Traxxas

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the Traxxas Corp. logo.

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A T-Maxx 3.3 in action.

Traxxas is a hobby level radio control model manufacturer based in the United States. Their more popular Nitromethane powered models include the T-Maxx, S-Maxx, Sportmaxx, Nitro 4-tec, Nitro Stampede, Nitro Rustler, Nitro Sport, Revo, and recently Jato. These cars are gas operated and intended for Nitro enthusiasts. But, for electric enthusiasts, Traxxas also makes electric cars such as E-maxx, Bandit, Spirit, Rustler, and Stampede. Although some models appear to simply be electric adaptations of their "nitro" counterparts, they usually are quite different.

Traxxas produces a variety of cars and boats. Generally they offer electric and nitro powered versions of all their models (except the Revo and Jato, although fans are anticipating the possible release of electric version of these models).

Products

Nitro Engines

Traxxas' first engines, in 1992 were the Image .12 engines, which for the most part are ultimately forgotten, failed experiments. As primitive as they were, manufacturing qualities were poor and the engines failed frequently. The advent of the Velocity and the TRX .12 engines were a dramatic improvement over the Image .12 and subsequently the vehicles Traxxas made sky-rocketed in performance, quality and popularity. (edit)

The Velocity .12 and the TRX .12 were entry level engines, and put out mediocre performance by today's standards. Later, Traxxas introduced the TRX .15 and Pro .15 engines. These produced slightly more power and accepted the EZ-Start system. Traxxas named their early engines with the size in cubic inches, which is relatively common for US-made model engines. They were still considered entry level, and were often replaced with more powerful after market engines when they wore out. Traxxas' boats used a version of the TRX Pro .15 which had a water cooling cylinder head. The Nitro Stampede 2wd monster truck, Nitro Sport 2wd truck, and Nitro Vee boat model still use the Pro .15.

Traxxas has converted most of its models to a new engine called the TRX 2.5, The 2.5 is the displacement in cubic centimeters, rather than cubic inches. Traxxas refined the crankcase, cooling head, port timing, and other components to produce better power, more in line with aftermarket offerings. The engine is physically taller, and the exhaust manifold is a circular port on the rear of the engine. Traxxas also has a slide valve version carburetor.

In Spring, 2006, Traxxas introduced the TRX 3.3. The 3.3 cc displacement is about equal to 0.20 in³, Traxxas still maintains the same engine mounting dimensions, conforming to the industry standard, called "Small Block".

TQ Radio System

All of Traxxas' models come with the TQ™ radio system. The TQ consists of a hand-held transmitter and a small electronic receiver installed in the model. The TQ transmits on the 27 MHz band, may use two or three channels for controlling the model, and comes with one of 6 frequency choices. The frequency choices may be set by inserting the appropriate frequency crystals into the transmitter and receiver. Any TQ radio may control any model that uses the TQ receiver, so one transmitter can be used to control a number of models. Using two transmitters on the same frequency at the same time will cause signal conflicts.

T-Maxx

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Two Traxxas T-Maxxs on stairs.

The T-Maxx is a monster truck model successful enough to add an entire category of formalized racing to the industry. Previously there was no monster truck class of radio control racing. ROAR, the leading sanction of racing in the USA, is creating an entirely new class to include the monster trucks, mostly due the popularity of the T-Maxx.

The design of the T-Maxx, like many other hobby class models, has been revised since it introduction. The first revision lengthened the suspension arms and added a more powerful engine, thus becoming the T-Maxx 2.5. Further revisions received their own names, but were essentially the same truck.

The Sport Maxx model omitted the differential and drivetrain to the front wheels. The reverse capability was also left out. The S-Maxx (or Stadium Maxx) was essentially the same as the Sport Maxx, but it came with a different body shell, more race oriented tires and a two speed transmission.

In spring of 2006, Traxxas will introduce a new T-Maxx, which benefited from the TRX 3.3 (0.20 in³) Racing Engine. The T-Maxx 3.3 includes a Revo-Spec driveline, with the Torque-Control slipper clutch. Also, the black plastic frame pieces were replaced with a stronger grey composite material. The T-Maxx 3.3 also includes the Optidrive reverse system (originally only on the Revo) instead of the purely mechanical reverse on the original. When they released the 3.3 T-Maxx, The most visible part to the new T-Maxx 3.3 by Traxxas is a stock wheelie bar which allows extended wheelies made possible by the new engine. Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5 is capable of reaching speeds of over 40+ MPH. That goes the same for the 2.5R version. The 3.3 however, can go over 45 MPH.

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E-Maxx

The E-Maxx is the electric brother to the T-Maxx. It shares the same suspension and differential parts as the T-Maxx, but trades the central metal chassis for a molded composite chassis housing a remote shifted two speed transmission, two 550 sized electric motors, related electronics and batteries. Because they are quieter than nitro, the electric motors are better suited to low-noise areas. The E-Maxx runs on two 7.2 volt battery packs, using a total of 14.4 volts to run the system. A common modification is to run two 8.4 volt packs, yielding 16.8 volts for better performance. The E-maxx's Titan 550 motors can also be replaced with 19 turn 540 sized motors with the stock EVX electronic speed control. Although most keep the EVX, some switch to brushless motors systems which yield much better performance and can exceed 45MPH.

