Carisma SCA-1E Pajero: Scale or Fail?

[@tiborbeetles1882]

I've got the Range Rover Custom put together from a kit. Totally agree it's a weird mix of ok, awful and really good. The steering is shocking but can be improved slightly using the aftermarket alloy or carbon fibre knuckle arms, flipping the c-hubs I think and raising the steering link with spacers so it clears the pumpkin better. Performance once you've improved the steering is actually quite decent, it has an absolute ton of suspension flex and the shocks are really good, though too big to look scale. The Carisma inner fenders are quite good as they basically conceal all the sideboards too, as well as the wheel wells. The axles are ugly and the pumpkins massive, but the anti-torque twist works well, definitely has less twist than an Axial or Element straight axle truck. Totally agree they should have just gone either axle mounted servo or re-engineered to 3 link and panhard, the front end set-up is just garbage. The plastics are pretty cheap and the chassis is as rigid as spaghetti. The Range Rover bodyshell is a little weirdly proportioned but looks nice out on the trails. Those tyres are awful on anything but dry grippy rock or hardpack dirt. The kits are pretty cheap over here in the UK about £180 for a roller no electronics which is not bad, for the money they are a reasonable budget truck especially if you like the scale bodyshell. a shame they have funky wheelbases so you can't use the shells on much else without custom links.

[@RCTNT]

That's a quality summary, thank you!

[@jeremymiller2340]

Now this is such a breath of fresh air just to see a rtr thinking outside the box with that body shell!

[@RCTNT]

They did a nice job with it, yes!

[@VS666]

I agree it grew on me towards the end too. Neat little rig but as usual you can spot the shortcomings immediately. Not too shabby though

[@RCTNT]

Yeah! Potential.

[@crawling86]

I look forward to all your videos! 🙏 I just painted a 2000 model Jeep cherokee 1/10 to look like my old 1995 real size. I think you might be impressed ❤ keep them coming, brother 🙏 S.C. USA You definitely make it look easy.

[@RCTNT]

Nice! That's awesome, glad you're enjoying yourself 😎

[@Markooboy]

I love your passion for the hobby 😊

[@rcjeepguy3560]

I joined your channel because of this review Great job man! Thanks for the heads up because I was considering one of these. Just a few too many problems for the money. According to one of the websites here in the states the retail is $409 and they're asking$ 359. Nope and nope. Thank you again.

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure, and thanks for letting me know!

[@James-bristol]

I got the land rover kit version,fun car to drive no crawler but always puts a smile on your face

[@RCTNT]

That's what it's all about!

[@TachyonDriver]

What a great, well reasoned review (as usual), thank you. I bought the SCA-1E Range Rover RTR about 3 years ago over here in England. Despite the Carisma issues you touch on, the Rangie is one of my favourite trail/light crawlers in my small collection. I seem to remember replacing the shock oil with 35 weight. The shocks are indeed beautifully smooth although some have stiction out of the box (that's why I swapped the oil). My apologies if you have already investigated this, but the radio has a menu where you can change things, such as end points on the steering, drag brake and throttle set up. There is a setup video on YT which goes through this. I guess my trailing expectations are quite a reasonable match to the stock SCA-1E truck. My FTX Hi-Rock is more capable for example. I'd certainly have another Carisma, namely their Ford F-150 pickup.😊

[@RCTNT]

If your expectations align with the performance, you'll have a great time. They are pretty models.

[@Casitascrawlers]

I have the Coyote 2.1 & it has the upgraded esc with programmer. My first time out mind you this was over a year ago I took it out for the first time & within 30 min the pin fell out of the rear driveshaft & lost the rear drive. It actually fell apart not broke but the parts fell out in the dirt. Put it sat for over a month because I could on,y get the parts from Carisma. It’s never good when you spend your $ & it falls apart first time out. Carisma told me that those metal driveshafts have had a known issue the spring holding the pin in place isn’t very good at holding the pin. Eventually I received the parts no charge & I put a little hot glue on the four driveshaft connections. After getting time on it I liked it but it was when I replaced the wheels with the stock set off a Sendero HD which are bigger then it became much more capable & really shinned. Eventually on a hot day the motor got really hot & it weakened it so I replaced it with a stock Element motor. Carisma is a brand that gets very little love or coverage but it has some nice RC’s the 1:8 Subaru rally is awesome. But the Crawlers all share the same chassis so it’s time for them to update it. I’m wondering about the Licensed Tacoma that is their most recent Crawler it has the same chassis I believe but man does that thing look good once you get the bed to not sag. Id love to see you review it & id definitely be interested in it. 👍

[@RCTNT]

I've been trying to get that Tacoma for a while but the price is just nuts for the platform. I understand it's the same underneath as this model, if that helps your decision.

[@Casitascrawlers]

@@RCTNT The price I’ve seen on their site wasn’t bad under $400 I believe but I guess that’s not cheap considering other RTR’s you can get for the same price or under I believe the Element Tacoma version is on sale for cheap they have a blue one & the Gray like the one you have & reviewed. It’s not perfect but as a trail rig it looks amazing.

[@RCTNT]

@Casitascrawlers they've got the bodies down well, yes!

[@mark-mj5dl]

I love your videos man! Sorry about your dog, I hope all turns out well for you and yours.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you. Doggo is doing fine, thanks 😊

[@aliensuperweapon]

5:23 The steering link in the front with the steering geometry gives it the opposite of an Ackermann. 0.o Oh my... this *really* should have gone behind the axle. I really like the wheels and the look though!

[@jjm2948]

I’ve have maybe 150hrs on mine and it’s been the most enjoyable crawler out of the dozen or more I have. Blows my mind almost every time I take it out…I think it has to do with the smooth axle pumpkins, how lightweight it is and oddly enough maybe how flexible the chassis is. Completely underrated and keeps up and beats most of the other crawlers in my group. Needs to be lowered a bit, v2 steering upgrade they sell, proline krawler tires with boom racing silicone inserts up front. Cheap eBay sway bar kit out back. Another cool upgrade I want to try is bowhouse skid with element trans, either standard one or XF version

[@RCTNT]

Ah, some great ideas here. Thank you! I'll look into their steering fix, it's needed. Glad you're enjoying yours 👌

[@Br0rB]

I've been wanting to build a Pajero for "ages", but haven't been able to find a MK1 body. We had an 84/85 Supoer Wagon Pajero when we lived in Australia, the LWB one with the two fold out seats in the rear, and I've been wanting to recreate that, somehow. Such a fun car, but expensive to run when doing silly stuff out in the bush, breaking parts almost every time - and my mechanic being impressed at how I managed to break some of the stuff. The closest I have gotten to buillding one was building my Orlandoo Hunter Pajero, but that's a much later model, almost modern. This looks neat, but from what I've seen with the Carisma stuff, they don't have the best performance, and some strange engineering - and it's SWB. :)

[@RCTNT]

This is a bit of an odd duck, yes. And it's a shame because it's quite pretty. Pajeros are fantastic value and I totally get wanting to do a model of one! The Carisma way isn't for everyone though, it is true.

[@chibiskyrc]

I got the Hyundai Galloper edition of this car and after driving it just one time, the chassis was sold with the body sitting on a more capable GMade chassis (seemed fitting to put a Hyundai body on a Korean chassis) and the Arc2 ESC it came with powers my new GMade Spider Portal. My Carisma Range Rover also now sits on a GMade chassis 😅 I just wish all of their bodies were available on their own like the Bulldog (LR Series III), updated Range Rover, etc

[@RCTNT]

The bodies are available: carisma-shop.com/search?q=SCA-1E+body&type=product# But I don't know if it's the whole range, and maybe that's what you're referring to. I also notice stock levels aren't high and some are even out of stock entirely. Still, their public contact people seem quite responsive so the body you're after may be just an email away.

