Radio Control Car Action

Day 2

We started this morning traveling along the top of the ridge on the
slabs. It was like a sea of rock with trees and bushes growing up
through the cracks. The trail featured many off camber obstacles
that required extra care for both of the vehicles. We took our
time and worked our way down the trail and off of the ridge. This
is the one area that the SCX10 could have left the full-size Jeep
behind, as the off camber and downhill ledges required some well-
thought-out lines and extra care. As we rolled into the valley,
we had some very cool and flowing lines to choose from. The SCX10
Jeep was all over the rock climbing and enjoying the endless
line options. The full-size Jeep was being put to the test as
massive rock crevasses require lots of articulation. With a few
extra scratches on the sliders, and a smashed exhaust exit, we
rolled up to Buck Island Lake. While paralleling Buck Island,
we had several tight switchbacks and short but steep climbs
to negotiate. After a moderate climb up a dirt and rock road,
we arrived at the top of Big Sluice. This area had also been
modified for erosion and featured a freeway-style bypass, so
we elected to put both of the Jeeps right in the thick of the
obstacle. This is one spot where we really put the full-size
Jeep through its paces. The Big Sluice forced us to choose
between several line options that each have their challenges.
The first corner entering the sluice required turning left
going downhill over a massive rock. From then on down the hill
it is a constant decision making process to choose the best
line. Due to the downhill factor, it was best to make the best
decision the first time. The hardest part of Big Sluice was
the huge tree smack dab in the middle of the road surrounded
by rocks the size of Volkswagens. After two attempts to pass
this tree, we were forced to take another line over to the
side near the cliff’s edge. This line involved dropping off a
4-foot-tall rock onto the road very near the edge. Once past
that portion, the rest was smooth sailing. After exiting Big
Sluice, we were greeted with another downhill section that
resembled a ton of waterfalls, one after another. At the
bottom of the waterfalls, we made it to the famous Rubicon
Bridge and just a few short minutes past the bridge is the
Rubicon Springs area where most people camp while out on the
trail. We elected to pass the springs and stayed the night
at a nice little private camp spot about two miles down
river.

To be awarded the coveted Jeep Trail Rated badge for their o;cially licensed body, Axial took the SCX10 to the very trail Jeep uses as its benchmark: the Rubicon Trail in eastern California. ;e trail is home to the most rugged and challenging o;-roading terrain in both the Sierra Nevada Mountains and North America. You would think that heading o; on an adventure like this would require a lot of support parts, but Axial’s team opted to pack light — packing just a charger, a dozen or so battery packs, and four AAs for the radio. You may want to gear up a little more, so here’s a quick look at what you’ll need in your RC survival kit should you dare to replicate the journey: