RC4WD GELANDE II TRUCK KIT WITH 2015 LAND ROVER DEFENDER D90 Z-K0073

Overview

The RC4WD Gelande II Truck Kit with 2015 Land Rover Defender D90 represents the pinnacle of scale realism combined with genuine trail-proven performance. This 1:10 scale rock crawler is the perfect choice for RC enthusiasts in the UK seeking an authentic, challenging build project that delivers exceptional off-road capability. Whether you're an experienced RC car builder or a dedicated hobbyist looking for a comprehensive kit that challenges your skills, the Gelande II offers uncompromising quality engineering and stunning scale detail that sets it apart from standard RC crawlers available in the UK market.

Built upon RC4WD's proven platform, the Gelande II features a robust machined billet aluminium ladder frame chassis paired with advanced drivetrain components including the R3 single speed transmission and the legendary Yota II Ultimate Scale cast axles. The officially licensed 2015 Land Rover Defender D90 body set elevates this RC truck beyond mere functionality, featuring opening doors, a fully detailed interior with over 100 parts, and authentic scale detailing that captures the essence of the real 1:1 vehicle. This is not simply another electric RC car for sale; this is a serious scale crawler designed for enthusiasts who demand both authenticity and capability.

The Gelande II is completely versatile and can pull off many looks and styles, from emergency and expedition vehicles to hardcore rock climbing rigs. With countless RC4WD options and upgrades available, you can customise your Gelande II exactly how you want without sacrificing performance. The kit requires approximately 2-3 hours of assembly time and selected electronics, making it an ideal project for intermediate builders seeking hands-on experience with quality RC components and realistic scale construction techniques.

Key Features

• Realistic Machined Billet Aluminium Ladder Frame Chassis — The G2 chassis is constructed from precision-machined billet aluminium with integral scale shock hoops and hard-body mounting points, delivering the ultimate in structural strength whilst maintaining authentic ladder frame appearance that collectors and scale enthusiasts will appreciate.
• R3 Single Speed Transmission with Cast Metal Case — This durable transmission features a tough cast metal case, wider gears for superior durability, a Delrin spur with slipper clutch for performance, and a sturdy billet aluminium motor mount that ensures reliable power delivery to the transfer case and axles in demanding trail conditions.
• Centre-Mounted Realistic 4x4 Hammer Transfer Case — Featuring authentic scale detail, the Hammer transfer case boasts a cast metal exterior with heavy-duty 0.8 Mod widened hardened gears (Ratio 1.47:1) and includes 8 bearings for durability, ensuring the G2 will stay on the trail day after day with minimal wear.
• Yota II Ultimate Scale Cast Axles V2 with XVD Internals — The most scale-accurate axles on the market, these advanced axles feature innovative 8-degree round knuckles, removable diff covers, lower mounting points, and a compact offset front pumpkin, delivering both authenticity and practical performance with 2.67:1 ratio gearing.
• Advanced 3-Link Front and 4-Link Rear Suspension with Panhard Bar — This sophisticated suspension geometry provides exceptional articulation and stability across extreme terrain, with the rear featuring double triangulation for maximum compliance and control whether ascending rocky inclines or descending steep descents.
• Dual Spring 80mm Scale Black Shocks with X-Ring Seals — Rebuildable aluminium shocks feature dual springs for progressive suspension response, Titanium Nitride coated shafts for durability, and X-ring seals that prevent fluid loss during demanding off-road adventures, with the added benefit of oil-fill capability for tuning suspension performance.
• Heavy-Duty Metal Uni-Joint Driveshafts — Constructed from robust metal materials with uni-joint connections, these driveshafts handle excellent driveline angles and provide the durability needed to survive regular trail use and challenging rock crawling sessions.
• 5 Lug Wagon 1.9-Inch Steel Stamped Internal Beadlock Wheels — These authentic-looking wheels feature a super tough black finish, aluminium internal locking ring, and popular 5-lug design with separate hub, combining scale authenticity with practical durability for serious RC off-road use.
• Dirt Grabber 1.9-Inch All Terrain Tyres — Designed specifically for this kit, these RC tyres deliver excellent traction on rocks and rough terrain whilst maintaining perfect scale proportions and appearance, ensuring your Gelande II looks as authentic as it performs.
• Officially Licensed 2015 Land Rover Defender D90 Hard Body Set — This premium body features opening side and rear doors plus hood, a fully detailed interior with over 100 parts including fold-down rear seats, opening centre console with gear shifter and handbrake, detailed dashboard with mirrors, door handles, vents and grilles, plus functional light buckets with coloured lenses that can be illuminated with an optional RC4WD LED light kit.
• Chassis-Mounted Steering Servo — The servo is positioned on the chassis for optimal mechanical linkage whilst remaining hidden from view, delivering a more scale-accurate appearance without compromising steering responsiveness or reliability during off-road driving.
• Plastic Fuel Cell Receiver Box with Electronics Tray — The moulded fuel cell doubles as electronics storage, whilst an additional under-cab electronics tray and battery tray with strap mounts provide multiple configuration options for different ESC and receiver placements, ensuring flexibility for custom setups.
• Machined Billet Aluminium Bumpers — Lightweight yet durable front and rear bumpers constructed from precision-machined billet aluminium provide authentic scale protection whilst minimising unsprung weight that could affect suspension performance.

