Warhead analysis
02-21-2005, 11:56 AM
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Warhead analysis
I have been browsing here and there for more info on the warhead but didn't find much. I know it hasn't been out yet but there's nothing wrong in looking at its pictures a bit better. I am torn between buying a Revo, LST or warhead and finally I decided to wait for the warhead's arrival before making up my mind. I already own a well hopped up Race Maxx with a sirio 18 and a Dominator Hybrid with a picco .26. I'm only into racing, I rarely bashed my trucks if at all. Needless to say is that the warhead is ridiculously cheap for what is offered, but the question is, did they sacrifice quality to achieve that price? I don't think so. I mean duratrax is a serious company and it should learn from the flops of other companies like Losi. The LST out of the box had numerous issues (cvds, washer, rotostart, clutch springs, gear cover etc etc) I am still a big fan of the LST and I assume Losi has fixed these problems.
What really appeals to me is the low CG and the adjustabilityof the warhead. I don't care if the engine is good or bad, that can be replaced. My main concerns are the drivetrain. The plastic parts should be pretty tough if duratrax are brave enough to issue a 1 year stress warranty. Also the transmission system is really cool, it seems like there is a mechanical system to exclude the reverse gears and reduce rotating mass.
What i can't understand from these pics is the material of the chassis? It definitely looks like plastic. I'm sure it can't be plastic cos u'd strip spur gears all the time. Any ideas?
3 things i don't like are -
1) the cvds from the tranny are angulated upwards to reach the diffs - bad energy transfer
2) the shape of the exhaust pipe seems inadequate
3) the tie rods of the steering linkage are not parallel to the cvds
What really appeals to me is the low CG and the adjustabilityof the warhead. I don't care if the engine is good or bad, that can be replaced. My main concerns are the drivetrain. The plastic parts should be pretty tough if duratrax are brave enough to issue a 1 year stress warranty. Also the transmission system is really cool, it seems like there is a mechanical system to exclude the reverse gears and reduce rotating mass.
What i can't understand from these pics is the material of the chassis? It definitely looks like plastic. I'm sure it can't be plastic cos u'd strip spur gears all the time. Any ideas?
3 things i don't like are -
1) the cvds from the tranny are angulated upwards to reach the diffs - bad energy transfer
2) the shape of the exhaust pipe seems inadequate
3) the tie rods of the steering linkage are not parallel to the cvds
02-21-2005, 12:34 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
The TVP's are an aluminum. That will be the main backbone to the truck. The plastic you are referring to as the chassis is nothing more than skid protection.
1)cvds from the tranny are angled on many MT's. Savage for instance angles them down towards the diffs.
2)Exhaust is atleast aluminum. Some trucks dont even give you that (savage RTR, maxx, etc.). Buy an LST, or a Revo if you want an MT that comes with a nice tuned pipe already.
3)There might just be a reason the engineers made it that way.
1)cvds from the tranny are angled on many MT's. Savage for instance angles them down towards the diffs.
2)Exhaust is atleast aluminum. Some trucks dont even give you that (savage RTR, maxx, etc.). Buy an LST, or a Revo if you want an MT that comes with a nice tuned pipe already.
3)There might just be a reason the engineers made it that way.
02-21-2005, 12:46 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
1) the cvds from the tranny are angulated upwards to reach the diffs - bad energy transfer
Answer: Well ALL 4wd vehicles to this...be it up, down or even left and right offset. Even real cars go down to the axles from the transfer case. 1/8th buggies slide the center diff over to get better CG and thats probably the reason in this case as well.
2) the shape of the exhaust pipe seems inadequate
I guess this is an odd thing to point out, but that header and pipe style are the same used on a 1/8th buggy...so you could probably upgrade fast.
3) the tie rods of the steering linkage are not parallel to the cvds
Very common really, plus the angle allows for ackerman and reduced bump steer.
Answer: Well ALL 4wd vehicles to this...be it up, down or even left and right offset. Even real cars go down to the axles from the transfer case. 1/8th buggies slide the center diff over to get better CG and thats probably the reason in this case as well.
2) the shape of the exhaust pipe seems inadequate
I guess this is an odd thing to point out, but that header and pipe style are the same used on a 1/8th buggy...so you could probably upgrade fast.
3) the tie rods of the steering linkage are not parallel to the cvds
Very common really, plus the angle allows for ackerman and reduced bump steer.
02-21-2005, 04:56 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
Thermal .. now i understood how it is all hold up. Do yu think that the side TVPs are enough to hold the tranny and engine in line???
