Maxx Family

.The Maxx family consists of several models originally based around the T-Maxx.

T-Maxx
The T-Maxx was introduced in 1999 and is claimed to be the start of the monster truck class of radio control racing. The T-maxx uses a single plate aluminum chassis, braced underneath by beam supports. The suspension used a fully independent double A-arm design, supported by eight coil over shocks, two on each corner. The drive system consisted of a mid-mounted Pro .15 nitro engine and a mid mounted two speed transmission driving a permanent four-wheel drive system with no center differential. The tires were massive 5.75 x 3.5 inch "chevron" style tires mounted on 3.2 inch wheels.

The T-Maxx 3.3 was basically the same as the T-Maxx 2.5R, however there were some differences. The biggest one was Traxxas' larger, more powerful TRX 3.3 nitro engine. Other differences were mirror chrome versions of the 2.5R's 3.8 inch wheels, "Talon" all-terrain style tires (first used on Revo), a wheelie bar, and a different body paint scheme. It has a claimed top speed of 45+MPH.


A T-Maxx 3.3 in action.In 2008 Traxxas introduced a revised T-Maxx 3.3. The new model featured a new body, with new paint and graphics. It also features a new chassis with the wheelbase extended by 30 mm which features a new skid plate. Other features include, new "Hurricane" wheels, new 6.3 inch "Giant Maxx" all-terrain style tires (.55 inches taller than the previous 5.75 inch "Talon" tires), new dual stage air filter, newly standard "resonator" tuned exhaust pipe, and a new digital high torque steering servo.[2]

In 2008 Traxxas also introduced a further revised version of the T-Maxx 2.5, now called the T-Maxx Classic. Changes were limited to a new paint scheme, subtly revised graphics and new wheels and tires (the same ones used on the T-Maxx 2.5R).[3] The t-maxx is now has a 2.4 GHz radio system

E-Maxx
The E-Maxx is the electric counterpart to the T-Maxx. It shares the same suspension and differential parts as the T-Maxx, but trades the central metal chassis for a molded composite chassis housing a remote shifted two speed transmission, two 550 sized electric motors, related electronics and batteries. The original (model 3906) E-Maxx ran on two 7.2 volt battery packs, using a total of 14.4 volts to run the system through its Novak designed EVX ESC. Traxxas later equipped model 3906 E-Maxxs with an EVX-2 ESC capable of running on two 8.4 volt batteries, totaling 16.8 volts.[6]

In late 2009 Traxxas released the E-Maxx Brushless Edition. It features the same Castle Creations "NEU" brushless motor and "Mamba Monster" brushless ESC as the E-Revo Brushless Edition. Other new features include 17mm splined hubs, a wheelie bar, Traxxas' 2.4GHz radio system, dual waterproof digital high torque steering servos, heavy duty slipper clutch, 6.3 inch "Giant Maxx" tires, white progressive rate springs, black-chrome wheels and bumpers, and new paint and graphics.[8]

Revo Family
The Revo family consists of several models originally based around the Revo.

Revo
The Revo was introduced in 2004 as a complete redesign of a monster truck chassis with a more advanced and reliable design than the T-Maxx. The Revo has become popular in racing, and is also well suited to "bashing" environments such as a backyard or a construction site. Notable characteristics include the inboard pushrod suspension system with new "GTR" shocks and springs, a complex "monocoque"-type aluminum chassis which lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, a stronger transmission that features electronically controlled reverse, sealed limited slip differentials, rubber sealed pivot balls, drive shafts and ball bearings, 3.8 inch wheels and all-terrain style "Talon" tires, and an updated version of Traxxas' TRX 2.5 engine, the TRX 2.5R. It has a claimed top speed of 40+MPH.[9]

Later in 2008 Traxxas released a revised version of the Revo 3.3. It incorporated some of the features seen on the Revo platinum, including a polished "Resonator" dual chamber exhaust pipe, dual stage air filter, larger 150cc fuel tank, teflon coated aluminum "GTR" shocks with titanium nitride shafts, 17 mm splined wheel hubs. As is typical of a new Traxxas model, the revised Revo 3.3 received a new paint scheme.[11]