Technical Performance

The Gelande II represents a significant engineering achievement in scale RC truck design. The drivetrain is engineered for maximum durability through a sophisticated gear reduction system: the Hammer transfer case provides initial reduction at 1.47:1, the R3 transmission delivers 4.57:1 spur/pinion reduction with an internal 1.78:1 ratio, and the Yota II axles supply final 2.67:1 reduction, resulting in an overall 31.9:1 final drive ratio that enables slow, controlled crawling speeds ideal for technical terrain. This multi-stage reduction also means you can select from brushed motor options (35T, 45T, or 55T) depending on your desired power delivery and battery voltage. The vehicle requires the Outcry III Waterproof ESC (Z-E0113) paired with a compatible 2S LiPo battery or equivalent NiMH pack, with recommended battery options including the RC4WD Z-E0090. The chassis measures 275mm wheelbase, 213mm width, and 252mm height, sitting just 58mm above the ground for authentic scale proportions, whilst the complete assembled weight reaches 2.533kg (5.58lb). The suspension geometry featuring 3-link front with panhard bar and double-triangulated 4-link rear suspension with independent shocks absorbs impacts effectively whilst maintaining stability. For UK enthusiasts building a serious electric RC crawler, this kit demands quality assembly tools, thread lock application expertise, and careful attention to shock shimming for optimal performance, making it ideal for builders with intermediate to advanced experience levels.

What's in the Box

• 1x RC4WD Gelande II Chassis Kit with machined billet aluminium ladder frame
• 1x Hammer Transfer Case with cast metal housing and 0.8 Mod hardened gears
• 1x R3 Single Speed Transmission with cast metal case and Delrin spur
• 1x Yota II Ultimate Scale Cast Axles V2 (XVD) front and rear pair
• Heavy-duty metal uni-joint driveshafts
• Dual Spring 80mm V3 Scale Black Shocks (X-Ring seals) front and rear
• 1x 2015 Land Rover Defender D90 Hard Body Set (officially licensed) with opening doors, hood and detailed interior
• 1x Set of 5 Lug Wagon 1.9-inch steel stamped internal beadlock wheels (black finish)
• 1x Set of Dirt Grabber 1.9-inch all terrain tyres
• 1x Machined billet aluminium front and rear bumpers
• Plastic fuel cell electronics box
• Under-cab electronics tray
• Battery tray with strap mounts
• All fasteners, hardware, and assembly components

What You Need to Complete

• Electronics Motor — Brushed motor in 35T, 45T, or 55T specification depending on desired performance characteristics and battery voltage
• Outcry III Waterproof ESC — Model Z-E0113 or equivalent speed controller rated for appropriate current draw
• Radio System — 2+ channel receiver and transmitter (RC4WD 3-Channel Z-R0009 or 4-Channel Z-R0006 recommended)
• Twister High Torque Metal Gear Digital Servo — Model Z-E0035 or compatible steering servo
• Battery Pack — 2S LiPo battery (e.g., RC4WD Z-E0090) or equivalent NiMH pack per ESC specifications
• Battery Charger — Compatible charger for your selected battery type
• Assembly Tools — Hex drivers (1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm), long nose pliers, blue thread lock, cross wrench or nut driver (4mm, 5.5mm, 7mm)
• Body Assembly Tools — Modelling or craft knife, side cutters, instant glue or plastic solvent (ShoeGoo, E6000, or 2-part epoxy), small Phillips screwdriver

