonic motors, Blackbox ESCs, and Wolfpack LiPos alongside the brand’s servos. Reedy says more information on the new servos is available at www.reedypower.com or through local hobby shops.

Pro driver Spencer Rivkin is front and center in a new Hobbywing unboxing video, cracking open the company’s latest XR10 Stock Spec G2 & G5 ESC and motor combo systems. Shared via RC Car Action on September 14, the clip is aimed squarely at racers getting started in stock spec competition.

Hobbywing’s promotional post keeps the pitch simple:

“Spencer Rivkin does an unboxing of our latest ESC and motor combo systems. Great for anyone getting into the stock spec 17.5 class or 13.5 classes.”

Those two classes sit right in the middle of Hobbywing’s current G2.1 motor lineup, which spans from 10.5T to 25.5T.

The XR10 Combo Family

Hobbywing’s online catalog fills in the background around this launch. On HobbywingDirect.com, the XR10 Justock G3S Combo is listed at an MSRP of $160 with free shipping available. Each combo pairs a XERUN XR10 JUSTOCK G3S ESC with a XERUN JUSTOCK STOCK G2.1 brushless motor.

That listing is described as suitable for Club Racing, Stock Spec, ICC, IOCC, USVTA, and Tour Oval racing. The combo configurations cover 10.5T, 13.5T, 17.5T, 21.5T, and 25.5T G2.1 motors, with applications including 1/10 and 1/12 on-road and off-road club competition and normal training.

Hobbywing’s official XeRun XR10 Justock Combo page lists the same five turn counts across the 3650 SD G2.1 motor family. KV ratings run from 4000KV on the 10.5T down to 1600KV on the 25.5T, with the 13.5T rated at 2800KV, the 17.5T at 2450KV, and the 21.5T at 2050KV.

Stock Spec G2 Details

The XR10 Stock Spec G2 ESC page gives a closer look at the Stock Spec side of the release. The ESC carries a 100A continuous / 500A peak current rating, runs on 2S LiPo, and features a switch-mode BEC with adjustable 6V/7.4V output.

Hobbywing says the new G2 has 20A more continuous current than the previous Stock Spec, and testing has shown temperatures as much as 30°C lower under the same loads.

Other supported details from that product page include:

• Built-in reverse-voltage protection
• A lower center of gravity, down by 14.3%
• Real-time data recording through an OTA Bluetooth module and the HW Link app
• Multi-level throttle and brake curvature adjustment
• Independently adjustable drag brake frequency
• An RPM limit function with 79 settings from 10,000 to 88,000 RPM
• Dual firmware with Blinky Stock and Boost modes

The ESC is also described as a 1/10-scale, sensored brushless unit that is not waterproof, with a 3650-size motor application range and a KV/T-count limit of ≥10.5T.

The OTA programmer and Professional LCD Program Box are sold separately.

Retail Listings Already Appear

Retailers are showing specific combo configurations ahead of the video’s release. Absolute Hobbyz, for example, lists the Hobbywing Xerun XR10 Justock G3S JS6 21.5T G2.1 Motor Combo as in stock under part number HWI38020373. That version pairs the Justock G3S ESC with a 21.5T G2.1 motor rated at 2050KV, with a max output power of 115W.

The same listing details a 60A/380A ESC rating, 2S LiPo input, and a switch-mode BEC output of 6V/7.4V at 4A.

For anyone following the unboxing, Hobbywing is pointing viewers to HobbywingDirect.com for more information, while RC Car Action has more Hobbywing coverage available on its site.

FMS has added a Ford-licensed classic to its 1/18 scale lineup: the RTR FCX18 II Ford F-100 Brushless Truck. Built on the company’s all-new second-generation FCX18 low center of gravity chassis, the ready-to-run rig mixes vintage pickup looks with brushless power and a magnetic quick-release body system. The model carries part number #118L01BLBK and is priced at $239.95.

A Classic Pickup, Scaled Down

Authorized by Ford Motor Company, the F-100 wears a durable hard-shell body that FMS says faithfully replicates the original truck’s proportions and design lines. Scale details include Ford badging, grille, bumpers, door handles, and roll bar, plus a molded interior with mirrors, steering wheel, and textured seats.

The lighting package is integrated from the start: factory-installed headlights, taillights, turn signals, and roof-mounted spotlights are individually controllable with synchronized lighting functions. Hidden wiring inside the body and chassis keeps the build clean and makes maintenance easier.

Brushless Power, Two Speeds

Under the body, the truck runs full-time 4WD with a high-performance 1312 brushless motor mounted at the front of the chassis. FMS pairs that motor with a brushless 10A ESC and a separate FMS-R6B-BS-B receiver, a layout the company says makes replacement and future upgrades easier than a combined unit.

The two-speed transmission is a big part of the package: low gear is tuned for torque and control on steep climbs, while high gear is meant for faster trail runs and open terrain. The listed gear ratios are 94.2 in low and 17.7 in high.

Second-Generation FCX18 Chassis

The F-100 rides on the FCX18 II platform, which mounts the motor and transmission low to reduce the center of gravity. FMS says the LCG layout improves climbing stability and vehicle posture while lowering rollover risk on technical terrain.