[@mattiasrc]

Nice video, the Carisma SCA-1E Ford was my first crawler and after that i was hooked, love it and still have it in my collection even if the steering is terrible. How many grams are the brass diff covers?

[@RCTNT]

They're not brass and they really don't weigh much at all. I think they're thin alu or tin or something

[@mattiasrc]

@@RCTNT ahh ok but I have seen brass covers some where just cant find it again.

[@Andy_Yates]

I agree the body looks fantastic. And you're right, they called it the Montero over here. So many cool off roaders came with diesels overseas and we never got them. I'm not normally one to call for servo on axle, but SOA may be an easier route to better steering if there's enought triangulation in those front links :)

[@RCTNT]

Yes, I'll have a think about it. I reckon we can work something out. Australia is the place to be for epic diesel off road vehicles!

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT @Andy_Yates my oldest son's got a mid-90s 4-door Montero as his wife's kid hauler, it's all set up for "overlanding", whatever that means. Those things came with selectable air lockers in the rear axle OEM, which is kind of cool. neat to see one in RC.

[@RCTNT]

No way, OEM air lockers! That's awesome! Do you get a connection under the hood to use the compressor for your tires too? Great little extra either way!

[@Andy_Yates]

@@elduderinolebowski5411 Wow air lockers? That's really cool. I retrofitted elockers to my 80s Toyota from a TRD Tacoma. Selectable lockers are so cool :)

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT I know, it's wild, right? I have not had the opportunity to see the car in person yet, he was telling me about it when he got it some months ago. He's an active duty US Marine stationed about 1200 miles away down in So-Cal (we're in Western WA), so we don't have a lot of opportunity to see him, making it difficult to see it in person. but according to everything I've been able to find out about it, they're genuine ARB air lockers with a small matching compressor mounted somewhere on the car. Could be engine driven, could be electric, I don't know. It's a cool feature, though. Would be even neater if it had a fitting for inflating tires and air suspension too. I don't know if it does. I'll ask him and see what he says.

[@psjoinery6]

My 2nd 10th scale crawler was MK2 Coyote, as a relative newb to the hobby. I put it through hell for months, with minimal upkeep, trying to keep up with the new RC group I joined. I was up against much higher end, modified stuff. But, they always commented on just how robust it was, the cheap rig that wouldn't die. I added class 2 Showdowns on heavier wheels with weights, 1080 esc, 25kg Amazon servo and lastly a HH Crawlmaster when I killed the stock motor. It was a great beginner truck at the time but not much support for upgrades. The steering is crap and that 4 link with CMS is poor. I have still yet to do the chassis reverse mod, which helps a lot. I also bought a Range Rover Classic kit about 2 yrs ago, but haven't built it yet lol.

[@RCTNT]

I'm glad you have gotten so much use from it. That's what is for. Rock on 🤘

[@RcScaleTales]

Great truck have done a number of video. I renamed it a shogun !

[@verpine3534]

I really enjoyed this little review! Coming from the US I'm not a huge fan of Mitsubishi. We have them here of course, but I've never been attracted to them. I think Carisma did an OK job with the Lexan here (except for the body posts), but I'd much rather see a hard body with an interior, even if it meant upgrading the car just so it would be drivable with the added top weight. The lack of the panhard is a tough nut to swallow, though. That chassis flexes like a contortionist, but not in a pleasing way. Overall, it might make I decent platform for a scale enthusiast to build upon.

[@RCTNT]

That's about it. The flex isn't a huge problem with this kind of crawler, but really it's that steering and link config that needs a rethink. Other than that, yeah, solid base platform to mod and enjoy.

[@marklarsen-ne2ws]

Love my Coyote2.1s once you upgrade a few things lol . Im running Spektrum 2in1 1400kv systems in my trucks and they've perfect

[@TuxStang]

Got an ARC2 when it went on the shelves ... could have been a good alternative to the 1080 back then, unfortunatly mine was "black cat" ... it only had one oportunity to run indoor, then it jumped from never ending project to never ending project and ended as a victim of a polarity issue without ever going outdoor. Too bad, its form factor is slick, great for interior builders, and its specs are really close to the 1080 ... now it has to compete with 1080G2 and ESC70 that are more capable. Never been found of Carisma trucks though ... their platform is so old-school, way too old-school ... while they bodies look great (even the Bulldog as long as you don't remove the roof).

