Axial RR10 Bomber Project

The Axial RR10 Bomber is my second Axial kit, and my first rock racer.  The primary attribute of the model that drew me to it is the full cage structure which was totally unlike anything else I had at the time.  This model is a combination of the Wraith and Yeti using solid axles and 4-link suspension both front and rear.  The steering servo is mounted on the axle.  The body does not need to be removed to change the battery.  Instead, the hood swivels forward and reveals a pocket where the engine firewall would be.  The spare tire on the back is a full size real usable tire which is important to the weight and balance of the model.  Like any Axial kit the parts are well made and packaged, and the instructions are excellent.  The hardware is all hex drive.  The kit comes with some upgraded parts compared with the RTR including aluminum suspension links.  The wheels are plastic beadlocks which, even more than metal beadlocks, will give you carpal tunnel syndrome.

From the beginning I wanted to make this waterproof so I could use it in any conditions.  I chose a high torque Savox waterproof steering servo.  I also wanted to be able to accurately simulate the dual roles of a real rock racer: high speed desert racing and low speed rock crawling.  The first thing this required was using the optional 2-speed transmission to which I fitted using another, but cheaper, Savox waterproof servo.  I also wanted a really robust power system.  I had never tried Tekin before but everything I read about them indicated they were the good stuff, so I got a waterproof 550 sized sensored brushless motor and an RX4 programmable ESC.  I had a bit of trouble making good solders since I was still learning the craft, but this is a great power system.  Very smooth at low speeds, and plenty of power at any speed.  Everything is waterproof, even my Spektrum receiver.  My only regret with this setup is that the ESC is highly programmable but very difficult to access since you have to take out 10 screws to remove the body.

The model is very good at both crawling and racing, but has not been very durable.  Virtually every time I have ever used the model I have broken something.  The first big problem is that the CG is very high so almost any turning at speed causes it to roll over.  I addressed this by adding wheel weights.  This solved the rollover problem but put additional strain on the drivetrain.  I broke the front diff locker in half and had to replace it with a steel version.  The most frequent problem is breaking the rod ends on the front links.  They are soft plastic and it doesn't take much to tear the lug open and disconnect a link.  I have replaced them many times.  Another problem is that the steering link falls off.  It is not captured by anything except popping onto the ball ends, and since it hangs in front of the axle can easily impact rocks and get knocked off.  I lost the original in a rock pile and had to buy a Vanquish version.  I recommend adding a washer above the ball end to retain the link.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.