MOTOR-OPERATED MODEL VEHICLE

• US 20170080350A1
• Filed: 09/21/2016
• Published: 03/23/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Traxxas LP (Traxxas)
• Original Assignee: Traxxas LP (Traxxas)
• Inventors: Allmendinger, Otto Karl, Christensen, Casey Christen Jens, Ewing, Adam Cole, Wood, Jonathan Scott
• Granted Patent: US 10,894,218 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/26 Details; Accessories drive mechanisms A63H29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/262 Chassis; Wheel mountings; Wheels; Axles; Suspensions; Fitting body portions to chassis
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/264 Coupling mechanisms for model railway vehicles A63H19/18
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 23/02 Boats; Sailing boats
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 27/02 Model aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 27/12 Helicopters A63H27/04 takes precedence; Flying tops
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 29/00 Drive mechanisms for toys in general
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 29/22 Electric drives power supply through track A63H18/12
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 29/24 Details or accessories for drive mechanisms, e.g. means for winding-up or starting toy engines
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 31/08 Gear-control mechanisms; Gears for imparting a reciprocating motion

Abstract

Provided are methods, apparatus and articles for vehicles, such as or relating to a skid-plate shock absorber, body mounting, chassis assembly, component securing, engine mounting, slipper clutch, and transmission housing that may be employed in the assembly, operation, and control of vehicles.

Claims

1. A drive assembly for a model vehicle, comprising:

a pinion gear coupled to a motor;

a spur gear coupled to the pinion gear;

a transmission input shaft coupled to the spur gear for rotation with the spur gear;

a transmission input gear coupled to the transmission input shaft for rotation with the transmission input shaft;

a drive input gear coupled to the transmission input gear and coupled to a drive shaft for rotation with a drive shaft;

a first gear reduction between the motor output shaft and transmission input shaft, the first gear reduction comprising the spur gear and the pinion gear; and

a second gear reduction between the transmission input shaft and the drive shaft, the second gear reduction comprising the transmission input gear and drive gear.

2. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing enclosing at least the first gear reduction and the second gear reduction.

3. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing enclosing at least the pinion gear and the drive input gear.

4. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a drive shaft; and

a first transmission differential coupled to the drive input gear by at least the drive shaft.

5. The drive assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a drive shaft; and

a second transmission differential coupled to the drive input gear by at least the drive shaft.

6. The drive assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a housing enclosing at least the first gear reduction, the second gear reduction, the first transmission differential and at least a portion of the drive shaft.

7. A drive assembly for a model vehicle, comprising:

a housing;

a first speed reduction coupling within the housing, the first speed reduction coupling configured to receive torque from a motor; and

a second speed reduction coupling within the housing; and

a drive shaft coupled to the second speed reduction coupling.

8. The drive assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

a motor configured to provide torque to the first speed reduction coupling; and

wherein at least a portion of the motor is disposed outside of the housing.

9. The drive assembly of claim 7, further comprising:

a first transmission differential within the housing;

the drive shaft coupling the second speed reduction coupling to the first transmission differential; and

wherein at least a portion of the drive shaft coupling to the second speed reduction coupling is within the housing.

10. The drive assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a second transmission differential coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the second transmission differential is disposed outside of the housing.

11. A drive assembly for a model vehicle, comprising:

a transmission input coupling;

a first speed reduction coupling operatively connected to the transmission input coupling, the first speed reduction coupling configured to transfer power to the transmission input coupling;

a drive shaft; and

a second speed reduction coupling operatively connected between the transmission input coupling and the drive shaft.

12. The drive assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a housing enclosing at least the first speed reduction coupling and the second speed reduction coupling.

13. The drive assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a first transmission differential coupled to the drive shaft.

14. The drive assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a second transmission differential coupled to the drive shaft.

15. The drive assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a housing enclosing at least the first speed reduction coupling, the second speed reduction coupling, the first transmission differential and at least a portion of the drive shaft.

16. The drive assembly of claim 11, wherein the second gear reduction comprises a transmission input gear and a drive gear.

17. A shock absorber for a model vehicle, comprising:

an absorber body having a width and positioned adjacent to an end of a chassis of the model vehicle, wherein the width of the absorber body extends horizontally across at least a portion of the end of the chassis; and

a supporting member wherein the supporting member is configured to secure the shock absorber to a skid plate of the model vehicle.

