Link-N-Rocks by RCP Tracks (Artificial Rocks for the Rock Crawling Industry)

[cheesefart]

I am debating making my own track but once I saw this I wanted to see where you stand on a consumer version. Please let us know!

 

[John]

I am debating making my own track but once I saw this I wanted to see where you stand on a consumer version. Please let us know!

We are working on the cusumer version, but these things take a little time to come to market. We are working on two versions. One is for 1/10 and larger scale crawlers, the second is for 1/24th ~ 1/18th. We have put a higher priority on the micro version and are working to have that product released first. If you don't want to wait for our production rocks, you can send me a PM or email and I can walk you through how to make some yourself, if needed.

Thanks,
John

 

[mini z]

Will there b a 1/24 rock crawling track at the rcx? And do you know if we will we get to c the micro crawler?:lol:

 

[John]

Project Update:

Old Method
We have been working with a two part process to make the Link N Rocks. The process involves a foam mix that is blown into a polyurethane mold. After the material has hardened and pulled from the mold, a hard coating is applied for structual intent and to protect the foam rocks from the RC truck abuse.

New Method
We have just been introduced to a new product being used in the artificial rock industry. It involves a two part mix that is poured into a mold and when cured, is extremely durable on its own. Since this method is a one step process from which no hard coating is needed, we have been able to cut productioin costs in half. We are currently working on prototype rock pods using this new material.

Shipping
My company RCP Tracks has recently merged with a large corporation that currently fulfills product orders for QVC and HSN. They also manufacture their own products and sell into these same two TV networks, in addition to Costco, Toysrus, Walmart, Sears/Kmart and many other retail stores. With their current shipping accounts, they have the ability to ship the rock pods across the US at the lowest rate. They currently have warehouses in California and Kentucky, from which we will ship out the Link N Rocks. Bottom line, shipping costs to dealers/customers will not be an issue with this project.

I know it's taking a little time to put this project to market, but things of this nature due take a little time if you want to get it right the first time. To all who have PM'd me on the project, thanks for your patience.

 

[Offroader5]

....If you don't want to wait for our production rocks, you can send me a PM or email and I can walk you through how to make some yourself, if needed.

Thanks,
John

Pretty cool that you would do that John. I was just thinking of making my own indoor rock garden and trying to figure out the best way of doing it so that it doesn't weigh a ton and doesn't have too much involved. I have a 10x14 room that I think I want to turn into my crawl spot. I'd be interested in a quick run through of how it's done...materials and such.

I figured it was just chunks of foam cut to shape (like what RCP has shown us in pics), and then something just sprayed over the top to blend it all together.

Project Update:

Old Method
We have been working with a two part process to make the Link N Rocks. The process involves a foam mix that is blown into a polyurethane mold. After the material has hardened and pulled from the mold, a hard coating is applied for structual intent and to protect the foam rocks from the RC truck abuse.

New Method
We have just been introduced to a new product being used in the artificial rock industry. It involves a two part mix that is poured into a mold and when cured, is extremely durable on its own. Since this method is a one step process from which no hard coating is needed, we have been able to cut productioin costs in half. We are currently working on prototype rock pods using this new material.

Shipping
My company RCP Tracks has recently merged with a large corporation that currently fulfills product orders for QVC and HSN. They also manufacture their own products and sell into these same two TV networks, in addition to Costco, Toysrus, Walmart, Sears/Kmart and many other retail stores. With their current shipping accounts, they have the ability to ship the rock pods across the US at the lowest rate. They currently have warehouses in California and Kentucky, from which we will ship out the Link N Rocks. Bottom line, shipping costs to dealers/customers will not be an issue with this project.

I know it's taking a little time to put this project to market, but things of this nature due take a little time if you want to get it right the first time. To all who have PM'd me on the project, thanks for your patience.

Nice....it sounds as though this will make it much easier for people to make the decision of whether they want them. The cheaper things are, the easier they are to spend money on right ?..."thumbsup"

 

[Hellbilly]

Project Update:

Old Method
We have been working with a two part process to make the Link N Rocks. The process involves a foam mix that is blown into a polyurethane mold. After the material has hardened and pulled from the mold, a hard coating is applied for structual intent and to protect the foam rocks from the RC truck abuse.

New Method
We have just been introduced to a new product being used in the artificial rock industry. It involves a two part mix that is poured into a mold and when cured, is extremely durable on its own. Since this method is a one step process from which no hard coating is needed, we have been able to cut productioin costs in half. We are currently working on prototype rock pods using this new material.

Shipping
My company RCP Tracks has recently merged with a large corporation that currently fulfills product orders for QVC and HSN. They also manufacture their own products and sell into these same two TV networks, in addition to Costco, Toysrus, Walmart, Sears/Kmart and many other retail stores. With their current shipping accounts, they have the ability to ship the rock pods across the US at the lowest rate. They currently have warehouses in California and Kentucky, from which we will ship out the Link N Rocks. Bottom line, shipping costs to dealers/customers will not be an issue with this project.

