FMS Power Wagon FCX24 Review: The 1/24 Micro Crawler Worth Your $100?

The FMS Power Wagon FCX24 is a ready-to-run 1/24 scale rock crawler built around portal axles and a genuine 2-speed transmission — a combination almost no other truck in this price class offers. If you want a pocket-size crawler that still feels mechanical rather than toy-grade, this one earns its spot on the short list.

Quick Verdict

• Rating: 4.3 / 5
• Best for: beginners who want real crawler mechanics, and hobbyists who need a compact backyard/trail rig
• Not for: buyers who want ultra-realistic scale detail or a tight turning radius out of the box
• Price: $99.99 (regularly $159.99, per FMS Hobby's current listing)
• Check current price at FMS Hobby

What Is It

The FCX24S Power Wagon is the flagship model in FMS's FCX24 micro-crawler platform, styled after the classic 1949 Dodge Power Wagon. FMS markets it as the world's first 1/24 scale climbing crawler with a two-speed transmission. The frame is a single-piece high-strength nylon design rather than the metal-and-plastic mix common in this class, which keeps weight down and the center of gravity low.

The truck ships Ready-to-Run in Blue, Red, or Yellow, with an optional decoration set (US only). A newer FCX24S Power Wagon S Brushless variant has since joined the lineup — more on how the two compare below.

Key Specs

Source: FMS Hobby official product page.

What We Like

Portal axles at this price are rare. They raise ground clearance at the diff and add gear reduction, which independent reviewer AutoGuide called out as a genuine traction advantage over typical fixed-axle micro crawlers.

The 2-speed transmission actually matters. Low range gives fine, controllable crawling torque; high range gets you around the yard at a usable 8 mph instead of crawling everywhere at a snail's pace.

Metal-gear waterproof steering servo. Cheaper micro crawlers often cut corners here first — FMS didn't.

Body comes off in seconds. Two clips separate the hard body from the chassis, which makes maintenance, battery swaps, and upgrades far less fiddly than trucks that bury the electronics under a snap-fit shell.

LED lighting and sound cues on the transmitter. Small touches, but they add realism for the price point.

Worth Knowing

No crawler at $100 is perfect, and independent reviewers flagged a few real trade-offs:

• Body mounting can be fiddly. AutoGuide's review specifically noted the mounting method as a point of frustration during setup.
• Turning radius is on the wide side. The same review rated it "poor at best" — expect three-point turns in tight spots.
• Scale realism is good, not flawless. Some proportions and details won't satisfy scale-detail purists.
• It's a brushed 130 motor. Fine for crawling, but hobbyists chasing more torque and a quieter ride will want to look at the Brushless S version.

RTR vs. Power Wagon S Brushless: Which One to Buy

FMS also sells an upgraded FCX24S Power Wagon S Brushless model, and it's worth knowing the differences before you buy either one.

Independent outlet RC Driver tested the Brushless version and reported the upgraded metal drivetrain gears fix a real weak point — the original truck's plastic gears were known to fail under load. If you plan to push the truck hard or add weight/upgrades, the Brushless S is the safer long-term buy. If you want the classic look and lowest entry price, the standard FCX24 RTR reviewed here is the better starting point.

Who Should Buy It

Buy it if:

• You're new to crawlers and want real mechanical features (2-speed, portal axles) without a steep price
• You want a truck you can maintain and upgrade easily
• You're shopping for a compact indoor/backyard/trail crawler

Skip it if:

• You want brushless power and metal drivetrain gears out of the box (get the Power Wagon S Brushless instead)
• Tight turning radius is a dealbreaker for your driving space
• You need contest-level scale accuracy

FAQ

Is the FMS Power Wagon FCX24 good for beginners? Yes. The 2-speed transmission and proportional throttle make low-speed crawling forgiving, and the waterproof metal-gear servo holds up to typical beginner mistakes.

What's the top speed of the FCX24 Power Wagon? Up to 8 mph in high gear, according to FMS's official specs — fast enough for backyard runs, not built for racing.

Does the FCX24 come fully assembled? Yes, it's Ready-to-Run with the receiver, motor, and battery already installed. You only need 4 AAA batteries for the transmitter.

Is the brushed or brushless version better? The brushed RTR is the better value entry point. The Brushless S adds more torque, quieter running, and a full metal gear drivetrain, per RC Driver's testing — better if you plan to upgrade or run it hard.

What's in the box? The FCX24S RTR, battery, gearbox, 2-speed differential, LED lights, and a wireless controller are all included per FMS's official listing, along with a USB charger and hex wrench.

Final Verdict

For $99.99, the FMS Power Wagon FCX24 packs in features — portal axles, a real 2-speed transmission, metal-gear steering — that most micro crawlers in this price range simply don't offer. The wide turning radius and fiddly body mounts are real but minor trade-offs. If you want an affordable, upgradeable entry into scale crawling, this is one of the strongest options in the 1/24 class right now.

Get the FMS Power Wagon FCX24 at FMS Hobby

More From FMS Hobby

Want the full picture on FMS Hobby before you buy? Read our complete FMS Hobby brand review covering shipping, returns, and how FMS compares to Traxxas and Axial. Check current FMS Hobby coupons and deals before checkout.

**Compare other FMS Hobby models:**

→ FMS Hobby Store Page — couponvoice.com/store/fms-hobby

→ FMS 1500mm Cessna 182 Review 

→ FMS 1/18 LC80 Toyota Land Cruiser Review 

→ FMS FCX10 Land Rover Camel Trophy RS Review 

→ FMS Hobby FCX10 OVR LC80 RS Brushless Review

→ FMS Hobby 1/18 Ford Bronco RTR EB Review

→ FMS Hobby 1300mm PA-18 Super Cub Review

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you.