Posted: 3/2/16
Words and Photos by Anthony Rivas
It's Friday morning, about 10 am. Ben and I are headed to Reno, Nevada for the 3rd annual Fire and Ice event, put on by Team MRB (Moon Rock Bashers). This year Axial has sponsored the event along with CKRC the supporting hobby store in Reno. I am excited to see what kind of crowd it will draw. Rumor has it that it has snowed up there, so we will see what we run into along the way!
Cool little Samurai as we head out of town. I am not sure where he is headed, but we have 400+ miles to Reno.
If you have never done this drive, I will tell you there are many small towns like this. They come up quick, so the speed drops from 70 to 45 mph or less in a short distance.
Lots of history in these small towns, it's cool to stop and take in the dated buildings and artifacts if you have time.
That spec over the center peak is a Drone, kind of cool to see along the drive.
More open road till we hit Tonopah. I look forward to this part because its the halfway mark.
As small as this town is, I always find it mind boggling that the Stealth Bomber is from here. There isn't a single stop light. Time goes by quick from here to Sparks.
We made pretty good time, making it into Reno at nightfall. Grab some dinner, wrench, and get some sleep.
After getting a good night's sleep we are up and looking forward to today's event. I can now see some snow off in the distance. Roads were completely dry coming in. What's Moon Rocks going to look like?
I always enjoy seeing how creative you guys are with parts, like this Wraith using the Axial light bar mount.
This Axial based truggy looks like it has seen some trails, that's some heavy duty body armor on the lower doors.
I've been seeing so many new Axial RR10 Bombers at events it's crazy, but I like them and love watching them perform.
Someone always brings a Yeti XL to play around with during down time.
These Axial Honchos look ready for action.
The Axial AR60 axles complete the look of the full size axle under a midsize truck. I bet this guy is going to get some good footage here at Moon Rocks.
Lots of Scale on hand, like these cool trailers from Elio who made the drive over from Nor-Cal.
Speaking of Elio, can you believe this gold Axial remote control is his hood ornament? You may recognize him from AXIALFEST2015 and his scale diorama. If you look below you may recognize his shell.
There is pretty cool scale trials section, with some scale on the outskirts.
Wow, I have seen an original Axial AX10 at the last 3 events! Is there a secret supply somewhere that I don't know about?
I really dig the rust and overall look of this Volkswagen! I spy an AXIALFEST2015 tech sticker, did you see it there?
Anybody else have a recovery vehicle?
Nice use of the Axial Yeti Cage in combination with this VW bug body.
I see an ocean of cars, this is staging for the event. How many drivers are there?
Seeing more and more of the Axial Jeep FC bodies, this one stands out.
If you have read my last few blogs you may remember me saying "I think there is a 6x6 movement going on". I may need to join this movement. They are just so cool.
This Monster Truck looks on point, so nicely done! I may have to check more into monster trucks as well! Watch for it!
You can never have too much power; that's like having too much fun. Good looking build.
Speaking of power, I think this VW is turtle powered.
Hmmm... Way more cars than people.
Let me scoot back a little bit and take a second shot at this pic. Well there are 237 Drivers present today with a driver's card; if you didn't have a drivers card you were not counted. This is drivers, not entries. Drivers from Washington, Salt Lake, all over California, Oregon, and of course Nevada were well represented. This event also took in over 1000 pounds of food and $400 dollars that was donated. Well Done JJ Dreiling, Frank Testa, and Russ Cushway.
They are off and running in waves.
This is one super clean Axial based Toyota. Mathew had a super clean front bumper as well.
Moon Rocks has such scale lines every where you look.
No shortage of Axial based Toyotas here.
The Axial Bomber is just so versatile. It's at home anywhere.
Pretty cool flat bed. Those are Axial SCX10 axles, but at first glance I thought it was wider like the AR60. Looks great though.
Super clean build right here.
Another AXIALFEST2015 sticker, I wonder if they will return this year to AXIALFEST2016?
1.9 Axial Wraith. I am a fan of this style of Wraith.
There were a couple of sections where guys could open it up and let brushless systems run. The Wraith pictured below looked good as a fast back.
