FMS FCX24m: it's Not an FCX24!

[@FrokieKlarth-qe3ei]

This 1981 Range Rover model has a distinct body shape that can be better appreciated without the oversize roof rack I think. To my mind, it and those silly size sand ladders, add more weight than realism. Simply remove three screws, accessible from above. The two beneath the "LANDROVER" stickers, on top of those spare wheel covers, are attached to unsightly horns on top of the roof. I suppose, one could disguise these to look like flashing light units, by popping little round domes over them, you know, coloured pill halves or something, but I'm never going to refit that roof rack and so, I ground the stubs down. The Range Rover's character is, like most cars, defined by it's front. Happily, that bull bar masking it, also unscrews easily and without leaving any unsightly fixing points. Yes, I know, it's supposed to be a Camel Trophy / seriously off road vehicle, ie it's not meant to look like an on-road Range Rover, but that is what I'm trying to approximate. So, as with too many hobby grade remote controlled trail-cars and almost all crawlers, this Range Rover, to my eyes, has "Oh dear, clown shoes again !" comically oversized tyres that also protrude out of the sides. Shame the wheels look so good and the tyres grip surprisingly well too! Oh yeah, the nice foams soak up any mud and moisture when driving through puddles, quickly making the car's performance sluggish. My advice would be, to either waterproof the tyres or keep away from moisture. I fitted much more scale and smaller wheels and tyres to mine which revealed massive body holes where the original monster wheels were and a much too high riding body. I don't know how to make the wheel arches smaller and rounder, but, at least the tops of the shocks can be mounted one hole higher, which lowers the body a little. I also found the velcro holder under the front to be too high and fixed that by re-shaping it and it's peg sockets. Finally, the big Camel Trophy stickers came off. I wish I hadn't used acetone to dissolve the "RANGE ROVER" from the windows because it ate into the clear plastic, making it look like a frosted bathroom window. I have written really critically about this FMS Range Rover and yet, I LOVE playing with- and otherwise just looking at it. :) To sum up: What a fun car ! :)

[@RCTNT]

Your entire comment read like a love letter to this car, do not worry. I love your approach and between you and me, I've been working to a similar end. (The tires are amazingly good, aren't they! It is a shame they're too big!) I'm looking forward to showing what I've done with mine, too. Similar to yours. I may do some 3D printing to get the wheel wells right, and if I manage that, I'll share with the class. Happy tinkering :)

[@RCTNT]

Oh yes, what smaller tires did you use? Love to know!

[@FrokieKlarth-qe3ei]

Thanks for your responses! I don't know, sorry. They're left-overs from something long ago. The tyres are much less grippy but smaller AND thinner. On them, it says "Mud-Terrain T/A RMJ" and "BFGoodrich". I can't feel any foams in them. They're glued onto light-grey plastic wheels, simulating alloys with five fat Y-shaped spokes that appear flush with the tyre wall. tyres - 37mm diameter, 12mm tread width wheels- 20mm diameter, 11mm width, 9mm dish depth

[@FrokieKlarth-qe3ei]

Oh GOODY ! Can't wait to learn about your modifications. :) For your interest: I failed to mention that I also lowered the shock bottoms by attaching them to holes drilled about 3mm further down. The wheels look almost part of the car now. Of course, ground clearance is much reduced - only about 11mm now - and that forces me to look much more closely at the terrain detail. The capacity for relatively high speed, gives the option of making the car fly over obstacles. However, I have to confess that I like the challenge of deliberately negotiating them individually. That means, concentrating. And driving at slow speed. A whole new game ! :) By the way, the steering angle can easily be increased by carefully reducing the two plastic knuckle limiters. Also, I managed to dislodge one of the reflectors from the surprisingly tough side mirrors. I was careless, the car fell onto a hard surface and I could see the snail trail of glue that had held the reflector in the mirror housing. Easy fix, but finding that tiny reflector may not be... :)

[@RCTNT]

Nice, thank you for that extra info. Mine will be something between what you're aiming for and the stock design. I still want a modified off-roader, but with more of the Range Rover and less of the Camel Trophy. My tires will still be probably in the low 50mm range, unfortunately - though I'd prefer 42mm or so, I think. Anyway, still playing around. Have retained the spotties but removed nearly all of the roof rack, removed the bull bar, lowered the body by using the top shock holes, but I don't think I'll drill the axle end to get them lower again. Still playing around with ideas. It's fun eh.

[@bruceclimas2266]

I got one of these recently and I totally agree, really nice scale driver. The tip using the cable ties was a great bit of lateral thinking (Just did it to mine) 👍👍😊😊

[@alfoard7709]

What a rad little vehicle. So much for the price. We need some scale RCTNT stickers for the corners of our windscreens though please.

[@RCTNT]

I need to get around to that! Been busy, but haven't forgotten! I'll try to get to it soon. And yes, this car really converted me. I was 'meh' at the start but now, wow. It's amazing!

[@chanozoc]

I got a scx24 for my birthday which is my first real small scale crawler and I have already spent more on upgrades/mods than the thing is worth! Great fun little rig though.

