Team Associated B4 buggy forum v1.0

[pudder]

"Let the buyer beware"

[k_sw31]

those things are over priced any ways, now that tower has them for 190...

[MagicD]

Welp, I just called Tower and Stormer as well as asking my LHS about the release date of the B4. Here's what they said:

1) Tower - no idea

2) Stormer - Said AE had planned on shipping them in a week or 2 but now it's looking more like late March/early April.

3) LHS - no idea

With all that in mind, I'm pretty sure we're NOT going to see them this week (2nd week of March like AE's website says). :( If any AE guy/girl could possibly give us a heads up I'm sure we'd all appreciate it. I certainly don't mind waiting for a good product but getting excited for every "release date" and then having it come and go does get tiring.

Happy Racing!

[Backfire]

Originally posted by MagicD
I certainly don't mind waiting for a good product but getting excited for every "release date" and then having it come and go does get tiring.I couldn't agree more!! AE would have been better off being realistic with the dates instead of trying to string people along. I know a handful of people at my LHS who sold their XXX's to purchase the B4. Most of them have now said screw Associated, and purchased new Losi's because they were tired of being jerked around. If they had just come out months ago and said April, or whenever it finally comes out, they would have kept people interested.

[TPhalen]

Well, I know it sucks that the car is delayed. WE understand that!!! But, when we set a release date, we do so with the best intentions. Once we have a couple cars to run, we notice things that you just can't when you look at the car on a computer...so we make little tweaks to 'make the car right'. Doing so has two effects...

1) It, unfortunately, can have an affect on the release date...

2) Makes the product even better.

I, for one, would rather have #2 than #1...ahhaha, that didn't come out right...heh heh But really, I want a product that isn't gonna be a POS when I spend MY hard earned $200. I don't car WHICH car it is....AE or not. Fortunately, AE feels the same way. That's why we have the reputation we do.

Yes, it sucks it's delayed. BUT, you will be happy with the money you spend....

[psycho02]

It's all good tphalen just make sure it is right when it gets to me that's all I ask, Oh and that it is out by the start of our outdoor offroad season up here in MIchigan gotta have it for the M.A.R.S. series. On the same note I don't hear anybody complaining about the tc3 now. And how long was THAT delayed?

[DLF]

I just hope it's out by mid April or so. I've already signed up for the local GA State champs for 2wd mod and I've laready sold my B3. Oh well...guess I caould excahnge it for another entry.

[Backfire]

Originally posted by TPhalen
Well, I know it sucks that the car is delayed. WE understand that!!! But, when we set a release date, we do so with the best intentions. Once we have a couple cars to run, we notice things that you just can't when you look at the car on a computer...so we make little tweaks to 'make the car right'. Doing so has two effects...

1) It, unfortunately, can have an affect on the release date...

2) Makes the product even better.
I understand the nature of refinement, but what I don't understand is the continual postponement of the release. You were/are obviously still working out bugs from the car when all of these dates were set. This is great, especially considering the early problems with the XXX4, I truly value a well tested design. But, it is hard for me to believe that it has only been a couple little tweaks which have set the release back month after month. The way the releases have been delayed, it is as if the dates are set, then the car is tested, problems are found and fixed, then a new date is set before you re-evaluate the design and look for other issues. Otherwise I would assume you could account for the additional changes in the first release date change. It isn't so frustrating that the B4 is being perfected before release, but that the release dates from Associated seem to be of little value other than to keep people waiting/talking about the car's release.

On that note, :D, your post seems to indicate that the second week in March date is no longer accurate and another delay has developed. Is this the case, or might we actually see a B4 before Christmas:D :p :D

[k_sw31]

I'm fine with pushing the release date back a little, as long as it is an awesome car. I'd rather wait for an AE product than buy a losi.

[Stern]

All this waiting for a B4 kit to hit my LHS or Horizon is like waiting for Fry's Electronics to get some GeForce FX 5800 Ultra's in. Irritating!!

[MagicD]

As I stated before, waiting for a good product is something I don't have a problem with. Unrealistic release dates I do. I fail to understand how AE could assume that everything would be 100% perfect with the very first batch of TRUE kit production parts and they didn't leave themselves time in scheduling the release date for problems/tweaks that WILL ALWAYS COME UP when designing and producing a new product. How can a release date be scheduled if the REAL product hasn't been fully tested yet? Were the release dates optimistic? Yes. Were they realistic? No.

Keeping with a release date of "Spring" would have been a more engineering friendly strategy, not saying "ok if everything goes absolutely perfect with these half a dozen brand new parts that we've never actually tested before (especially on more than 1 car!) then the release date will be exactly 4 & 5/16th days from now." That's just silly. AE has been in this business too long to be making such a rookie mistake. :( Promise low, deliver high. If the release date was kept as "Spring", we'd all be HAPPY when the thing came out in April, 2 months EARLIER than expected...not 2 months later than expected like it's looking like it will be now. Heck, maybe it IS a marketing move to keep the buzz going??

Anyway, I will continue waiting because I think AE makes the best products. I don't mean any slander towards anyone associated with AE and I fully appreciate the insider information...I just needed to vent.

Happy Racing!

[pudder]

Originally posted by k_sw31
I'm fine with pushing the release date back a little, as long as it is an awesome car. I'd rather wait for an AE product than buy a losi.

Exactly right. At lease AE has the decency to put out awsome products.

(unlike Losi seemed to rush the xxx4 with the crappy suspension arms)

[Backfire]

Well said MagicD.

Now if we could only get an honest date from AE about the release we would be set. I can tell you this, I will probably have a Losi on my bench if the second week in March comes and goes with no B4 sightings, or atleast some real dialogue from AE about why it has been delayed (AGAIN), and when the car will be ready. Not just another missed deadline with a new date a few weeks later.

[wcoyote_racer]

I remember posting a few pages earlier about the World Champs Warmup Race being around April 8th, and commenting that it would be funny to see them delay the release of the B4 until after that race just so they could possibly put "Winner of the World Champs Warmup," or "TQ", or something like that on the packaging. Looks like I was more right than I thought. It is all about marketing and the extra printing change they would have to do to the package could warrant this. It saves them money because they don't have to do a print change two weeks after the B4 comes out, and at the same time actually lets them see how the production kit fairs in "world competition." Also, it gives them a chance to see any possiblities of weakness in kit production parts. So all in all I'm not surprised.

[RoachRacing]

The thing that I think is going to happen is the kit will be released and the people who got out of line to get a kit will be letting someone else in.

I am have mine on order, and lets just say I am pretty sure I will be using it for a race coming up in 2 weeks.

If you dont want to wait, dont. I personally cant wait, but I am.

Corey

Oh and like I said before, I have been waiting since the xxx came out for this, so whats another week?

[PAPA MOOSE]

I think we might get it friday day B4 April Fools

I have heard it might be forsale at cactus but not B4

:confused:

[RCPhan]

Why don't we simply ask the insiders...

Tony, when is your best guess as to when this thing will be ready to ship and what EXACTLY is causing the delay. Please be specific... no beating arround the bush. If the kit is broken or has current parts that are problematic, just let us know. It won't matter in a few weeks when the car comes out with newer parts etc... We promise we won't tell LOSI!

[TUCRACEMAN]

Maybe the b4 really dosen't exist. It's all a cover up! Those darn Reds! It's all their fault!
~CrazyDave

[Mystracing]

If it isn't out by the 24th I'm buying a used XXX. It's making me crazy watching the buggy calss and not driving in it. I'll getting a XXX instead of a B3 because the rear tires will swap. There's no way I'm going to get out of line though. The LHS said they had it on backorder the day Great Planes got the part number. I'm inclined to believe it because he had the part number the day before it was e-mailed to the rest of us. I don't care if the B4 comes out the day after I buy the XXX but I can't stand the thought of waiting 3 or 4 more months and just not having a buggy. I don't expect it will take that long but nobody expected the TC3 to be delayed so long.

[pudder]

I'd take my RC10 Graphite with six gear tranny for racing over any Losi XXX any day. :)

[drumr racer]

Originally posted by TUCRACEMAN
Maybe the b4 really dosen't exist. It's all a cover up! Those darn Reds! It's all their fault!
~CrazyDave
Then why would AE be making all of it's prototypes and giving cars to their drivers, and showing it on their website then huh??

(no stupid answers! "Ohh it was a conspiracy")

[MagicD]

drumr...um, I don't think TUCRACEMAN was serious :D

There is a B4 comming...we'll just have to wait until September when it'll actually hit the shelves. ;)

[drumr racer]

Yeah I'm just kidding too, a joke. I don't like people putting down the B4, but I really like Losi (that has nothing to do with this)

[TPhalen]

You kind of have to look at it in one of 2 ways....

1) We release a car that has 'bugs', and get shot to death by our customers because we released something that is crap....

2) We hold off on releasing the car a little longer just to make sure it is a quality product that we want to put the AE label on.

So, which is better??? Neither. We get shot either way. BUT, if we put out something crappy (I'm not saying the car is....), the customers that buy it may NOT buy another AE product because of that. If we wait, and the car comes out and it's REALLY good, we gain the customers that will sell their competitors cars and buy ours. We hope. :)

As for a definite release date, I can't really give that, but they should be out before the Cactus. I saw kits being packaged in the warehouse today, just not sure how far along they are. I'm swamped with Monster GT stuff right now....doing some testing on that beast.

Sorry guys. I was in your shoes BIGTIME when the TC3 was introduced. Man how I wanted one of those. Being in the dept. now that pretty much controls the release of any car, I can understand how and why a vehicle is delayed when it is. And, since I help produce the finished product, I REALLY don't want a POS out there. I want it to be good enough to put MY name on....The Phalen Edition B4!!!! :) Ok, I can dream, can't I???

[kyle stallings]

hay tony have kurt call me.. need to talk to him... i think im gonna stop by AE so if i dont see you guys there tell him to call me as soon as possible. thanks

[MagicD]

Thanks for the update TPhalen! I certainly like the sound of this line:

...I saw kits being packaged in the warehouse today...

:D

[Backfire]

I appreciate your honesty, and understand the situation. I take pride in my work, and I like hearing that AE does as well. But, you forgot Option 3 in your post. If you guys at AE wouldn't have put out unrealistic release dates, people wouldn't be bashing you right now!!! They would be eagerly awaiting the late March release date, instead of doubting the accuracy of yet another delayed date.:D

Good luck with the signature series buggy;), and I hope these final stages go smoothly for the B4.

[pudder]

Originally posted by TPhalen
I want it to be good enough to put MY name on....The Phalen Edition B4!!!! :) Ok, I can dream, can't I???

That is one other thing I like about AE, they don't put people's names on their cars like Losi. And I know the FT will always have blue, the fastest of all colors ;)

[losixxx213]

I like the color blue, but I like how you can customize your car with losi, they offer a various colors for their motor mount,fraont and rear bumper and the body mounts. However il ike the fact that ae always comes out with cars that won't keep breaking on you.

[k_sw31]

TPhalen, you said you were supposed to have a production car right? Do you think you can provide some pics (w/ out the body) other than the ones that we see on the car action and AE site, that seem to have been from the chicago show...

[TPhalen]

I don't have any other pix at the moment other than what's on my site. I will after next week...the Cactus. At that time the car will have been released and all the 'official' goodies can be shown...

Sorry.

[RoachRacing]

TPhalen - Can you give out the lengths of all of the turnbuckles. I Want to get a set of titanium ready B4 I get my B4.

Corey

Funny in everything I write lately I replace "before" with B4. :D

[Hobbytown Racer]

I heard yesterday from one of the dist. "any day now" so it has to be close. I have one coming from the dist. as soon as they get there.

[MagicD]

RoachRacing, a few pages back it was announced that the B4 uses 2.0 inch turnbuckles all around. That makes it 3 sets of 2.

I've personally got my 2.0 Lunsford Punishers all ready to go :D

[SCHMACH]

the fastest color is purple not blue pudder :D

[pudder]

Maybe in your country... ;) :p

[SCHMACH]

this is my country pudder...illinois boy...used to be called schmacher....couldn't update my profile so schmach it is

[T-Hack]

I got front arms for my B4 today from Tower now were is the rest of my kit?

[RoachRacing]

Originally posted by T-Hack
I got front arms for my B4 today from Tower now were is the rest of my kit?

You got them at your house?

Too funny.

[T-Hack]

Ya I received them today
I ordered them three days ago with some TC3
parts and Fed Ex had them on my porch when I
came home from work
How strange is that?

[RoachRacing]

You got a cam? I want to see packaging. Maybe I should order some stuff from tower.

Funny how they have the front arms as "In Stock" but almost everything else is "Late Mar(ch)"

[k_sw31]

Originally posted by pudder
Maybe in your country... ;) :p

Nah its still faster here. Purple is only fast if there is a woman behind the wheel ;)

[psycho02]

RED is the fastest color in the world.

exhibit A - Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari

:D

You can bet that my B4 will have some red on it.

[losixxx213]

does it really matter what color the car is? If you take two of the same cars and set them up the same with one being red and one being blue and give them both to the same guy, there will be no difference in speed.

[gubby]

the color the kit come with is the fastest. Why? You dont spend $$$ on buying different color ball cups and stuff, but on stuff like faster motors, more gears, etc etc etc;)

[psycho02]

gubby has the right idea exactly.

[drumr racer]

my sentiments Gubby

[pudder]

If you didn't get it to be a major joke in the first place... well it is. :D I always joke around about stuff like that, mostly because just about everything on my T3 is blue... some of my friends will say "Ya know Mike, all that blue won't make you go any faster..."

http://midcanrc.mine.nu/pudder/DSC02977.JPG
http://midcanrc.mine.nu/pudder/DSC02976.JPG

... I even have some blue rims for offroad season!

Back to the buggy...

[k_sw31]

...yes, back to the buggy...

speaking of which, I should start stalking up on blue stuff for my B4 ;)

[pudder]

I agree, I wonder when RPM will come out with some of their fantastic parts for the B4... But I guess we have to wait for it to actually be on the market first. :mad:

You could still start getting ballcups and nuts!

[k_sw31]

I guess I can get some ball cups, tie rods, maybe adapt a gear cover...:p

I should buy a bunch of blue screws too :)

[pudder]

Forsure!

[RCPhan]

A little off subject but... for you RCer's out there that have more than one ride....

How do you handle the radio situation? Do you buy a radio for each car? Do you use one radio and buy a couple receivers and servos? Do you swap all radio gear each time you want to drive your other car?

Just curious as I want to start racing off-road and on-road and only have one radio setup.

[PAPA MOOSE]

M8
5 recivers
5 lrp's
5 357's

the only way to go!

I use to swap radio gear velcro is a must!

No B4 until Cactus! No good!
:mad:

[RoachRacing]

like moose said get a radio with multiple model memory and extra stuff.

Moose you getting one down there?

[PAPA MOOSE]

no Ed said they are gonna be $250 I don't want one that bad!

I will run the losi and @ April try to borrow another one oe get out the b3!

Pretty bummed, I sounds like you better have one on back order and you better be the top 2:(

[pudder]

Originally posted by RCPhan
A little off subject but... for you RCer's out there that have more than one ride....

How do you handle the radio situation? Do you buy a radio for each car? Do you use one radio and buy a couple receivers and servos? Do you swap all radio gear each time you want to drive your other car?

Just curious as I want to start racing off-road and on-road and only have one radio setup.

