Traxxas T-Maxx
Stick a fork in this one...
MORE TO COME...
Kyosho Sandmaster ST-2
All that plastic goodness...
INTRO:
After getting rid of the Traxxas T-Maxx on eBay I had just about enough of the maintainence intensive antics I had been experiencing with R/C. I was looking for something simple and cheap to own and operate. Down to the local hobby shop I go and find my parameters were met all too well.
The Sandmaster has a black composite chassis which is also used for the Outrage and Tracker series of cars. Thats right- Kyosho made the same chassis for both nitro and electric. Very cheap production-wise. The only metal parts on this car is the engine, engine mount, screws, bushings, and drive shafts. It is conveniently 90% assembled leaving only the shocks to be built and the tires mounted.
RUNNING:
Breaking-in of the engine was going fine until the last run the engine suddenly stops for no apparent reason. Up till then it had been running well. To the bench it goes. I notice the pull starter very tight and the engine nearly locked. Upon removal of the cylinder head I find my problem. The piston was pressed tightly against the cylinder with metal shavings all around it. This engine was toast.
After waiting a week for customer service to repair it and send it back, out to the field we go again. Break-in goes well and I started leaning the engine for power. This car isn't a speed demon by any stretch, but top end is adequate.
Besides the engine problem, this car held up well, with only the starter being replaced.
