Overview

The FTX Carnage 2.0 Blue 1/10 Scale 4WD Brushed RC Truck RTR represents an excellent entry point into the world of radio-controlled vehicles for UK enthusiasts. Since its original release over six years ago, the FTX Carnage became a beloved choice for beginners seeking an affordable, reliable ready-to-run RC truck. Now, FTX has given this fan favourite a comprehensive facelift with the Carnage 2.0, incorporating modern upgrades that enhance both performance and visual appeal. This new generation features an eye-catching blue graphic truck body, newly designed 60-amp waterproof electronic speed controller, and stylish chrome-plated wheels that give it a premium appearance whilst maintaining the accessibility that made the original so popular with newcomers to the hobby.

Whether you're looking for your first ready-to-run RC truck or seeking a reliable secondary vehicle for recreational bashing, the Carnage 2.0 delivers impressive value. The combination of a robust four-wheel-drive system with shaft drive and slipper clutch protection ensures durability during aggressive driving, whilst the fully adjustable suspension system means you can fine-tune the vehicle's handling characteristics to suit different terrain and driving styles. The inclusion of an Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio system, 1800mAh NiMH battery, and wall charger means this is a genuine ready-to-run RC car UK buyers can take out of the box and begin enjoying immediately.

Built with a moulded tub chassis and lightweight high-impact arms, the Carnage 2.0 is engineered to withstand the demands of off-road driving whilst remaining light enough for responsive handling. The waterproof 3kg steering servo and 60-amp waterproof ESC provide confidence for driving in wet conditions, and the brushless RC truck competitive alternatives would command a significantly higher price. For beginners and recreational bashers alike, this brushed RC monster truck offers outstanding value and reliability.

Key Features

• NEW Blue Graphic Truck Body — The redesigned bodyshell features striking blue graphics that give the Carnage 2.0 a fresh, contemporary appearance whilst maintaining the sturdy construction necessary for impacts and rough handling during outdoor RC play.
• NEW 60A Waterproof ESC for NiMh/LiPo — This upgraded electronic speed controller handles both NiMH and LiPo battery chemistries, offering flexibility in power options and providing waterproof protection for electronics, which is essential for wet grass or damp conditions.
• NEW Chrome Plated Wheels — Premium chrome-plated wheels replace the standard painted alternatives, delivering a striking aesthetic upgrade and visible quality enhancement that improves the truck's overall appearance and appeal.
• Etronix 2.4GHz Steerwheel Radio System — The modern 2.4GHz frequency radio eliminates interference issues common with older frequency bands, whilst the steerwheel control design is intuitive for drivers transitioning from full-size vehicle experience or preferring traditional steering inputs over trigger-based controls.
• 550 Brushed Motor — This proven brushed motor design delivers reliable torque output ideal for off-road terrain, providing adequate acceleration and top speed for recreational driving without the complexity or cost of brushless alternatives.
• Waterproof 3kg Steering Servo — The waterproof servo specification means moisture won't compromise steering response even during wet weather or wet grass conditions, ensuring consistent vehicle control throughout your RC driving session.
• Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH Battery — This included rechargeable battery provides immediate out-of-box usability, though users should note that runtime is approximately 4 minutes on a fresh charge, making additional higher-capacity batteries a worthwhile investment for extended driving sessions.
• Wall Charger Included — The trickle charger is included in the box, eliminating the need for separate charger purchases and allowing convenient battery charging from any standard household outlet.
• 4WD Shaft Drive with Slipper System — The four-wheel-drive configuration provides traction across varied terrain, whilst the slipper clutch system protects the drivetrain from damage during impacts or sudden deceleration, significantly extending the lifespan of internal components.
• Unique Low Centre-of-Gravity Gearbox Design — The specially engineered gearbox positions the transmission components lower in the chassis, improving stability during cornering and reducing rollover tendency, which is particularly beneficial for beginners learning vehicle control.
• Lightweight High-Impact Arms — Constructed from impact-resistant material, the front and rear suspension arms absorb impacts without permanent deformation, contributing to the truck's durability during aggressive driving or minor crashes.
• Big Bore Oil-Filled Adjustable Shocks — The large-diameter shock absorbers contain oil damping fluid that provides smooth suspension action across bumps and jumps, whilst the adjustable design allows tuning of ride height and suspension stiffness to match your driving preferences and terrain.
• Gearbox Metal Crown & Pinion Gear — Metal gears throughout the drivetrain deliver superior durability compared to plastic alternatives, reducing wear and extending maintenance intervals between necessary replacements.
• Front Universal Driveshafts — These universal-jointed shafts compensate for suspension movement, ensuring consistent power delivery to the front wheels even during compression and extension, improving traction and handling.
• Adjustable Wheelbase — The ability to modify the wheelbase between 290mm and 295mm allows drivers to optimise handling characteristics, with shorter wheelbases offering quicker steering response and longer wheelbases providing more stability during high-speed runs.
• Adjustable Turnbuckles — These precision-threaded components enable fine-tuning of suspension geometry, allowing adjustment of ride height and stance for different driving conditions and personal preference.
• Fully Adjustable Suspension System — Complete adjustment capability for droop, camber, toe-in, and wheelbase means the Carnage 2.0 can be precisely tuned for diverse driving styles and terrain conditions, from smooth lawn driving to rough outdoor off-road courses.
• Slipper Clutch for Drivetrain Protection — This mechanical safety feature protects internal gears by disengaging during extreme torque loads, preventing catastrophic damage and dramatically improving the truck's longevity during enthusiastic driving.
• NiMh or LiPo Battery Compatibility — The waterproof ESC accepts both traditional NiMH batteries and modern LiPo batteries, allowing gradual investment in better performance as your skills and budget allow.
• Chrome Plated Wheels with Block Tyres — The attractive chrome wheel finish complements the blue bodyshell, whilst the block tread pattern provides reliable grip across grass, dirt, and varied surfaces typical of UK gardens and parks.
• Moulded Tub Chassis — The integrated tub chassis design protects internal electronics and drivetrain components from dirt, water, and debris whilst maintaining structural rigidity across the entire platform.