18. The shock absorber of claim 17, further comprising at least one buffering depression, wherein the at least one buffering depression is formed in a surface of the absorber body.

19. The shock absorber of claim 17, wherein the width of the absorber body extends horizontally across the entire end of the chassis.

20. The shock absorber of claim 17, wherein absorber body and the supporting member are of a single unitary construction.

21. The shock absorber of claim 17, wherein the absorber body and the supporting member comprise a spring like material such as foam, rubber, plastic, and the like.

22. The shock absorber of claim 17, wherein the shock absorber is secured to the skid plate by interlocking the supporting member between two extrusions on the skid plate.

23. The shock absorber of claim 17, wherein the supporting member further comprises at least one buffer depression formed in a surface of the supporting member.

24. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffering depression reduces force transferred to the chassis when an end of the model vehicle is impacted.

25. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffering depression comprises a quadrilateral shape.

26. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the shape of the at least one buffering depression may substantially follow the perimeter shape of the absorber body.

27. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffer depression is formed in at least one of a top surface or a bottom surface of the absorber body.

28. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffer depression forms a hollow opening between two surfaces of the absorber body.

29. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffer depression further comprises a mechanical shock absorbers to reduce force transferred to the chassis when an end of the model vehicle is impacted.

30. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffering depression reduces force transferred to the chassis when the skid plate is impacted.

31. The shock absorber of claim 18, wherein the at least one buffer depression forms a hollow opening between two surfaces of the supporting member.

32. The shock absorber of claim 23, wherein the at least one buffer depression further comprises a mechanical shock absorbers to reduce force transferred to the chassis when an end of the model vehicle is impacted.

33. The shock absorber of claim 29, wherein the mechanical shock absorber comprises a spring or dash pot.

34. The shock absorber of claim 32, wherein the mechanical shock absorber comprises a spring or dash pot.

35. A shock absorber for a model vehicle, comprising:

an absorber body having a width and positioned adjacent to an end of a chassis of the model vehicle, wherein the width of the absorber body extends horizontally across at least a portion of the end of the chassis;

at least one buffering depression, wherein the at least one buffering depression is formed in a surface of the absorber body; and

a supporting member extending from the absorber, wherein the supporting member is configured to secure the shock absorber to a skid plate of the model vehicle.

36. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffering depression reduces force transferred to the chassis when an end of the model vehicle is impacted.

37. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the width of the absorber body extends horizontally across the entire end of the chassis.

38. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffering depression comprises a quadrilateral shape.

39. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the shape of the at least one buffering depression may substantially follow the perimeter shape of the absorber body.

40. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffer depression is formed in at least one of a top surface or a bottom surface of the absorber body.

41. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffer depression forms a hollow opening between two surfaces of the absorber body.

42. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffer depression further comprises a mechanical shock absorbers to reduce force transferred to the chassis when an end of the model vehicle is impacted.

43. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein absorber body and the supporting member are of a single unitary construction.

44. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the absorber body and the supporting member comprise a spring like material such as foam, rubber, plastic, and the like.

45. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the shock absorber is secured to the skid plate by interlocking the supporting member between two extrusions on the skid plate.

46. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the supporting member further comprises at least one buffer depression formed in a surface of the supporting member.

47. The shock absorber of claim 35, wherein the at least one buffer depression forms a hollow opening between two surfaces of the supporting member.

48. The shock absorber of claim 41, wherein the mechanical shock absorber comprises a spring or dash pot.

49. A body mount for a model vehicle, comprising:

a tongue member wherein at least a portion of the tongue member extends longitudinally relative to a model vehicle body and the model vehicle;

a securing member spanning at least apportion of the width of the model vehicle, wherein the at least a portion of the tongue member is configured to engage the securing member; and

wherein when the tongue member is engaged to the securing member, the tongue member and the securing member are disposed between the model vehicle body and the model vehicle.

50. The body mount in claim 49, wherein the tongue member is configured to be attached to an interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein at least a portion of the tongue member extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body at a distance from an interior surface of the body to which the tongue member attaches, and wherein when the tongue member is engaged, the securing member is disposed between the at least a portion of the tongue member and the model vehicle body.

51. The body mount in claim 49, wherein the tongue member is constructed as part of the model vehicle body in a unitary construction.