Right now I have one radio, one reciever, and 2 working speed controls. I have 4 ESC's right now in total.

I don't have any problems switching stuff, since I have 2 or 3 main vehicles I drive, and I only race one vehicle at a time.

[MagicD]

The Cactus Classic is next weekend (starting on Friday the 21st), do you guys think the B4 will be on LHS shelves by that date or will they only be available for purchase at the Cactus event?

[RoachRacing]

I am pretty sure that most hobby shops will get them around the 21st. But I think it is going to be limited supply. So if you are at the bottom of the list. You might not get one on this cycle of distribution.

[pudder]

Personally, I don't think they will be available anywhere else for maybe a few weeks. I mean they have to make many kits, and then distribute them, which could take a while. Who knows, they may prove different.

[Lapster]

When do yu think the on-line stores will get them?

[RoachRacing]

It should be about the same. But remember same rules to availability apply.

There wont be that many this first go around. Losi did the same thing with the xxx and the xxx4.

[speedydave]

Hmm, I'm in a bit of a frustrating situation here. I only have electronics for one car, and I should be at the top of the list for getting a B4 when they come in. However, I also have a T3. Mod truck and stock truck are starting to kinda pick up around here again, but there aren't many buggies. The buggies are usually put in with the trucks...I really want the B4, but I won't really have any competition. What do you guys think I should do? I know this is a kinda weird place to ask it..but it IS the B4 thread. :p

[pudder]

I would get it anyways. The buggies are usually thrown in with trucks at my track too... but once you learn how to drive a buggy well you have a performance advantage over them.

[k_sw31]

Race mod and stock truck by disguising it as a truck ;)

[losixxx213]

I would buy a duratrax streak esc($40), good esc, put it in the stock car/truck and then put your better electronics in the mod. car. this will allow you to race more than one class. Throw in a stock motor and servo and it will only be around $80.

[drumr racer]

Originally posted by k_sw31
...yes, back to the buggy...

speaking of which, I should start stalking up on blue stuff for my B4 ;)
Like aluminum shock bodies

[k_sw31]

Nah, I like the teflon coated ones. Now, blue ano'd shock shafts would look cool, but I guess the AL oxide would create excess friction or something...

[drumr racer]

What are teflon coated shocks?

[pudder]

Teflon coated ones are the grey looking ones, come on team and factory team.

[Lapster]

Do you guys think that the novak c2 is still good. I have seen 4 gt7's blow up.

Also, in the pictures in the begininng of this thread show blue turnbuckles. Will the B4 really have those?

[pudder]

Yes the C2 will still be great. In fact, I do quite well with old Novaks and Tekins.

The Factory Team will come with the blue titanium turnbuckles, the Team edition will most likely just be equipped with the black steel ones.

[k_sw31]

The team edition looks like it will have steel turnbuckles, like the other team editions from AE.

Ok, now I am definatly ready for my B4, picked up some paint and a few new wrenchs today.

[MagicD]

I'm with you k_sw31! I'm completely prepared for the B4's arrival.

-got new C2 all soldered up
-got new MX3 radio w/ 8 new batteries
-got new Hitec 625 servo
-got new p2k
-got 3 sets of 2 inch Lunsford turnbuckles
-dyed new RPM ball ends red and attached them to turnbuckles
-got yellow dye for wheels
-photoshoped the paint scheme I've decided upon
-got all the paint I'll need for the body
-got the liquid mask and detail stripping tape for the body
-got parts I needed for my old airbrush
-I even attempted to attain some airbrush skills by practicing painting soda bottles


... now the ONLY thing I need is the car!!

[gubby]

im just about ready for it too...i bought:
-speed gems 15 turn motor(im looking into sport mod racing)
-novak fusion ESC
-novak xxl receiver 75mHz(about to get it)
-hex wrenches(the b4 will be the first car that really needs them, so i bought them for easier maintenance)
-going to buy paint
-already have a radio

almost all set:D

[pudder]

Do you mind sharing the photoshop image? I always enjoy looking at digital art... if you would call it that. :)

[pudder]

Gubby, what hex drivers did you get?

[MagicD]

Gladly pudder. :D I prefer clean designs composed of complemnatary colors, so this is what my B4 will look like:

[R8dR]

This is my first post, but have been following this thread for a while now. Just thought I'd give you some info. The shop hosting the Cactus Classic is expecting 20 kits on Wednesday. I'm on the waiting list (#16.) I can't wait. There's 4 open spots on the waiting list still...

I also saw four B4s run during the Saturday night races. 2 were in the B-main (they were just thrown in the back last minute, they didn't run qualifiers) One B4 won the B. The other two B4s took 1st and 2nd in the A-main. Kinwald was battling for second most of the race until he broke. But while he was racing, he looked like he might have held back to study his opponent. Kinwald definitely had the power advantage. He had to let off the throttle 1/3 way down the straight to keep his front wheels on the ground. The other B4 TQed and was in 1st the whole race and never looked back.

The Losi cars always seemed to run better than the B3s on this track. But I noticed the B4 did handle the track much better. It appears these cars will be giving the Losi cars a run for their money.;)

[pudder]

I think Kinwald needs to eat less burgers and drive more. :p

[RoachRacing]

Originally posted by R8dR
The other B4 TQed and was in 1st the whole race and never looked back.


Glad to have another voice here. So who was running the TQ B4?

And will somebody at with a Digital camera PLEASE take some pictures!

If you dont have a place to host them, I can take care of that.

Corey

[gubby]

i got some hex drivers off of ebay made by a German company called Wiha. They are pretty nice and have a little spinning top cap(the black part on handle) so it is a little easier to use them. heres a link:

http://**************/ws/*******************************3120818988&category=2565

Item # 3120818988


oh yeah, i forogt to tell evryone here that this is my new username. my old one was the turd. i thought of that in a hurry and never liked it. here is my new name ill be using from now on;)

[k_sw31]

speaking of wrenchs, I actually bought a losi product yesterday ( :eek: ). It was only a wrench but...:p

[R8dR]

Originally posted by RoachRacing
Glad to have another voice here. So who was running the TQ B4?

And will somebody at with a Digital camera PLEASE take some pictures!

If you dont have a place to host them, I can take care of that.

Corey

A local Associated driver, Brent Thielke, TQed.

Sorry, I don't have a digital camera... Are there other local drivers on this board with a camera? Did anyone else see the Saturday night race?

OT: I'm just getting back into racing after a 5 yr break and purchased an Airtronics M8. Does anyone know a good setting for the ALB? It doesn't seem to be working when I turn it 'on.'

[gubby]

this is sorta what i want my b4 to look like...

[gubby]

oh yeah, the wing is going to be clear.

and thats a blue to white perimeter fade...not purple(even though thats what it looks like in the picture)

[TPhalen]

I will be bringing 20 kits with me to the Cactus Tuesday. Not sure what time I will get there (leaving early Tuesday morning). I figure it should take about 6 or 7 hours to get to the shop. If it's still open when we get there, you might be able to buy your kit(s) Tuesday night.

The car is gonna rock at this race....

[R8dR]

Originally posted by TPhalen
I will be bringing 20 kits with me to the Cactus Tuesday. Not sure what time I will get there (leaving early Tuesday morning). I figure it should take about 6 or 7 hours to get to the shop. If it's still open when we get there, you might be able to buy your kit(s) Tuesday night.

The car is gonna rock at this race....

TPhalen - That's great news. :D I was worried I wouldn't get a kit since I'm #16 on the list. The shop should be open pretty late since they normally race on Tuesday nights.

[YZ684]

does anyone know if losi wheels will work on the B4. Im sure the rears will since i read somewhere i think on the ae site that other manufactorers rears work but never heard anything about the fronts. id like to get another set of wheels glued up for when i get it i just dont want them not to work. Thanks

[psycho02]

nope losi fronts will not work.

