Marco
Sorry to hear about that. There could have been some defective components in the ESC which caused it to fry. Overtime (especially 20 years) components can go bad. Buying something used we have no idea what kind of life that ESC had - it coulda been sketchy with original owner as well.
The Sabertooth ESC have thermal and over current shut offs built into the design - so they don't get fried from heat or too much current. They also have the following advantages - have lipo low voltage shut off built in, use regenerative braking - as you slow or reverse the model it recharges batteries. Also they can power your receiver - no separate battery pack. It think Mike is correct the 2X 12 RC will get you back in business for $65.00.
A fuse is not absolutely necessary using the Sabertooth, but if it helps you sleep at night it is cheap additional insurance - its better to have redundant protection in place.
Last edited by RC_BobM; 09-08-2018 at 09:11 AM.