Overview

The FTX Outback Mini XP 1:18 Evo Unitrak Trail RTR is a compact yet feature-rich ready to run RC crawler that brings full-sized 1/10 scale capabilities into a truly portable package. This is the ultimate choice for RC enthusiasts in the UK who demand serious off-road performance without sacrificing space or convenience. Whether you're exploring tight indoor courses, technical garden trails, or outdoor terrain, this 1:18 trail crawler delivers exceptional crawling ability with its innovative engineering and meticulous attention to scale detail.

Designed for both beginners discovering the world of RC crawlers and experienced hobbyists seeking a reliable secondary rig, the Outback Mini XP Evo represents FTX's commitment to bringing advanced trail-crawling features to the compact scale. The Unitrak body captures the essence of multi-purpose expedition vehicles found across jungles, mountains and deserts worldwide, complete with moulded scale accessories and a full function LED lighting system controlled directly from your transmitter. This is not just a toy—it's a genuine RC crawler engineered for serious performance and authentic scale realism.

Ready to run straight out of the box, this brushed electric RC car comes complete with everything needed to start crawling immediately. The combination of portal axles, metal geared drivetrain, servo-operated 2-speed transmission and advanced electronics make this one of the most capable 1:18 scale crawlers available for purchase in the UK market today.

Key Features

• Front and Rear High Clearance Portal Axles — Portal axles on both front and rear of the chassis dramatically increase ground clearance compared to conventional axle designs, allowing this compact 1:18 crawler to traverse obstacles and rough terrain that would otherwise cause damage to lower-slung vehicles. This feature is essential for authentic trail crawling performance.
• Heavy Duty Full Metal Gears — Both front and rear axles feature internal metal gearing rather than plastic alternatives, providing exceptional durability and enabling future motor upgrades to larger sizes such as 130, 180, 240 or 270 without reliability concerns. The robust construction ensures longevity even under demanding crawling conditions.
• Servo Operated 2-Speed Transmission Gearbox — The intelligent two-speed transmission allows you to select between ultra-low first gear (98:1 ratio) for maximum torque and technical crawling, or second gear (24.5:1 ratio) for faster straight-line speed when navigating flatter terrain. This versatility is a feature normally found only on larger 1/10 scale crawlers but is now available on this compact ready to run RC car.
• New 4-Channel ESC/RX with Smooth Low-Speed Throttle Response — The integrated electronic speed controller and receiver features refined throttle calibration specifically designed for slow-speed crawling scenarios, eliminating the jerky throttle response common on budget RC crawlers. This allows precise control over technical sections where millimetre-perfect throttle modulation is crucial.
• Full Function LED Light System — Controlled entirely from your transmitter, the multi-function lighting system includes front low-beam headlights, front high-beam headlights, rear lights, brake lights, left and right indicator lights, reverse lights, spotlight function and hazard light mode. These aren't merely decorative—they enhance scale authenticity and enable night-time operation and visual identification.
• Aluminium Rail Chassis — The rigid aluminium frame provides excellent weight distribution, corrosion resistance compared to steel alternatives, and a lower centre of gravity through optimised weight bias positioning. The chassis geometry is specifically engineered to enhance crawling performance with the motor mounted forward and lower than earlier models.
• Clipless Body Mounting System — The innovative hidden body mounting system allows tool-free body removal and installation, streamlining maintenance and enabling rapid body swaps between the available Unitrak, Rock Van and Texan designs. This practical engineering detail saves time and frustration during regular maintenance.
• 1.2mm Thick Painted Lexan Body with Clear Windows — The robust polycarbonate body shell is precision-painted with authentic scale details and features transparent side and rear windows for genuine scale appearance. The substantial 1.2mm thickness resists damage better than thinner alternatives, maintaining its appearance through regular crawling sessions.
• Oversize 1.2 Inch Internal Bead Lock Wheels and All-Terrain Tyres — The oversized wheels and tyres significantly increase ground clearance and provide enhanced grip across varied terrain types. The internal bead lock design securely retains the tyre under extreme articulation, preventing tyre rolloff during technical climbing or aggressive cornering.
• Chassis Mounted Servo with Panhard Bar Steering — The servo is mounted directly to the chassis frame with a panhard bar linkage system, which maintains consistent steering geometry during suspension articulation and reduces the likelihood of bump-steer issues common on simple servo mounting systems.
• Tight 80cm Turning Radius with 45-Degree Steering Angle — The exceptional steering geometry provides an unusually tight turning radius of just 80 centimetres with steering angles up to 45 degrees, making this compact RC crawler suitable for navigating tight indoor courses, confined garden spaces and technical trial sections where larger vehicles would struggle.
• Extended Runtime of Up to 45 Minutes — The included 7.4V 2S 600mAh LiPo battery delivers approximately 45 minutes of continuous operation between charges, which is exceptional for a ready to run RC crawler and means you'll spend more time driving and less time waiting for recharges.
• Optimised Weight Bias Design — The EVO specification features redesigned weight distribution with the motor mounted further forward and lower in the chassis, improving crawling performance and climbing ability by optimising the centre of gravity for technical terrain.
• Rear Driveshaft Reverse Rotation — The transmission's reverse rotation of the rear driveshaft minimises chassis torque twist during aggressive acceleration or climbing, reducing the stress on the chassis structure and improving overall durability during demanding driving.
• New 130 Size 100T Brushed Motor — The dedicated 130 size motor delivers maximum torque output ideal for crawling scenarios, with the 100T configuration providing the optimal balance between power and efficiency. This motor size is specifically selected for the transmission's high 98:1 first gear ratio.
• PPX 4 Standard Water-Resistant Electronics — The electronics package meets PPX 4 water-resistance standards, providing protection against splashing and light rain exposure without making the vehicle fully submersible. This enables confident outdoor operation in variable weather conditions.