[@RCTNT]

Hahaha isn't that the way! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Daniynad]

Yep, very nice truck. Quick mod to steering, cut off bump stops on the axle, increase travel on the transmitter. Refrigerator foam liners are a perfect thickness and softer than the stock foams. Thank you for your videos.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the tips!

[@JamesDirtRC]

If i picked one it would be this one. Great job. Great Video.

[@ianmangham4570]

Beautiful 😮

[@rcplaytime]

these are awesome 👌 i have all 4 ,discovery is my favourite 😃👍👍

[@RCTNT]

Oh wow, he's right into it! Good on you! They're fun little things, I've been working on mine a bit.

[@WestyCoastHermit]

Quite the impressive vehicle. I knew nothing of this truck before your review and I incorrectly assumed it was another FCX24 with a new body. I'm happy to be wrong. It's very well thought out new vehicle and FMS should be congratulated. I'm looking foreword to seeing how you personalize this. Also,I love your puppers chasing the Rover at the end. Mine does the exact same thing. Too much fun! Thanks a bunch!

[@RCTNT]

This was exactly my expectation also. What a great surprise it was! Doggo is funny, yeah 😊

[@MrCveedub]

Great look over of this truck, Craig!

[@RCTNT]

Thank you! I've got more planned for it, I really like it.

[@christianrotola3]

I totally agree mate. A great little car with excellent performance. So small and so cute. Regarding weight distribution, just add a little weight to the front wheels and a little less to the rear ones and the car will go even better. The counter-rotating shaft solution is one of the best things they could have done. It completely eliminates body roll, especially on climbs. Adding lights is disarmingly easy. What more can I say, I love it!

[@RCTNT]

Brilliant little thing, isn't it. Those rcawd cyberwheelz I showed are perfect in this case, as the weights are removable. Heavier front, lighter rear! (Though the look isn't for everyone and I won't use it for the Rangie as I want to keep it looking scale. Hmm)

[@DurpVonFronz]

Great looking rig. FMS sure are cranking out some nice stuff. Some of the best scale in the 24ths by far.

[@RCTNT]

They're making simply excellent models, I have to agree. Better than they had to do to sell, honestly, but gee they're good. The FCX24m was such a surprise!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

Really great looking truck! But what about the 6 problems?! 😂

[@RCTNT]

Lol.... No.

[@reonpaniora108]

Would love to see reviews of hb toys 1001 series trucks vs rgt and the 6 problems.

[@RCTNT]

You're not the first to request that. I suppose I should bite the bullet and do it! I'll look into it, watch this space 👍

[@reonpaniora108]

@RCTNT love the content mate. One of the best rc channels 👌

[@Latimerias_trailncrawl]

​@@RCTNTalso compares them with WLtoys 104020. Another Bronco 😂

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, will check out now

[@just.jose.youtube]

If the list of RCs I want to buy for my collection wasn't already huge and varied, this would certainly find a spot in it! :)

[@RCTNT]

Ita a great little car and worthy of your list 😊

[@just.jose.youtube]

@@RCTNT I know! 🥺 I really wanted one! Being broke sucks. 😅 The "small scale, scale accurate looking off-road beauty" place in the collection was already taken by the first Chevrolet K10 that FMS released. The metallic red and chrome on that thing is gorgeous. 😍 If I ever get a chance (€€ wise) to add a "Camel Trophy Land Rover" place to the list, this will certainly be considered. My next investment will most likely be a Sengi Kart-80 go kart from MinimumRC, have you come across it yet? Cute looking little things!

[@RCTNT]

Been there, understand it. Haven't heard of that model, no. I'll look it up. Heh that's a cute little thing. So close to the ground! My old farmhouse floor would be too much for it!

[@just.jose.youtube]

@@RCTNT oh yeah, this rigs need a minimally smooth surface. :)

[@pieterdejong150]

Great review, ordered the discovery a while ago. Hope it will be here for the holiday. Scale wise, probably more 1/20 though.

[@EKisCOOLERasJY]

Yuuup, getting the Defender 110 for my birthday next week, although I would like the upgrade options on the scx24 I prefer the smoother crawler action. Might just do heavier rim and bigger tire I saw on another video to keep the center of gravity low for the 110 body. Oh and ordered ton of cosmetic upgrades of aliexpress.

[@RCTNT]

Haha it's fun going through the process. I hope you really enjoy this one - and happy birthday for next week 🎉🎊

[@michaeldorich4485]

You've done another very good review. The majority of the reviews have been done of the Range Rover model. Everyone likes it as a great little trail truck. Tomley reviewed itand did some crawling with it and it was good, which is different from what most people found. He used a bigger battery which I didn't understand. This is very reasonably priced while other small scale crawlers with less features are more expensive.

[@RCTNT]

I have no idea what others are doing as I've watched nothing about it - but I'm not surprised the Rangie is popular!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@RCTNT When there's a Comp for smaller scale rigs where would this fit?

[@RCTNT]

I don't really know. It would be fine in a stock class with no mods. Tire size limit is important for fairness, but other than that I reckon it'd be decent enough.

