Kick Up Some Dirt - 1/18 Scale Losi Mini-Slider
Kick Up Some Dirt With This Awesome 1/18 Scale Racer
Losi Mini-Slider Racer at RCSLOT.
Chassis
Going back to the original JRX-2, Losi has always had a knack for pushing the envelope and developing something new and exciting. One of the most exciting releases could just be the new awesome looking Losi Mini-Slider. While loosely based on the Losi Mini-T, the Mini-Slider brings many fun features to the table. Whether you enjoy full-scale dirt oval racers, RC dirt oval cars, or just love scale racecars, the Mini-Slider has something under the hood for everyone.
Suspension
While the overall footprint of the Mini-Slider resembles a Mini-T, there are some significant changes under the shell of this winged beast. To provide the most scale appearance possible, the Mini-Slider features a stretched wheelbase when compared to its cousins. This is accomplished through an all-new fiberglass main chassis plate that is approximately 1.50″ longer than the molded chassis on the Mini-T and Mini-Baja. This longer chassis configuration makes it possible to centralize the weight placement in the Mini-Slider, thanks to the use of a 6-cell in-line battery pack. A new front and rear bulkhead configuration connects the front and rear suspensions to the main chassis plate. The entire chassis is very rigid and well planned. To better protect the chassis and electronics, the Mini-Slider features a realistic roll cage bolted right to the chassis.
The suspension on the Mini-Slider has been lifted straight off its cousin, the Mini-Baja. While simple in design, it is both functional and tuneable. Plastic-bodied oil-filled shocks with coil-over springs provide the dampening and control needed to keep you heading in the right direction. The shocks are a bottom-filled design and use molded pre-load clips to adjust the amount of tension on each spring. The shocks also feature bleeder valves at the top of the chamber making it possible to build air-free shocks every time.
The Mini-Slider features a number of suspension adjustments for the hobbyist. From simple changes to advanced tuning options, the Mini-Slider can be easily dialed in on a variety of surfaces. Up front, you can alter the loading and rate of the shocks by altering the shock position on both the A-arms and the shock tower. Front camber and toe angles can also be adjusted, thanks to the included adjustable links. You can even adjust the front roll center by adding shims under the inboard camber ball stud. The rear of the Mini-Slider is just as adjustable, as you can also alter the shock angle, camber, and camber link location. The Mini-Slider’s suspension components are also totally interchangeable with the Mini-T and Mini-Baja, meaning that there are a varieties of aftermarket suspension parts available for it if you’re one who must have the best hop-ups.
Motor and Gearbox
The gearbox on the Mini-Slider is effective and efficient in getting the power to the ground. Inside the gearbox you’ll discover a 3-gear transmission that utilizes a bottom-mounted gear differential. The top-shaft features a slipper clutch which is driven by the powerful RX280-size motor bolted to the motor plate. Dogbone driveshafts reliably transfer the power from the gearbox to the axles.For the ultimate in efficiency, all drivetrain components spin on quality shielded ball bearings. To protect the motor and gearbox, the roll cage wraps around the Mini-Slider’s tail section.
Wheels, Tires, Body
The first thing that you will notice about the Mini-Slider is just how realistic it looks when compared to a full-size dirt oval race car. This is no doubt thanks to the attention to detail that has gone into the body and roll cage. The highly detailed body is molded in 4 different pieces, making it easier to access electronics or other chassis components. The upper wing piece can be adjusted to a number of different positions to alter the downforce characteristics and handling of your car. Or, if you are a fan of wingless style sprinters, you can also remove the wings for a totally different and more traditional look. The rear portion of the body features a molded-in driver’s helmet. The helmet not only looks cool, but adds to the scale realism of the Mini-Slider. The sides of the body feature molded exhaust headers, further enhancing the realistic design. A wing is also mounted to the front end of the Mini-Slider, adding both steering and straight-line stability. The Mini-Slider comes equipped with soft-compound treaded rubber tires that look realistic and work well on both smooth dirt and paved or carpeted surfaces. The tires are pre-glued to highly detailed and great looking chromed rims.
Electronics
When you have a car as exciting as the Mini-Slider, you’re definitely going to want to run when you want, where you want, and not think twice about frequency control or glitching. An industry-leading Losi 2.4 GHz DSM radio system comes preinstalled in the Mini-Slider that completely eliminates any worries of glitching, frequency conflicts, and radio interference. The Losi radio features a comfortable foam steering wheel, servo reversing, and trims for the steering and throttle, and adjustable steering rate.
The electronics installed in the Mini-Slider chassis are just as awesome as the transmitter. A Losi MXR-3000 receiver and MSC20RB electronic speed control convert your input at the transmitter into reassuring car control. Of course, all of the Losi electronics come pre-wired with industry standard connectors. This makes it easy to get up and running in a snap. A 6-cell 7.2V NiMH battery pack and wall charger are included with the Mini-Slider, along with the four AA batteries needed for the transmitter. Everything you need to get up and running is included right in the box - doesn’t get much easier than that.
The Losi Mini-Slider is easily one of the most unique vehicles to come to market in some time. Even casual enthusiasts will find the simplicity of driving an oval both fun and challenging. With no need for a permanent race track, any garage floor, cul-de-sac, or rec room can become a hotbed of action any time of the year. The Mini-Slider comes out of the box incredibly well equipped with everything you will need to get started, including a battery pack and charger. And with oval racing on the rise in popularity, the Mini-Slider is arriving at the right time. Even if you are not interested in racing your Mini-Slider, there’s just something appealing about this car. Where the Mini-T was a home run, the red-hot Mini-Slider raises the bar and has hit a grand slam.
Losi Mini-Slider Racer at RCSLOT.