52. The body mount in claim 49, wherein the tongue member further comprises a first tongue member extending away from the interior surface of the model vehicle and a second tongue member extending from the first tongue member.

53. The body mount in claim 49, wherein when the tongue member is engaged to the securing member, the tongue member is configured such that the securing member is in contact with the first tongue member while disposed between the second tongue member and the interior surface of the model vehicle body.

54. The body mount in claim 52, wherein the first tongue member and the second tongue member are configured to form a substantially right angle such that the second tongue member extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body.

55. The body mount in claim 52, wherein the second tongue member further comprises a tapered tip.

56. The body mount in claim 52 wherein the top surface of the second tongue member further comprises a downward sloping plane starting from the first tongue member such that the tongue member may operate as a cam to pull the vehicle body towards the securing member when the tongue member engages the securing member.

57. The body mount in claim 52, wherein the distance between a top surface of the second tongue member and the point at which the first tongue member attached to the interior surface of the vehicle body, may substantially match the thickness of the securing member such that the securing member may be tightly secured between the tongue member and the vehicle body when the tongue member engages the vehicle body.

58. A body mount for a model vehicle, comprising:

a lever member comprising a jaw clamp and a lever handle both extending from a lever pivot, wherein the lever pivot is configured to be attached to the model vehicle body such that the lever handle extends from the lever pivot above the outer surface of the vehicle body, and the jaw clamp extends from the lever pivot below the interior surface of the vehicle body;

wherein the jaw clamp and the lever handle are secured for rotation together about a rotational axis extending through the lever pivot, such that movement of either of the jaw clamp or the lever handle effectuates movement of the other;

wherein the rotation of the lever handle from a first position to a second position effectuates the rotation of the jaw clamp from an open position to an engaged position; and

wherein the jaw clamp is configured to engage a securing member secured to and spanning at least a portion of the width of the model vehicle when the jaw clamp is in the engaged position, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the securing member, the securing member is disposed between at least a portion of the jaw clamp extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle body and the model vehicle body.

59. The body mount in claim 58, wherein the lever handle is configured for rotational movement about the lever pivot from the first position where at least a portion of the lever handle extends upwards away from the top surface of the vehicle body, to the second position where at least a portion of the lever handle is substantially parallel with the top surface vehicle body.

60. The body mount in claim 58, wherein the jaw clamp is configured for rotational movement about the lever pivot from the open position where the at least a portion of the jaw clamp extends downwards away from the interior surface of the vehicle body, to the engaged position where the at least a portion of the jaw clamp extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body and the jaw clamp is engaged to the securing member.

61. The body mount in claim 58, wherein the lever member is constructed as part of the model vehicle body in a unitary construction.

62. The body mount in claim 58, wherein the jaw clamp further comprises a first jaw member extending from the lever pivot and a second jaw member extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle body when the jaw clamp is in the engaged position.

63. The body mount in claim 62, wherein the first jaw member and the lever handle substantially forms a right angle about the lever pivot.

64. The body mount in claim 62, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member substantially forms a right angle.

65. The body mount in claim 62, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the securing member, the jaw clamp is configured such that the securing member is in contact with the first jaw member and disposed between the second jaw member and the interior surface of the vehicle body.

66. The body mount in claim 62, wherein the jaw clamp further comprises a third jaw member extending from the second jaw member, wherein the third jaw member is opposite of the first jaw member such that the jaw clamp is generally C-shaped.

67. The body mount in claim 66, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the securing member, the jaw clamp is configured such that the securing member is interlocked between the first jaw member and third jaw member when disposed between the second jaw member and the interior surface of the vehicle body.

68. The body mount in claim 66, wherein the third jaw is configured to extend from the second jaw member at an inclined angle such that the jaw clamp may operate as a cam to push the vehicle body forward when the jaw clamp is rotated toward the engaged position to engage the securing member.

69. The body mount in claim 59, further comprising a retaining mechanism, the retaining mechanism comprising:

a rotating member extending through the lever handle such that a top end of the rotating member extends along one side of the lever handle and a bottom end of the rotating member extends along the opposite side of the lever handle, wherein the rotating member is configured for rotation along a vertical axis perpendicular to the lever handle;

an opening in the vehicle body configured to receive the bottom end of the rotating member when the lever handle is rotated to the second position, wherein when the lever handle is in the second position, the bottom end of rotating member extends below the interior surface of the vehicle body; and

wherein the bottom end of the rotating member further comprises at least one locking member extending from a perimeter surface of the rotating member.

