WL TOYS 124019 & 124018 PREVIEW

The 1/14 scale 144001 has been a hugely successful model for WL Toys and has taken very strong "inspiration" from the excellent LC Racing EMB-1. Off the back of this success WL Toys have announced the release of the 124019 and 124018 which is an extended wheelbase version of the 144001 and claiming it as a 1/12 scale.

Again strong "inspiration" from LC racing who released the LC12B1 which is an extended wheelbase version of the 1/14 scale EMB-1. In this article I will cover off the obvious differences, the less obvious differences and the benefits and disadvantages over the 144001. I'll then finish off by talking about suitability for upgrades and a little more specifically about the 124019 desert buggy

Obvious differences In order to extend the wheelbase there are four key new components - a longer chassis, a longer 4wd drive shaft a longer top deck and a longer body shell. In total this stretches the wheelbase out by 46mm, track and other dimensions remain the same.

Cosmetically the prepainted body has new colour and sticker scheme and as a side note the stretching is done here through and extension of the body BEHIND the cabin meaning there is still not a heck of a lot of space for electronics which is not a big deal as you'll see later. Additionally the wheels are white with the same nonsensical text now in purple and shock absorber caps, rings and seals are now anodised purple to complete the look. Lastly it looks as though the shock towers are anodised gold but are the standard pressed rather than upgrade moulded design.

Less obvious differences The battery is bigger and is most definitely a lipo judging by the images available. 2200mah is approximately 50% more in capacity that the stock 1500mah battery off the 144001 so should offer better run time and more peak current available. One thing I really like the look of is the top plate and resulting electronics layout. Since th 144001 uses such a big motor for the size of the car, it forces the ESC unit above the top deck which they had to place a drop down section in for the 144001. This compromises the torsional strength of the deck and it means you cannot fit a 3s battery in cleanly - the drop down section makes it too low.

Now with the extra chassis length, the 124019 and 124018 do not need the drop down because the ESC fits neatly between motor and servo. As well as undoing the negatives of torsional weakness and 3s fitting above, it also means the weight distribution is much better - the stock 144001 did struggle a bit with rear bias.

Advantages and Disadvantages on the 124019

The advantages of a longer wheelbase car in general are well documented and include:

• Better high speed stability

• Better stability through wide turns

• Better jump stability

• More room to fit electronics and obtain optimum weight distribution

• More room also allows for better airflow = better cooling = better electronics life

Disadvantages

• More difficult to manouvre around very tight corners

• Harder to fit into your backpack

• I think the dimensions on this particular body look a little awkward although it may look better in real life.

Want to learn more? Check the official page for the latest discount

Wltoys 124019 RTR

Wltoys 124018 RTR