Lots of rigs are sporting CKRC stickers and why not? CKRC hobby store owners can often be found on the rocks of events they are a part of. Jason and Dena (pictured below) enjoying some drive time.
This Axial Jeep Nukizer body looks well used, not afraid to squeeze that trigger either.
Am I seeing double? Synchronized rock crawling with some Axial RR10 Bombers anyone?
This tandem rotor heavy lift Chinook helicopter made some low passes over the event. It's not everyday you see one of these guys. Unless, you're Len Root (pictured below) who happens to be a Chinook mechanic as well as RC enthusiast.
Len's wife sure seems happy. Well she is driving the Axial Wraith she won at AXIALFEST, then built, and is driving today! They started their vacation today, all the way from Oregon.
Drivers of all ages were present. Is the Bomber your choice if you're new to the hobby?
This California couple is out enjoying the Nevada rocks.
Eric or "Tree" as most of us know him as, was not going to give up on this line. I watched some Wraiths tumble here. He did indeed drive this line with no assistance.
What do we have coming up the trail?
Its the Axial Jeep FC I spotted in staging.
There was some sand, so roost it if you can right?
Here "Skeeno" who also brings you Axial blogs, finds himself on the opposite side of the camera. He and his daughter are taking on this course as a team.
Watching a 6x6 is cool if you like watching suspension and tires work.
At first glance I though this was the 2.2 Deadbolt version. This one is on an SCX10 chassis.
This Axial Deadbolt is looking more race inspired.
So as far as weather, I wondered if it would be snow covered or muddy. This was the muddiest section.
Just look at the concentration! I would say they are pretty into it.
I wouldn't really say it's a blown Hemi, but this Axial Dodge Ram Power Wagon has something extra coming through the hood.
I have pointed out the Axial Jeep FC before, but look closely at the chassis. This one looks to be Axial Wraith based.
An Axial Yeti driving this entire event. There are actually a few of them on course.
Scale signs and bridges are always a nice touch.
Something out here kickin' up dust.
It looks like a Toyota 4Runner. It being built on the Wraith platform gives it a built look for sure.
Oh look its Shane getting his RC on!
Axial AX10 Toyota on Boggers, works for me.
The big power Jeep having to sit idle for a minute.
Wow this big power Axial Yeti is screamin' and providing some entertainment.
Some families came out just to spectate and see what this event was all about.
These 2.2's stayed together and ran as a group.
Dual stacks and pulling the front tires off the ground.
If you're from the Nor-Cal area perhaps you recognize this Guam flag. Ben runs it on all of his rigs I believe.
She may be young, but when she saw her dad fall into this hole she didn't hesitate to use his truck as a bridge.
These boys were ready to race, making short work of sections.
I like how this Axial Bomber has a fastback look with the side pieces. This is what it's all about. Making your rig your own and having fun.
I have seen the Meeks family at quite a few events. One thing remains the same though, I always see them out as a family. If you're not into the hobby yet, it maybe worthwhile for you come and check out.
Once you came off the main trail, you got to wheel this little 10 gate section like the old comp days.
I think everyone had the same general consensus, today was a good day! For some it got even better as the raffle prizes were handed out.
Wait a minute. Is this a selfie recap?
Well this is Elio and Adam, they are giving away custom trailers they made to people randomly. They saw this kid on course and picked him to receive a custom trailer.
Check out the trailer this kid is holding, that will make a person's day right?
Here 2 Chainz Scalerz (Elio and Adam) give another trailer away to a random little girl. She rocked an all pink Axial Jeep JK. After this, Team MRB gave away some raffle prizes.
After seeing all the trucks here today I wonder what he will come up with for a paint scheme?
Axial Dingo body, I am a fan of this body.
This kid was excited, but then again who wouldn't be?
Axial Poison Spyder body, plenty of Rock Racing on this terrain.
Axial beadlock wheels and a great day of driving.
I am convinced you can never have too many tires.
This kid is a holding a new project. You ever get a new part and have your mind start racing with what you will do with it?
Axial shocks, time to control the ride.
This sums it up. Great driving, lots of cool people, and I too give this event a thumbs up! About time to jump on the road and head for Vegas. I hope you find time to go out and enjoy your own adventures.
