Nah…it’ll never happen. That was my prevailing reply whenever I’d daydream about Traxxas entering the small-scale R/C crawling scene. As an owner of a TRX-4, I’ve often wondered what a scaled-down Traxxas trail rig might look like. Today, that wondering has become a reality with the unveiling of the TRX-4M.
Jumping into the well-populated pool of small-scale mini-trucks, Traxxas has set its sights on the 1/18-scale realm with its Ford Bronco (#97074-1) and Land Rover Defender (#97054-1) TRX-4M models. Featuring ABS plastic bodies, clear windows, integrated body details, and an assortment of body accessories, Traxxas is swinging for the fences with its first iteration of tiny trail trucks.
Both the Bronco and Land Rover borrow styling cues from their 1:1 counterparts, making them difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Pre-installed LED lights in the front bumpers deliver a touch of realism and added utility, and the “clipless” body mounting design maintains a clean visual look that scale enthusiasts are sure to appreciate. Multiple body colors are offered for each vehicle (red, blue, black, and white for the Bronco and red, blue, black, green, and gray for the Defender).
While there’s a lot to admire on the surface, the foundation of the TRX-4M appears to be ready to tackle rugged terrain. With a ladder-frame chassis design, four-link suspension, oil-filled shocks, and a 180-size, 87T brushed motor, Traxxas hasn’t shied away from performance.
Also worth mentioning is the waterproof/water-resistant electronics and 2S LiPo battery that bring drive-anywhere fun to your indoor and outdoor R/C adventures.
With an eye toward the upgrade scene, Traxxas has also announced an array of upgrades and option parts for the TRX-4M, which will be released shortly after these rigs arrive in the hands of hobbyists. Steering and suspension links, LED lighting kits, wheels, tires, a utility trailer, and more are among the hop-up items announced. There will even be three additional body color options for the Bronco (Cyber Orange, Cactus Gray, and Area 51).
Traxxas TRX-4M Specs:
- Length:
- 10.3 inches (262mm) (Bronco)
- 11 inches (279mm) (Defender)
- Front Track: 4.9 inches (124mm)
- Rear Track: 4.9 inches (124mm)
- Ground Clearance: 1.12 inches (29mm)
- Weight (w/o battery):
- 1.03lbs (468g) (Bronco)
- 1.06lbs (483g) (Defender)
- Height:
- 4.6 inches (117mm) (Bronco)
- 5.3 inches (135mm) (Defender)
- Wheelbase: 6.10 inches (155mm)
- Approach Angle:
- 54° (Bronco)
- 52° (Defender)
- Breakover Angle:
- 45° (Bronco)
- 45° (Defender)
- Departure Angle:
- 48° (Bronco)
- 41° (Defender)
- Shock Length (front and rear): 2.0 inches (51mm)
- Hex Size: 7mm
- Wheels (front and rear): 1.0 x 0.49 inches (25.4 x 12.5mm)
- Tires (front and rear): 2.2 x 1.0 inches (57 x 25.4mm)
- Electronic Control Module: ECM-2.5™ (Combo ESC, Receiver, Lighting Control*)
- Motor (electric): Titan® 180 87T
- Differential Type: Fully Locked; 2:1 Axle Ratio
- Chassis Structure/Material: Steel Ladder Frame with Nylon Composite Crossmembers
- Brake Type: Electronic “Hill Hold”
- Drive System: Shaft-Driven 4WD
- Steering: Axle-Mounted Servo
- Radio System: TQ™ 2.4GHz 2-Channel Transmitter
- Servo: #2065T Heavy-Duty Waterproof
- Battery Tray: 50.5mm L X 31mm W
Priced at $149.95, the TRX-4 Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender will be available for purchase in November (2022). Learn more about these 1/18-scale R/C crawler models at traxxas.com.
Image credit: Traxxas