Associated Electrics, Inc.
Monster GT
One of the most talked-about displays at the show was the Monster GT (MGT), formerly known as "Project BFT." The modern-day monster truck revolution that has swept the industry since Traxxas introduced the T-Maxx was seemingly leaving the major racing R/C manufacturers in the dust, until now. The MGT, a collaborative effort between Associated and Thunder Tiger, is currently expected to be released between September and November 2003.
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This truck is what you might call "super 1/10th" scale, measuring 1" wider and with a 4" longer wheelbase than the 2.5 edition T-Maxx. Even extended T-Maxx bodies like the Pro-Line Cadillac Escalade EXT would look are a bit short on this chassis. The stock tires, using the old Duratrax Nitro Quake molds and in soft, grippy rubber compound, are 1" larger in diameter than those of the T-Maxx. It is a big truck.
Powering this 12-lb. behemoth is a slide-carb, rear-exhaust Thunder Tiger .21 mounted transverse across the chassis for easy spur gear changes and slipper clutch adjustment. A right-angle drive transfers power into the transmission, which has two speeds as well as reverse. The fuel tank has a whopping ~160cc capacity and dual pickups, so the truck can continue running if it flips over and nobody is nearby to flip it back.
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The suspension setup used is the popular double wishbone design with two shocks per wheel. The shocks appear to have expensive piggyback reservoirs, but these are, in fact, fake and just for show. Real reservoirs will be available as Factory Team options. Unfortunately, there is only one upper shock mounting position on the shock tower, though there are three on the arms.
Team Associated's Tony Phalen revealed that the MGT had not, as of RCX '03, been tested on any prepared track, as the vehicle is being produced for and marketed towards bashers, not racers. At one of their bashing grounds, though, Tony mentioned that the MGT "blew away" a "tricked out .21 T-Maxx," mainly due to the MGT's significantly better balance and smooth handling. The top speed of the current prototype MGT is "just under 40mph" after a measurable boost from a new stock tuned pipe. Also updated since the grand Chicago Hobby Show premiere were the brakes (to reduce fading when hot) and the a-arm design (remolded to increase durability).
The MGT will be available in ready to run form with an expected street retail price of $499, with a Jaguar 3-channel radio and Ace servos, including a metal-geared steering unit. No kit form is planned.
RC10 B4 Buggy
The hit new B4 was on display with the well-known show body used on Associated's website and in their marketing materials. Be on the lookout for an extremely detailed review of this amazing new vehicle on UltimateRC.com.
RCCA Awards
After the show, the A-team happy went home with more great stuff than they brought. The B4 buggy won the 2003 R/C Car Action Magazine Car of the Year award, and in RCCA's Readers' Choice Awards, the now-discontinued B3 won the Electric Buggy, and the TC3 and Nitro TC3 won the votes in the Electric and Nitro On-Road Touring Car categories, respectively.
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Contact info
For more information about Costa Mesa, CA-based Associated Electronics, Inc. and their products, visit their website at www.teamassociated.com.