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If your vintage RC build is rolling on period-correct wheels but still rocking stock hardware, JConcepts just dropped a dressing-down upgrade. The company has released its 8/32″ aluminum serrated wheel nut — a piece that has been in the lineup since 2011 and continues to be available for racers and restorers who want CNC precision with a retro look.

The nuts are all-CNC machined from aluminum and feature a serrated inner surface that locks against the wheel. The design hasn’t sat still: JConcepts engineers added a large flanged base to brace the wheel during hard sideloading, tumbles, and crashes, while weight is shaved away through drilled lightening holes, chamfered corners, and the signature “finnisher” styling — milled sections between wrench flats that became popular in 1:10 off-road racing. The team removed material between the wrench surfaces to create this look, and the result is a lightweight design.

JConcepts highlights several key features: precision CNC machined aluminum construction, a flanged and knurled (serrated) surface for locking security, incredible detail and lightweight construction, and blue or black anodized finishes. The serrated inner surface provides a locking grip against the wheel, while the large flanged region helps support the wheel during crashes and hard sideloading.

Built for the Vintage Scene

These nuts are explicitly aimed at owners of a long list of Team Associated models, including the RC10, RC10T, RC10GT, RC10 1989 Stealth, RC10 1991 Stealth, RC10DS, B2, B3, B4, and SC10. The 8/32″ thread pitch matches the axles on those cars front and rear. JConcepts also notes that the nuts work perfectly on newly released Factory Team editions that use the same thread sizing. The nuts are designed for a vast assortment of vintage and retro models, making them a versatile choice for builders working on classic off-road buggies and trucks.

Because the nuts are precision CNC machined and anodized, they offer a strong appearance that looks good against any wheel color, adding a finishing touch to a race car. The blue and black anodized finishes look strong against any wheel color.

Two Colors, Two SKUs

JConcepts offers the 8/32″ serrated wheel nut in two anodized finishes, each sold in a four-piece set:

• Blue — Part #2075, UPC 845937005144, retail $20 (MAP $17)
• Black — Part #2076, UPC 845937005151, retail $20 (MAP $17)

Both sets ship with four nuts, enough for one vehicle. Customers can order directly through JConcepts.net, and the part numbers are listed on the product page.

A Proven Category

JConcepts was the first to market with an aluminum option in this category back in 2011, and the line now includes other offerings such as the M4 low-profile aluminum wheel nut (part #5216). The M4 nut targets more modern 1:10 platforms and uses a 7mm hex with a large flanged serrated face, available in blue and black. It features a large flange and clamping surface area that supports the wheel and helps maintain geometry during flex and load, according to the company. It fits a wide range of vehicles: Associated RC10B7.1, RC10B7, RC10B7D, RC10B74.2, RC10T6.4, RCT7, RC10SC6.4, RC10SC7, Pro2 SC10, Pro4 SC10, DC10, as well as Traxxas Slash, Slash 4×4, Stampede, Stampede 4×4, Rustler, and several TLR, XRAY, Mugen, Yokomo, and Schumacher models. The M4 4mm thread standard is quickly becoming a new industry standard in 1:10 vehicles, according to the company.

For builders focused on vintage restoration or retro-class racing, the 8/32″ nut fills a specific niche: period-correct appearance combined with modern CNC tolerances and locking security. The serrated inner surface locks against the wheel, while the large flanged region helps support it during crashes, hard sideloading, and tumbles.

Where to Get Them

JConcepts is taking orders through its own site at JConcepts.net. The nuts are available in blue and black finishes, with product details and pricing listed on the company’s website. Vintage enthusiasts can choose the color that best matches their build.

For anyone wrenching on a classic RC10 or its descendants, these nuts offer a simple upgrade with CNC-machined precision. The serrated inner surface locks against the wheel, and the anodized finish provides a strong appearance. The nuts come in a four-piece set and can be mounted using a standard wrench.

Two New Driveline Upgrades Aim to Reduce Friction and Handling Inconsistency

Competitive RC racers have two new precision driveline options to consider this season, each attacking a different source of drag, friction, and handling compromise. Xray has released a 77mm universal rear drive shaft set (part #325220) for its XB2 buggy and XB4 platforms, while Serpent has introduced new Double Cardan Joint (DJC) front driveshafts for the SRX8GT and SRX8 GT cars. Both are engineered as direct replacement upgrades that bolt on without modification, making them straightforward additions to a race setup.

