DaveB 151 Posted January 27, 2015 I thought this looked interesting: http://www.rc-news.de/01/2015/first-look-serpent-spyder-srx4-4wd-buggy-von-billy-easton/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XV Pilot 1936 Posted January 27, 2015 It is interesting (to me at any rate) to see how things have gone full circle. Back in the days of the Hotshot and similar vehicles, drivetrains were complex affairs with numerous shafts, pulleys and gears (and in some cases belts and chains and other doohickeys). Then designers realised that simple, efficient drivetrains were the way forwards to get the most performance out of the power available, so we saw straightforward shaft or single/dual belt drive being employed in the top cars. However now with the abundant power available from brushless and LiPo setups, designers are once again willing to go for more complex, less efficient drivetrains that allow more flexibility regarding weight distribution, as the key to winning now seems to be improving the handling to make use of all the power. So, were Tamiya's very complex earlier drivetrain designs merely ahead of their time? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeekelemental 528 Posted January 27, 2015 This Serpent is interesting and attends the eternal fight to concentrate weights around longitudinal axis. I think it's stimulating for designers. The Lipos era is changing cars designing a lot but the other side of the medal is that this experiments are made (as usual) drain money from racers and the "revolution" persist only for a pair of race seasons. Is it the case that IFMAR/EFRA/ROAR define battery dimensions? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quandry 378 Posted January 27, 2015 That is an interesting layout! Looks like fun to build Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kontemax 1723 Posted January 27, 2015 These bodies are ugly like the death and the debt. Max 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeepnMike 150 Posted January 28, 2015 Wow! Serpent is known as being an innovator that others follow, but that is definitely different. I have been waiting for a new 4WD buggy to come along as a possible DB01 replacement (for me), but wanted something totally new. That may do the trick! I would rather it be something I can buy parts for locally, but this is pretty cool. One thing that seems odd to me, with the motor placement and weight distribution. The motor does look close to center, but still on the right side of the chassis as is the ESC. I would think that between the two it would be a little heavy on that side. At any rate, this is cool to see! Thanks for sharing Dave! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sayer 742 Posted January 31, 2015 Honestly, I'm just happy to see deviation from the standard "motor and elecs on one side and battery down the other" setup of nearly every car ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njmlondon 570 Posted January 31, 2015 Looks like a TA02 chassis to me with the rear motor / gearbox mounted upside down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites