Inside scoop

In addition to the latest stuff scoured from the usual sources, this months "Inside Scoop" features a passel of products

spotted by Steve Pond during his journey to Japan for the Shizuoka Hobby and Toy Show. For expanded show coverage, head over to radlocontrolzone.com!

The nitro big-truck wars just got a little more interesting with OFNA's surprise introduction of the Titan. This high-riding monsters obvious features include a big-- block pull-start engine and an orange-anodized, Maxx-- style raised chassis, but there's a lot more going on with the Titan than that The chassis plates are 3.2mm thick, and that big-block engine isn't a .21 but a .25! It spins a 2-speed transmission, and power gets down to the center drive shafts beneath the chassis via a helical-cut gear train. There's a slipper clutch built in to the final gear, and "CVA universal-joint drive shafts with 8mm stub axles meet the Titan's massive wheels and tires.The suspension gets its eight threaded-body aluminum shocks from the OFNA 9.5 (check out the way they're mounted on the upper arms), and a high-torque (135 oz.-in.) steering servo is included with the Airtronics electronics package. A factory-finished, trimmed and mounted body completes the RTR setup, and OFNA plans to follow up the pull-start Titan with an electric-start version in time for the holiday season. Look for a review as soon as we can get our hands on a test truck!

OFNA Racing (949) 586-2910; ofna.com.

Trinity Team Magic Alpha starter box

The Alpha box is like no other box we've seen. Its dual 540 motors are custom-wound for starter-box duty, and a "Power Increasing Gear System" gives maximum flywheel-turning torque. Holders for spare glow plugs and a glow starter are built in, and a quick-release hatch makes it easy to get into the box without tools for battery-pack changes and maintenance. An on/off switch prevents the Alpha box from being accidentally turned on in your pit bag or trunk when in transit, and all you need to complete the starter is a pair of batteries. Good news: for a limited time, Trinity will offer the box with a pair of battery packs at no extra charge!

Trinity (732) 635-1600; teamtrinity.com.

Tamiva II-01 XB

Tamiya's series of XB (Expert Built) ready-to-run cars just got a shot in the arm with an all-new chassis that features a shaft-drive system. According to Tamiya, the series has superior weight savings and balance when compared with the previous TL-01 chassis. The new cars also include a high-quality radio system and an electronic speed control. By replacing the mechanical speed control with state-of-the-art electronics, Tamiya has improved functionality and reliability.

The new TT-01 XB will be available with the Honda/Mugen Integra Type-R body or the Subaru Impreza WRC '01 (year may change).

Tamiya America Inc. (800) 826-4922; tamiyausa.com.

Tamiya

INTEGRA TYPE-R

Tamiya announced a new 1/10 RC version of the new Honda Integra Type-R, This version is dressed in the same graphics as the car that was driven by Team Beams to victory in the All-Japan Super Taikyu (Endurance) Race Championship. The sharp-looking body is paired with a special TL-01 chassis. The chassis features long-span suspension arms for bet, ter cornering ability.

Tamiya America Inc. (800) 826-4922; tamiyausa.com.

Hot Bodies Nitro Tourer

It hasn't been long since Hot Bodies introduced its 1/8 RTR buggy, and now it appears ready to release a nitro touring car.

It isn't clear whether this car will be released as an RTR, but it does have all the right stuff when it comes to features, including competition-type pivotball suspension, oil-filled shocks, anti-roll bars, direct steering and a molded tuned pipe. We'll bring you more details as they become available.

Hot Bodies (909) 296-9340; hotbodiesonline.com.

Pro-Line Flatbeds, Ferrari & 350Z

for your Micro RS4

For a unique-looking shell for the Micro, check out these new shells from Pro-Line. The Dodge Dakota R/T, GMC Sierra; Ferrari F360 Modena, and Nissan 3502 bodies all include decals, window masks, overspray film and add-on spoilers

Pro-Line (909) 849-9781; pro-lineracing.com.

Team Orion

HAVOK

Orion's new budget mod motor combines a fixed-timing, non-rebuildable design with a ball-bearing-supported armature. A variety of winds is available, from 11 to 27 turns; sounds like the Havok could be a cool way to start a "spec-mod" class at the track with faster-than-19-turn motors. The endbell is fixed, but the brushes and springs are replaceable (of course).

Team Orion (714) 694-2812; team-orion.com.

O.S. .12 TR-T

TURBO OUTLAW

This new .12 TR Turbo (TR-T) engine from O.S. surfaced shortly before the show, but now we know the details of this new Outlaw engine.

The .12 TR-T is a 5-port turbo engine that features five genuine transfer ports plus a new, two-piece head design for use with turbo plugs. The T model features a distinctive black engine block and, a similarly finished slide carburetor. O.S.; distributed by Great Planes (800) 682-8948; greatplanes.com; osengines.com.