Technical Performance

The FTX Outback Mini XP Evo represents a significant engineering achievement in compact RC crawler design. At 1:18 scale, it punches well above its weight class by incorporating construction techniques and components typically reserved for 1/10 scale vehicles. The brushed 130 size motor with 100T winding is paired with a servo-operated 2-speed transmission featuring full internal metal gearing throughout both the primary gearbox and portal axles. The primary gear ratio delivers 98:1 reduction in first gear and 24.5:1 in second gear, providing extraordinary low-speed torque for technical trail sections combined with reasonable top-end speed for open terrain. The new integrated 4-channel ESC and receiver combination features distinctly refined throttle calibration optimised specifically for the precise modulation demands of crawler operation. The transmission's reverse-rotation rear driveshaft system is an often-overlooked engineering detail that significantly reduces chassis stress during loaded climbing by minimising unwanted torque twist. Construction quality throughout is exceptional: aluminium chassis rails resist corrosion and provide superior rigidity compared to plastic alternatives, whilst the 1.2mm thick painted polycarbonate body shell resists light impacts and UV degradation far better than thinner alternatives. The portal axles with full metal gearing represent perhaps the most significant performance upgrade over conventional designs, dramatically increasing ground clearance and enabling the vehicle to traverse obstacles that would damage non-portal equipped models. The included 7.4V 2S 600mAh lithium polymer battery is charged via the supplied USB charger, providing approximately 45 minutes of continuous operation between charging cycles. The complete ready to run specification means you need only add four AA batteries for the transmitter, and you're ready to explore trails indoors or outdoors.

What's in the Box

• FTX Outback Mini XP 1:18 Evo Unitrak trail crawler fully assembled and tested
• 1.2mm thick painted Lexan Unitrak body with clear windows and moulded scale accessories
• Integrated 4-channel ESC and receiver unit
• Servo-operated 2-speed transmission gearbox with metal gears
• Brushed 130 size 100T motor
• Front and rear portal axles with metal gearing
• 1.2 inch internal bead lock wheels and oversized all-terrain tyres
• Aluminium rail chassis frame
• Chassis-mounted servo with panhard bar steering linkage
• Full function LED lighting system (headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse light, spotlight, hazard mode)
• 7.4V 2S 600mAh lithium polymer battery pack
• USB charger for battery
• Instruction manual and parts diagram