[MagicD]

I will be bringing 20 kits with me to the Cactus Tuesday.

Well I guess this means the kit is done! ;)

I know you're probably incredibly tired of hearing this but...uh...any idea when the rest of us will be seeing the kits?

BTW: Thanks again! All the insider info does make the wait easier.

[adam lancia]

can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!!! i'm very excited right now.......

(read in a 3 year old's voice)

adam

[k_sw31]

I agree.

Since I'm home sick today right now would be a great time for my B4 to come :D

[RoachRacing]

If you can stay sick for 3 - 4 days. You might get lucky. :D

[k_sw31]

I'm hoping...:p

[tallyrc]

now it's just a matter of waiting for the factory team version to come out. i may never live to see it :(

[RoachRacing]

I might just have to buy a factory team when its released too. :)

[drumr racer]

Originally posted by RoachRacing
I might just have to buy a factory team when its released too. :)
I guess the too part means that you're going to buy a Team kit too?

[drumr racer]

If I could wait for twelve years for this thing (not really), I might as well wait 4 the FT.

[tallyrc]

i'm simply waiting for the factory team version to come out. hopefully it won't be like the NTC3 where i think they may be hesitant because of the strong aftermarket support for the car. the B4 on the other hand is pretty straight forward as to what to put in the kit. blue everything, graphite everything, threaded shocks, and titanium everthing else. charge $250 and i'd buy one tomarrow.

[pudder]

I agree they should do a factory team, and I think they probably will. Even though it will be a long time before I get a B4 because I'm getting a FT B3 for a really good price, but when I do actually get a B4, I will want the FT, I really don't want to have to buy all the graphite parts, titanium ECT, stuff like that is expensive in Canada and it adds up quick.

[k_sw31]

Really all I'd want from an FT kit is the TI turnbuckles and hingpins, that is essentially it, and I think I'm gonna be happy with what I get :)

[litegide]

(post#1)

I'm new to the hobby, had an old Tamiya that I bought used but it broke, was seriously contemplating the Duratrax Evader BX buggy, although leaned towards the Associated.

I decided to get on the pre-order list for an associated RC10 B4, I did not however order a motor, speed control or pinion gear. I'd like this car to be pretty fast for zipping around (not races) Is a 12 turn or 10 turn motor going to run out of battery juice much faster than a 20 turn?

I'm clueless on what parts would be ideal in this new B4 buggy.
Can someone who's had a B3 or equivelant spec some parts for me?

I'd certainly appreciate it - Please advise,

Thank you - Phil

[Jonbailey]

I put an order in today with tower hobbies hopeing they would be the fastest to send out the B4 when it comes in. You guys have got to let me know when you all get yours.

As for speedo motor question, If i was not going to race it id go for a factory wound modified, maybe around 17turns a double or a triple should be good.

A 20 tooth pinion, and maybe one of those duratrax speedos that are cheap. But if you have any intention of racing buy a Novak or LRP and a modified motor around 11turns.

I have a question, Ive been racing for about 10years and have always bought hand wound motors, do any guys race out there with machine wound???? and can you really tell the differance????

[losixxx213]

The only modified series I've used are trinity speedgems(13x2) and one team orion rush(13x2). There is a big differance in these two motors power. I know from look at dyno sheets the hand wounds will generate even more power, as they have less flaws and tighter winds.

[pudder]

I also agree that if you are not racing, get some cheaper stuff like a DuraTrax ESC, maybe a Speed Gems pro for scooting around, more mid range gear.

If you are going to be racing, be sure to get good gear. As mentioned above, a good quality speedo from LRP, or Novak would be a good choice, as well as a good quality modified motor. To name a few companies who make good racing mods off hand: Reedy, Trinity, and Corally. Personally I would go for the Corally, but they aren't usually over popular, though they are a regular brand where I race.

You will also want to get a good radio, along with a decent servo.

As for pinion gears, get a good selection. I am working on getting a selection from about 15-23 teeth for myself, as I use a variety of vehicles. It is also always good to have a selection of gears for varying motors, tracks and so on. :)

[litegide]

Motor and transmission

In the spec's page for the the B4 it vaguely says
"Motor (550, 540, Modified)" does that mean it does come with a motor?

In addition, says INCLUDES: motor, mechanical speed control, clear body, tires, foam inserts, wheels, -- tooth pinion gear, --spur gear, instructions steel turnbuckles

Plus it says - Transmission: (single-, two-) speed.Uses the same 2.6:1 higher torque capacity differential as the RC/10 GT (laydown stealth type) What does that mean? it does or doesn't have a two speed transmission.

So evidentally it comes with a mechanical speed control too...

It's so frusturating to read between the lines with this stuff.

Phil

[pudder]

I am not sure about most of that stuff, but I can tell you that there is a extremely small chance of it coming with a two speed. :p

[gubby]

a few ?'s

1)will the shock spring set from the rc10b3 work with the b4?
2)how many body clips hold the b4 body on at the front? 1 or 2?

[Backfire]

Litegide - Did you get those specs off of Associated's site or a place like Tower? Tower seems to use a generic page for all of there products, and as they gain more info they update the page. When the B4 page first came out, it didn't have any specific info and just listed what seemed to be all possible options for each category. That sounds like what you were reading. Associated's site is pretty descriptive.

As far as I know, Associated will follow the same plan as with previous Team kits. There will be no electronics or radio gear. That means with the kit, you will need to add electronic speed control, motor, batteries, servo, and receiver. You will also probably need a pinion gear. I don't know of one electric offroad car with a two speed, and I know the B4 will not come with one. They may release a sport version down the line, or an RTR, with some of those items included, but the Team kit will not.

[pudder]

Originally posted by gubby
a few ?'s

1)will the shock spring set from the rc10b3 work with the b4?
2)how many body clips hold the b4 body on at the front? 1 or 2?

The B3 shocks will probably work, but you may need to use extra preload spacers. I believe that it was mentioned that the rear shocks have new lengths. The fronts should be the same as before.

As on most buggies, 2 body clips will probably hold the whole body down.

On another note, I don't think they will release a sport version. I think it said that in one of the Team Associated Insiders Newsletters... I don't know if they will release RTR either...

[LEADFOOT]

Check these out !

http://www.pro-lineracing.com/proline/bodies/3149/3149-2.jpg

http://www.pro-lineracing.com/proline/bodies/3149/3149-3.jpg

http://www.pro-lineracing.com/proline/bodies/3149/3149-1.jpg


...available to view on pro-line's website!:cool: :D :cool:

[TPhalen]

Yes, the B3 springs will work on the B4. The rear B4 shocks are a tad shorter so the springs will fit, but you will need less pre-load spacers.

pudder is correct....2 clips. You will also need 2 for the wing, or the optional single LONG blue FT clip, part #1735.

MagicD: the 'rest' of you should see them VERY soon. It's just a matter of filling all the backorders now. Don't quote me on this, but I'm guessing you should see them by next week....AFTER it wins the Cactus!!!! :)

[RoachRacing]

Leadfoot - thanks for the point to more pictures, they are sweet!



TPhalen - good luck at cactus, I knew I should have gone this year. Also do you know if AE is sending any sponsored drivers to April Fools? I know that OTHER company is sending Matt Francis, Brian Kinwald, and Todd Hodge to name a few. I would just like to see the B4 take them on.

[TPhalen]

I'm not sure who we are sending to the April Fools....

Sorry.

[pudder]

Originally posted by TPhalen
Yes, the B3 springs will work on the B4. The rear B4 shocks are a tad shorter so the springs will fit, but you will need less pre-load spacers.

Okay, I was confused as to weather they were shorter or longer and for some reason though they were longer, thanks for clearing that up though. :)

I really like that pro-line body!

