Traxxas E MAXX #3906

Traxxas E MAXX with Silver Pro Grafix body. — Traxxas E MAXX with Silver Pro Grafix Body.

Released in 1999 the Traxxas T MAXX is easily one of the most influential RC vehicles ever produced. Hobby grade RC was easier than ever to get into with several great RTR ( ready to run ) options available at the time. The T MAXX was powered by Traxxas’s own in house .15 nitro engine. Featuring their awesome EZ Start System that made firing up the power plant easier than ever. I found the Traxxas .15 powerful, reliable, and easy to tune. But I had several years under my belt when the T MAXX came out. So what about those who are interested in taking the next step into RC? The thought of breaking in a new engine, tuning it correctly, and maintaining the vehicle can seem like a daunting task.

Meet the Traxxas E MAXX! The same massive 1/10 platform with the simplicity of electric power! Released in 2000 the Traxxas E MAXX was a massive hit for those that wanted that style of RC with the simplicity and low maintenance of electric power.

But how do you compete with the power of the .15 nitro engine using electric power? LiPO packs and brushless motors weren’t a thing yet. Several years before the release of the Traxxas E MAXX, MRC released the Thunder King. The MRC Thunder King was powered by two 540 brushed motors. That gave the truck the power to conquer anything you threw at it. Traxxas went a step further and powered the E MAXX with two 550 brushed motors and dual battery packs!

Traxxas E MAXX powered by two Titan 550 size motors.

Traxxas E MAXX ESC manufactured by Novak.

Traxxas didn’t stop there they also built the E MAXX with a 2 speed transmission that was selectable from the transmitter! Flick the red toggle switch and bam second gear! Now you had a truck that could do the challenging slow speed stuff as well as high speed runs through the neighborhood or park.

Traxxas E MAXX two speed transmission shifting servo.

While I was more focused on racing I still absolutely loved my E MAXX. Being able to charge some packs and toss them in my pockets and walk around my neighborhood bashing this beast was just flat out fun. Plus I’m sure my neighbors appreciated the quite nature of the E MAXX vs my T MAXX! While I will admit I enjoyed the nitro version more. I think nitro makes everything better honestly. The E MAXX was easy to operate and have fun with. While keeping maintenance low and the fun factor high. That’s how you grow this hobby/sport. Well done Traxxas.

Traxxas E MAXX #3906

Traxxas Nitro Sport #4510