In July 2009 Traxxas introduced a further revised Revo 3.3. Changes included a new body with new paint and graphics, new dual waterproof digital high torque steering servos, Traxxas' new 2.4 GHz radio system, an improved "Optidrive" two speed reversing transmission, and new progressive 2 suspension rocker arms. Also, new deeper offset 3.8 inch "Geode" wheels increase overall width by 1 inch and new 6.3 inch "Monster Maxx" tires (lifted from the current T-Maxx) increase ground clearance by .25 inches to 4.25 inches and overall height by .9 inches to 11.02 inches.[12]

E-Revo
In May 2008 Traxxas launched an electric powered version of the Revo, called the E-Revo. The electronics are identical to the E-Maxx 16.8, consisting of dual "Titan" 550 motors, EVX-2 Waterproof ESC, and waterproof high torque servos. The front and rear assemblies do not differ from the original revo, but the chassis is injection molded plastic instead of an aluminum semi-monocoque chassis. Notable features include enclosed battery compartments with air intakes for cooling and a full length skid plate that completely encloses the transmission and central drive shafts. It also features a stadium truck style low-profile body instead of a pickup truck style body like the nitro Revo. Like the E-Maxx 16.8, the E-Revo is claimed by Traxxas to be waterproof and safe to use in wet environments. It has a claimed top speed of 30+MPH.[13]

In late fall 2008 Traxxas introduced the E-Revo Brushless Edition. It uses a single Castle Creations "NEU" brushless motor and "Mamba Monster" brushless ESC in place of the dual "titan" brushed motors and EVX-2 waterproof ESC on the standard E-Revo. Other new features include Traxxas high current battery connectors and Traxxas' new 2.4GHz radio system (the old system was 27MHz). The claimed top speed varies from 25+mph on 14.4 volts from twin 6 cell NiMH battery packs (7.2 volts each, not recommended by Castle Creations) and the stock gear ratio to 65+MPH on 22.2 volts from twin 3S LiPo batteries (11.1 volts each) and an optional taller gear ratio.[14]

Summit
The Summit was introduced in early 2009 and is one of Traxxas' newest models. It is intended to be Traxxas' first entry into the Rock crawler class. Many components are carried over from the E-Revo, including the chassis and major suspension and steering components, major transmission and drive line components, and the EVX-2 waterproof ESC. New components on the Summit include new 7 inch diameter "Canyon AT" rock crawling/all terrain style tires with soft foam inserts mounted on new 3.8 inch "Geode" beadlock style wheels, new front and rear remote electronic locking differentials, new high articulation CV joints, Traxxas' new "TQ4" 4-channel transmitter, and a new 10 LED lighting system integrated into the bumpers with 4 white LEDs (for headlights) and 6 red LEDs (for tail lights). The Summit is powered by one of Traxxas' new "Titan 775" brushed 775 sized high torque fan-cooled motor. The transmission is a two speed remote shifted unit with an ultra low ratio 70:1 first gear (optimized for slow speed crawling) and a 25:1 second gear (optimized for high speed off roading). The body is unique from other Traxxas models, as it features as single color solid paint scheme (as opposed to other Traxxas models that feature flashy multicolored paint schemes) and it has an integrated "Exo-Cage" external roll cage.[15]

Slayer
The Slayer is a 4wd short-course nitro race truck. This vehicle shares many parts with the two nitro Revos including the suspension (excepting the suspension arms, which are shorter and only have one pushrod mounting hole), chassis from the 2.5, and engine of the 3.3. The body of the Slayer is larger than normal 1/10 scale vehicles; this moves the tires inboard the body rather than outboard like other stadium trucks on the market today. Slayer comes stock RTR with the TRX 3.3 racing engine and has a claimed top speed of 50+ mph.[16]




Jato 3.3

Traxxas Jato 3.3In 2006 Traxxas released the Jato 3.3. Changes include the use of Traxxas' larger and more powerful TRX 3.3 nitro engine, taller 1st and 2nd gear ratios, new wheels with street oriented "Anaconda" tires, standard front and rear sway bars, standard wheelie bar, new "resonator" tuned aluminum exhaust pipe and a new body paint scheme. The body was also slightly modified to accommodate the TRX 3.3's larger cooling head. It has a claimed top speed of 65+MPH[18]


2WD Stadium Truck Family
The 2WD Stadium truck family consists of a series of nitro and electric models based around the electric Rustler.