Xray: Universal Rear Shafts for Smoother Suspension and Less Maintenance

Xray’s new universal drive shafts are precision-manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel, a material chosen for maximum strength, reliability, and long-term durability. Unlike standard dogbone or CVA shafts, the universal design allows the rear suspension to articulate more freely, reducing drivetrain friction and allowing the car to better absorb bumps and rough terrain. According to Xray, the design delivers a freer drivetrain feel with smoother suspension movement, making the car easier to drive on bumpy tracks and rough surfaces.

A standout feature is the dust-free construction, which Xray says performs exceptionally well on astro tracks and in dirty conditions. By sealing out abrasive grit and debris, the shafts minimize maintenance while ensuring more consistent handling and reliable performance lap after lap. For racers who frequently run on loose or abrasive surfaces, this can translate into less time cleaning and more time focusing on setup and driving.

The set (part number XR325220) is a direct replacement for the standard rear drive shafts on the XB2 and XB4, requiring no additional modifications for installation. Xray states that the shafts offer improved performance in demanding racing conditions.

Serpent: DJC Technology to Eliminate Steering Binding

Serpent’s approach tackles a different pain point: the binding that occurs in conventional universal-joint driveshafts as steering angle increases. Traditional U-joints begin to bind at high steering angles, creating additional friction, inconsistent wheel speed, and unnecessary load on the drivetrain. The new Double Cardan Joint (DJC) design from Serpent virtually eliminates these effects by using two joints in series, maintaining much smoother transfer of power even at extreme angles.

“Maximum Steering. Minimum Binding.” – Serpent

Serpent claims the DJC design maintains smooth power transfer beyond 30 degrees of steering angle. The benefits include reduced drivetrain binding at extreme steering angles, smoother and more consistent power delivery, increased drivetrain efficiency, lower stress on drive cups, joints, and bearings, and more predictable steering feel under acceleration. The shafts are specifically engineered for modern high-angle GT steering geometry, making them a natural fit for tight hairpins and technical circuits.

Two part numbers are available: #601337 – DJC driveshaft set 94mm for the SRX8GT, and #601373 – DJC driveshaft set 98mm for the SRX8. Both are genuine Serpent option parts and are designed to bolt on without modification.

Availability and Fitment Notes

Both upgrade sets are available now through manufacturers’ distribution channels and authorized retailers. The Xray 77mm universal drive shaft (XR325220) is listed at outlets such as Wheelspin Models, where it is described as a genuine driveline component. At Wheelspin, standard UK shipping is £3.95, with express and worldwide options available.

Because compatibility can vary across model variants or generations, Serpent and Xray both recommend that racers consult their vehicle manual or parts list to confirm correct fitment before purchasing.

MINI GT is keeping the collector pipeline busy with a fresh batch of six new 1:64 scale releases, headlined by an all-new tooling. The announcement covers a mix of modern supercars, classic racers, and modified icons, with several models offered in both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) configurations.

Leading the charge is the Aston Martin DBS 2008, an entirely new casting for the brand. It debuts in Lightning Silver, available as code MGT01360-L for LHD and MGT01360-R for RHD. This marks the first time MINI GT has tooled this particular Aston Martin, and the dual-drive approach ensures collectors worldwide can park it correctly on their shelves.

The Full Lineup

Alongside the DBS, five more models round out the announcement. The Nissan GT-R NISMO 2024 comes in Silver, with separate SKUs for LHD (MGT01361-L) and RHD (MGT01361-R). The Ford Mustang Dark Horse also gets a dual-drive release in Blue Ember (MGT01363-L and MGT01363-R).

For fans of modified Japanese metal, the Mazda AZ-1 Liberty Walk LB40 LB-Hinomaru arrives in Red as a single RHD variant (MGT01362-R). The tiny kei car gets the full Liberty Walk widebody treatment, making it a standout for collectors of stance-aero culture.

A nod to motorsport history comes with the Range Rover 1971 British Trans-Americas Expedition (VXC-765K). This model references the real expedition that crossed the Americas in the 1970s, and it is offered only in LHD (MGT01364-L).

Finally, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 returns in a classic Gulf Blue with Black Livery, available in both LHD (MGT01365-L) and RHD (MGT01365-R). This iconic 1970s sports car is a perennial favorite among collectors.