Metal is used across key chassis parts, including frame rails, suspension links, steering rods, oil-filled shocks, geartrain, and servo gears. Retailer descriptions of the platform also highlight straight axles, a solid-axle setup, refined suspension geometry, and a two-speed transmission with a faster second gear. FMS is also supporting the platform with extras such as optional portal axles, manually adjustable differentials, and BATRAZZI components.

Magnetic Body System

The body is held in place by 11 high-strength magnets, so it can be removed quickly without tools. FMS says different painted body shells can be swapped in roughly two seconds, and the magnetic interface automatically supplies power to body-mounted lighting. That means no wires need to be unplugged during battery changes or maintenance, and the lighting can be fully controlled from the transmitter. The setup is part of an interchangeable body ecosystem, with the FCX18 II line designed so owners can switch from one truck to another easily.

Specs, Box, and Price

Key numbers include a product size of 330 x 145 x 147 mm, a 199mm wheelbase, 31mm ground clearance, a 59° approach angle, and a 53° departure angle. Tire size is Φ 58 x 19 mm, and the wheels wear officially licensed BFGoodrich KO3 rubber.

FMS lists the radio range at roughly 80m and run time at approximately 40-60 minutes. Power comes from a 2S LiPo 7.4V 900mAh battery, and the radio system is the FS-MG44 transmitter.

In the box, buyers get the 1:18 FCX18 II Ford F-100 vehicle, an installed transmitter and receiver, a 7.4V 900mAh battery, a USB charger, a decal sheet, and a product manual. Still needed are four AAA batteries for the transmitter, which are not included. The brushless RTR is listed at $239.95 under part number #118L01BLBK.

Killerbody and Absima are giving 1/10 rally builders a way to skip the build phase. Their new Mars ARR Rally Chassis is a factory-assembled rolling platform sized for Killerbody’s Lancia Stratos body, and it comes with a full-time four-wheel-drive drivetrain. Big Squid RC puts the price at €229, roughly $270.

One chassis, two formats

The Mars ARR is the pre-assembled entry in Killerbody’s MARS Series KR10 family. There are two KR10 formats: the KIT (#48838), which arrives unassembled, and the ARR (#48838S), which is factory-built. Neither version includes electronics or a body shell, so builders supply those themselves. rcMart says the two configurations serve different assembly and modification preferences. The KIT, in rcMart’s telling, is the hands-on assembly route, while the ARR is the factory-built convenience option. Pre-assembly means the usual build session is already done, leaving the owner to focus on electronics and bodywork.

The KIT is the more traditional layout, with matching front and rear wheel sizes. The ARR instead uses a widened rear track that Killerbody says is the first official rally frame to adopt such a setup. The company describes the wider rear footprint as an industry first, built to echo both the appearance and the track manners of classic 1970s and ’80s rally cars. rcMart calls the ARR the first factory-built 1/10 rally chassis to come with 35mm-wide rear tires. With those tires, the rear axle reaches 201mm in total width.

Shared hardware for rough stages

Both KR10 variants share the same off-road-focused hardware. The main chassis plates and suspension arms are moulded from impact-resistant nylon composite, and the side skirts of the floor pan angle upward by 4.3 degrees along the frame to help the car clear stony rally stages. Killerbody calls that angled side-skirt sweep a unique feature of the platform, with the upturn meant to increase ground clearance over rough stages. The parts list includes lightweight carbon shock towers, CNC-machined aluminum-bodied, oil-filled shocks, 6061 aluminum parts, and 20 stainless-steel ball bearings. The drivetrain adds full-time 4WD and front constant-velocity shafts.

Also standard are threaded aluminum-bodied shocks, sturdy metal front CV joints, an aluminum motor mount, an aluminum central driveshaft, light planetary-gear differentials front and rear, adjustable turnbuckles, and high-speed bearings throughout. According to rcMart, the ARR configuration is pre-loaded with multiple premium Option upgrades over the standard KIT.

Two Lancia body options

Killerbody is launching two officially licensed Lancia shells alongside the KR10. The first is the standard-width 1/10 Lancia 037 body, made for the KIT frame or any standard 1/10 rally chassis. The second is the 1/10 Lancia Stratos Gr.4 body, engineered specifically for the ARR wide-tire chassis. Its rear wheel arches open out to more than 201mm to clear the wider rear track, and it carries the green-white-red Alitalia tri-colour livery. Killerbody presents the shell as an authentic scale representation of the Stratos Gr.4. The Stratos shell also replicates the real car’s pop-up headlights, and adding an optional micro servo and light kit lets the driver flip the lamps open and closed from the transmitter.

Rally pedigree

Killerbody ties the Stratos Gr.4 shell to the car’s competition record, describing it as the first WRC machine designed from the start specifically for rally duty. The car took a hat-trick of championship titles between 1974 and 1976.

Pricing and model codes

The Mars ARR Rally Chassis carries a €229 price tag, approximately $270. The KR10 family’s two model numbers are #48838 for the KIT and #48838S for the ARR.