Announcing the New Losi 1/14 Mini 8IGHT RC buggy!

When it comes to 1/8-scale off-road buggies, few cars have had the success of the Team Losi Racing™ 8IGHT™ buggy. We've seen the 8IGHT-platform re-imaged as the 1/10-scale TEN-T, TEN-SCTE and 810, and blown up in size for the 1/5-scale 5IVE-T, but there's one scale that the 8IGHT has never been adapted to—the sub-1/10-scale. That is, until now. Losi has taken the 8IGHT-platform and seemingly hit it with a shrink ray to create what could possibly be the best-handling, best-performing mini ever produced—the Losi® Mini-8IGHT.

Combining the exceptional suspension geometry of the 8IGHT with an all-new electric-specific drive train layout that has been optimized for brushless motors means there's a lot of new development and design that has gone into the Mini-8IGHT. The Mini-8IGHT features super-thick, threaded body, aluminum, oil-filled shocks, a slipper clutch-equipped driveline, aluminum front and rear shock towers, a powerful 4500Kv brushless motor and a refined brushless ESC to make this one super performer. You may recognize Keith Whisler as the man behind such vehicles as the XXX-SCB and Mini SCT. He's back again, this time taking on the 1/14-scale Mini-8IGHT. We quizzed Keith on the ins and outs of the Mini-8IGHT, how it handles and how it will perform on-track.

You can also watch this awesome little buggy in action here:

Losi XXX-SCB Review

Short course trucks have reinvigorated the 1/10-scale off-road scene over the last few years, drawing more and more people into our wonderful hobby. Like anything that gets mega-popular though, you eventually reach a level where it starts to burn itself out or leave people longing for the next new thing. Losi is hoping to have the answer in something that is different enough to catch your eye, but still familiar enough to provide a connection to something wildly fun. I'm of course talking about the new Losi XXX-SCB, or short course buggy.

The XXX-SCB combines the looks and feel of a 2WD buggy with the size and handling of a short course truck. This is a combination that Losi hopes will help the appeal of this new platform as it shares most of its parts between both vehicles, making it easier for someone to own one of each and not have to carry around unique parts. The narrow chassis and lower profile front shock tower gives the XXX-SCB a different look and stance, along with the potential to provide a different feel in the steering department. I had a chance to drive one at RCX 2011 in Pomona and was really looking forward to heading to the track with one to test out. The wait is over as I now have a XXX-SCB of my own and am ready to hit the track.

Nuremberg International Toy Fair & Trade Show

Mike O'Reilly is currently in Nuremberg getting the big "scoop" on new releases launched at the Toy Fair/Trade Show! The International Toy Fair is the world’s leading fair for toys, hobby and leisure-time articles. The fair, which is open exclusively to the specialist trade, is the perfect communication and order platform for both national and international manufacturers as well as specialist traders and buyers from around the globe!

Here is a quick run down on some of the Hottest New Products out of Nuremberg! Thanks Mike!

The Blade mCP X RTF/BNF is the lightest flybarless collective pitch helicopter in its class. It is half the weight of the nearest competition which results in advanced performance, indoors and outdoors.

This helicopter will give transitioning pilots a more agile and capable collective pitch heli that will give them the confidence to master indoor aerobatics without the hesitance which comes with a larger outdoor only platform. (BLH3500AU1/BLH3500AU2/BLH3580)

The Mosquito Mk VI BNF Micro is Parkzone's first ever Ultra Micro Series Twin Engine Warbird that you can fly just about anywhere! The first-ever 4-channel twin-engine ultra micro, the ParkZone Ultra Micro Series Mosquito MK VI brings this famous British WWII fighter to life in your own backyard. Scale details include the twin motors, authentic mossy camouflage paint scheme, molded clear plastic canopy, landing gear with steerable tail wheel, and even dummy cannons.  (PKZU1380)

ParkZone's first Ultra Micro Series F4U Corsair with great scale details that you can fly just about anywhere! This micro is capable of sport aerobatics or slow touch-n-go's, just like its larger park flyer brother, one of the most popular warbirds in the ParkZone line. It boasts great scale details like molded panel lines, a clear canopy, scale landing gear that allow you to enjoy the scale looks of this great WWII legend just about anywhere with the same flight characteristics you've come to expect from the park flyer model. (PKZU1600IM1/PKZU1680)

Hangar 9 is proud to present another legend in its lineup of Warbirds, the Corsair 50 ARF.  The Corsair features a superb scale outline with sport-like flying characteristics that make it easier for everyday pilots to fly. It comes with several scale features out of the box, such as a fiberglass cowl, 8-spoke scale wheels, a dummy engine, an aluminum spinner nut. Additionally, the Corsair 50 includes fixed gear; however, is E-flite electric retract-ready for the complete warbird look. For added convenience, the Corsair is EP (electric power) ready without any modifications necessary, making it easy to convert to electric power.
(HAN2590)

The new Spektrum DX10t Tray Radio is an all-rounder that will surprise every specialist with its sophisticated detail solutions.