Brand Momentum

Beyond the model announcements, MINI GT has been active on several fronts. The company recently won the Lamley Awards 2025 Model of the Year for its Porsche 911 GT3 R #80 “Roxy”. The brand also participated in Hobby Expo China 2026 in Beijing, one of Asia’s largest model exhibitions, at Hall 6 of the Beijing Exhibition Center from April 17 to 19.

MINI GT has forged a partnership with Brazil’s DS Drift Show for the 2026 season, and it collaborated with the 24 Hours of Daytona to produce a limited-edition Ford Mustang GT3 #26 DAYTONA Edition, available exclusively through the Daytona official online store and trackside shops during the Rolex 24 weekend.

A new Fast & Furious x MINI GT collection is also in the works, celebrating iconic street racing legends from the franchise. Additionally, the brand hosted a special event called “One Night in China 2026” in Beijing, offering collectors a first look at upcoming MINI GT and Kaido House developments. MINI GT also thanked attendees of MDX 2026 in Malaysia, describing the weekend as “filled with passion, friendship, and unforgettable memories.”

Availability

No specific release dates have been announced for the six new models. Collectors can monitor MINI GT’s official website and social channels for future preorder information. The target release window for earlier announced models was around December 2025, but that date was subject to change and is not confirmed for this batch.

Tamiya is bringing back a legend. The Tamiya 58762 Clod Buster is set to hit shelves as a 1/10 scale monster truck kit with a distinct Big-Foot character, and it’s designed for hobbyists who care more about scale presence than lap times.

A Classic Silhouette, Styled for Impact

Announced on August 3, 2026, this new release leans hard into the model’s visual heft. According to reports from TamiyaBlog, the truck’s design emphasizes traditional big-foot proportions rather than lightweight racing attributes. The kit’s intent is apparent in its body lines, wheel spacing, and overall setup, all of which recall the original Clod Buster character while favoring a broad stance and rugged look.

The package centers on a Big-Foot style chassis that prioritizes visual scale. Structural choices give the completed model a substantial road-hugging appearance, with layout decisions that support larger wheels and pronounced fender gaps.

Bodywork and Scale Presence

The Clod Buster body echoes the classic blocky fenders and elevated ride height typical of big-foot trucks. Panel details and proportions are designed to read clearly at 1/10 scale, maintaining the model’s presence when on display. The shell and accessories concentrate on recognizable cues rather than fine surface detailing, aligning with the model’s display and collection focus.

Not a Racer, But a Builder’s Truck

This kit is intended for model builders and collectors who enjoy assembling a visually striking monster truck. It works well for those who want a heavier-looking truck for display or casual off-road running, rather than a lightweight or circuit-oriented vehicle. The build offers a chance to put together a classic-format monster truck within a familiar Tamiya kit structure.

A Storied Heritage

The original Tamiya Clod Buster was released on September 21, 1987, and quickly became one of Tamiya’s most popular radio controlled model kits. It featured four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, twin Mabuchi RS-540 motors, and massive 165 mm tires. The model virtually spawned an aftermarket industry of modifications, and so many parts were produced that it became possible to build a complete Clod Buster entirely from aftermarket components.

The main competitor at the time was the Kyosho Double Dare, released two years later. While the Double Dare didn’t sell nearly as well, it helped push RC monster truck technology forward. Today, both trucks are regarded as pioneers of the genre.

In February 2004, the original Clod Buster and its sibling, the Bullhead, were discontinued. Tamiya then released the Super Clod Buster, which swapped red parts for blue, removed Chevrolet badging after a falling out with the automaker in 1990, and added chrome wheels and a chassis brace from the Bullhead.

What to Expect from the New Kit

The 2026 Clod Buster’s structural choices suggest moderate assembly complexity typical of branded plastic kits in this class. Fit and finish target hobbyists accustomed to kit assembly, and the model rewards careful work for the best visual results. The emphasis stays on replicating the Clod Buster look at a scale that is display-friendly and mechanically straightforward.

While specific pricing and a confirmed release date have not yet been announced, the model has already appeared as a listing on RCNZ, a New Zealand-based hobby retailer, under the name “Tamiya 1/10 Clod Buster (2026) Kit,” pointing toward an imminent launch.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolled into San Francisco this past weekend with more than 130 custom cars vying for the trophy, but only one machine earned the judges’ nod. Dave Ford’s hand-built 1932 Ford took the win at the August 1 stop, putting the family project firmly in the running to become an official Hot Wheels die-cast car.

