Intro To Serpent’s 1:8 Buggy Project With Billy Easton
In the next couple of weeks we will bring you news of the Serpent 1:8 buggy development, testing, production and racing.
Below is the first of four interviews with Billy Easton, the designer and racer of the Serpent 1:8 buggy. The Serpent 1:8 buggy is their first move into the off-road market, to be followed by a Truggy and electric versions, as well as Ready-To-Race cars in the near future. Design-wise Billy Easton works closely together with Michael Salven. With Michael being the expert in gas on-road, Billy will perform this task for the off-road projects. In this way true experts look after the class they know best and actively race in and can support best whilst still sharing idea’s and knowledge to create the very best RC racing cars around.
Below is the first part of the interview with Billy Easton…
Q: When have you started to work for Serpent and why ?
I would say a little over 2 years ago. At that time Serpent was looking to expand their product line. So, my skills and knowledge were kind of a perfect fit for them. They had really only focused on Nitro on-road and a just begun a 1:12 scale car as well as their electric sedan. So having the experience in the development and racing of Nitro off-road as well as electric on-road/off-road, I would be a perfect fit for what they needed. Personally, I wanted to work for a company that had a position available so that I could grow myself. I really enjoyed the design aspect of the cars and products and was given the chance to show the world my ideas.
Q: Whats is your main job at Serpent ?
My job at Serpent consists of designing new and innovative products. I excel in the conceptual part or the birth of a product, I seem to have a natural knack for being able to visualise things. I spend countless hours researching and developing products as well. Aside from all those things, I will also be the guy that checks the quality and fit of the parts on the projects that I am familiar with.
Q: What are the main projects you have been working on in the past year ?
Over the last year I have actually worked on a few projects. Some of them have not yet been released to the public’s eye, so they will remain anonymous. However, most note worthy are the 1:8 buggy project as well as our S120 1:12 link car, the 966-e and the 1:10 WGT pancar.
Q: For this off-road 1:8 project, what is the main goal design-wise ?
Our 1:8 project has actually been quite extensive. We really took the time to first research all the current makers’ cars as well as build and test them. In the beginning we did indeed have a document laying out the guidelines for our car. The main idea for the car was to provide the best possible balance, lightest possible weight, and ease of construction. Then, in the end provide the consumer with a product that he could build the first time and outperform all previous buggies he had ever used. I know it seems like a tall order, but of all the cars I have raced and tested over the last 15 or so years, they all lacked something. In the end, we wanted to take this class to another level and create the ultimate package. Speaking for Serpent it was not just about releasing another car, it was about releasing the best performing car in the market place.
Q: Can you tell us when drivers can expect the Serpent 1:8 off-road car to appear on the market ?
At this time, we are shooting for a release in March 2010. We will showcase the product at the Nurnberg Toy Fair. I will be there to discuss all the ideas and concepts for our 1:8 buggy. I am pretty sure you will like it, trust me.
Racer will be back with more questions in part two of the interview soon…
Source: Team Serpent