Experience the outstanding features of this innovative transmitter for yourself. You will soon discover that the new DX10t Radio is the perfect tray transmitter for advanced level hobbyist. (SPM2800)

The 1/8-scale Team Losi Racing 8IGHT 2.0 4WD Buggy Kit features over thirty revisions and improvements to the revolutionary 8IGHT buggy chassis. The 8IGHT 2.0 Buggy proved to be the fastest buggy in qualifying by taking Top Qualifying honors at the 2008 IFMAR 1/8 Buggy World Championships.  Visit the website for more detailed info.  (TLR0804)

The Team Losi Racing 8IGHT-T 2.0 Kit is built on an extended-length Tuned Flex Technology (TFT) 2.0 chassis (14mm longer) which offers added stability and handling across all track conditions. This increased stability gives the 8IGHT-T Kit the ability to carry more speed into and out of corners, and to glide across washboard sections with ease. Tuned Flex Technology also provides significant handling gains by responding precisely to changes in terrain without sacrificing balance and grip.  Many more new features listed on our website. (TLR0805)

Team Losi Racing 22 2WD Buggy Preview

Team Losi Racing is back in the 1/10-scale electric game with a vengeance with the debut of their new 2WD buggy. Dubbed the 22, it marks a totally new direction in terms of design, features, tuning, materials and more from previous designs. Perhaps the most innovative new feature on this new platform is the ability to reconfigure it from a traditional rear motor configuration to a mid-motor configuration, totally altering how the car handles and jumps. The best part is that you’ll be able to make the switch without having to purchase any additional components. It’s quite literally like having two different vehicles in one box.

The 22 has a number of other outstanding and innovative features that, while unavailable or expensive options on other chassis, come as standard equipment on the 22. All-new top-filled shocks grace the four corners of the 22 and have been modeled after the ones found on the larger 8IGHT 2.0 Race Roller. Their larger 12mm diameter and thick, titanium-nitride-coated shock shafts provide the 22 with a plush suspension that is incredibly smooth. Speaking of titanium nitride all the hinge pins feature the gold sheen that it is noted for. The 22 also omits a traditional bellcrank system, instead opting for a unique slider rack that has nearly friction-free operation. And a car is nothing without a sturdy backbone and the 22 has just that thanks to the 2.5mm thick precision-machined 7075-T6 aluminum chassis plate. That’s right, I said aluminum.

Come along with us as we share the details with you on what is sure to be the pinnacle of 1/10-scale buggy performance in the Team Losi Racing 22.

Nitro X Series NSW State Titles Review by Tim Gaukroger

Event - Nitro X Series NSW State Titles - off-road buggy

Location – Liverpool Radio Rally Cross Club – Liverpool, NSW

Date – 20th – 23rd May, 2010

Losi Attendee's – Andrew Gillott, Craig Laughton, Scott Jones, Tod Trower, Ben Panic, Jarrod Currie, Matt Iverach, Scott Kirchner

The NSW Titles (nitro off road buggy) was set to be the rematch from the Nationals held in earlier in the year in Adelaide. With names like Savoya, Lutz, McBride, Laughton, Gillott, Pain competing for the top prize, it was sure to be an awesome event. Qualifying began late on Thursday after three practice heats with racing running late into the evening under light. QLD young gun Kyle McBride took round 1 from Savoya, with Savoya and McBride trading positions for the rest of qualifying taking four of the six round wins. Andrew Gillott and Craig Laughton were the best of the rest, qualifying third and four leading into the semi finals. Savoya won Semi A ahead of Gillott and Pain. Laughton won Semi B narrowly ahead of McBride, with local hero Wayne Walker in third.

The stage was set for the final – The Liverpool track in mint condition, 12 of the country’s fastest drivers ready to battle and the weather remaining good throughout Sunday afternoon. The final was held up briefly with Craig Laughton calling a 10 minute delay after the weather cooled considerably and played havoc with his engine tune. The delay meant Laughton would start from the pits, a considerable distance back from the second position on the grid where he should have started. Savoya and McBride took control of the race early until McBride had engine trouble on lap 44, losing 40 seconds getting back to the pits and restarted. Gillott had taken control of third position for much of the race until McBride struck trouble, taking over second. Laughton managed to get from 12th to 6th on the first lap, before setting cruise control and sneaking through to 3rd by lap 45. With only 20 minutes remaining, Laughton set his sights on Savoya and Gillott ahead of him. On lap 69, Savoya suffered engine problems when his clutch nut worked loose and the clutch bell began to rub on the fuel tank, wearing through the tank to the point where he lost all fuel and was forced to retire. Gillott inherited the lead with Laughton now in a position to put pressure on the leader, closing to within a few seconds with five laps remaining. Laughton’s persistence paid off when Gillott slid wide on the step up / step down section, alloying Laughton to sneak through for the lead and holding his nerve for the remaining few laps, winning by .8 of a second. An exceptional race by Gillott who showed awesome speed all weekend but at the end of the 45 minute race was very unlucky to not come away with the top prize. McBride recovered well to finish third a lap down on the leaders.

Craig Laughton

Car – Losi 8ight 2.0 EU

Engine – Novarossi .21 Plus 4C

Transmitter – Spektrum DX3R

Servos – JR DS8915

Andrew Gillott

Car – Losi 8ight 2.0 EU

Engine – Novarossi .21 Plus 4C

Transmitter – Spektrum DX3R

Servos – JR DS8915