[@dantrivett8435]

Not for me but l like what you said about it. Kind of would be nice to improve it if sells for the right price.

[@RCTNT]

It comes down to price for me, too. If it was cheaper, okay, fair enough. Or, if it was released 8 years ago, yeah, it's about standard. But to still be a premium model in 2023 when it was released seems a bit disappointing... But I do still like the thing, issues notwithstanding!

[@allanwenzke749]

I bought a Carisma crawler for well under half price. The ESC was DOB. Luckily, I had a spare 1060 laying about.They are pretty good looking bodies but they aren't the best crawlers. Alright for a starter truck.

[@PonkyKong]

I think the fun with the small wheel scale trucks is getting them stuck. They can't just MOG over terrain like some of 120mm and larger tired trucks do.

[@just.jose.youtube]

Hehehe! I wander why they're not making any more...? I'll be surprised if they get to sell this whole batch! 😅 Being a bit hard on them but, like said, a rig with this characteristics was acceptable >10 years ago... The body though, that looks good, and it's awesome to see something other than a Jeep /Defender /Chevy... 😊

[@RCTNT]

Love a bit of variety, yeah!

[@pauldrulik2410]

argh isdt70 still does the throttle blip sometimes when going of reverse back to forward argh i got 4 of them here, there alright for 1/10 tamiya stuff but not good for crawlers

[@RCTNT]

Oh yes? Good to know. I haven't noticed that issue with mine but maybe I just haven't used it enough.

[@charleshurley8927]

I know this comment has nothing to do with the rig you have on this video, but I downloaded all the 3d parts for my ascent. I have one question. Is the soa strictly for the original diff cover? Because I replaced mine with brass and it's thicker than the original. I don't want to grind any one the mount on account of making it weak. Do you have any ideas on that, or should I go back to the original diff cover?

[@RCTNT]

Take a few close, clear photos for me. I mean well-lit, clear macro photos. Also see if you can measure how much deeper the diff covers are, around those top holes. I'll see what I can do for you. I'm on Instagram (well, not often, but it's a good platform for this) @rctrailandtech. Message me there with the photos and measurements and I'll see what I can do. Oh, also please tell me the brand of your diff cover. Basically, give me as much pertinent detail as you can. I'm busy but I'll gladly help if I'm able. More info = better chance of me being able to help! Cheers

[@charleshurley8927]

@@RCTNT I don't have Instagram. I am just going to go back to stock diff cover. I have brass on the front portal covers and brass hexes. That's probably enough brass on it. But thank you for the offer

[@RCTNT]

@charleshurley8927 fair enough - I only have ig for rc-tnt and not a thing else. My email is in the youtube about page for my channel, too. Should have thought to mention that. But I agree, there's a limit to adding weight and it sounds like you're working it out. Good one.

[@PleasureAfterWorkRcCrawlers]

If I remember right, Carisma has servo on Axle mounts.😊

[@RCTNT]

Probably the easiest way to fix this, yes!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

I’m not sure what hit is, but Carisma rigs have a certain attractiveness about them, in spite of their shortcomings.

[@RCTNT]

Very pretty bodies, lightweight, scale tire size, smooth motor, quality links and drive shafts... There's plenty to like!

[@janellec9649]

When are you going to make he trx4m video because my dad is going to America and he’s going to a hobby shop but I dont know what parts or if I should get some parts?

[@RCTNT]

It's been a while coming, hasn't it! The mods I'll be using are largely from Hong Kong rather than USA. But the FMS FCX24m would be a decent little rig to grab cheap while he's over there!

[@bernardrc1137]

Yep,it's not bad, maybe stronger servo, pref,digital, sought out steering, pref, different steering mechanism, be nice to you upgrade it, 😉👍

[@RCTNT]

Sorting out that steering setup is priority number one with the SCA-1E series, for sure.

