Abstract: A throttle linkage for a vehicle engine is provided comprising a vehicle engine and a throttle actuation arm secured for pivotal movement about an axis substantially fixed relative to the engine, the throttle actuation arm having an axis extending from the pivotal axis. A throttle control arm extending from the engine and capable of actuation to adjust engine power is also provided, the throttle arm having an axis extending from a point of connection to the throttle and substantially intersecting the throttle actuation arm axis, along with a coupling for engaging the throttle control arm and throttle actuation arm at approximately the point of intersection of their respective axes, the coupling allowing sliding of the arms along their respective axes, relative to each other.

Abstract: A model vehicle fuel filler system is provided, comprising a fuel tank secured to a vehicle chassis, a fuel tank opening extending from the fuel tank, the opening having a rim tipped toward a lateral side of the vehicle chassis, thereby allowing a fuel filler bottle opening to be withdrawn away from the tank opening with less spillage.

Abstract: A model vehicle slipper clutch is provided, comprising a spur gear for receiving torque from an actuator, a clutch driver plate secured to the spur gear for receiving torque from the spur gear, a transmission input shaft for transmitting torque from the slipper clutch to a model vehicle transmission, a spring for applying a load to the driver plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft, a bearing positioned between the spring and driver plate for supporting the spur gear for rotation about the transmission input shaft and for applying a load from the spring to the drive plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A method of configuring components on a chassis of a model vehicle is provided, comprising providing a vehicle chassis, mounting an engine to the vehicle chassis such that the engine crankshaft is positioned at a first height relative to the chassis, and mounting a transmission to the vehicle chassis such that the transmission output shaft is positioned at a second height, and wherein the first height of the crankshaft is no less than about 3 mm and no more than 15.5 mm higher than the second height of the output shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or more loops of a length of tubing in a model vehicle is provided, comprising a support configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the chassis of a model vehicle, and a first fastener secured to the support for retaining at least a first portion of a loop of tubing.

Abstract: A ball joint for a model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a support member, at least a portion of the support member forming a spherically-shaped surface, a fastener for securing the support member to a suspension member, a housing containing at least a portion of the support member and having an opening for accessing at least a portion of the support member, a seal covering the housing opening, the seal having a self-healing port, the self-healing port of the seal having a first position allowing introduction of material through the seal and a second position substantially preventing the passage of debris into the housing, the seal being in the first position in response to a force applied normal to at least a portion of the surface of the self-healing port and the seal being in the second position in response to the substantial absence of a force applied normal to the surface of the self-healing port.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a model vehicle is provided, having one or more steering actuators, a steering control arm pivotally mounted for rotation relative to a model vehicle chassis, the steering control arm being coupled directly to at least two tie rods, each tie rod controlling the steering of at least one wheel of a vehicle, and each of the one or more steering actuators coupled to the steering control arm to rotate the control arm relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A brake pad support for a model vehicle is provided, comprising a plate for supporting a brake pad on a first face, the plate having one or more ribs extending from a second face on the opposite side of the plate from the first surface, and wherein the one or more ribs stiffen the plate to distribute compressive forces applied to the second face at one or more locations.

Abstract: A model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a vehicle chassis, a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force, the dampers having an elongated shape, wherein the dampers are mounted on the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis and at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member being mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel. A coupling mechanism for transmitting suspension forces from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel is also provided, the coupling mechanism being configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel.

Abstract: A bumper support member having a length and supported at a predetermined distance from the chassis of a vehicle, wherein the length of the impact member extends substantially horizontally across a portion of one end of a vehicle. The bumper support further includes a plurality of spring members, each supporting one end of the bumper support member, the spring members configured to recoil upon impact to the bumper support member and to return the bumper support member toward the predetermined distance from the chassis of a vehicle, and a bumper secured to the bumper support member outboard of the chassis.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing a servo mechanism is provided, comprising a servo having first and second opposite ends, the servo further comprising a fastening member extending from the first end and a fastening member extending from the second end, a first clamp for securing fastening member of the first end of the servo to a vehicle, and a second clamp for securing the fastening member of the second end of the servo to a vehicle.

Abstract: A mount for a model vehicle engine is provided, having a hinge configured to be secured to a vehicle chassis, a vehicle engine having a crank shaft for driving a vehicle, the engine being secured to the hinge for pivotal movement toward and away from a shaft coupled directly or indirectly to a wheel for driving a vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting a drive shaft to a stub axle of a vehicle is provided, comprising a drive shaft having a Cardan joint for driving a wheel, the Cardan joint having an inner and an outer yoke. The mechanism further comprises a wheel drive shaft for transmitting torque from the outer yoke to the wheel, wherein at least a portion of the wheel drive shaft engages at least a portion of the outer yoke, an opening formed though at least a portion of the wheel drive shaft and at least a portion of the outer yoke when a portion of the wheel drive shaft engages at least a portion of the outer yoke, a drive pin for insertion into the opening to secure the wheel drive shaft for rotation with the outer yoke, and a bearing surrounding at least a portion of the outer yoke and retaining the drive pin within the opening.

Abstract: A model vehicle fuel filler system is provided, comprising a fuel tank secured to a vehicle chassis, a fuel tank opening extending from the fuel tank, the opening having a rim tipped toward a lateral side of the vehicle chassis, thereby allowing a fuel filler bottle opening to be withdrawn away from the tank opening with less spillage.

Abstract: A drive train for a model vehicle is provided, comprising an inner drive shaft member, having at least one spline extending from a portion of the length of the member, the spline being curvilinear, an outer drive shaft member configured to receive the inner drive shaft and spline, and the outer drive shaft allowing movement of the inner drive shaft inwardly and outwardly with respect to the outer drive shaft and transmitting torque to or from the inner drive shaft primarily through the spline.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a model vehicle is provided, having one or more steering actuators, a steering control arm pivotally mounted for rotation relative to a model vehicle chassis, the steering control arm being coupled directly to at least two tie rods, each tie rod controlling the steering of at least one wheel of a vehicle, and each of the one or more steering actuators coupled to the steering control arm to rotate the control arm relative to the vehicle chassis.