A Build Rooted in Tradition

Ford constructed the hot rod from the ground up, using an airplane canopy as a starting point. The design pulls clear inspiration from custom-car pioneers Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and George Barris, two names deeply embedded in hot-rodding history. Under the hood sits a 327 Chevy engine, and the car rides on a bespoke suspension setup. One of the most distinctive exterior details is a nose cone modeled after the F-18 Hornet fighter jet. Inside, Ford’s wife contributed a custom hand-stitched interior, making the build a true family affair.

The result is a lean, green machine that embodies the three qualities Mattel’s judges look for: authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. Those same criteria will guide the selection of a U.S. representative later this year.

Three Stops Left Before the Finals

San Francisco was the ninth stop on a twelve-event U.S. schedule for 2026. The tour now heads to its final three locations:

• Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 22
• Las Vegas, Nevada on September 26
• El Segundo, California at Mattel’s own headquarters on October 3

The El Segundo event will serve as the U.S. finale. From that field, one build will be chosen to represent the United States at the Global Grand Finale in November. There, the American entry will face custom creations from Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

What the Winner Gets

The global champion earns a permanent spot in the Garage of Legends, described by Mattel as the most exclusive VIP group in the Hot Wheels world. Mattel’s design team will then scale down the full-size vehicle to 1:64 scale and release it as an official Hot Wheels die-cast car available to the public.

Last year’s winner, Paul Czarnecki of Poland, took the top prize with his custom 1990 Polski FIAT 126p BIS. That build was a mid-engine, Group B-inspired rally car widened nearly half a meter from stock and constructed entirely in Czarnecki’s garage. The 2025 Global Grand Finale also featured Jay Leno alongside a panel of automotive, design, and culture experts.

The Road Ahead

Ford’s 1932 Ford now enters a waiting period as the tour continues through its remaining U.S. dates. The next event takes place in Albuquerque on August 22, with the final national selection scheduled for early October at Mattel headquarters. Following that, the global competition for a place in the Garage of Legends will take place in November.

The full tour schedule and additional details are available on Mattel’s official Legends Tour page at mattel.com/hotwheelslegendstour.

Die-cast collectors who appreciate a bit of glow are getting two new releases from Kyosho this summer. The brand is rolling out a pair of Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES models, each distinguished by different exterior liveries. Adding to the appeal, both feature integrated LED lighting and charging capability.

Two Versions, Two Months

The first model is scheduled to arrive in August 2026, with the second following in September 2026. Kyosho has assigned product numbers 07134LM1, 07134LM2, and 07125 to this release.

What Lights Cost

Each car carries a retail price of $24.98. However, the LED lighting feature requires a separate base, which has its own suggested retail of $15.98. Collectors who want the full illuminated experience will need to purchase the base alongside the car.

Context from Kyosho’s R34 Line

Kyosho has a long history with the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 platform. The company’s Original Mini Car Series, launched in 1991, started with 1/18 scale die-cast models before expanding to include 1/12, 1/43, and other scales. Die-cast models use bodies formed by pouring molten non-ferrous alloy into a metal mold, a process known for solid weight, durability, and minimal aging.

Kyosho also produces resin models, such as the 1/43 scale Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 NISMO Grand Touring Car in gray (part number KSR43106GR) available through Kyosho America. That model is based on the Clubman Race Spec (CRS) development program. According to Kyosho, NISMO began adapting motorsport technology to street cars in the mid-1990s, releasing the NISMO 400R and later the R34 Z-tune. After pausing parts production in 2007, development resumed in 2011, leading to the CRS program where the R34 GT-R is stripped to its white base and each part renewed. A racing driver sets up the finished vehicle to verify target performance. The CRS R34 features a high-output R2 engine and reinforced suspension, making it more circuit-oriented than its predecessors.

A range of 1/43 scale die-cast R34 variants have been released under the Kyosho Original label, including the V-Spec in Midnight Purple III, the V-Spec II in Bayside Blue, White Pearl, and Black Pearl, and the V-Spec II NUR in Millennium Jade. As of now, only the Midnight Purple III variant remains in stock, highlighting collector demand.

