FMS 1/24 FCX24S Power Wagon S RTR — Red, Yellow or Blue?
The FMS FCX24S Power Wagon S is currently available in three colour variants — Red, Yellow and Blue — and if you have been considering a 1/24 scale micro crawler, right now is a strong moment to move. The Power Wagon is one of the most capable and well-regarded platforms in the FCX24S range, and the three-colour lineup means there is a version to suit most preferences without any compromise on hardware. This guide covers what the FCX24S Power Wagon S actually is, what separates the three variants, and what you need to know before buying.
View the FMS 1/24 FCX24S Power Wagon S at FMS Hobby
What Is the FCX24S Power Wagon S?
The FCX24S Power Wagon S is the current-generation 1/24 scale crawler built around the classic 1949 Dodge Power Wagon body — one of the most iconic American truck designs ever produced and a natural fit for the scale RC crawler aesthetic. It sits on the FCX24S chassis, which is the revised platform FMS introduced to address the limitations of the original FCX24: the FCX24S uses a high-strength nylon ladder frame rather than the earlier metal-and-plastic composite construction, which delivers a lighter and structurally more rigid base for the drivetrain.
The mechanical specification is what distinguishes the FCX24S from cheaper competitors at this scale. Portal axles raise the differential clear of obstacles, significantly improving ground clearance over standard axle designs. A two-speed transmission with a transfer case gives you genuine low-range crawling capability at one end and usable trail speed at the other — most micro crawlers at this scale offer neither. Power comes from a 130-class motor driving through the two-speed gearbox to all four portal axle corners via universal joint driveshafts. The result is a crawler that performs credibly on actual terrain rather than simply looking the part on a desk.
The FCX24S ladder frame is notably stronger than the previous generation, and the mid-mounted power assembly keeps the centre of gravity low—both of which matter on technical angles where the crawler is being pushed sideways as much as forwards.
Red, Yellow or Blue — Does the Colour Affect Anything?
All three variants — Red, Yellow and Blue — run identical hardware. Same chassis, same motor, same transmission, same portal axles, and the same tyres. The choice is purely visual, which means you can make it on aesthetic grounds alone without worrying about specification differences between variants.
The Red is the classic Power Wagon colour — the most historically accurate to the 1949 original and the most immediately recognisable as a period American truck. It photographs well and displays strongly against most backgrounds. The Yellow is the most visually distinctive of the three — high visibility, bold on a shelf, and well suited to anyone who wants their crawler to stand out in a group. The Blue sits between the two in terms of character: deeper and more subdued than the Yellow, slightly more contemporary in feel than the Red.
If you plan to run the crawler on outdoor terrain where you want to be able to locate it easily, Yellow is the practical choice. If display presence on a shelf or desk is the priority, all three work well — Red has the strongest period character, and Blue has the most neutral versatility.
What Makes the FCX24S Better Than the Original FCX24?
The original FCX24 Power Wagon was the model that established FMS's reputation in the 1/24 micro crawler segment — it introduced the two-speed transmission and portal axle combination at this scale, which was genuinely new. The FCX24S builds on that foundation with a revised nylon ladder frame that is lighter and stronger than the earlier metal-side-beam construction, updated body details with improved panel definition, and revised wheel and tyre specifications. The fundamental mechanical architecture is the same, but the execution is cleaner. If you are choosing between an original FCX24 and an FCX24S at similar price points, the FCX24S is the correct choice.
The Upgrade Path From Here
The FCX24S Power Wagon S is an excellent starting point, and the upgrade ecosystem around the FCX24 platform is the deepest available at 1/24 scale. The most impactful first upgrades are BATRAZZI beadlock wheels and tyres — which improve both grip and visual character significantly — followed by 3D-printed resin accessories (bumpers, rock sliders, and scale detail parts) available through FairRC. The brushless conversion path is also available for FCX24 owners who want more performance after running the stock motor. Our Ultimate Buyer's Guide to FCX24 Upgrades covers the full upgrade sequence in detail.
For context on how the FCX24 platform compares to the FCX18 at 1/18 scale — including which is the better choice depending on how and where you drive — our FMS FCX24 vs Redcat Ascent-18 comparison covers the competitive landscape at this scale.
Who Is the FCX24S Power Wagon S For?
The FCX24S Power Wagon S works well as a first RC crawler for an adult buyer who wants something genuinely capable rather than a toy-grade vehicle — the portal axles and two-speed transmission put it in a different performance category from budget micro crawlers at this price point. It also works well as a second or third platform for an experienced collector who wants a compact, displayable, immediately runnable crawler in a specific colour or body style. The Power Wagon body in particular has strong appeal for American truck enthusiasts and scale collectors regardless of RC experience level.
It is not the choice if outdoor rock crawling on demanding terrain is the primary use — for that, the FMS FCX18S at 1/18 scale with its larger motor and more capable suspension is the more appropriate platform. For everything else — indoor technical crawling, display, desk running, and light outdoor use — the FCX24S Power Wagon S is one of the most complete packages available at this scale.
View the FMS 1/24 FCX24S Power Wagon S — all three colour variants at FMS Hobby
Browse the Catalogue
Looking for RC crawlers, upgrade parts and scale accessories related to this article? The Scale & Motion curated catalogue organises products by category, all linking directly to verified retailers.
Explore the Scale & Motion catalogue
Further Reading
— The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to FCX24 Upgrades — Every worthwhile FCX24 upgrade, ranked by impact on performance and appearance.
— FMS FCX24 vs Redcat Ascent-18 — How the FCX24 platform compares to the main competition at the 1/24 scale.
— BATRAZZI Brushless Systems for FCX18 & FCX24 — Upgrade options for drivers wanting more power and electronic refinement from the FCX24 platform.
Image Credit: FMS Hobby product imagery. All product images © FMS Hobby.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If a purchase is made through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost.
This article may contain affiliate links (paid links). If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help keep Scale and Motion running. Affiliate partners may include (but are not limited to): Awin retailers (such as CK-Modelcars, Modellbau-Universe, Diecastmodelwholesale, Carrera Toys Carson and Hobbies UK), GoAffPro partner stores (FairRC, FMS, Merlin Miniatures, Redcat Racing, Mighty Lancer Games, Scale Motorsport), tidd.ly links, AirModels and Discovery Japan. This article may contain affiliate links to refered partners and/or other retailers. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help keep this project running.
All images, logos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective copyright holders. If you are a content creator and wish for credit, an update, or removal of content, please contact me directly.
Please note: Images used in this article may not correspond exactly to the products promoted in the affiliate links and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
All transactions, product quality, shipping, and returns are the sole responsibility of the respective seller or manufacturer. Scale and Motion does not handle orders or provide after-sales support.
This site uses cookies and may contain affiliate links. By using this site, you accept the Privacy Policy. Read more.
The information provided on this blog is for entertainment, historical and educational purposes only and should not be considered purchasing advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any buying decisions.
