FMS FCX24m Land Rover RC Crawler Review: The Best Mini Crawler Money Can Buy?
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The FMS FCX24m is something genuinely different in the RC world. It's a 1:24 scale, officially licensed Land Rover crawler - not a generic truck with a Rand Lover sticker on it, but a properly designed scale replica of the Camel Trophy-era Defender 110, Discovery, Range Rover and Defender 90, made under licence from Jaguar Land Rover.
That matters for two reasons: the detail is exceptional, and it drives nothing like a speed basher. It's purposeful, controlled and precise - and for the right buyer, that's exactly what makes it special.
What Makes the FCX24m Different?
At 1:24 scale, most RC crawlers are simple, single-speed toys. The FCX24m is not. It comes with a factory two-speed transmission - a genuine two-speed gearbox that switches between crawl mode and a higher-speed drive mode. At this scale, that's almost unheard of, and it makes the car feel like a proper hobbyist machine rather than a novelty.
The chassis uses a metal ladder-frame design with c-channel rails rather than the cheap plastic frames you get on toy-grade alternatives. The electronics are responsive, the range is solid for a car this size, and the overall build quality is noticeably better than anything else at this price point in this scale.
The Camel Trophy livery (the distinctive yellow paint and iconic Camel Trophy decals) is faithful to the real vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. If you're old enough to remember those expeditions, or just appreciate the history, these are small pieces of RC art.
How Does It Drive?
This is not a basher. If you want something to go flat-out in the garden, look at the MJX Hyper Go range instead.
What the FCX24m does brilliantly is technical, slow-speed crawling. It navigates rocks, roots, kerb edges, bookshelf obstacles, and indoor crawling courses with genuine capability. The torque-biased setup means it can climb steep inclines that would stop other cars cold. The two-speed transmission gives it a useful range of capability - low gear for obstacles, higher gear for traversing flat ground or as a mini trail truck.
It's also one of the only RC cars in our range that genuinely works well indoors. Its small size and controlled speed mean it can run in a living room, on a coffee table obstacle course, or on a purpose-built crawling track without being wild or uncontrollable. Kids and adults both enjoy it for very different reasons.
Which Variant Should You Choose?
We stock four FCX24m models, all on the same platform:
- Land Rover Defender D110 - the classic long-wheelbase Defender shape, arguably the most iconic Camel Trophy vehicle. Our best-selling FCX24m.
- Land Rover Defender D90 - the shorter wheelbase model. Same crawler capability, slightly more compact feel.
- Land Rover Discovery 1st Gen - the first-generation Discovery shape. A different look entirely, with a huge cult following.
- Land Rover Range Rover 1st Gen - the classic Range Rover silhouette. Brilliant if you remember the original gen1 RR.
Mechanically, all four are almost identical. The only differences are the body, wheelbase, tyres and price (they vary by a few pounds). Pick whichever shape appeals to you most.
Who Is This For?
It's a perfect gift. Seriously - it photographs beautifully, it's got the Land Rover licensing, it's novel, and it's genuinely fun to drive. It works for RC beginners who want something controlled and approachable, for Land Rover enthusiasts who want a desk ornament that actually moves, and for hobbyists who want a change from high-speed bashing or something fun to do indoors when the weather is bad.
What It Isn't
It isn't that fast. It isn't a basher. It's not for jumping. It won't like being driven at full speed into a wall. It's a precision crawler that rewards patience and good lines, not brute force. If speed is the priority, the MJX Hyper Go 1:16 range will serve you much better for a similar cost.
Verdict
The FMS FCX24m is one of those RC cars that's genuinely hard to fault within its category. Excellent scale detail, proper two-speed gearbox, metal chassis, officially licensed Land Rover bodies, and a driving experience unlike any speed basher. At around £110, it's not cheap for a 1:24 car, but it's worth every penny and the minute you drive it you can feel the quality and engineering that's gone into it.
Browse all four FCX24m variants on our RC Crawlers page, all in UK stock with free delivery.
Upgrades & Accessories
Once you have your FCX24m, the single best upgrade for minimal outlay is a set of FCX24m Wheel Weights. Brass wheel weights lower the centre of gravity, making these little crawlers noticeably more capable and stable than stock. The absolute best value upgrade you can give your FCX24m.
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