Micro update

I just recently got in a few parts for my HPI Baja Q32:

• Another USB charger
• HIGH SPEED GEARS/STABILITY set

Since I have 2 of these little buggies, one is going to get the gear set.  I also have a Q32 D8T on the way.  Now I just need to make some room to get a stunt park set up.  And yes, I will have a real Losi vs HPI Micro Stunt Park challenge.  I did one months back, but I'm not real happy with the video.  I may still put something together thou.

Speaking of stunt park, I wonder when HPI is going to release more templates?  Watching the official video, they still have more to go.  I'm sure I could eventually figure them out.

On a larger scale, think 1/18th size, I was looking on HPI's site at the one of the Micro RS4's.  While looking at the body options, I noticed that there are 2 new clear body options (scroll to bottom).  All I can say is that it's about time, and when can I get them!  And now I am also curious as to what the sticker options will be for each.  Hmmmm.

• #114446 - 2014 FORD FIESTA BODY (140MM)
• #114449 - NISSAN S13 BODY (140MM)

Why do I love micro's?  Cause they are great for indoors!  Being in Vegas, the Summers get a little too hot for me and the Winters a little too cold.  Hopefully with all these new micro stuff, I can get moving on more indoor play time.  Maybe even get the garage cleaned up and setup a little track.  Might try using some PVC piping.  Then I could tear down for storage, and build up any way I feel like (within the confines of garage space).

So now I have a choice to make for 2016: do I concentrate on my micros OR try to get into FPV quad racing?

More new stuff

In my last blog I mentioned a new camera.  I wanted to talk more about it in this post.

I've been looking around for an action camera.  Something that I can mount on some of my r/c vehicles to get a new perspective.  The GoPro seems to be the standard, and anyone doing action shots has one.  While I admit they are nice, they are just a bit to pricey for my basher budget.  The other one I was looking at was the Replay XD.  It is something different, and not GoPro.  But still a little pricey for a basher's first time trying an action camera.

While I continued my search, I came across what some might call a GoPro knock off.  They don't try to claim to be GoPro's, at least I haven't found that anywhere.  It is SJCAM.  The one that I went with is the SJ4000 without the Wi-Fi.  I have only used it a few times, but so far it isn't bad.  Since I don't have any other action cameras, I can't make a proper comparison.  The one thing I do like, besides the price, is that it does have a built in LCD screen.  This will probably decrease the over all run time when compared to a GoPro without one, but for a weekend basher to get started with using an action camera I think it's a good starter.

In fact I have already got a video uploaded that I shot 90% of with this camera.

I used a head strap designed for the GoPro, and the SJ4000 mounts to it with no problem.  It would be safe to say that the SJ4000 can probably use most of the GoPro cases and mounts.  I'll be using this camera more.

The only downside so far that I have with it is that my Windows 7 system won't detect it as a media storage device to grab off the video.  Luckily for me I have some memory card readers, so this is not a big problem.

Since I like this SJ4000, I was thinking about getting another.  But now SJCAM has released a cube camera, much like GoPro.

• SJCAM M10
• GoPro HERO4 Session

So guess which one is on my list?  The M10.

And speaking of new stuff, I have found a new r/c product manufacture: FireBrand RC.  They have some nice looking bodies and decals.  Now I have been trying to find some non truck and SUV bodies for my crawlers.  These guys happen to have The Judge.  A very nice semi truck body, but a little on the small scale for my SCX10 crawler.  But it does work.

I like their stuff, and will be getting more.

I'm back. . .

Well hopefully for a bit anyways.  I'm haven't been much of a blogger to begin with.

A lot has gone on since my last post back in Dec 2013.  I've gotten a few more kits, parts, bodies, and even a new camera.

I have ended up retiring the Venom/Atomik RC Creeper.  Parts are no longer available, and so it will be shelved.  Which is too bad, as I do enjoy the comp style crawler.  I am on the look-out for a possible replacement, and have come across 2 so far:

1. Axial Racing AX10 Deadbolt
2. Losi Night Crawler 2.0

The downside to both of these (and pretty much all comp style crawlers) is that there is no 2-speed transmission setup for them.  There is a 3rd party upgrade for the Axial rig, but it is too pricey for just a single upgrade option.  And the Losi Night Crawler comes with lights!  I like lights!

I don't recall mention this, but HPI Racing re-released their Micro RS4 chassis.  And they appear to be rotating on the body releases.  I have been able to pick up 3 new ones, along with extra parts.  And I have even gotten my original Micro RS4 kit back up an running.  I do hope that HPI keeps this chassis around for a long time.  Here a couple of my videos:

More on the HPI front, they also released a smaller kit.  The HPI Baja Q32.  I've added a couple of these to my R/C garage.  And they have also released a Truggy version, which I will be getting at least one of.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for micros.

I've also been looking at the Kyosho Mini-Z 4WD kits.  They look amazing, and with the size would make perfect kitchen and garage racers.  Might have to try to get a few to race with the nephews.

With the crawler side, I have gotten a new Vaterra RC Twin Hammers and recently Axial Yeti.  Both are IFS and solid rear axle rigs.  The Twin Hammers has been setup for crawling, and includes a 2-speed transmission.  The Yeti is more of a rock racer with IFS and solid rear axle, but 2-speed transmission is optional extra.  And since Axial has finally released the 2-speed conversion kit, i will be picking it up.  And with these 2 rigs, I am now looking for more 2-speed transmission cable kits.  Up on this list are:

1. Axial RR10 Bomber
2. Vaterra RC Ascender

Both of which have the 2-speed setup as an option extra.  But at least they are factory add-ons.

My Tamiya TT-01.  What can I say?  It's been in the R/C garage for a long time.  The last time I took it out, it didn't run long.  It was/is having a problem with the pinion/spur gear mesh.  I did, however, pick up a few new items for it.  Hopefully soon I can get it on the road and get the kinks worked out. And I suppose I could always listen to The Kinks.  That might help things out.  I still plan to get this setup for drifting.  My goal (I've been told it's good to have them) would be to get close to what this guy does.  He is great.  Here is just one of his videos:

All I can say is that I need to get an practice with my Micro RS4's and TT-01.  Once I can get them going, I can then look at getting a better drift setup.  If anyone knows of any local Las Vegas R/C drift clubs, please let me know.