[@Andrew_Red]

I always have a soft spot for a scale looker like this one. The downsides can be fixed...eventually😅

[@RCTNT]

Agreed. Shouldn't be too difficult, though worst case I'll make a servo on axle mount for it. We'll get there!

[@eg2driver]

Hi Craig! Did you ever get around to fixing the steering on this thing? Thanks!

[@RCTNT]

Not yet, sorry. It's on the list, but I have many things to do and there's only one of me! Definitely want to work on this, though. It's needed for the entire SCA-1E range. I'll try to get to it soon.

[@eg2driver]

​@@RCTNTI saw that carisma sells a soa plate for it, very cheap. Its not scale but I think for how good this thing looks, it's worth a look!

[@RCTNT]

@@eg2driver I think I'll try to retain the CMS setup because then it'll remain a viable option for Scale-1 comps. There are a few people running these in WRCCA events in Scale-1 now, so if we can get a 3-link and panhard setup going, that'd be the best outcome. I'll get to it!

[@eg2driver]

Awesome, I look forward to it!

[@billtruett8593]

Very well done video- carisma I’m not to familiar with but for scale not bad at all. And you know as far as the steering goes you know we tinker and everything has fix. Great content.

[@RCTNT]

Right on. Thanks

[@JRG_RC]

Greetings friend, what is the page for the stl?

[@RCTNT]

They don't have one, they ask you to email them and they send it to you.

[@rcarty419]

Man you knock reviews out of the park. Like how you took it out and just started. Cutting and changing. They make great looking bodies! Clearly not built for performance. Why not go IFS on something like this….or are they solid front axle in 1:1 form

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly. They came in both configurations over the years, but I am pretty sure IFS was the more common. That's a great idea!

[@Bennett_Samuel]

Great!

[@todd5060]

I believe they should leave the stickers for us to apply. None of the companies can put stickers on the proper way.

[@RCTNT]

Good point, and agreed.

[@archerash6695]

I almost bought this 2 months ago.. And Im glad I didnt. I still cant find a scale trail rig that doesn't need some type of messing around. Boom Racing is King - Hands Down. You get what you pay for..

[@PonkyKong]

What about the Vanquish or a Basecamp?

[@TheLilhulk1111]

Maybe some interior

[@RCTNT]

That'd help, though I think steering is the first priority!

[@TheLilhulk1111]

@@RCTNT most definitely but if it’s just a trail truck why not interior

[@FrokieKlarth-qe3ei]

Did anyone else notice the Elephant ... ? Clue: if this thing is supposed to be a scale vehicle... ... then performance is secondary to looks, right? ... Well then, what are those four body clips supposed to be scale representations of, eh - oh dear! But here's an easy plus: no clown shoes, ie the wheels are pleasantly realistic in size (even though they comically protrude sideways). Finally: though I think this thing awful, I actually really enjoyed the review (even watched it twice)! :) Thanks.

[@RCTNT]

All reasonable points, yes.

[@grahamhowland566]

For a scale pajero I think I’d go with the Tamiya cc01 with a hard body over one of these

[@RCTNT]

Do they make such a thing? I only have polycarbonate versions here! I'd be interested in a hard body version... I should look into it, thanks (though the Carisma running gear is considerably nicer than tamiya stuff, which also has the same steering/geometry issues and worse tires and link quality).

[@grahamhowland566]

@@RCTNT the Tamiya is the newer shape pajero in hard body or a pajero sport in lexan, before the scx10 came along the cc01 chassis was pretty much all there was for scale 4x4 except custom builds or monster trucks, the cc01 did suffer from fairly poor steering and rock hard tyres but both were easily cured with cheap upgrades and the kit was pretty cheap to begin with so compared with the carisma I’d say there’s not much between them

[@RCTNT]

@grahamhowland566 good points. Clod for the win! 😄 Appreciate the info 👍

[@radieroslaw]

RGT Tracer in the trunk!

