Big news here, as Vaterra has just announced its first scale/trail platform. Dubbed the Ascender, the new model is making its debut as a clear-body kit with a very nicely executed Chevrolet K5 Blazer shell. Frame rails are steel and configured to offer four wheelbase options, and the solid-axle suspension features a 4-link rear end with a 3-link/panhard bar combo up front. Licensed Interco Super Swamper rubber completes the scale look. It’s clearly a good-looking truck (just look at the photos), and it’s telling that Vaterra has gone with a full assembly kit to launch the new model–if there’s any group that prefers to build their own, it’s trail guys. The Ascender is an obvious competitor for Axial’s SCX10 series, and we’re keen to see where Vaterra takes the line. More licensed bodies? RTR versions? We’ll see. In the meantime, count on a full review as soon as we can get our hands on an Ascender.
Click the pics to enlarge
Nice stance. The body arrives clear, since the Ascender is a full kit.
The “crawler style” bumpers include tow hooks, and a single-speed transmission is standard. Vaterra offers a servo-shifted high-low gearbox as an option.
Look closely, and you can see the panhard bar that centers the front axle.
If it’s steering throw you want, the Ascender has it in spades.
The solid axles features extremely compact pumpkins. Plated diff covers are a nice touch.
| Vehicle Type: | Scale 4×4 Crawler |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain: | 4WD |
| Size/Scale: | 01-Oct |
| Completion Level: | Kit |
| Length: | 540mm (21.25 in) |
| Width: | 229mm (9.00 in) |
| Height: | 241mm (9.50 in) |
| Ground Clearance: | 37mm (1.06 in) at Differentials |
| Wheelbase: | 314mm (12.36in)/302mm (11.9in)/290mm (11.4 in)/278mm (10.95 in) |
| Front Track: | 220mm (8.66 in) |
| Rear Track: | 220mm (8.66 in) |
| Suspension: | Multi-Link Solid Axle |
| Shock Type: | Oil-Filled Threaded Injection Molded |
| Wheel Diameter: | 48.3mm (1.9 in) |
| Wheel Width: | 115mm (1.1 in) |
| Tyre Tread: | Interco Super Swamper TSL SX |
| Motor Size: | 540 Required |
| Pinion: | 14T |
| Spur Gear: | 86T |
| Gear Pitch: | 48P |
| Internal Gear Ratio: | 4.05:1 |
| Final Drive Ratio: | 7.86:1 |
| Speed Control: | Not Included |
| Radio: | 2-Channel (3-channel for Optional 2-Speed Transmission), Not Included |
| Batteries: | Not included |
| Charger: | Not included |
| Body: | Unpainted |
| Ball Bearings: | Throughout |
The post Vaterra Debuts New “Ascender” Trail Chassis With K5 Blazer Body–And It’s A KIT! appeared first on RC Car Action.