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the RC4WD Gelande II suitable for beginners building their first RC crawler kit? — The Gelande II is recommended for intermediate to advanced builders rather than complete beginners. The kit requires approximately 2-3 hours of assembly, demands careful application of thread lock to metal fasteners, and benefits from experience with RC suspension setup and axle shimming. However, first-time builders with patience and access to quality tools will find the instructions manageable. We recommend reading through the complete assembly documentation before starting and consulting our expert team at RC Model Shop if you have questions during the build process.
• What motor options are available for the Gelande II, and how do they affect performance? — The kit accepts brushed motors in 35T, 45T, or 55T specifications. Lower tooth count motors (35T) deliver more power and higher current draw, making them suitable for aggressive rock crawling with higher voltage batteries. Mid-range motors (45T) offer balanced performance. Higher tooth count motors (55T) provide more efficient, lower-current operation ideal for extended runtime and slower technical crawling. Your choice depends on your intended use, battery voltage selection, and performance preferences.
• What battery does the Gelande II need, and how long does it run? — The kit requires a 2S LiPo battery or equivalent NiMH pack, with RC4WD Z-E0090 (2S LiPo) being the recommended option. Runtime varies based on motor selection, driving style, and terrain difficulty. Technical rock crawling typically demands lower currents and delivers longer runtime than continuous high-speed driving. Always consult your ESC manual for specific battery compatibility guidance and charge your battery with a quality charger before first use.
• Can the suspension be adjusted or customised after assembly? — Yes. The dual-spring shocks are rebuildable and oil-fill capable, allowing suspension tuning through oil viscosity changes or spring adjustments. The 3-link front with panhard bar and 4-link rear suspension geometry is fixed, but careful shimming of the Yota II axles during initial assembly optimises suspension geometry. We recommend becoming familiar with your truck's baseline handling before attempting major suspension modifications.
• Is the Gelande II body set truly scale-accurate compared to a real Land Rover Defender D90? — The 2015 Land Rover Defender D90 Hard Body Set is officially licensed by Land Rover and captures the distinctive proportions and styling of the modern D90. It features over 100 interior parts including fold-down seats, opening centre console, detailed dashboard, and authentic external details including mirrors, door handles, vents and grilles. The opening side and rear doors plus hood add functional scale realism. This is considered the most scale-accurate Land Rover D90 RC body available in the UK market.
• What makes the Yota II Ultimate Scale cast axles different from standard RC axles? — The Yota II axles are specifically engineered for scale authenticity whilst maintaining practical strength. Features include 8-degree round knuckles for authentic appearance, removable diff covers for detail and access, lower mounting points for reduced ground clearance, and a compact offset front pumpkin. These design elements create a more scale-accurate appearance compared to traditional RC crawler axles, particularly when viewed from low angles.
• Do I need to purchase additional upgrades to make this crawler trail-ready? — The kit comes substantially complete and can be made trail-ready with the addition of essential electronics (motor, ESC, servo, radio, and battery). However, RC4WD offers extensive upgrade options including LED light kits, alternative tyre choices, interior upgrades, and body modifications. Many builders find the standard configuration performs excellently, and upgrades can be added later based on your specific needs and preferences.
• How does the multi-stage drivetrain design improve crawling ability? — The three-stage reduction system (Hammer transfer case at 1.47:1, R3 transmission at 4.57:1 with 1.78:1 internal, and Yota II axles at 2.67:1) creates a combined 31.9:1 final drive ratio. This extreme reduction enables very slow, controlled speeds essential for technical rock crawling, whilst the distributed load across multiple gear stages reduces stress on individual components. The mechanical advantage also means lower current draw during crawling, extending battery runtime and reducing heat generation in the ESC.

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 RC4WD GELANDE II TRUCK KIT WITH 2015 LAND ROVER DEFENDER D90 Z-K0073 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.