The Squash Van is a fun-to-drive big tire vehicle that is inspired by 1950’s American panel vans. The polycarbonate body shell sits on top of the new gear-driven 4WD GF-02 chassis, which is a variant of the comical GF-01. While the GF-01 chassis features a comical design, the GF- 02 chassis employs a more realistic wheelbase and a frame with ladder and pipe motifs.
This Limited-Edition version of the kit includes the body which is pre-painted in Cobalt Green (PS-54) with White (PS-1) roof and Smoke (PS-31) windows, pre-cut wheel arches and pre-made body mount holes, which is great for not only beginners but also R/C veterans.
GF-02 chassis
The gear-driven 4WD GF-02 chassis features its motor in a low, central position in the lightweight, durable monocoque frame, and transmits power to front and rear via gears. The long wheelbase and wide tread setup ensure stable off-road performance. The slim frame features ladder/pipe motifs and features integrated sealed gearboxes which help keep stones out. Front and rear gear differentials allow smooth cornering, while separately sold pinion gears offer a choice from three types of gear ratios, and a motor guard enhances reliability off-road. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension employs four friction dampers, and the steering servo is positioned on the left with identical-length tie-rods.
Options Explained
Bearing Upgrade: These make the car run more smoothly and are easily installed during assembly. If there is no option for these shown, then the kit already includes the bearing upgrade as standard. These are entirely optional.
Radio System: There is a choice of a TWIN STICK (Traditional) radio or a Steering Wheel (Modern) radio. Both radios operate on 2.4Ghz and use the new Crystal-Free technology, so you can run multiple cars at the same time without any interference. The steering wheel radio is included in the price, a traditional twin stick radio just a few pounds more .
ESC: This is the connection between the radio system and the motor. You have two choices - the Tamiya Hobbywing unit which will take much more powerful motors, or the Mstyle (from Tamiya Denmark distributor HPI Europe) which will take many upgrades still, is waterproof and a very reliable unit. The Hobbywing unit has a very good reputation with modellers and has a higher capacity allowing faster motors to be used at a later date. Both units feature electronic brakes. Which ESC to choose is purely personal preference as both are equally suitable for this kit.
Battery: The higher the number, the longer the run time. The 1800 battery is included in the price.
Charger: You can choose to upgrade the charger - USB charger takes around 4 hours depending on the battery, Mid Speed around 2 to 3 hours, Etronix Fast Charger can be as quick as 60 minutes in the house or 30 minutes in the car and Ansmann Delta also around 30 minutes (and also works in the car). The basic USB charger is included in the price.
If you would like more options, would like to choose a package without one of the above components, or wish to purchase the car kit on it's own, please search our site for the CUSTOM option of this kit - easily found by searching for the kit name or number followed by CUSTOM.
Available Options and Upgrades:
Ballraces: None Full Mr Bear Roller Bearing (+£18.50)
Battery: 1800Mah 7.2v 2000Mah 7.2v (+£2.00) 3000Mah 7.2v (+£7.50)
Charger: USB 500ma Slow Charger (Suits up to 3000Mah) Mains Mid Speed 0.8 Amp Mini Peak (Suits up to 3000Mah) (+£7.00) Ansmann AC3001 3 Amp AC/DC Fast Charger (Suits all, Automatic) *PROMO PRICE* (+£9.99) Etronix Fast Charger (1A-2A Mains, 1A-4A 12v, selectable) Automatic ET0208 (+£19.75)
ESC: OUT OF STOCK: Mstyle (Tamiya Denmark) 60A ESC Waterproof, NIMH/LIPO 12 Turn / 30 Tamiya Hobbywing 1060 RTR Quicrun 60A Brushed ESC NIMH/LIPO 8T Limit
Radio System: Etronix 2.4Ghz STEERING WHEEL Radio (1 Servo) Carson 2.4Ghz TWIN STICK Radio (1 Servo) 707131 (+£14.50)