Revo

The Revo is a monster truck with a more recent and reliable design than the T-Maxx. Notable changes include the inboard suspension system, a complex aluminum chassis which lowers center of gravity, a more powerful transmission and engine, and the addition of an electronically controlled reverse which works well.

Alongside the T-Maxx 3.3, a new Revo version was launched. To compensate for the more powerful 3.3 cc engine, the chassis was lengthened and the motor mount area was braced. New add-on upgrades were released, including a center differential that helps transfer power between the front and rear differentials to increase handling, and a braking module for the rear output shaft.

Jato

The Jato is Traxxas' newest nitro model based on the 1/10 scale rear wheel drive stadium truck format popular in the industry. Features that make it stand out from competitors include the "EZ Start" system, an automatic two speed gearbox, larger than standard wheels and tires, a 55 mph top speed, and increased suspension travel. The Jato, as it comes out of the box, is not legal to race alongside more traditional stadium trucks in industry sanctioned events due to its two-speed transmission, but many local clubs allow it. The muffler is made of plastic.

Jato 3.3 The newer Jato 3.3 is powered by a TRX 3.3 and has a top speed of 65+ MPH.

Stampede

A Nitro Stampede.

The Stampede is Traxxas' entry level monster truck. The Stampede is often referred to as the "Pit-Bull" of monster trucks. It has become very popular with new enthusiasts. It features a rugged design with a sturdy suspension and an option for mechanical or electric speed control modules. The Stampede is very similar to the Rustler, except for the tub, which is rectangular. Also, the front and rear suspension components are mounted about 1" below the tub, with braces to make it sturdier. Recently many manufactures such as RPM have started making aftermarket parts and accessories for the electric and nitro stampede. It can go up to 35+ MPH.

Rustler

The Rustler is Traxxas' entry level stadium truck. Another popular truck for new enthusiasts, it is very similar in design to the electric Stampede. It shares the same engine, transmission, electronics options, and suspension as the stampede. The only differences are the tub, which is shaped like that of a buggy, and the front and rear suspension being mounted on top of the tub. This makes chassis sit about 1.5" lower than that of the Stampede. This model is available both as an electric and nitro vehicle. The Nitro model contains an aluminum lower deck and a plastic upper deck.

Nitro Sport

The nitro sport was another of Traxxas' entry level stadium trucks. It shared many parts with the Rustler series although a few items, such as the steering mechanism is simplified to accommodate amateur drivers. It is similar to the Rustler but has direct steering and a smaller Pro .15 engine.

Bandit

The Bandit was the buggy version of the electric Rustler. It has been discontinued. It has the same rear end, but shorter control arms in the front, and narrower buggy wheels and tires. Also, the Dodge Ram styled body of the Rustler is replaced with a traditional buggy body.

Spirit

A now discontinued entry level touring chassis, featuring a truck body. This model had very few adjustment options, and was meant for hobbyists not likely to customize or tune the vehicle. This vehicle was available as an electric model only

Sledgehammer

Another discontinued model, the Sledgehammer was an entry-level one-tenth scale, electric, rear-wheel-drive monster truck. It had four wheel independent suspension and eight oil filled shocks. It came with an early 90's regular cab Chevrolet truck body.

4-tec

The 4-tec is a touring sedan advertised as being extremely fast right out of the box in RTR form. Available as both electric and nitro, the nitro version was renowned to be capable of over 60 mph. The newer 3.3 model for 2006 is capable of reaching speeds of over 70+ mph. The 4-tec was a much more complex touring vehicle than the Spirit, featuring 4 wheel drive with front and rear differentials, fully adjustable suspension and steering angles, and a belt driven powertrain. Although they shared the same name, the nitro and the electric 4tec are extremely different in their design, and share very few parts.

Features

EZ Start

Traxxas brought on-board electric starting systems into widespread use for nitro fuel powered models. Most of their nitro powered models carry this "EZ Start" system. It consists of a small electric motor and a wiring harness to start the two-stroke nitro engine in a way similar to full size automobiles. The starter battery is kept separate from the model in a wand-like device. After the end of the wand is inserted into the vehicle's receiver, the user presses the button on the wand, and the electric motor spins the engine until ignition, or until the wand's battery drains. Traxxas has also released pull start systems for their engines, so that the EZ Start system can be replaced if the owner so chooses. Some models may be started with starter or "bump" boxes, allowing the installation of engines with no on-car starting method, and less moving parts.

Return To Shore

A patented system employed on Traxxas's boats, the return to shore system provides similar user security to that of a fail safe on a nitro car or truck. The return to shore system is an electric motor that drives the propeller so that a nitro boat can be driven to shore, in the event that the engine cuts out during use. This operates by applying the brake which activates gearing that couples an electric motor to the propeller shaft of a nitro powered boat. This enables the boat to be returned to shore.

Customizing

Traxxas is a top retailer in the hobby level radio control market. Their sturdy designs, while not always well-suited for racing, make many customizations and modifications possible. The E-Maxx has been used as a base chassis by the US Troops in post-invasion Iraq as a bomb scout [1]. Guessing what Make & Model of RC you think this is does not make it reality. According to the US Military the Troops built this from the ground up, it is not a modified Traxxas nor do Traxxas have the right to make that claim.

External links

• Traxxas - Official site.