Rustler
The Rustler was first introduced in 1994 and is Traxxas' 2wd 1/10 scale electric Stadium truck. Its design is very similar to earlier Traxxas stadium trucks. It featured a 4 wheel independent suspension with 4 coilover shocks and 2.2 inch wheels. It was powered by a "Stinger" 540 20 turn brushed motor and a 3 speed rotary mechanical speed control or a fully proportional XL-1 ESC. It had a claimed top speed of 24+MPH.[19]

In 2006 Traxxas released the Rustler XL-5. It featured major changes including the new "Titan 12T" 550 12 turn brushed motor, the new XL-5 ESC, redesigned transmission, new tires mounted on larger 2.8 inch wheels, high torque steering servo, new ESC mount, Revo spec slipper clutch, select new gray colored parts, white springs, and a new paint scheme and graphics. It has a claimed top speed of 35+MPH.[20]

In 2007 Traxxas introduced the Rustler VXL. The new model had several improvements over the standard Rustler XL-5. The biggest one is its "Velineon Brushless system" which consists of a 10 turn 3500kV brushless motor and a 320 (rated burst) amp brushless ESC. Other features included Traxxas high current connectors with 12 gauge wire, hex hardware, rubber sealed ball bearings, adjustable camber links, black chrome wheels, steel transmission gears, strengthened differential yokes, digital high torque steering servo, fiberglass front suspension tie bar, and a new low profile body, paint scheme and graphics. The claimed top speed is 35 to 70+ mph depending on the battery and gear setup, which ties it with the Bandit VXL as Traxxas' fastest electric vehicle.[21]

In 2008 the Rustler XL-5 received the Rustler VXL body with a different paint scheme.

As of 2009 both the Rustler XL-5 and Rustler VXL are now waterproof, featuring Traxxas' waterproof XL-5 ESC (waterproof VXL3s brushless ESC on the Rustler VXL), 4 channel micro receiver, watertight receiver box, and waterproof high torque steering servo (waterproof digital high torque steering servo on the Rustler VXL).[22]

Nitro Rustler
Traxxas first introduced the Nitro Rustler in 1997. It is a 1/10 scale 2WD stadium truck. Although they shared the same name, the Rustler and Nitro Rustler shared few parts (many parts were similar though). It was powered by Traxxas' Pro.15 nitro engine.

In 2003 Traxxas released the Nitro Rustler 2.5. The main change was Traxxas' new TRX 2.5 nitro engine. Other changes included new wheels and paint scheme.[23]

In 2007 Traxxas released a revised Nitro Rustler 2.5 (model 4409). The new model featured new tires mounted on larger 2.8 inch wheels, a high torque steering servo, select gray parts, white springs, and a new low profile body (similar to the Rustler VXL body) with a new paint scheme and graphics.[24]

  Bandit
The Traxxas Bandit was first introduced in 1995 and is Traxxas' 1/10 scale 2WD buggy. It shares most of its parts with the Rustler, including the central chassis, motor, speed controls, transmission (albeit with a different gear ratio), rear shocks and shock tower, and radio system. The differences include shorter front and rear suspension arms, camber and steering links, buggy style smaller diameter and narrower wheels and tires, and a buggy style body with rear wing.

In 2005 Traxxas offered the Bandit with the XL-1 ESC in addition to the existing 3 speed rotary mechanical speed control.[35]

In 2007 Traxxas released the Bandit XL-5. The new model featured all the same upgrades as the Rustler XL-5 except the wheels. The Bandit XL-5 featured larger diameter 2.2 inch wheels that were also wider and new tires to fit.[36]

Later in 2007 Traxxas released the Bandit VXL. It received all the same upgrades as the Rustler VXL except a new body. The Bandit VXL body is the same as the Bandit XL-5's, but with a new paint scheme and revised graphics. The claimed top speed is 35+ to 70+MPH depending on battery and gear setup, which ties it with the Rustler VXL as Traxxas' fastest electric vehicle.[37]

As of 2009 both the Bandit XL-5 and Bandit VXL are now waterproof, featuring Traxxas' waterproof XL-5 ESC (waterproof VXL3s brushless ESC on the Bandit VXL), 4 channel micro receiver, watertight receiver box, and waterproof high torque steering servo (waterproof digital high torque steering servo on the Bandit VXL).[38]