[PAPA MOOSE]

Who needs a factory driver when ya got a Moose! B4:eek:

[RCPhan]

Originally posted by TPhalen
the 'rest' of you should see them VERY soon. It's just a matter of filling all the backorders now. Don't quote me on this, but I'm guessing you should see them by next week....AFTER it wins the Cactus!!!! :)

Wow! Next week! Ok... here is my question. Should I order one now or should I wait until my LHS gets them in? I called HobbyTown a couple of weeks ago and they were like... "Huh... the RC10 B4? What's that?" And after I explained it to them they were like... "Oh we probably won't get that in."

Man come on people... you are a HOBBY SHOP and you carry RC CARS and BOATS and PLANES. Get with the program!

I will probably call one of the "non-franchised" stores and see if they get em in.

[wcoyote_racer]

RCPhan

Unfortunately the HobbyTown store that you live nearby doesn't sound like they have much knowlege or interest in the stuff they carry. Poor Management. Sorry to hear that. I talked with mine and they are pretty much saying the first week of April they expect to have some in. It may be next week, but I think they wanted to make sure that AE doesn't delay on them again so they said first week of April.

[RCPhan]

What exactly is multiple model memory in a radio? I am considering getting the Airtronics MX3 (considering it is pretty inexpensive). It has 5 model memory. Does this mean I can plug any receiver into it, program it in and it will work? Can someone give me some hints here? I basically want a new radio that is somewhat inexpensive but still has a good number of features. I also want to be able to use the same radio setup in another car WITHOUT having to swap gear.

I am considering a P2K motor. As I have been out of racing for about 15 years, I want to start off slow. I will be racing stock to begin with. Any recommendations on number of turns etc...? How about a speed control... I know it depends on the motor, but I should probably get one that will work with a stock racing and a Mod racing setup. I have some money to burn and want to be sure that all electronics I get will be all I need for a while (with exception of the motor).

[speedydave]

With model memory, it is basically just saving a profile for the car, so you can go and change between saved profiles(5 on the MX3), and your settings for a particular car will come up. If you don't want to swap gear, you'll need another receiver for each additional car, as well as any other electronics. It'd also be easiest if you buy an extra receiver crystal so you don't have to switch the crystal out of one receiver and put it in the other. If you decide to buy another Airtronics M8 micro receiver(the $90 ones...) for each car, they come with a crystal, so you won't need the extra one, but make sure you buy it on the same frequency your transmitter's crystal is.

[RoachRacing]

RCPhan - Ok, multiple model radio allows you to have different setups for different cars on the same radio. Like this:

Personally I have a M8 with 3 current profiles on it.

(You can name the profiles on the M8 other radios they are just numbered)
1. B3
2. T3
3. Micro RS4

Now all of these cars have different settings when it comes to servo center, steering trim, braking, etc.

All of these cars have their own receiver servo and speed control in them. Now when I want to drive the other car I just change which model I am on to the appropriate one and I am all set. No screwing around with my radio to set trims and throttles they have all been set before.

I hope that makes sense.

As for motor the P2K is a great all around motor, It has good torque and high RPM’s. If you have a open long track you might want to get the P2K2, more RPM’s then the P2K but typically less torque. Some people like the new Monster stock motor but I really didn’t find a big difference with it. As for turns of the motor, all stock motors have the same amount, 27.

Now for the speed control, if you have the money to burn get the top of the line and you wont regret it. I like Novak personally and run a old cyclone in my T3 and have a new GT7 in my B3 that will go into my B4 once I get it. I would suggest the Novak GT7 or the LRP 7.1, both are sweet and you wont have to buy another if you want to race mod in the future. You will probably get people telling you that they heard about somebody blowing up their GT7’s, but I have never seen it happen.

Well I hope that’s enough info for ya.

Corey

[MagicD]

Man I gotta stop staring at those Proline B4 pics and actually get some work done! ;)

Everything about that car is beautiful...from the Body shape, to the paint, to the remarkable engineering. If you can't tell, I'm just a bit excited!

:D

[RCPhan]

Thanx all... that is some great info. ow about JR racings new XS3 crystal free radio? With all the problems I used to have in the past with crystals and frequecies... would you recommend one of these? Is the extra cost worth it? It looks like a pretty nice system. I have noticed that a few other companies are developing similar systems. Any thoughts?

[k_sw31]

The XS3 looks like it will be a great radio. It looks to be based off the XR3 and from what I have heard, its an awesome radio (comparable to the MX-3). I have a MX-3 myself, and am hoping someone will come out with a crystal free module for it like what novak did for the M8 :D


Love those pics! :D

[LasagnaCat]

k_sw31 - it's physically not possible to go no crystals with your mx-3, it doesn't use or have a module to replace - that's why your tx crystal goes right in the front of the radio.

As far as the XS-3, it's an awesome radio. Build quality is better than the mx-3, it comes with one better (and one similarly junky) servo than the mx-3, and it has more features than the mx-3. If you're only running one vehicle or don't plan on running at your local track or in a crowd often, the mx-3 is a perfectly adequate radio. The flipside of that is also true, if you're going to a (frequency) crowded track or plan on having more than one or two things the XS3 is invaluable. One feature that's not mentioned very often is that you can program each of the six models on the XS3 to be on their own separate (or identical) channels when you select that model, while on all other setups (Lynx/3PJ/M8-Switch combo) you're stuck with one channel for all models unless you physically change the channel each time you switch models...

Comparing the two is an apples and oranges thing, really.. the mx-3 is designed as an entry-level computerized FM radio - it's basically a hotrodded Blazer. The XS3 is designed as a mid-level radio... The MX-3 is a great value radio in it's own right, the XS3 is an incredible value for anyone thinking of starting or converting to a (decent) no crystal setup.

[k_sw31]

What I was talking about is how novak has made THIS (http://www.teamnovak.com/products/switch/switch.htm) for the M8, and how I was hoping that they'd come out with one for my MX-3.

[LasagnaCat]

Let me try this again, and without even looking at the link :)

I'll assume the link is for a Novak Switch module, for what it's worth I'm already familiar with that because I own one and have been using one since they've been out..

As far as your MX-3... It's physically not possible for them to make one of those for your radio. As you see on the Switch or other modules, the module is a large (in comparison to the radio) rectangular box that physically plugs into the radio. There's not anywhere on your MX-3 for that to GO and/or plug in. The module on other radios is what determines whether it's a 27/40/72/75/etc. mhz radio and is also where the crystal plugs in. On your radio, all that is built INTO the radio itself because it doesn't have or need the module. You don't have a module (or again, the place that the module would go) at all, so you don't have a module to unplug, so they can't make a module to replace the module you don't have. Your radio is a 75mhz (or 27) radio that uses crystals, has to use crystals, and will always use crystals. Again, there's really NOTHING wrong with the radio for it's market and price point - it's just not a comparable thing to mention it in the same sentence as the XS3 or some other radios..

[k_sw31]

thanks. :)

[pudder]

For the radio, I would defiantly pick the XS3. I tried one out at my track the other day, it is well balanced, comforable, and it will perform great. It is like the XR3, but a lot better1 :) I have the XR3, great radio!

As for motors...

I myself like the Reedy MVP. I have read some reviews, and it tested to be better than the P2k, but even without the review, I still like the performance better than any of the Trinity stock motors I have had.

There is also the new Trinity Revenge of the Monster motors, which look really good. Many people at my track use them and say they are pretty good.

I think I'll still stick with my MVP though. :)

[gubby]

where can i get those decals? i remember seeing them before but dont remember where. i think im going to steal that paint scheme instead of my old, bland shceme. all blue background with those decals. anyone know which ones they are? thanks

[pudder]

Do you mean those round looking things on the body that are yellow and silver? Those are painted on...