More Details on the MOONEYES Releases

The two Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES models will feature exterior livery differences. The LED lighting and charging capacity are integrated into the cars. The first release will arrive in August 2026, and the second in September 2026. The LED function requires a base, which has a suggested retail of $15.98. Each car is priced at $24.98 US. The product numbers for these releases are 07134LM1, 07134LM2, and 07125.

Timeline

Collectors can expect to see the first Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES model hit shelves in August 2026, with the second variant arriving in September 2026. The separate LED base will also be available at that time.

Traxxas’ biggest X-Series machine just proved that paddle tires don’t need a dune to have fun.

The company released a new demo video for its Funco Pro Scale Replica, and the backdrop is a wide-open green field rather than sand. Traxxas kept the paddle tires mounted and sent the 55+ mph RC sand car over jumps. In a statement, Traxxas said: “We took the Traxxas Funco Pro Scale Replica to a wide-open green field, kept the paddle tires on, and sent it flying over jumps.” The clip was shared by Traxxas and reported by RC Car Action and Big Squid RC. It shows the car tearing across the turf, getting airborne, and kicking up roost in dirt corners. Traxxas framed the run as proof that paddle-tire driving isn’t limited to sandy environments.

Built to go big

The Funco Pro Scale Replica is inspired by the full-size Funco Motorsports sand car. Traxxas notes those machines use 1000+ horsepower engines and can top 150 mph, while the RC version is built to deliver 55+ mph performance. It is the largest member of the X-Series family, longer and wider than the X-Maxx, and its size gives it extra stability for desert trails and dune-running.

Power comes from the Velineon VXL-8s speed control and 1200XL motor, which Traxxas calls its most powerful brushless system. The system pushes 30+ volts to the rear wheels through a reinforced driveline. Inside the massively strengthened case, 1.5 module wide-face transmission gears feed power to the wheels; Traxxas says those gears are 50% larger than standard X-Series gears. A beefed-up X-Maxx differential with larger output cups and steel driveshafts rounds out the driveline, and a wheelie bar helps prevent backflips under hard acceleration.

The chassis also gets a low-CG layout with the dual 6700 4s batteries and steering servo mounted as low as possible. The electronics are fully waterproof and sit in a sealed receiver box with an access port. Direct-drive transmission gives instant throttle response, and an aluminum heatsink wraps around nearly 75% of the motor’s exposed surface with dual fan shrouds for cooling.

Scale details on top of the hardware

Traxxas didn’t just make it fast; it made it look the part. The Funco Replica has a full interior with dashboard, driver figures, and a nine-piece engine replica featuring licensed R2C air filters and a Whipple supercharger. Replica remote-reservoir 3.5-inch shocks are matched to aluminum GT Maxx shocks with adjustable ride-height collars and extended rear aluminum bodies and shafts for more travel.

The car is mounted on an internal tube frame that supports the body end to end and protects it in rollovers. Clipless body mounts with self-energizing latches let the whole body lift off in seconds. A high-performance rear wing mounts directly to the frame to handle hard landings. High-visibility whip lights rise more than 10 inches above the body, sit on Flex-Tech spring-loaded mounts, and are color-matched to the body.

For stopping, the Funco Replica pairs front disc brakes with rear motor braking. The front brakes use drilled stainless steel rotors, clamped by calipers with sheathed cables, and actuated by a digital 2075 servo through an adjustable linkage. Traxxas describes them as functional disc brakes, not just scale props.

The paddle tires are built for serious bite. They have twice the traditional number of ribs and a belted carcass that prevents the paddles from distorting for strong forward bite in sand. The front tires use an arrow pattern for float in deep sand, while hard-packed surfaces get responsive steering and braking.

Video debut with a $200 price cut

The new footage arrived alongside a price change. Big Squid RC reported that Traxxas announced the Funco Sand Car is now $200 off, putting the model at $1,099.

The ‘Goes Big’ clip is available from Traxxas, alongside the company’s official product page for the Funco Pro Scale Replica.

Die-cast collectors and Matchbox enthusiasts have fresh reasons to mark their calendars. The 2027 Line Preview has dropped, and the first wave of reveals came straight out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Matchbox held its 24th Gathering in Albuquerque last week, and the event served as the stage for Mattel to showcase a slice of next year’s lineup. A detailed review of everything shown and mentioned at the gathering is now available, giving collectors a first real look at what’s rolling out in 2027.