Slash (2WD)
The Traxxas Slash was introduced in 2008 and is a 2wd 1/10 scale short-course electric race truck. The Slash shares many of its parts with the Rustler XL-5 including the front and rear suspension (except the springs), motor, and transmission (albeit with a different ratio). Differences include a raised chassis (though not as high as the Stampede's) that is also much longer, wider and rectangular, 4.3 inch (diameter) x 1.7 inch (width) all-terrain style tires mounted on 2.2 inch wheels, Traxxas high current battery connectors, steel transmission gears, new waterproof XL-5 ESC, waterproof digital high torque steering servo, 4 channel micro receiver, sealed water tight receiver box, adjustable camber links, rubber sealed ball bearings, nerf bars, hex hardware, heavy duty drive shaft yokes, new battery hold-downs, short-course truck style bumpers, progressive rate springs, and a wide short course truck style body that encompasses the tires. The claimed top speed is 30+MPH with the supplied 23 tooth pinion gear.[39]

Slash 4x4
Released in late 2009, the Traxxas Slash 4x4 is a 4WD 1/10 scale short-course electric race truck and it features Traxxas' first all new platform since the Jato was introduced in 2005. Contrary to its name, the Slash 4x4 has almost no parts commonality with the 2WD Slash, and the Slash VXL 1/16. The parts carried over from the 2WD Slash to the Slash 4x4 are limited to the shocks, springs, and the rear drive shafts and axle carriers, otherwise, the Slash 4x4 is a completely new design from the ground up. Its central chassis is a semi rectangular unit molded from gray plastic featuring triangular reinforcements throughout. It also features a four wheel independent unequal length double wishbone suspension with four oil filled coilover shocks and progressive rate springs in staggered lengths ("long" up front; "XXlong" in back). The new suspension will also be capable of mounting front and rear sway bars (available as a Traxxas accessory). It is powered by the same "Velineon 3500" 10 turn 3500kV brushless motor and "Velineon VXL-3S" waterproof 320 (rated burst) amp brushless ESC as the 2WD family VXL models, however the Slash 4x4 does not bear the VXL moniker like Traxxas' other Velineon powered models. The driveline design is very different than that featured on any other Traxxas model. The motor is mounted longitudinally in the M4 layout driving a spur gear that directly turns (no transmission), via a Revo spec slipper clutch, the main one piece hollow aluminum drive shaft. The drive shaft sends power to the front and rear viscous limited slip differentials, which send power to the wheels through plastic telescoping half shafts. The Slash 4x4 features a similar exterior appearance to the 2WD Slash, including a similar short course style body, bumpers, nerf bars, and wheels. Other notable features include scale replica BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires with white lettering, 2.2 inch satin chrome beadlock style "SCT" wheels, a new heavy duty ball bearing steering system, digital waterproof high torque steering servo, Traxxas high current connectors, 2.4Ghz radio system, and hex hardware used throughout. With the stock motor/ESC combo the claimed top speed is 35 to 65+MPH depending on the battery and gearing used. Traxxas also advertises the Castle Creations Mamba Monster Brushless system (featured on the E-Revo/E-Maxx Brushless Edition and available as a Traxxas accessory) as a direct "drop in" replacement for the stock Velineon system, and it is claimed to be capable of powering the Slash 4x4 to speeds in excess of 80MPH.[41]

The usual compliment of genuine Traxxas accessories will be offered with the Slash 4x4 including a variety of aluminum upgrade parts, a center differential, CV joint half shafts, sway bars, a stronger clutch, the Mamba Monster Brushless system, and more.[42]

Not long after the standard Slash 4x4 was announced, a race-ready "Platinum Edition" was also announced. Much like the Revo Platinum Edition, it lacks a pre-painted body, but includes most of Traxxas' available accessories as stock equipment. New features include big-bore aluminum shocks, a center differential, aluminum hubs and axle carriers, blue anodized aluminum wheel nuts, front and rear sway bars, and racing compound tires.[43]

Sledgehammer
Another discontinued model, the Sledgehammer was an entry-level one-tenth scale, electric, rear-wheel-drive monster truck. It had four wheel independent suspension and eight oil filled shocks. It came with an early 90s regular cab Chevrolet truck body. The three versions produced include the original with white tub, white shocks, and gold aluminum plates; the second version (circa 1994) with white tub, black shocks, and black aluminum plates, and the third and final version which was all black plastic and blue aluminum plates.