[gubby]

dang!:mad: but doesnt orion make something similar? ill go check into it

[pudder]

Yes, Orion does make something like that, I don't know about in the same colors... It wouldn't be that hard to paint it on your own. :)

[gubby]

just did a search on tower and found this, which is what i was thinking of. kinda similar...mgiht have to get some:D
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAKG7&P=7

and it probably would be hard for me to paint those. im not too good. lol. i stick with the spray cans and do one or two tone bodies.

[PAPA MOOSE]

Orion does make something simmiular, xxx main also makes a paint mask that looks a lot like that,

but those are painted on!

[pudder]

I use the spraycans too, I total my bodies in a season or two so there is really no point in making anything over special. :)

[drumr racer]

Dang! I go to school, and when I come back, it went from page 86 to 89 in five hours!!!!!!!

[k_sw31]

So get some sorta virus like I did :)

[R8dR]

Just an FYI... The kits as well as tons of spare parts came in as promised.:)

[psycho02]

where are you at in the country?

[drumr racer]

Originally posted by k_sw31
So get some sorta virus like I did :)
Ohh yeah, sure, I'll do that because it will really help

Thanks K_sw31
you made my day happier

[k_sw31]

I was joking.

[RoachRacing]

Originally posted by R8dR
Just an FYI... The kits as well as tons of spare parts came in as promised.:)

Yes where are you located?

I am hearing funny news about AE not shipping in the U.S. first. Too bad Tphalen is gone maybe he could enlighten us.

[MagicD]

I'm pretty sure R8dR is talking about the kits arriving at the Cactus Classic track in AZ. If you go back a few pages he (she?) talks about being #16 on the waiting list there.

[RoachRacing]

ah. So that is no indication of the shipment to the rest of us, since Tphalen was hand delivering those kits and parts.

[MagicD]

R8dR's info is not an indication, but THIS IS:


2. Announcements

+++ The B4 is shipping to distributors worldwide this week! If you can't
wait to see this buggy in person, it is now in the display case at
Associated's offices. Visit the URL below for directions to our offices.
http://www.rc10.com/misc/directions_to_team_associated.htm

We'll post a photo or two of the packaged B4's later in the day when they
are ready.
http://www.rc10.com/b4.htm


straight from the AE newsletter that I just got. :D

Can't be long now!

[R8dR]

Originally posted by MagicD
I'm pretty sure R8dR is talking about the kits arriving at the Cactus Classic track in AZ. If you go back a few pages he (she?) talks about being #16 on the waiting list there.

True. The kits were driven over from AE.

First impressions: (Assembly only)

Likes:

- Assembly was straight forward with no major problems. Just follow the pictures...
- The car seems a lot sturdier than the B2/3, especially the rear bulk head assembly.
- The dual slipper uses hex shaped slipper pads that fit into a special spur gear. (I have been out of racing for a while. Has this been done already in another AE kit)?) It's set up so the pad slips on the metal and not on the plastic spur gear. Theres also less parts. (no thrust bearings/washers)
- The rear motor cage is a stiff but flexible 'bumper like' plastic. It's separate from the motor mount plate so the motor mount and rear end don't get tweaked when you land wrong on the back end. It also keeps your spur/pinion mesh from get messed up in the same situation. (I think thats why they did it that way.)
- Only need to remove 2 screws to change the rear toe and anti-squat.
- All the ball ends are easy to get to so changing the upper link positions are easier.

Dislikes:

- The only problem I had with the assembly was the transmission. The diff gear kept scrapping against the inside of the transmission housing. I spent a LOT of time finding the high spots on the side of the gear so I could trim them off. The plastic diff spur gear was packaged with the metal top shaft. The top shaft may have put the dents in the plastic diff while moving around in the package during packing and shipping. (Just speculation)
- I dont like the plastic shock caps. I can't 'feel' wether (sp?) the shock cap is fully seated. I'm always worried about overtightening and stripping out the plastic thread. I prefer the aluminum caps.
- I don't like the plastic 'spacers' to adjust ride height. It's too hard to differentiate the thin spacers from one another. I prefer adjustable shock collars.

I haven't driven the car yet, but I'll post some of my impressions when I do drive it.

[RoachRacing]

I knew I should have gone to cactus this year! I would be either at the track racing it or at the hotel building it.

MAAAAAAAAAAN, wheres my B4

[k_sw31]

Originally posted by R8dR

- The dual slipper uses hex shaped slipper pads that fit into a special spur gear. (I have been out of racing for a while. Has this been done already in another AE kit)?) It's set up so the pad slips on the metal and not on the plastic spur gear. Theres also less parts. (no thrust bearings/washers)



Sounds awesome :D

With the spur though, you say "...fit into a SPECIAL spur gear." Does this mean we have to buy B4 specific spurs? What about an adapter?

Thanks, oh, can you get any pics without the body? We've only seen her wiht er clothes on recently ;)

[pudder]

Mmmm... nude B4. *drool*

[gubby]

i ahve all the money...but i might have to wait for the second shipment. i just got a hobby people flyer and it says 6 cell 3000mAH stick packs for $20(us) a piece. im gonna spen 60 or 80 bucks on those, then buy a b4 with the money i get from my report card(good grades pay off:D )

[RoachRacing]

I always found it funny that in high school you need good grades to please the parents and to get into college. But in college I can get straight A's and the guy next to me at graduation got all C's.

I guess that’s why they say:

A's get praise, but C's get degree's

:D

[Kdonks]

Don't forget for some classes "D is Done."

Back to the B4. I haven't seen them in hobbytown or hobbypeople here in vegas yet. I've noticed that there are no B3s in either store either. Planning ahead I guess.

[losixxx213]

about the spur. The hex shaped slipper pads will work in the spur gears for the b4 only.

[litegide]

I'm probably gonna be in the doghouse when the credit card statement hits home but it sure is exciting knowing they're on their way.

I ordered the Evader BX with the red body RTR and the Asscociated B4. For me and my son to play around.

I see the B4 advertised at some places for 269.00 w/electrics... - such as Horizon Hobbies and some places like tower for 189.00. what gives...

Are these B4 buggies identical kits priced so far apart? or does the 269.00 version come with more parts or equipment? The people in the stores are clueless, the website spec's are inaccurate - tower's spec's say it comes with a motor, mechanical speed control and a two speed transmission!

At this point I didn't order any motor or esc or servo/receiver for the B4, Still hunting around for the ideal stuff for a fast sidewalk car.

Don't know how many B4's tower will receive from associated...? the guy from tower (two days ago) said that they already had 25 ordered before mine even went in as an order. Wonder how long it'll take, wonder how many tower will get in a typical order from the mfg?

anybody have any ideas as to how many tower will receive?

Phil

[birdy233]

There is only one version coming out, the team kit, no electronics are included. I ordered mine from Tower about 2 weeks ago, and they will get a large portion of kits because they are one of the biggest r/c companies out there...I'm keeping them crossed along with you!!

[litegide]

Did you order a motor or esc or receiver with yours? if so which ones did you order, I've never built a car before so this will be a learning experience.

What is the best place to buy these electronics?

Thank you,

Phil

[birdy233]

I'm going to race mine at the local track, I'm running stock class with a Trinity P2K motor, LRP 7.1 speed controller and Futuba Magnum JR FM Radio..I picked up the electronics from the local hobby shop, and ordered the car from Tower because I could save a few bucks. If your running for fun, pick up a speed controller with reverse, much more fun that way!!

[mtn bkr]

I'm number 8 on the list at my local shop. The owner has his already and is racing at the Cactus Classic (Scott Brown). I wanted to take some pictures of his car to post on here, but forgot the digital camera. I had a chance to see Billy Easton race his up here, and it definitely looked pretty darn good out on the track. They both seem to be pretty happy with the new car.