02-21-2005, 06:12 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
I would think that the plates should do fine for keeping things straight. Metal bent like that is harder to flex across it's length than straight metal. The downside is that compressive force makes it buckle easier. But looking at all that plastic underneath, I don't think that'll be a problem.
02-21-2005, 06:37 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
The chassis setup looks very strong. Of course this is all speculation until we get one in our hands. Honestly though, everything on the market is soo much better than what we had 10 years ago. If Duratrax supports this truck like they do the Mini Quake, it will be a good seller. Actually, it will sell regardless. When people see the product, and its features, then the price.... It will sell! I'll look into adding one to my collection this summer.
02-21-2005, 07:53 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
Dang that things nice! I hope it turns out good this might be the truck i buy when i get back into RCs. I love the Savage and this truck has all the features i wished my Savage had..
What kind of engine is that? Also does anyone got any more pics of this truck?
What kind of engine is that? Also does anyone got any more pics of this truck?
02-21-2005, 08:32 PM
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02-22-2005, 09:31 AM
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RE: Warhead analysis
Warhead analysis: RELEASED 2006!!
Hopefully they are spending all that time making it bulletproof! Might be one company holding them up also like TT or a supplier?
Hopefully they are spending all that time making it bulletproof! Might be one company holding them up also like TT or a supplier?
02-22-2005, 12:52 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
well, if they are spending all this time to perfection it, then I don't mind waiting at all.
Back to the design.... Do you really think that the side TVPs are enough to stop the chassis flex?? Don't forget that in other MTs such as the T-maxx, the whole surface area of the tranny base and engine mount are spread on a horizontal chassis so that any misalignment between spur gear and clutch bell would only be due to chassis flex. In the warhead's case, chassis flex is barely a problem at all cos vertical TVPs are almost impossible to flex but look at how the tranny and engine mount are mounted to the TVPs. There are 4 screws and the surface area of the lateral parts of the engine mount and tranny is very small. Still not sure how it all can hold up some big air.
Back to the design.... Do you really think that the side TVPs are enough to stop the chassis flex?? Don't forget that in other MTs such as the T-maxx, the whole surface area of the tranny base and engine mount are spread on a horizontal chassis so that any misalignment between spur gear and clutch bell would only be due to chassis flex. In the warhead's case, chassis flex is barely a problem at all cos vertical TVPs are almost impossible to flex but look at how the tranny and engine mount are mounted to the TVPs. There are 4 screws and the surface area of the lateral parts of the engine mount and tranny is very small. Still not sure how it all can hold up some big air.
02-22-2005, 04:41 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
WHat will help too is that Tower offers it on a easy pay system (last time i checked)... That helps ease the pain on the wallet... But..do you guys think its race worthy as is??!?!?!!?
02-22-2005, 06:21 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
it's too heavy to be able to touch the revo or TNX imo... the only thing that may help is the fact that it can be lowered truggy style
02-23-2005, 09:20 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
i emailed duratrax and they said
"At this time we do not have any information on the arrival.
Unfortunately, DuraTrax does not publish horse power ratings on their
engines or speeds on their vehicles since this depends on too many
variables."
"At this time we do not have any information on the arrival.
Unfortunately, DuraTrax does not publish horse power ratings on their
engines or speeds on their vehicles since this depends on too many
variables."
02-23-2005, 09:38 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
the 1 year stress tech warranty is enough to peak my interest, even if I get a TNX pro, I still might get a warhead when it comes out, the adjustable height is very cool as well...
02-23-2005, 10:36 PM
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RE: Warhead analysis
in the video it seems to handle a track pretty descent. Thats my big isssue..i wanna race it, not bash it...easy to work on, and the stress warranty is a plus...
02-24-2005, 12:58 AM
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RE: Warhead analysis
ORIGINAL: monstatruCkin
i emailed duratrax and they said
"At this time we do not have any information on the arrival.
Unfortunately, DuraTrax does not publish horse power ratings on their
engines or speeds on their vehicles since this depends on too many
variables."
i emailed duratrax and they said
"At this time we do not have any information on the arrival.
Unfortunately, DuraTrax does not publish horse power ratings on their
engines or speeds on their vehicles since this depends on too many
variables."
Tower has the engine horsepower listed at 2.5bhp. No mention of speed though.
02-24-2005, 11:17 AM
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RE: Warhead analysis
I hope it has a good following and aftermarket support.... Who plans on getting one? Im pretty sure i'll be buying one...well...that or the TNX PRO....oh well....actually...BOTH
02-24-2005, 11:56 AM
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RE: Warhead analysis
from the looks of it the bumpers look flexible so they can take a beating but i hope the suspension arms and other parts dont flex much because it will tweak more when your drivin (did i say it right??[&:]