[@RCTNT]

Yes, lol, the video is done, it's publishing soon!

[@robsonmenezes1006]

É muito bonito,este rc escala, só que não tem interno e parece um carro fantasma 👻 andando sem nenhum personagem.👍😍🤩

[@RCTNT]

This is true. Needs an interior!

[@ChinaExpatsRC]

Some of these Carisma crawlers look nice with bodies you don't often see, but their design is outdated and the price doesn't reflect that. $360 is ridiculous. $150 is more like it. For example body clips and stickers for rear lights is so outdated now. And Nimh battey? Ridiculous.

[@RCTNT]

It's a bit steep these days, yeah. That's related to where I compared it to the OG scx10 and Vaterra Ascender. Good for back then; lacking today.

[@michelcavalzani5972]

Ho comprato questo fuoristrada perchè quando avevo 18 anni ho avuto il pajero vero di questo colore e con questi adesivi. Per il prezzo che costa cosa volevate la qualità di un modello che costa 1000 euro? Sinceramente questi modelli si comprano perchè sono delle icone, perchè hanno delle carrozzerie di fuoristrada di 40 anni fa e non certamente per le prestazioni. Ho anche un Rc4Wd Trail Finder completamente modificato, rigido, perfetto in tutto ma ho speso più di 2000 euro per farlo diventare un crawler con i controcoglioni. Questa è la classica replica old style che devi apprezzare per quello che questo fuoristrada ha significato nel mondo di rally e non solo. Tante critiche, ricordatevi che questi sono i balocchi dei grandi, è inutile sparlarne quando poi si ha la bavetta alla bocca. Si chiama volere ma non potere.

[@RCTNT]

I understand your point, but the steering does not work properly. It is reasonable to expect it does. It still isn't cheap. It's a reasonable expectation. My criticism is constructive. There was much positive to say also. I think it's reasonable to expect basic, functional geometry and steering, even on a mid-range car like this. I'm glad you're enjoying your cars!

[@roblowrie1969]

That poor performance is a shame. I have 2 Coyotes, and with better tyres, and a tweak here and there, they're not bad. One has a belt drive, and a faster Axial motor in it, and it's a great trail truck, but still tackles rocks. It does look great. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RCTNT]

If you're enjoying it that's really the main thing! I've yet to try the belt drive combo, do you like it?

[@roblowrie1969]

@@RCTNT it's very quiet, and I've never had any issues with the belt slipping or jumping off. And you're absolutely right about the fun part. If you're not enjoying the hobby, you're doing something wrong. 👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

@roblowrie1969 thanks, good to know

[@alantaylor353]

Yes, I do indeed watch a lot of KZbin.! 😂

[@RCTNT]

😅

[@trevorcourt1403]

Something doesn’t look quite right with it

[@RCTNT]

I did do some cutting, that could be it

[@trevorcourt1403]

@@RCTNT ah it must be that……. Or maybe some different wheels & tyres would look better

[@RCTNT]

Could be the wheels too, yeah

[@trevorcourt1403]

@@RCTNT thanks for replying because a lot of KZbinrs don’t bother to………👍🏻

[@jameswisecarver]

In real life I'd have one in RC world, nah

[@zanthraxnl]

Shame, that's a cool body. But this thing appears to be just as flimsy as the Carisma Range Rover I tried a few years back. You're being way too easy on this truck. It works, but for a few $$ more you can get an Element or Axial and have a truck with good spare / upgrade availability and without the problems this truck has. Carisma should play to their strengths and just focus on bodies that fit the other, more popular trucks.

[@RCTNT]

It's not great, but I do like it. I tried to give a balanced look at it but yes, there are better value rigs out there today.

[@zanthraxnl]

@@RCTNT That's fair

[@ryano8613]

Why, why carrisma ? Because we do not pay any attention to anything in the scale rc world past 10+ years and have no clue. Moron? Is that the word ?

[@RCTNT]

There's still plenty of intelligent design in it. Just a shame about the steering really