What You Need to Complete

• Four AA batteries for the transmitter handset

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this the right ready to run RC crawler for UK beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The FTX Outback Mini XP Evo is specifically designed as an entry point into serious crawling for newcomers whilst remaining engaging for experienced hobbyists. The ready to run specification means there's no complex assembly required, the built-in electronics are pre-configured and the included battery and charger get you driving within minutes. The intuitive 2-speed transmission is easy to control, and the servo throttle response is specifically tuned to prevent the jerky control issues that frustrate beginners on budget RC crawlers. The compact 1:18 scale makes it ideal for UK gardens, parks and indoor venues where larger 1/10 crawlers are impractical.
• What battery does the FTX Outback Mini XP Evo use and what runtime should I expect? — The vehicle includes a 7.4V 2S lithium polymer battery pack with 600mAh capacity. This delivers approximately 45 minutes of continuous operation between charges under typical crawling conditions. The 2S voltage is ideal for the brushed motor and integrated ESC. Upgrade batteries are available separately if you wish to extend runtime or improve performance, though the included battery provides more than adequate run time for most driving sessions.
• How does the 2-speed transmission work and why is it beneficial? — The servo-operated transmission allows you to switch between two gear ratios using your transmitter. First gear delivers a massive 98:1 reduction, providing incredible torque for technical climbing and obstacle navigation—perfect for steep inclines and rocky terrain. Second gear at 24.5:1 is ideal for faster cruising across flat ground and open trails. This versatility is a feature normally found only on much larger 1/10 scale crawlers, making the Outback Mini XP Evo exceptional for its size. You can quickly switch between gears as terrain demands without stopping or reversing direction.
• What makes the portal axles so important for crawling performance? — Portal axles are mounted externally on the vehicle's frame, positioning the differential gearbox above the wheel centres rather than at wheel level as in conventional designs. This architectural choice dramatically increases ground clearance—essential for technical trail crawling where boulder hopping, cliff climbing and obstacle traversal are routine. The dramatic clearance increase allows the undercarriage to clear obstacles that would hang up and damage conventional crawler designs. The metal gearing throughout ensures durability under the intense loads generated during steep climbing and rocky terrain navigation.
• Can the motor be upgraded to a larger size? — Yes, the transmission features full internal metal gearing specifically engineered to handle upgrades to larger motor sizes including 180, 240 and 270 specifications without reliability concerns. This means your investment is future-proof—you're not locked into the supplied 130 motor and can explore performance upgrades as your skills develop and your crawling interests evolve. The metal gears are essential to supporting these larger, more powerful motors.
• How detailed is the LED lighting system? — The light system is comprehensive and fully functional, not merely decorative. It includes front low-beam headlights, front high-beam headlights, rear lights, brake lights, left and right indicator lights, reverse lights, spotlight functionality and hazard light mode. All lights are controlled directly from your transmitter handset, enabling night-time operation and adding significant scale authenticity. This is a professional-grade lighting system more commonly found on high-end scale models.
• Is this vehicle waterproof? — The electronics are rated to PPX 4 water-resistance standards, which protects against splashing and light rain exposure but does not make the vehicle fully submersible. You can confidently operate it in variable UK weather conditions including light precipitation, but should avoid deliberate water crossings or submersion. The aluminium chassis naturally resists corrosion far better than steel alternatives.
• What terrain is this crawler suitable for? — The Outback Mini XP Evo is designed for trail crawling across rocky, technical terrain including boulders, cliffs, obstacles and steep inclines. The high-clearance portal axles, metal gearing and high-torque transmission make it ideal for rocks, loose earth, grass and mixed terrain. The oversized all-terrain tyres provide good grip across varied surfaces. Indoor use is perfectly viable on concrete, wooden floors and smooth terrain. Garden trails, park courses and outdoor rocky areas are all ideal environments. It's equally at home navigating confined technical courses indoors or exploring natural trails outdoors.
• How does this compare to the standard Outback Mini X models? — The EVO specification represents a significant engineering advancement over standard Mini X variants. Key improvements include the servo-operated 2-speed transmission (standard Mini X uses single-speed), optimised weight bias positioning with the motor mounted further forward and lower, new final drive ratio providing super-slow crawling performance, the new 4-channel ESC/RX with enhanced low-speed throttle response, and the new 130 size 100T motor delivering maximum torque. These specification upgrades collectively result in measurably superior crawling performance and technical capability across all terrain types whilst maintaining the proven FTX reliability and scale authenticity.
• What is the turning radius and steering angle? — The vehicle achieves an exceptionally tight 80-centimetre turning radius with steering angles up to 45 degrees. This is remarkable for any scale and makes it perfectly suited to technical trial courses, tight indoor spaces and confined garden areas where larger crawlers cannot operate. The panhard bar steering system maintains consistent geometry during suspension articulation, preventing the bump-steer issues that plague simpler steering designs.
• Is the body mounted permanently or can it be removed? — The innovative clipless body mounting system allows tool-free removal and installation, making maintenance and body swaps completely straightforward. The Unitrak utility vehicle body included is beautifully detailed with moulded scale accessories, but you can purchase alternative Rock Van or Texan pick-up bodies separately to change the appearance and theme of your crawler without any tools.

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 1:18 Trail Crawler with Portal Axles, LED System & Aluminium Chassis – FTX5481S 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.