70. The body mount in claim 69, wherein the rotation of the rotating member correspondingly rotates the at least one locking member such that the rotating member rotates the at least one locking member between a locked position and an unlocked position.

71. The body mount in claim 70, wherein the opening in the vehicle body is configured to receive the bottom end of the rotating member and the at least one locking member only when the at least one locking member is rotated to the unlocked position.

72. The body mount in claim 71, wherein when the lever handle is rotated to the second position with the bottom end of the rotating member and the at least one locking member inserted through the opening, rotation of the at least one locking member to the locked position prevents the lever handle from being rotated from the second position to the first position and the jaw clamp from the engaged position to the open position.

73. The body mount in claim 71, wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises at least one leaf spring detent along the interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein the at least one leaf spring detent is configured to contact and exert a force on the at least one locking member to prevent the inadvertent rotation of the at least one locking member.

74. The body mount in claim 71, wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises at least one blocking member extending out of the interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein the at least one locking member configured to contact the at least one locking member when rotated to prevent over rotation of the at least one locking member.

75. The body mount in claim 73, wherein rotation of the at least one locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position when the lever handle is in the second position requires the at least one locking member being rotated with enough force to overcome the at least one leaf spring detent.

76. The body mount in claim 74, wherein when the at least one locking member is rotated to the locked position, the at least one locking member is in contact with the at least one blocking member.

77. A body mount for a model vehicle, comprising:

a tongue member wherein at least a portion of the tongue member extends longitudinally relative to a model vehicle body and the model vehicle;

a first securing member spanning at least a portion of the width of the model vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the tongue member is configured to engage the first securing member;

wherein when the tongue member is engaged to the first securing member, the tongue member and the first securing member are disposed between the model vehicle body and the model vehicle;

a lever member comprising a jaw clamp and a lever handle both extending from a lever pivot, wherein the lever pivot is configured to be attached to the model vehicle body such that the lever handle extends from the lever pivot above the outer surface of the vehicle body, and the jaw clamp extends from the lever pivot below the interior surface of the vehicle body;

wherein the jaw clamp and the lever handle are secured for rotation together about a rotational axis extending through the lever pivot, such that movement of either of the jaw clamp or the lever handle effectuates movement of the other;

wherein the rotation of the lever handle from a first position to a second position effectuates the rotation of the jaw clamp from an open position to an engaged position; and

wherein the jaw clamp is configured to engage a second securing member secured to and spanning at least a portion of the width of the model vehicle when the jaw clamp is in the engaged position, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the second securing member, the second securing member is disposed between at least a portion of the jaw clamp extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle body and the model vehicle body.

78. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the tongue member is configured to be attached to an interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein at least a portion of the tongue member extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body at a distance from an interior surface of the body to which the tongue member attaches, and wherein when the tongue member is engaged, the first securing member is disposed between the at least a portion of the tongue member and the model vehicle body.

79. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the body mount is configured to mount the model vehicle body to the model vehicle such that the model vehicle body can be removed from the model vehicle without utilizing additional external fasteners.

80. The body mount in claim 77, further comprising a retaining mechanism comprising:

a rotating member extending through the lever handle such that a top end of the rotating member extends along one side of the lever handle and a bottom end of the rotating member extends along the opposite side of the lever handle, wherein the rotating member is configured for rotation along a vertical axis perpendicular to the lever handle;

an opening in the vehicle body configured to receive the bottom end of the rotating member when the lever handle is rotated to the second position, wherein when the lever handle is in the second position, the bottom end of rotating member extends below the interior surface of the vehicle body; and

wherein the bottom end of the rotating member further comprises at least one locking member extending from a perimeter surface of the rotating member.

81. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the tongue member further comprises a first tongue member extending away from the interior surface of the model vehicle and a second tongue member extending from the first tongue member.

82. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the lever handle is configured for rotational movement about the lever pivot from the first position where at least a portion of the lever handle extends upwards away from the top surface of the vehicle body, to the second position where at least a portion of the lever handle is substantially parallel with the top surface vehicle body.

83. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the jaw clamp is configured for rotational movement about the lever pivot from the open position where the at least a portion of the jaw clamp extends downwards away from the interior surface of the vehicle body, to the engaged position where the at least a portion of the jaw clamp extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body and the jaw clamp is engaged to the second securing member.

84. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the lever member is constructed as part of the model vehicle body in a unitary construction.

85. The body mount in claim 77, wherein the jaw clamp further comprises a first jaw member extending from the lever pivot and a second jaw member extending longitudinally relative to the vehicle body when the jaw clamp is in the engaged position.

86. The body mount in claim 78, wherein the tongue member is constructed as part of the model vehicle body in a unitary construction.

87. The body mount in claim 80, wherein the rotation of the rotating member correspondingly rotates the at least one locking member such that the rotating member rotates the at least one locking member between a locked position and an unlocked position.

88. The body mount in claim 80, wherein the opening in the vehicle body is configured to receive the bottom end of the rotating member and the at least one locking member only when the at least one locking member is rotated to the unlocked position.

89. The body mount in claim 80, wherein when the lever handle is rotated to the second position with the bottom end of the rotating member and the at least one locking member inserted through the opening, rotation of the at least one locking member to the locked position prevents the lever handle from being rotated from the second position to the first position and the jaw clamp from the engaged position to the open position.

90. The body mount in claim 80, wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises at least one leaf spring detent along the interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein the at least one leaf spring detent is configured to contact and exert a force on the at least one locking member to prevent the inadvertent rotation of the at least one locking member.

91. The body mount in claim 80, wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises at least one blocking member extending out of the interior surface of the model vehicle body, wherein the at least one locking member configured to contact the at least one locking member when rotated to prevent over rotation of the at least one locking member.

92. The body mount in claim 81, wherein when the tongue member is engaged to the first securing member, the tongue member is configured such that the first securing member is in contact with the first tongue member while disposed between the second tongue member and the interior surface of the model vehicle body.

93. The body mount in claim 81, wherein the first tongue member and the second tongue member are configured to form a substantially right angle such that the second tongue member extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle body.

94. The body mount in claim 81, wherein the second tongue member further comprises a tapered tip.

95. The body mount in claim 81 wherein the top surface of the second tongue member further comprises a downward sloping plane starting from the first tongue member such that the tongue member may operate as a cam to pull the vehicle body towards the first securing member when the tongue member engages the first securing member.

96. The body mount in claim 81, wherein the distance between a top surface of the second tongue member and the point at which the first tongue member attached to the interior surface of the vehicle body, may substantially match the thickness of the first securing member such that the first securing member may be tightly secured between the tongue member and the vehicle body when the tongue member engages the vehicle body.

97. The body mount in claim 85, wherein the first jaw member and the lever handle substantially forms a right angle about the lever pivot.

98. The body mount in claim 85, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member substantially forms a right angle.

99. The body mount in claim 85, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the second securing member, the jaw clamp is configured such that the second securing member is in contact with the first jaw member and disposed between the second jaw member and the interior surface of the vehicle body.

100. The body mount in claim 85, wherein the jaw clamp further comprises a third jaw member extending from the second jaw member, wherein the third jaw member is opposite of the first jaw member such that the jaw clamp is generally C-shaped.

101. The body mount in claim 87, wherein rotation of the at least one locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position when the lever handle is in the second position requires the at least one locking member being rotated with enough force to overcome the at least one leaf spring detent.

102. The body mount in claim 88, wherein when the at least one locking member is rotated to the locked position, the at least one locking member is in contact with the at least one blocking member.

103. The body mount in claim 100, wherein when the jaw clamp is engaged to the second securing member, the jaw clamp is configured such that the second securing member is interlocked between the first jaw member and third jaw member when disposed between the second jaw member and the interior surface of the vehicle body.

104. The body mount in claim 100, wherein the third jaw is configured to extend from the second jaw member at an inclined angle such that the jaw clamp may operate as a cam to push the vehicle body forward when the jaw clamp is rotated toward the engaged position to engage the second securing member.

105. A snap-in modular construction for a model vehicle, comprising:

a model vehicle chassis having a chassis end and a bulkhead end, wherein the chassis end is configured to engage with the bulkhead end of the model vehicle;

a first fastener formed at the bulkhead end;

a second fastener formed at the chassis end; and

wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to snap-in together when the bulkhead end is engaged with the chassis end.

