Shaggy33

OK I will try and keep this brief! After many years of rc modelling, going through numerous types of vehicles and aircraft (along with far to much cash) I have decided to buy another 1/18th scale buggy. My main interest is now helicopters but as a sideline I want to build a performance machine with brushless power plant.
I have had 1/18th scale before (mini T, Xray and Mini LST and more!) but none of them would survive b/less power without serious upgrades to drivetrain and even then some of them were not up to the job.
I am looking at the Duratrax Buggy or the Associated RC18B Factory Team and but am open to other suggestions. I plan to run 2s lipo with either Tekin or Castle motor/esc combo.
What would people recommend and added to that what are the essential upgrades required to ensure bulletproof mechanics

Thanks in advance

Alex73

Glad to hear your getting into 1/18th's again.

I had your same problem with my mini-t. I then brought an xray m18t pro and from stock it can easily cope with brushless power. I have a 6800 and 8000 mamba system in it and am about to go lipo with it. I have not had any problems with the drive train yet. I have had to put chassis film on it to protect the beautiful cf chassis.

But i would only recommend this if you can get the parts for it. Also its mainly aimed at racing but I just bash it and have not had any problems yet.

Hope this helps.

Metallover

If you want something really nice, big, and torquey get an ammo 5100 or even better a Medusa 28mm or 1100 series Neu.

FloridaDude

get the Detta buggy

Metallover

The detta is really nice. All it needs is steel cvd's and shimmed diffs. The ball diffs are nice to have too.

FloridaDude

Get the Neu 1105/2y motor

Metallover

Or if you want something a little cheaper but still close to max performance Medusa's aren't far behind. Get the medusa 28/32/4200 for 70 bucks vs.. 100-110 for the neu.

FloridaDude

never tried the medusa but if you have i trust you.

Metallover

Medusa's are similar to design as the Neu. It has a slotted 4-pole rotor for torque and uses top notch materieals like neu. A guy compared a Neu to a Medusa in a helicopter and said he couldn't tell the difference when he swapped them out and in the end said he would give a very slight edge to the medusa. When the 36mm medusa's are compared to the 1500 series Neus, the Neu has an advantage because it is 41mm or so in diameter. With the 28mm motors they're both neck and neck.

jaejw1

the 4200kv medusa would only be compared to the NEU 1105/2.5y,,,, the 2y is 5200 and the 1.5y is 6800,, while the 1y is 10,000kv

if ur running on a very small track,, and not looking to break speed records ,, the medusa might be a great choice

DarkHorse

Like some of the motors mentioned, in the 4000Kv to 5000Kv range. If you can, definitely run 3s voltages to reduce system current draw, run more efficiently and cooler with 3s lithium packs ~1200mAh. The xray m18t pro kit is an excellent platform for brushless power (and a lot more features by design), add 2 pairs of cheap ali suspension blocks and your truck will handle hundreds of 40mph tumbles. set the ball diff tightness correctly and drive train issues won't bother you. Honestly, I doubt you will find a less hassle platform choice (try threads one and two).

Or just take the lighter shorter RTR version and carry lighter components for and nippier drive (at 550g, -100g or more lighter than the pro), requires cheap ali clone CVDs for brushless thrashing. Depends what setup you prefer and if you can tolerate online/phone ordering.

rschoi_75

This would be my choice too. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Gex_61

My brushless Mini-T is still my favorite 1/18.[&:]