Technical Performance

The FTX Carnage 2.0 delivers impressive performance for a brushed RC truck in the entry-level category. Powered by a 550 brushed motor, the truck achieves a gear ratio of 11.2:1, which balances acceleration and top speed appropriately for a vehicle designed for recreational bashing rather than competitive racing. The 60-amp waterproof electronic speed controller is rated for both NiMH and LiPo battery chemistry, providing flexibility and future-proofing as you progress in the hobby. The included Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH battery is compact and convenient, though experienced users recommend upgrading to higher-capacity batteries such as 3000mAh or 5000mAh alternatives for extended run times. The motor, ESC, and servo all feature waterproof or water-resistant specifications, making this a suitable choice for damp UK conditions and wet grass environments. Construction quality throughout emphasises durability, with metal crown and pinion gears in the transmission, oil-filled shocks with progressive dampening characteristics, and a low centre-of-gravity chassis design that enhances stability. The 4WD shaft drive system with slipper clutch protection means the truck can handle rough treatment typical of beginner drivers, with the slipper mechanism automatically disengaging when forces exceed design parameters, preventing internal damage. The fully adjustable suspension—including droop, camber, toe-in, and wheelbase modifications—allows sophisticated tuning despite the entry-level price point, enabling experienced drivers to optimise handling across different surfaces from smooth garden lawns to rough off-road terrain.

What's in the Box

• FTX Carnage 2.0 fully assembled and painted truck body in blue
• Pre-installed 550 brushed motor
• 60A waterproof brushed ESC
• Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio control system with receiver
• Waterproof 3kg steering servo
• Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH rechargeable battery
• Wall charger (trickle charger) for battery charging
• Pre-mounted chrome-plated wheels with block tyres
• Moulded tub chassis with 4WD drivetrain
• Oil-filled adjustable shock absorbers
• User manual and assembly documentation

What You Need to Complete

• Four AA batteries (not supplied) — required to power the Etronix 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Additional rechargeable batteries — optional but highly recommended, as the standard 1800mAh battery provides approximately 4 minutes of driving time; 3000mAh, 5000mAh, or higher-capacity NiMH batteries are available separately and will significantly extend run time per charge
• Battery charger upgrade — optional but beneficial, as a faster smart charger will reduce charging time compared to the included trickle charger
• Optional hop-up parts — a wide range of FTX Carnage 2.0 optional upgrades are available including carbon chassis components, aluminium suspension parts, and alternative bodyshells to customise your truck