106. The construction of claim 105, wherein the first fastener configured to snap-in with the second fastener comprises at least a portion of at least one snap-in member coupling with at least one-snap-in detent, wherein the at least one snap-in detent is configured to receive the at least a portion of the at least one-snap in member.

107. The construction of claim 105, wherein the bulkhead end further comprises a first tapered corner and a second tapered corner such that the bulkhead end substantially resembles a trapezoid.

108. The construction of claim 105, wherein the engagement between the bulkhead end and the chassis end temporarily stabilizes an assembly of the bulkhead and the chassis together.

109. The construction of claim 105, wherein the chassis further comprises a second chassis end configured to engage with a second bulkhead end of a second bulkhead.

110. The construction of claim 106, wherein the chassis end comprises a cavity configured to receive the bulkhead end, wherein the bulkhead end engages the chassis end by inserting the bulkhead end into the cavity.

111. The construction of claim 106, wherein the at least a portion of the at least one snap-in member extends from a corner of the bulkhead end or the chassis end in the form of a rounded edge.

112. The construction of claim 106, wherein the shape of the at least one snap-in detent is formed to substantially match a perimeter shape of the at least one portion of the at least one snap-member.

113. The construction of claim 106, wherein the at least one snap-in detent comprises a spring member configured to temporarily widen when initially contacted by the at least one snap-in member before recoiling and fully engaging the at least one snap-in member when the bulkhead end is engaged with the chassis end.

114. The construction of claim 106, wherein the at least one snap-in detent exerts a force against the at least one snap-in member when the bulkhead end is engaged with the chassis end.

115. The construction of claim 107, wherein the width of the bulkhead end substantially matches the width of the cavity in the chassis such that the at least a portion of the at least one snap-in member extending from the bulkhead end contacts an interior surface of the cavity when the bulkhead end is inserted into the cavity.

116. The construction of claim 107, wherein the bulkhead is configured with at least one snap-in member on each of a first and second corner of the bulkhead end, and wherein the cavity is configured with a corresponding number of snap-in detent such that each of the snap-in member on the bulkhead end is received by a respective snap-in detent when the bulkhead end is inserted into the cavity.

117. A snap-in modular construction for a model vehicle, comprising:

a model vehicle chassis having a first chassis end and a second chassis end, wherein the first chassis end is configured to engage with a first bulkhead end of a first model vehicle bulkhead and the second chassis end is configured to engage with a second bulkhead end of a second model vehicle bulkhead;

a first fastener formed at the first bulkhead end;

a second fastener formed at the first chassis end;

a third fastener formed at the second bulkhead end;

a fourth fastener formed at the second chassis end;

wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to snap-in together when the first bulkhead end is engaged with the first chassis end; and

wherein the third fastener and the fourth fastener are configured to snap-in together when the second bulkhead end is engaged with the second chassis end.

118. The construction of claim 117, wherein each of the first fastener configured to snap-in with the second fastener and the third fastener configured to snap-in with the fourth fastener, comprises at least a portion of at least one snap-in member coupling with at least one-snap-in detent, wherein the at least one snap-in detent is configured to receive the at least a portion of the at least one-snap in member.

119. The construction of claim 117, wherein the first chassis end comprises a first cavity configured to receive the first bulkhead end, and the second chassis end comprises a second cavity configured to receive the second bulkhead end, wherein the first and second bulkhead ends engage the first and second chassis ends, respectively, by inserting the first and second bulkhead end into the first and second cavity, respectively.

120. The construction of claim 117, wherein each of the first and second bulkhead ends further comprise a first tapered corner and a second tapered corner such that each of the first and second bulkhead ends substantially resemble a trapezoid.

121. The construction of claim 117, wherein the engagement between the first and second bulkhead ends with the first and second chassis ends, respectively, temporarily stabilizes an assembly of the first and second bulkhead with the chassis.

122. The construction of claim 118, wherein the at least a portion of the at least one snap-in member extend from a corner of the first bulkhead end, second bulkhead end, first chassis end, or second chassis end in the form of a rounded edge.

123. The construction of claim 118, wherein the shape of the at least one snap-in detent is formed to substantially match a perimeter shape of the at least one portion of the at least one snap-member extending.

124. The fastener of claim 118, wherein the at least one snap-in detent comprises a spring member configured to temporarily widen when initially contacted by the at least one snap-in member before recoiling and fully engaging the at least one snap-in member when the first and second bulkhead ends are engaged with the first and second chassis ends, respectively.

