Redcat Ascent-18 Scout II Rig Review: The Green Machine

By: Tim Gluth

It's rig review time! I've added a few brushed Redcat Ascent-18 Scout IIs to my RC collection, and, of course, I couldn't leave them stock. While they're great vehicles out of the box, I love putting my own spin on each of these machines, making them ready to head out on their next adventure.

When it came to upgrading my green Ascent-18 Scout II, I started with my go-to selection of updates: Injora Brass Diff Covers and new wheels and tires. Initially, I had run a set of Injora Black Brass Turbine Wheels with Little Guy Racing Parts Black Label M/T Tires, but I swapped those out for LGRP's Fifteen52 Turbomac Wheels in black, again wrapped in LGRP's Black Label M/T Tires.

As soon as I discovered LGRP had released the Fifteen52 Wheels in white, I needed to add a set of those wheels to my collection, and am currently running those on my green A-18 Scout II, along with a set of Little Guy Racing Parts Clawhammer M/T Tires (57mm).

Since upgrading my 3D printer setup late last year, I've been rediscovering my passion for 3D modeling and prototyping. Aside from printing several pre-made items for my R/C collection, I've been tinkering with some new overland components for my Ascent-18 Scout II collection, including several roof racks, tailgate inserts, bumpers, and rear tire racks.

This rig is currently outfitted with a "step up" roof rack that includes a slatted section (printed in light brown) for a classy touch. Other 3D printed accessories found on this trail truck include a front bumper, tailgate insert, rear tire, fuel can rack, and spare tire "cover".

Finally, I gave this rig a powerplant boost and swapped out its stock brushed motor for Furitek's Mini Komodo Unity 2-in-1 Motor/ESC. While this isn't the most cost-effective upgrade a person can make, I have been very pleased with the performance and tuning options that this motor and ESC combo provide.