First Looks: Promos and Movie Multipack

Alongside the bigger preview, three dedicated promotional models hit the scene at the Gathering. Two of them were specific to Albuquerque itself, while a third was generally available to attendees during the event. These aren’t just any castings—they’re promotional issues tied directly to the gathering, making them immediate chase items for collectors who were there or who pick them up on the secondary market.

Adding to the momentum, Matchbox also revealed a premium multipack designed to promote the upcoming “Matchbox: The Movie” film. The movie has finally released a poster and trailer after a long wait, and this multipack is clearly timed to build hype. It’s a premium offering, meaning higher detail, rubber tires, and collector-focused packaging.

What’s Coming in 2027: Rally and Porsche

The full 2027 Line Preview isn’t exhaustive yet—more information will be disclosed at a later date—but the teaser is strong. According to the report published on Wheel Collectors, the lineup leans heavily into rally racing and includes several cool Porsche models.

“I like rally, so I am happy. Plus, they have some cool Porsches! Yes, I am fine.”

That’s the word from the collector and writer who attended the Gathering and compiled the detailed breakdown. He noted that he waited to get clarifications from Tyler at Mattel on a few details before finalizing the report. That collaborative back-and-forth means the preview reflects officially confirmed information, not just speculation from the event floor.

The 24th Gathering and Collector Community

Matchbox’s annual Gathering remains a cornerstone for the brand’s most dedicated fans. It’s not just a product reveal—it’s a social hub for collectors, a place to trade stories, snag exclusives, and preview the future of the brand. This year’s edition in Albuquerque was no exception, and the promotional models issued there have already generated buzz.

Full Report Available

For those who want the complete rundown down to each casting shown at the event, the full report is hosted on the Wheel Collectors website under the Matchbox Monday series. The writer acknowledged that jet lag from the trip home may have affected his phrasing but stands by the substance of the information—validated by Mattel’s input.

With rally cars, Porsche castings, and a movie tie-in on the horizon, 2027 is shaping up to be a notable year for Matchbox. More details, including the remainder of the lineup not shown in Albuquerque, are expected later. For now, collectors can pore over the preview, hunt down those Albuquerque promos on the market, and start planning which 2027 releases will earn a spot in their collections.

JConcepts has added a new monster truck tire to its lineup, and it’s dubbed the Big Cheese. Named after Tom Hitchcock, a well-known track owner in central Florida, this jumbo tire packs a ton of design features into one package.

A Tire Named for a Track Legend

The Big Cheese isn’t just a catchy name—it pays homage to a figure in the RC and full-scale monster truck community. According to JConcepts, the tire combines styling elements from several of its existing models, including the Golden Years, Firestorms, and Fling Kings. The goal was to merge the best characteristics of those tires into a single design, a process that started with concept drawings and computer-aided models being overlaid and mirrored.

Waffle Tread and Hand-Cut Detailing

At first glance, the Big Cheese’s tread pattern looks like a waffle, but it’s engineered for all-terrain grip. The chevron tread is mirrored and overlapped, then back-cut to reduce weight and sharpen performance. A recessed center geometry anchors the pattern. The tire is built on a standard-sized carcass similar to the aforementioned popular tires, with hand-cutting details that replicate the look of race-ready monster truck rubber. The result is a pliable feel that should suit both competition and show use.

Sidewalls are highly detailed, with embossed logos and fine hatching inside the lettering, plus diamond-shaped icons near the top. That level of detail makes the Big Cheese a strong candidate for shelf queens or show-and-shine entries.

Two Compounds for Any Surface

JConcepts offers the Big Cheese in two rubber compounds: the “soft” blue and the “medium clay” gold. The blue compound is mushy and sticky, designed for outdoor off-road racing conditions, while the gold compound is harder and more responsive on smoother surfaces. Both versions include React open-cell foam inserts that provide the support needed for monster truck demands. The inner carcass is completely smooth with a continuous profile to allow the cushion of the rubber to grip a vast array of surfaces.

The tire measures approximately 6.40 inches in height and 4.05 inches in width, fitting the industry-standard 2.6 x 3.6-inch Tribute wheel. That wheel is sold separately in white, black, yellow, and silver. A direction arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended running direction for proper mounting.