[pudder]

Originally posted by litegide
Did you order a motor or esc or receiver with yours? if so which ones did you order, I've never built a car before so this will be a learning experience.
What is the best place to buy these electronics?
Phil

Since it sounds like you and your son are just going to be bashing, you should get the Trinity Chameleon 2. It is a 19 turn motor, in a stock can with bearings in the can (sorry if you don't understand this) I have one of these, very fast, it might be a good idea to get one of these motors for your son's BX, the ESC that comes with the Bx will handle this motor, and the stock motor that comes with the Bx wears out rather fast.

For electronics, something like a JR XR2, or maybe a Futaba Magnum would do you good. I just like the JR XR2 because it has more features. And something like a Novak Explorer 2 or DuraTrax Intellispeed 14t would do you good.

Hope this helps. You should be able to get all of these at www.towerhobbies.com

[MagicD]

Mmmmm fresh B4s :D

http://www.rc10.com/b4.htm

[RCPhan]

Almost as good as fresh Krispie Kremes!:p

[pudder]

I wish I had a shrinkwrap machine. :(

[RoachRacing]

I dont want the shrink wrap machine, I want the B4 machine!:D

[RCPhan]

I am going to press my luck and hit the local LHS shops around here (that don't know anything about it) to see if maybe they are getting them in and when.

RC definately is not as big around here as it used to be! I remember 15 years ago there where three indoor off-road tracks. Now there is one (new) outdoor offroad track. It's a small one at that! They don't even race on it yet, practice only. They can't get enough people interested I guess. It just sits out in the unused lot behind the indoor track waiting to be grooved!

[Jonbailey]

Rc car racing used to be way more popular than it is now! that is a shame, what area are you in Rcphan?

[RoachRacing]

Rc racing used to be pretty big around here(Utah) too. It still is pretty big. We have 2 indoor offroad tracks and 2 indoor onroad. :) So I really cant complain, however I have noticed a decline in the number of people that go race.

[RCPhan]

I'm in Colorado Springs! Not to mention the fact that we only have about 4-5 good months a year to race... The rest of the time it's too stinkin cold or windy or snowy to race outside.

Man... I wish I had enough money to buy and old vacant Home Depot size building... You could put in a couple or three tracks, and arcade a paintball arena a snack bar. That would be the place to be on the weekends!

[pudder]

Well if you do have some money, you could get parking lot racing going, or even rent out a building and open up a carpet onroad, or dirt offroad track.

I think we only have one organized club here in Manitoba, there is probably a few for parking lot racing, but I like the organized stuff.

The RC scene is a lot smaller in Canada too, but we do only have about 32 million people.

[RoachRacing]

So pudder's a canook, that explains a lot. ;)

Know a guy that just did what you said, he rented out a space in an industrial area and is setting up an carpet onroad. He has plans to add offroad and asfault racing in the parking lot as soon as it gets bigger.

If I had the money I would have a track. But I cant complain about my current job, I can get on here all day and talk about rc cars.

[wcoyote_racer]

RCPhan

Buying a building is something I am in the middle of doing. It's about 250,000 sq feet, with parking for 400. That should help things around here. Just got to ok some extra funding. (banks yea!) Hopefully with that much space, I can get a full on site shop Food and several carpet and off road tracks. The place already has 8 bathrooms and an inside overhead veiwing area (VIP's anyone?). Keeping people happy and with plenty of space for racing and eating should be easy. I'm hoping that with some Good luck and maybe some big races, (I'm looking at a nationals or a regionals) it will become a well known place. It's a newer manufacturing plant that a company closed.

[speedydave]

RC is relatively popular out here(northern California). I live in the east bay, and my local track is Delta RC, which mainly runs nitro offroad stuff(electric is more popular with the dirt oval guys..don't know about onroad though). I would assume electric offroad would be really popular out in Sacramento, but that's WAY too far for me to drive(especially since i don't drive...yet.). Delta runs electric offroad, but the majority of the racers(which usually occupies one stock class and one mod class, rarely much more, sometimes less)run nitro, which is why I mainly run 1/10 truck and 1/8 buggy. I remember when I used to race my B3, though, and after looking at pictures of the B4, I must have one! :D

[k_sw31]

Yeah, there aren't many accessible track that are in reasonable driving distances for me (cant drive yet either :(). There are a couple of off road tracks close by, but they dont run mains, for now I am planning on racing my B4 at our Lhs's parking lot track, and on my homemade track with friends :)

[RoachRacing]

wcoyote_racer - In Boise? Thats not too far of a drive for me. When you get set up let me know and I will post info about it on my website. In fact I think some people from up there are coming down to April fools in utah.

Let me know we will work something out.

Corey
roachracing@dialedrc.com

[pudder]

Originally posted by RoachRacing
So pudder's a canook, that explains a lot. ;)

Know a guy that just did what you said, he rented out a space in an industrial area and is setting up an carpet onroad. He has plans to add offroad and asfault racing in the parking lot as soon as it gets bigger.

If I had the money I would have a track. But I cant complain about my current job, I can get on here all day and talk about rc cars.

That is what the current track I race on is, the owners have quite a few sponsors to help out with stuff. In the winter they just rent out small factories, old stores or small warehouses and we have a carpet track, fully computerized lap system, food, parts shop and so on.

In the summer we have a permanent offroad outdoor track right beside a small amusement & go kart track with the same lap sustem, parts shop, food, ect.

[firebladerunner]

roach

I have heard from a fairly reliable source that the local distributer is getting their shipment on wed. next week I know that cuts it close but at least it will even though I will probably have to pick up my car staight from them when go down I was planning on going slc on wed. so I SHOuld have mine ready to go thurs at practice I am hoping moose and whoever else goes to cactus will learn some setup stuff for the car


Macho

[gubby]

my firend just emailed this to me and laughed that he read the article before me. i havent seen this article in RCCA yet...did anyone get the new issue of RCCA yet?

http://www.rccaraction.com/articles/b4.asp

[gacjr0]

Originally posted by RoachRacing
wcoyote_racer - In Boise? Thats not too far of a drive for me. When you get set up let me know and I will post info about it on my website. In fact I think some people from up there are coming down to April fools in utah.

Let me know we will work something out.

Corey
roachracing@dialedrc.com

Hey coyote no kidding! If youre in Boise visit www.capitaldirtburners.com thats the local racing club for onroad/offroad. I want an indoor track to race my B4 on! I'm confident my B4 will get here so I can take it to April Fools!

Gary
gacjr0@hotmail.com

[RoachRacing]

Macho - If I can get it Wednesday I think I will be able to run it.

[wcoyote_racer]

Hey Roach and Gary. I used to race with Capital Dirtburners in Boise.. Hey Gary, remember the guy who had the YZ about ten years ago that used to race with you guys. That is me. Infact my wife and I were there when Channel 2 came in to videotape some of the carpet races. And Yes I'm looking into the old Jabil Plant in Meridian.

[aeb3man_44]

This body makes me drool,
the B4 Interceptor body
man it looks so good

[drumr racer]

I saw a B4 in a box In the Cactus Classic, but it was up for raffle.

That really stinks that we can't enter because you have to be there Sunday...

... I am going on a cruise that is departing on Sunday

They have an M8 and synthesized module too.

[MagicD]

How'd the qualifying rounds turn out today? More specifically, how'd the AE guys and the B4 do?

Is there any site that has up to the minute coverage of the Cactus Classic? Heh, a web cam would rule! My local track even has one of those.

[mooplea]

heres a pic of neil craggs b4 from today, he won the A final, looked very stable, but then hes a good driver...



http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/batley230303/bigimages/DSCF0382.jpg

another picture or 2 of it being driven on me site,
batley photos (http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/batley230303/)

[Jonbailey]

Man those minispike tires remind me of my days racing back in England. I think I may have even raced at Bately. Is it a rugby club? It must of been about 10 years ago and looks like schumacher minispikes are still the tires of choice.
nice pic(s) , thanks

[mooplea]

not sure how long the track has been at its current position, its behind a sport centre, right next to a football pitch.