[@onemanmayhem]

It's cute! Could it be possible to modify it more to the "civilian" version, like your olde car? I have always liked how the rear tires articulate inside to the fenders (or whatever). It would be funny little sleeper with that much articulation and all. 😎

[@RCTNT]

I can't see why not. Remove the plastic trim pieces and the stickers, then lightly sand and paint the body. I bet it would come up great. Could detail the interior some more too, if so inclined. Getting smaller tires and suitable wheels might be harder, but it's worth pursuing if you like the idea, sure.

[@lgrc6120]

Bravo as you say 😉

[@RCTNT]

Just capital, chaps. Jolly good.

[@MrCveedub]

awesome intro

[@RCTNT]

Haha thanks

[@Casitascrawlers]

Excellent review I’m not sure which one I’m getting yet but I don’t have a Range Rover so I’ll probably get that model. RC sizes are like shoes the sizes depending on brand are all different so a size 9 varies depending on brand. I’d like to see FMS come out with a 1:10 scale Range Rover or some kind of Camel Truck. Thanks for the look at it. 👍

[@RCTNT]

Yeah that'd be cool. I'm all for new things!

[@ryand4786]

It looks good, even though I’m not a Range Rover fan. It would be nice if a company got brave enough to release something different. Jeeps and land rovers have been done to death

[@RcPRODUCTION25]

😂

[@RCTNT]

I'm pleased to see a range rover and a discovery here, that's a great start

[@Latimerias_trailncrawl]

At least they're releasing disco & Rangie. I'm sick with Defenders 😂

[@stoogebot]

Can confirm. FMS ship to Australia

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for that!

[@stoogebot]

@RCTNT yeah man, they basically stole my tax return

[@Casitascrawlers]

Traxxas take notice it’s a whole new RC 😂

[@RCTNT]

😅

[@kookoo5210]

fcx24 was really 1/20th or something, that's why fcx24M is smaller...it is bigger that Kyosho 1/24th though, which is spot on in scale...

[@RCTNT]

Good to know. I've been thinking of getting my hands on one of those things finally.

[@AnySumptionBanter]

fcx scx... M.. 4m... names are way too close. interesting how that happened. nice scale items though and look. The doggo was very excited too... nice to see

[@RCTNT]

The naming letter jumble is pretty funny, yes. This dog is a character alright!

[@Wild_Buggy]

👍👍👍

[@jp8jeta414]

nice review, lots of interesting features. The first time I used mine indoors both gears in the rear diff broke into pieces, I am waiting for new ones, does anyone else have this issue ? take care eh!

[@RCTNT]

Whoa that's not good! I haven't had this happen at all, nor heard anyone else on the comments saying this. What a bummer! They're meant to be metal, so maybe there was a flaw in one of the parts in yours. Not ideal!

[@jp8jeta414]

@@RCTNT yup agree, one tooth on the crown gear and three teeth on the pinion, I ordered 6 sets but I hope I do not have to use all. lol

[@RCTNT]

Blimey, yeah me too! Hope it's smooth sailing from here 👍

[@jp8jeta414]

@@RCTNT quick update, Fair RC has sent out new diff pinion and transmission gear this time made of stainless steel and new front and rear housings to match as they have replaced the old style gears that were flawed.

[@RCTNT]

Well that's good to hear, I hope it's better for you now. Sounds like it should be.

[@Rc_impulse]

I got the same one! LR RR I’d call it Fact :: India, Tata owns Jaguar Land Rover.

[@RCTNT]

Yep, it's a Land Rover Range Rover, quite right. At 8:11 in this video you can see Tata credited as being the current owner of the brand, that's exactly right.

[@Rc_impulse]

@@RCTNT I'm starting to realise that the transmission tunnel makes it get stuck wY too ,much have you thought of flipping it around

[@RCTNT]

I won't go too far on performance enhancements for this model, as I like it how it is, but I get what you mean. You could try that, for sure.

[@electronsmove]

The dog is losing it over the scale interior. Just look at it! Can you see this?

[@RCTNT]

She won't stop talking about it

[@doughudson5729]

Just to let you know I don't think you should be recommending RCAWD parts is there customer service has gone to rubbish and if you check reviews you will see that they are not answering complaints and not fulfilling orders have bought parts from them in the past and always found them good upgrade parts but just recently ordered a servo servo Mount and steering links they sent wrong servo Mount and steering links email them no response gave bad review on their site still no response so I checked reviews silly I know but 25% of people had same troubles as I did in fact one person didn't even get their parts😢

[@RCTNT]

They sponsor our club and have been amazing when issues have popped up for folks who ordered things. It's concerning to hear you've had a bad experience but I'm in touch with many in the hobby in Australia and so far they've been making good on problems. Thanks for the info, all the same. It's important to have it noted in case it becomes a regular issue. In your case, bug them again, you'll hopefully get the help you need. Also try from their website contact form/message chat thing, just in case your email didn't gett through. Could be they haven't gotten your message due to spam filtering.