Pricing and Availability

The Big Cheese is available now with a retail price of $55.00 and a MAP price of $41.25. The part number is 4179-05, and the UPC is 845937041197. As always, JConcepts backs the product with customer service, and the tires are developed and tested by industry professionals.

Also Rolling: The Firestorm Full Cleat

On the same day, JConcepts launched the Firestorm Full Cleat tire, a flat-bar lug design inspired by 1:1 monster trucks from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It measures approximately 6.43 x 4.05 inches and uses the same dual-bead 2.6-inch mounting fitment. The Firestorm is offered in the same soft blue and medium clay gold compounds, includes React inserts, and carries the same $55.00 retail and $41.25 MAP pricing. Both tires share the Tribute wheel compatibility.

For more information, head to JConcepts.net.

The new Pro Boat Miss Illinois U-34 34-inch Brushless Hydro Boat RTR is a fully assembled ready-to-run hydroplane aimed squarely at speed. Pro Boat’s target is more than 70 mph, and the package is designed to deliver it without a build session.

The boat takes its styling from H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing, where full-size machines run turbine engines producing up to 3,000 horsepower and push close to 200 mph. The U-34 carries that aggressive look into a 34-inch RC hull, with a hand-painted finish meant to give it the feel of a serious scale race boat rather than a plain molded shell.

Serious Power in a 34-Inch Hull

The drivetrain centers on the Spektrum 8S 160A Smart ESC and a high-output Spektrum Marine 4685 4-pole water-cooled brushless motor. Pro Boat describes the system as delivering hard acceleration and strong top-end speed, with the marketed figure sitting above 70 mph.

The hull itself is high-tolerance injection molding, with sharp lines and a flat ride plate, so owners shouldn’t need to sand or blueprint it before running. That matters for a platform that, as Pro Boat notes, is often custom-built and cost-prohibitive. The point, in Pro Boat’s telling, is getting a hydroplane-style model onto the water much faster.

Race-Ready Hardware

The running gear is heavy on machined and stainless parts. There is a pre-sharpened aluminum turn fin with adjustable depth and angle, an adjustable CNC aluminum propeller strut, a CNC aluminum two-blade propeller, and a breakaway aluminum rudder meant to protect the boat if it hits underwater debris. Stainless steel hardware throughout is aimed at rust-free, long-running performance.

The adjustable turn fin also helps counteract prop torque, which naturally pulls the boat to the right. For oval racing, an optional hooked turn fin is available to maximize side force and reduce sponson skipping in high-speed right-hand turns. The rear wing is fully adjustable, so you can add downforce for stability or reduce drag to lift the rear and chase more speed.

Mid-Run Trim and Blow-Over Protection

Hydroplanes are a constant battle between lift and drag. The U-34’s integrated front canard is tied into the included custom-programmed Spektrum DX3 Smart transmitter, letting you adjust trim in real time as water and wind conditions change. A dedicated “extra lift” button is there to break surface tension, while an emergency full-downforce button shifts the canard to its most aggressive angle and pins the nose down to help prevent blow-overs. The canard uses a full steel spar and rigid aluminum bell crank for flex-free input at speed.

Battery Trays, Telemetry, and Interior Details

Pro Boat’s SSL (Strap, Slide, Lock) battery tray system makes pack swaps quicker: you strap batteries to molded trays, slide them into the hull, and lock them in place. The system is designed to let you swap packs in seconds and keep the center of gravity consistent from run to run.

The molded interior includes organized cooling line routes, a waterproof receiver box, and a grease catch at the stuffing tube to keep excess flex-shaft grease from slinging through the hull. A dual independent water-cooling system runs separate lines to the motor and ESC, with water pickups built into the rudder to reduce drag.

Spektrum Smart telemetry sends live battery data to the included DX3 transmitter. If you bind the boat to a programmable Spektrum radio, you can unlock additional readouts such as amp draw, motor rpm, battery and ESC temperatures, and precise voltage.

What’s in the Box and What Isn’t

Pro Boat ships the U-34 fully assembled. The box includes the boat, the DX3 Smart transmitter, SSL battery trays, and a wooden boat stand. To run it, you still need two 4S 100C LiPo battery packs with IC5 plugs and a compatible LiPo charger. The ready-to-run pitch is unboxing to running in minutes.

The model number is PRB-2072T1, and the price is $699.99. More information is listed at ProBoatModels.com, with Horizon Hobby named as a further info destination.