Schumacher mini spikes are the only thing you need.. just need a bit of rain so i can bring out the full spikes.. oh yes...

B4 went very well, i was marshalling the final and it looked to take the rough stuff better.. totally kit standard also.

[RoachRacing]

looks like the B4 won at cactus!!!

[MagicD]

Does Ryan Maifield drive for AE? If he does, then it appears that indeed the B4 has won 2wd Mod at the Cactus!

[litegide]

Great pictures - thanks!

Can't ssem to match the car in the post with one on the track...is the one that says Neil Craggs tc3O? (jpeg 14 of 44?)


I hope so that is the coolest looking car out there. Sure hope tower call me this week and gives me the tracking number!

Phil

[MagicD]

litegide,

I'm pretty sure this (pic #35) is another pic of the B4 from mooplea's site:

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/batley230303/bigimages/DSCF0329.jpg

[Jonbailey]

I cant pick out the pics either.
I love those schmacher full spikes! every one else would run cut spikes in the wet but i would go for the full spikes all round on my cat 2000ec. It drove just like the ground wasnt even wet! The only trouble was Chesham track had this concreate section that those spikes would just Ice skate across. You had to line it up b4 you got there and hope youd come out the otherside ok, but man did i pull away from the other cars through the grass.

Racing in the USa is not like that at all.

[litegide]

That is a bad looking chassis!

[gubby]

isn't that a Shumacher?

[psycho02]

Originally posted by gubby
isn't that a Shumacher?



NO SIR that is an rcpd tco3 that you see in the picture. It is just using a schumacher cat 2000 body. That is a car that is a conversion kit that you can use to change your tc3 touring car into a 4wd buggy. They have a thread a few threads down from this one. It is also the car that u see on the radiocontrol zone homepage that you click on to go to the cars section.

[RCPhan]

Has anyone gotten their B4 from their LHS yet? I called another hobby town and they said they have to wait until their distributor gets it before it is sent to them! I am going nuts waiting for this thing!

[Jonbailey]

Me too! Im waiting for a back order from tower hobbies. They said they would email and give me a tracking number when they get there shipment. Hopefully it should be some time this week!
Guess I will go and clean off my workshop again.

[mooplea]

Magic, thats indeed craggs B4, might be another on there...


i wont post it here because its a bit big, but Here:

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/batley230303/associatedb4.jpg

is another shot of the chassis, high res also.

[Backfire]

As far as Horizon is claiming, they have not received any kits yet. So somewhere between those stacks of kits we see at AE's site and the distributors, there seems to be a bottleneck:D:D. Horizon is still saying end of the month.

[Jonbailey]

anybody know where we can find the full cactus classic results?

[RoachRacing]

right here Jon

Cactus results (http://www.scottsdalerc.com/raceresults/Cactus03.TXT)

[RCPhan]

Those are great scores but I don't recognize many of the names... any way to get what they were driving? What did Pavidis win with (I assume the Durango?)?

[TPhalen]

All 4 AE drivers in the A were driving the Durango. Car was awesome to watch!!! Fast sucker, too!

The B4 had it's first major victory at it's first major race in the hands of a local driver, the one and only Ryan Maifield. In the first main, he had a little trouble, but won both the second and third mains to clinch the victory! The kids fast....

Hats off to Maifield!

[litegide]

I can't help but wonder, did anyone who ordered a B4 through Tower or any other distributor receive one yet?

Thank you,

Phil

[R8dR]

There's not much clearance under the low profile body. Where can I mount the transponder low and near the chassis?

[aspiringrcracer710]

Originally posted by TPhalen
All 4 AE drivers in the A were driving the Durango. Car was awesome to watch!!! Fast sucker, too!

The B4 had it's first major victory at it's first major race in the hands of a local driver, the one and only Ryan Maifield. In the first main, he had a little trouble, but won both the second and third mains to clinch the victory! The kids fast....

Hats off to Maifield!

You know, its a nice refreshing change to see a non-Losi driver win a 4wd mod A main. seeing all these 4wd mod results that are all Losi's gets kinda boring

[RCPhan]

Does anyone have any pictures of the Cactus Classic Race yet?

[Jonbailey]

I ordered one from tower and havnt recieved it yet to awnser your question

[RCPhan]

I don't understand it... was the car "officially released" last wednesday or only released to distributors? I have called all LHS in my area and none of them know when they will be getting it. If this thing is already packaged then why does no one know if and when they are comming in? I want to supprt my LHS, but it's looking like I may have to order one from tower just so I can get it within the next month!

[k_sw31]

I ordered mine from stormerhobbies, I haven't gotten it yet. Come to think of it, I haven't heard of anyone getting a B4 in, lhs or online store. The only B4s I've heard of are the ones that TPalen took down to cactus....

[mtn bkr]

I was told that it should be in this Friday at my local track. If it is in fact there on Friday, I'll be buying it as soon as they arrive. I think they said they're getting 32 of them.

[k_sw31]

I notice on the AE site it says "Now packaging and shipping this week" So I'd imagine some hobby shops will get them this week, meaning online places will ship orders out this week :D

[litegide]

Hi, I'm the first to admit, I don't have the best of knowledge when it comes to choosing the right components for RC cars.

I was wondering if someone could tell me what speed control would be better - the Quantum Micro Reverse http://www.rc10.com/shusting/CatalogHub/lrp/qmicro.htm
or the Quantum Reverse (the first one pictured http://www.rc10.com/shusting/CatalogHub/lrp/qforward_reverse.htm

They are both between 85-90 dollars, the QR shows a 16 turn limit which could be OK since I'm not a racer - I'd then most likely buy a 16 turn motor.(is buying the maximum motor allowable for a ESC not a good idea - or should I go w/a 17 Turn motor for a ESC with a maximum of 16)

On the other ESC, the Quantum Micro Reverse it says no motor limit w/180 size motor ??? what ever that means? It says this ESC offers an extended run time...is this true?

Which is the better speed control?

Thank you,

Phil

[TPhalen]

R8dr: Most guys are moving their receivers up towards the front of the car and mounting the transponder in the little area right in front of the antenna mount. You can run a small piece of lexan from the rear chassis brace to that area. Seemed to work really good in all the cars at the Cactus!

litegide. The Quantum Micro Reverse is for HPI's Micro RS4. You wouldn't want to put that into a full size RC vehicle. For one, the wires are WAY undersized to handle the current that todays motors and batteries produce. You would be better off getting the Quantum Reverse.

[k_sw31]

The quantum micro is intended for use in micro rs4, where the motors are much smaller, so it wouldn't be good at all for your apllication. So I'd go for the QR :)

[litegide]

It's chaulked up as another thing learned today.

I guess I'll shoot for the 85.00 Quantum Reverse (w/the 16 turn limit...) If I put a 16 turn Trinity speed gem in the car would it still be quick as a stock B4? Hopefully the charge will semi long lasting 8-10 minutes?

Will it beat my sons new Evader BX that he'll get in two weeks for his birthday - we have not even tried this car yet.Mid April.

[gubby]

16 turns is definitely faster than stock motors (27 turns)
lower the trun, more rpm

it should be able to beat it...

and run time depends on what size batteries you are using.

[wcoyote_racer]

I think it's about time to start a B4 thread that focuses on building and adjusting the B4 since the car is about out. I'd do it, but I can't do a new thread for now. Just a thought.

[RoachRacing]

I think that the first person to get one that ISNT sponsored or wasnt at cactus should let us all know.

[Lapster]

Tower said they will get them in this friday. That would be sweet if I could have mine built in 2 weeks.