I know it's taking a little time to put this project to market, but things of this nature due take a little time if you want to get it right the first time. To all who have PM'd me on the project, thanks for your patience.

Sounds great,I would like to get a few to do a little indoor crawlin' in my shop this winter.;-)

 

[BitHed]

...John you go girl "thumbsup" Keep up the great work mate...

 

[Crawln Coles]

I'm building on indoor course right now in my new store, but I would really like to have this set-up. Very impressive. "thumbsup"

 

[TOYUTAH]

Will there b a 1/24 rock crawling track at the rcx? And do you know if we will we get to c the micro crawler?:lol:

ya anymore info on the micro crawlers? Im still dieing to get some!

 

[John]

Quick update:

Our first prototype Link N Rock is finished. It took awhile to get the mix just right. I must say the final product far exceeded my expectations. We were able to create a mix that gave each rock formation some good weight, so they won't move around so easily and the texture looks very real. The durability is exceptional and can withstand the abuse from any size RC crawler. There is no hardened top coat to wear out as the entire rock is made from a special mix. Best guess is the full line of rock courses should be available to the general public sometime in late July, early August.

I am bringing a sample down to the RCP Crawlers/Pro Line West Coast Challenge on Saturday for display. I will post up pictures here after I show it at the event this weekend. I am also bringing down a new RC rock crawler for viewing.

 

[THnCS]

Subscribed!!! Can't wait John, I have a good sized unfinished basement waiting to be used!!

 

[helhedded]

John, will your Link N rocks be suitable for outdoor use?

 

[John]

John, will your Link N rocks be suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, all the materials that make up the rocks are indoor/outdoor safe.

 

[Crawln Coles]

Hey John will this still be available to Hobby shops first?
We have an indoor course now, but want to add to it. I really like what you are doing & love that it can be used indoors or out. I've wanted one of theese since I seen the RCX photo's!

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122261

How heavy, and how portable will this be? It would be nice to put it away when not in use. You know most hobby shops are pressed for space!

Thanks alot "thumbsup"

 

[twistedone]

Twisted Crawlers of Michigan wants this also as soon as its for sale please keep us updated"thumbsup""thumbsup"

 

[Csnyder]

Keep us posted, definitely would like to hook up an indoor course at home before the weather goes crappy again this fall!!!

- Chris

 

[John]

Badger took some pics of the sample rock at the Pro Line/RCP West Coast event. He should have them posted up by weeks end after he heals from the weekend. RC Car Action was also at the event and took a bunch of pictures for a future article.

The rocks are not as light in weight as foam, but not as heavy as a real rock. Very easy to move around at Hobby stores. They are heavy enough to not move when set next to each other on a concrete surface. You can either use them for displaying trucks, put them on the floor to demo the rigs or link them together side by side to create competition runs.

You will be able to see the rocks at some upcoming National shows. We will have some on display at the Ihobbyexpo (Chicago) in the Axial booth and at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both shows run consecutively in October and November of this year. We are working on some other venues for demos and I will post those up as they are confirmed. Of course we will have some at upcoming RCX shows as well.

 

[jason]

Nice to see the project is moving forward. How does the new heavier weight affect the ease of shipping them across the country?

Do you plan on having any at the Axial championships in 2 weeks?

I've also looked through all the event pics and didn't see anything that this might be referring to?

I am also bringing down a new RC rock crawler for viewing.

 

[John]

Nice to see the project is moving forward. How does the new heavier weight affect the ease of shipping them across the country?

Do you plan on having any at the Axial championships in 2 weeks?

I've also looked through all the event pics and didn't see anything that this might be referring to?

The added weight of the rocks really doesn't affect the shipping. We made the transition to a new shipping company for our domestic RCP track shipments as I mentioned briefly, we might be doing in an earlier posts. We now have access to outstanding shipping rates through Fedex, due to the extreme volume of product the company already ships through them.

I didn't plan on having a sample at this event, only because I wouldn't be attending. I will check with Axial to see if they can bring a sample up.

I brought up a Cliff Climber to the event. The pictures of the rock have this truck sitting on it. Maybe you couldn't tell it was an artificial rock in the pic. :lol:

(Edit) I found the pictures on the RCC gallery page here http://www.rccrawler.com/wccc_gallery/
I will post them up here in a few moments.

Below is a small sample of the rock material. The actual Link-N-Rock PODs will be much bigger and contain a variety of rocks with different heights and shapes. The new material we are using is very durable. You can drive a real truck over this sample with no problem.

 

[dezfan]

If the price is reasonable enough, it would be cool to purchase a pod or two (as finances allow) and have a nice testing/practicing area in your yard or basement!"thumbsup"

Can't wait for a pic of the actual POD.