Axial Yeti Jr. SCORE 1/18 Trophy Truck

Backyard off-road racing has a fresh, new look.

Axial didn’t just dip their toe into the small-scale R/C world with the release of their Yeti Jr. 1/18 rock racer. They jumped in with two 1/18-scale models, based on the popular 1/10 and ⅛ Yeti off-road machines. The second vehicle release is the Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck, a 1/18-scale, 4-wheel drive radio-controlled truck that’s ready to take on tough terrain and obstacles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh-KZdjMuT4

Chassis Design

Not all small-scale radio-controlled vehicles are created equal. Some models are scaled down both in size and quality. From what I’ve see from the Axial Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck, it has been designed from the ground up to be true to the original.

The chassis design itself remains unchanged from the 1/10-scale Yeti SCORE Trophy Truck, featuring independent front suspension and a solid axle rear suspension setup.

Oil-filled, adjustable shocks, 1.2/1.55 stepped wheels (with breather hole and 12mm hex mount), and 1.2/1.55 BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR 2 tires are some of the handling component highlights of this race truck.   

Electronics

It goes without saying that almost any modern, hobby-grade R/C vehicle that is produced will feature a 2.4GHz radio system. The Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck includes a Tactic TTX200 two-channel transmitter with an adjustment interface for steering trim, throttle trim, and servo endpoint tuning.

The TTX200 communicates with a Tactic RE20 electronic speed control (ESC)/receiver combo unit that is waterproof. Along with this piece of electronics, the Tactic TSX106 servo and 40T brushed motor are also waterproof/water resistant.  

Motor, Gearing, and Power

The Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck also shares the same powerplant as it’s rock racing brother. The previously-mentioned 40T, 380 sized brushed motor is designed for torque, but the standard gearing (15T pinion) should allow for an even blend of takeoff and top-end speed (proportional to the vehicle’s size.

Providing the juice for this motor is an included 7.2V, 1300mAh NiMH battery. While the ESC is capable of handing LiPo power (up to 2S), this is a decent starting point to get this trophy truck. moving. An included USB charger gives you the ability to keep the battery pack topped off at home or at work. Perfect for when the mood strikes you to enjoy some radio-controlled entertainment.

Appearance

Fans of off-road truck racing will find the visual design of this truck quite appealing. The SCORE Trophy Truck style body sits atop the chassis and is mounted with four body posts. Unlike the Yeti Jr. Rock Racer, the trophy truck uses four body pins attach the body to the mounts.

The stock graphics package is eye-catching and you’ll have no problem keeping track of this truck while you’re ripping around the track or in your backyard.

Axial Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck Specifications

• Length: 11.6” (330mm)
• Width: 6.9" (175mm)
• Height: 5.0" (128mm)
• Wheelbase: 8.1" (206mm)
• Ground Clearance: 1.1" (27mm)
• Weight: 1.75lbs (0.80kg) RTR with included battery
• Motor: Axial 380 40T Electric Motor
• Radio: Tactic TTX200 2-channel SLT radio, 2.4gHz
• Servos: Tactic TSX106 Servo
• ESC: Tactic RE20 forward/reverse, 2S LiPo max with cut-off enabled

Pricing and Availability

The small-scale R/C landscape features a variety of vehicles at a range of prices. Axial has positioned the Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck in a comfortable starting spot, featuring a price of $179.99. In an interesting twist, limited quantities mean this is an exclusive purchase from Axial’s website. While it would be great to head down to your local hobby shop to see one of these new models up close, the first batch of these machines is available for purchase sight unseen.

Read more about the Axial Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck

While I’ve only read about this new model, a number of folks have had their hands on it. For more in-depth details, check out these posts and videos to learn more about this new small-scale rock racer.

• Axial’s Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck product page
• RCCar.Zone’s Axial Yeti Jr./Yeti Jr. SCORE Trophy Truck Photo Gallery
• Scale Builder’s Guild Unboxing and Review [Video]
• HemiStorm’s unboxing and review of the new Axial Yeti Jr (and Yeti SCORE Jr) [Video]

Image credit: Axial