125. The construction of claim 118, wherein the at least one snap-in detent exerts a force against the at least one snap-in member when the first and second bulkhead ends are engaged with the first and second chassis ends, respectively.

126. A component holder for a model vehicle, comprising:

a component support surface configured to receive and support a component;

a component securing member moveable between first and second positions, wherein the first position allows removal of a component from between the component securing member and the component support surface and the second position prevents removal of the component from between the component support surface and the component securing member;

a hinge coupled to the securing member, the hinge configured to allow pivoting and sliding movement of the component securing member relative to the component support surface;

a locking member extending from the component securing member;

a locking surface at least partially disposed between the component retaining member and the hinge when the component securing member is in the second position; and

wherein, when the component securing member is moved into the second position, the component securing member pivots to position the locking member adjacent the locking surface, with the locking surface disposed between the locking member and the hinge, the component securing member slides relative to the component support surface toward the hinge, and the locking member engages the locking surface to restrain the component securing member from pivoting towards the first position.

127. The component holder of claim 126, wherein the hinge comprises a slot and pin, the slot and pin supporting the component securing member for both pivotal and sliding movement.

128. The component holder of claim 126, wherein the locking surface comprises at least a portion of a clip configured to receive the locking member when the component securing member slides into the second position.

129. The component holder of claim 126, further comprising one or more resilient members applying a restraining force against movement of the locking member out of engagement with the locking surface.

130. The component holder of claim 126, wherein the component support surface comprises at least a portion of a tray, the tray configured to receive a component.

131. The component holder of claim 126, further comprising a detent resisting movement of the locking member from the second position toward the first position.

132. A component holder for a model vehicle, comprising:

a tray configured to receive a component;

a cover secured to the tray for pivotal and sliding movement between opened and secured positions;

a hinge securing at least a portion of the cover for pivotal and sliding movement relative to the tray;

a post extending from the cover for holding the cover in the secured position; and

a clip for receiving the post when the cover is in the secured position, the clip having a mouth positioned to receive the post as the cover slides in a direction toward the hinge when the cover moves into the secured position.

133. The component holder of claim 132, wherein the hinge further comprises a spring urging the cover to slide toward the hinge and the post into the clip.

134. The component holder of claim 132, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge slot and hinge post, the hinge post is configured to slide and pivot within the hinge slot, and the slot further comprises one or more restraining surfaces to resist sliding of the hinge post when the cover is in the secured position.

135. The component holder of claim 132 wherein the clip comprises a leaf spring and a restraining surface for resisting removal of the post from the clip when the cover is in the secured position.

136. The component holder of claim 132, wherein:

the hinge comprises a hinge slot and hinge post, the hinge post is configured to slide and pivot within the hinge slot, and the slot further comprises one or more restraining surfaces to resist sliding of the hinge post when the cover is in the secured position; and

the clip comprises a leaf spring and a restraining surface for resisting removal of the post from the clip when the cover is in the secured position.

137. The component holder of claim 132, wherein the clip further comprises a detent resisting movement of the post toward the mouth of the clip.

138. A motor mount for a model vehicle, comprising:

a motor support configured for mounting a model vehicle motor on a model vehicle;

a component support surface on the model vehicle configured to receive the motor support;

a mounting assembly to temporarily secure the motor support to a mounting position on the component support surface; and

wherein securing the motor support and the motor to the mounting position on the component support surface sets a gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle.

139. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to secure the motor support to at least two mounting positions on the component support surface.

140. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein the motor support is configured to hold the motor for a model vehicle.

141. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein the motor support and the motor are of a unitary construction.

142. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises inserting a first end of a mounting pin in a supporting pinhole in a bottom surface of the motor mount, and a second end of the mounting pin in a mounting pinhole in a top surface of the component support surface.

143. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein using the motor support and mounting assembly to secure the motor to the component support surface sets the gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle without the need to additionally adjust the gear mesh after the motor is mounted to the component support surface.

144. The motor mount in claim 138, wherein the component support surface is configured to position the motor support next to a transmission assembly of the model vehicle.

145. The motor mount in claim 139, wherein securing the motor support and the motor to each of the at least two mounting positions on the component support surface sets a unique gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle.