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Carnage 2.0 suitable for complete beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The Carnage 2.0 is specifically designed as an entry-level ready-to-run RC truck that comes fully assembled and charged. The intuitive steerwheel radio system is easy for new drivers to master, and the truck's robust construction and slipper clutch protection mean it can withstand the occasional crash or rough handling typical of beginners learning vehicle control. The Skill Level 2 rating confirms its suitability for newcomers to the hobby.
• What battery does the FTX Carnage 2.0 use and how long does it run? — The truck comes with a Voltz 1800mAh 7.2V NiMH rechargeable battery, which provides approximately 4 minutes of driving time on a full charge. Many users recommend upgrading to higher-capacity batteries such as 3000mAh or 5000mAh NiMH batteries, which can extend run time to 15-45 minutes depending on capacity and driving style. The waterproof 60A ESC accepts both NiMH and LiPo batteries, so future upgrades to 2S LiPo batteries are possible as your skills and budget allow.
• Does the FTX Carnage 2.0 come fully assembled and ready to drive? — Yes, this is a genuine ready-to-run (RTR) model that arrives fully built, painted, and pre-configured. You simply insert four AA batteries into the radio transmitter and charge the included 1800mAh battery with the wall charger, then you can immediately drive the truck. No soldering, assembly, or advanced technical knowledge is required.
• Is the Carnage 2.0 waterproof? — The truck features waterproof components including the 60A ESC and 3kg servo, and the moulded tub chassis provides protection for internal electronics and drivetrain. However, it is described as water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, meaning it can handle wet grass and damp conditions but should not be submerged in water. Avoid deep water crossings or prolonged water exposure to ensure long-term reliability.
• What is the difference between the FTX Carnage 2.0 and the original FTX Carnage? — The 2.0 generation benefits from several significant upgrades including the new 60A waterproof ESC (upgraded from earlier specifications), new blue graphic bodyshell with modern styling, chrome-plated wheels instead of standard painted wheels, and the Etronix 2.4GHz radio system providing more reliability and ease of use. These improvements enhance both aesthetics and performance whilst maintaining the affordable entry-level price point.
• Can I use LiPo batteries in the FTX Carnage 2.0? — Yes, the 60A waterproof ESC is specifically rated for both NiMH and LiPo battery compatibility. A 2S LiPo battery would provide improved performance and longer run times compared to NiMH alternatives, though you should ensure the charger you use is LiPo-compatible and follow proper LiPo safety procedures including balance charging and safe storage practices.
• What is included in the radio system? — The Etronix 2.4GHz steerwheel radio system includes both the transmitter (which requires four AA batteries, not supplied) and the receiver pre-installed in the truck. The 2.4GHz frequency avoids the interference issues of older frequency bands, and the steerwheel design is intuitive for drivers familiar with full-size vehicles.
• How adjustable is the suspension on the Carnage 2.0? — The Carnage 2.0 features fully adjustable suspension with capability to modify droop, camber, toe-in, and wheelbase between 290mm and 295mm. The oil-filled shocks are adjustable for ride height and dampening characteristics. This extensive adjustability is unusual for an entry-level vehicle and allows fine-tuning of handling characteristics across different surfaces and driving styles.
• What type of motor does the Carnage 2.0 have? — The truck is powered by a 550-size brushed motor, which is a proven motor size suitable for recreational driving and beginner-level competition. It provides adequate torque and speed without the complexity or cost of brushless alternatives, making it ideal for learning vehicle control fundamentals.
• What spare parts are available for the FTX Carnage 2.0? — FTX offers an extensive range of spare parts and hop-up components for the Carnage 2.0, including alternative bodyshells, carbon fibre chassis plates, aluminium suspension components, replacement shocks and servo components, gearbox parts, drivetrain components, and numerous other upgrade options. This parts availability ensures the truck can be repaired after crashes or upgraded for improved performance and durability as your skills progress.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX Carnage 2.0 Blue 1/10 Scale 4WD Brushed RC Truck RTR – FTX5537B today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.