146. The motor mount in claim 139, wherein each of the at least two mounting positions is determined by aligning one of at least two support pinholes in a bottom surface of the motor support with one of at least two mounting pinholes in a top surface of the component support surface.

147. The motor mount in claim 139, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises inserting a first end of a mounting pin in one of the at least two supporting pinholes in the bottom surface of the motor mount, and a second end of the mounting pin in one of the at least two mounting pinholes in the top surface of the component support surface.

148. The motor mount in claim 140, wherein the motor support comprises a front support and a rear support configured to each hold a portion of the model vehicle motor.

149. The motor mount in claim 146, wherein each of the at least two supporting pinholes in the motor support has a corresponding mounting pinhole selected from the at least two mounting pinholes that designates a specific mounting position for securing the motor and the motor support to the component support surface and setting a unique gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle.

150. The motor mount in claim 148, wherein the mounting assembly secures the front support to at least one of two mounting positions on the component support surface and the rear support to at least one of two mounting positions on the component support surface.

151. A motor mount for a model vehicle, comprising:

a motor support configured for mounting a model vehicle motor on a model vehicle;

a component support surface on the model vehicle configured to receive the motor support;

a mounting assembly to temporarily secure the motor support to one of at least two mounting positions on the component support surface; and

wherein securing the motor support and the motor to one of the at least two mounting positions on the component support surface sets a unique gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle.

152. The motor mount in claim 151, wherein the motor support is configured to hold the motor for a model vehicle.

153. The motor mount in claim 151, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises inserting a first end of a mounting pin in a supporting pinhole in a bottom surface of the motor mount, and a second end of a mounting pin in a mounting pinhole in a top surface of the component support surface.

154. The motor mount in claim 151, wherein using the motor support and mounting assembly to secure the motor to the component support surface sets the gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle without the need to additionally adjust the gear mesh after the motor is mounted to the component support surface.

155. The motor mount in claim 151, wherein the component support surface is configured to position the motor support next to a transmission assembly of the model vehicle.

156. The motor mount in claim 151, wherein each of the at least two mounting positions is determined by aligning one of at least two support pinholes in a bottom surface of the motor support with one of at least two mounting pinholes in a top surface of the component support surface.

157. The motor mount in claim 156, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises inserting a first end of a mounting pin in one of the at least two supporting pinholes in the bottom surface of the motor mount, and a second end of the mounting pin in one of the at least two mounting pinholes in the top surface of the component support surface.

158. The motor mount in claim 152, wherein the motor support comprises a front support and a rear support configured to each hold a portion of the model vehicle motor.

159. The motor mount in claim 156, wherein each of the at least two supporting pinholes in the motor support has a corresponding mounting pinhole selected from the at least two mounting pinholes that designates a specific mounting position for securing the motor and the motor support to the component support surface and setting a unique gear mesh for the motor on the model vehicle.

160. The motor mount in claim 158, wherein the mounting assembly secures the front support to at least one of two mounting positions on the component support surface and the rear support to at least one of two mounting positions on the component support surface.

161. A clutch for a model vehicle, comprising:

a first clutch plate comprising an opening and one or more first fan blades extending across at least a portion of the opening;

a second clutch plate comprising an opening; and

wherein the first and second clutch plates are configured to be secured together with at least a portion of the opening of the first clutch plate and at least a portion of the opening of the second clutch aligned to allow passage of air through both openings.

162. The clutch of claim 161, wherein the one or more first fan blades comprise one or more axial fan blades.

163. The clutch of claim 161, wherein the one or more first fan blades comprise one or more centrifugal fan blades.

164. The clutch of claim 161, wherein the second clutch plate comprises one or more second fan blades extending across at least a portion of the opening of the second clutch plate.

165. The clutch of claim 164, wherein the one or more second fan blades comprise one or more centrifugal fan blades.

166. The clutch of claim 164, wherein:

the one or more first fan blades comprise one or more axial fan blades; and

the one or more second fan blades comprise one or more centrifugal fan blades.

167. The clutch of claim 164, wherein the first and second clutch plates form a dual-stage fan comprising the one or more first fan blades and the one or more second fan blades.

168. The clutch of claim 161, further comprising:

a spring configured to apply a compressive force pressing the first and second clutch plates together, wherein the spring is configured to be adjustable to vary the compressive force; and

wherein at least one of the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate is configured to be secured to a spur gear without changing the compressive force applied by the spring.