Team Associated RC10 T3 - 2000 - Radio Controlled Model

   After initially being introduced by Team Associated in 1997 (see Timeline, linked above), in 2000 all RC10T3 kits were updated and came in a new box, with 4 kit options: # 7003 - Basic+, # 7013 - Sport, # 7038 - Team and # 7048 - Factory Team (details listed below). The model continued its success, with editors of RCCA voting it "Truck of the Year" in 1998, and RC enthusiasts voting it their "Reader's Choice Awards" Truck in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. On the track, Billy Easton won the 2001 Reedy Race of Champions, with his B3.

   An ARR T3 Team Built model - # 7009 - and an RTR T3 Factory Assembled model - # 7010 - were introduced in 2001.

   All RC10T3 versions are based on a molded composite chassis (graphite for Factory Team), with a ball differential, coil spring over oil filled dampers and slipper clutch.

2000 Kit Versions:

• #7003 RC10T3 Basic + Kit - less radio system and speed controller, with Reedy Firehawk Motor and bushings
• #7013 RC10T3 Sport Kit - less radio system, with mechanical speed controller, motor and bushings
• #7038 RC10T3 Team Kit - less radio system and electrical, with ball bearings
• #7048 RC10T3 Factory Team Kit - less radio system and electrical, with ball bearings

2001 Assembled Versions:

• #7009 RC10T3 Team- Built (ARR) - less radio system and electrical, with bushings and wheel ball bearings
• #7010 RC10T3 RTR - with radio system, ESC, motor and bushings

Features:

• All 2000 kit versions include:
• 2.40:1 Stealth transmission for effortless power handling
• Lexan T3 racing body
• Quadra-symmetric suspension for greater stability and handling
• Optimized front end geometry improves steering and increases rigidity
• Adjustable battery placement for fine tuning of traction or steering
• 2.2" one-piece front and rear wheels
• Pro-Line Edge M2 front tires and Pro-Line Bowtie M2 rear tires

• BASIC+ and SPORT Kit Features:
• Shocks: Gold anodized
• Rear Axles: Associated dogbones and stub axles

• TEAM kit Features:
• Shocks: Hard anodized, PTFE coated gray
• Rear Axles: MIP CVD's

• FACTORY TEAM Features:
• Graphite composite chassis and parts
• Shocks: Hard anodized, PTFE coated gray
• Rear Axles: MIP CVD's

• RTR and ARR Features:
• Shocks: Blue anodized
• Rear Axles: Associated dogbones and stub axles
• Painted bodyshell

   At present, the RC Model Manufacturers, Brands and Distributors covered by us are: ABC Hobby, Academy, Acme Racing, Agama Racing, Amewi, Ansmann Racing, ARRMA, Team Associated, Atomic RC, Axial, AYK, Bolink, BSD Racing, Capricorn, Carisma, Carson, Caster Racing, Cen, Corally, Custom Works, Durango, Duratrax, ECX - Electrix, Exceed RC, FG Modellsport, FS-Racing, FTX, Fujimi, Gmade, GS-Racing, Harm, HBX, Helion, Heng Long, Himoto Racing, Hirobo, Hitari, Hobao, Hong-Nor, Hot Bodies, HPI, HSP, Intech, Integy, Jamara, JQ Products, Kawada, Kyosho, Losi, LRP, Maisto, Mardave, Marui, Maverick, MCD Racing, Megatech, Mugen, New Bright, Nichimo, Nikko, Nkok, Ofna, Pro-Pulse, Protech, PTI, RC4WD, Redcat Racing, RJ-Speed, Robitronic, Schumacher, Seben, Serpent, Smartech, Sportwerks, Step-Up, Tamiya, Team-C Racing, Team Magic, Thunder Tiger, Tomy, Top Racing, Traxxas, Trinity, Tyco, Vaterra RC, Venom, VRX Racing, WLToys, X-Factory, Xmods, Xpress, Xray, XTM, Yankee RC, Yokomo, ZD Racing and Zipzaps.

   This is an ongoing project, with new and "lost in time" RC Models and Brands being added as they are found and although most of those listed above have been covered in relative detail, some are still being researched and will be completed in the near future.

Wheel Caster Explained

   Caster is basically the angle the steering kingpins or steering pivot points, leans back in relation to the horizontal when viewed from the side of the chassis.

   To test the effectiveness of your cars caster, place your model on a flat surface, point the front wheels straight ahead, and push the chassis over to one side to simulate body roll when cornering. You will notice that as the car leans over, all four wheels also lean over in the same direction. Tires provide the most grip when the wheels are perfectly vertical and the full width of each tire is flat on the ground. Body roll pushes the wheels past the vertical and reduces the amount of tire contact. Now, if you turn the front wheels as if cornering, and again push the chassis over, you will see that in this position, the front wheels are now more vertical, giving you better ground contact and therefore improved grip.

   Another effect of caster can be seen by disconnecting your steering servo and pushing your car along the floor. Because of caster and the kingpins leaning back, your car will naturally roll straight ahead.

   Obviously, the more body roll your car induces, the more positive caster you need to counter it.

Radio Frequencies - be Careful be Safe

   After buying your first car, it won't be long before you need more than simply bashing around the back yard, or out on the street. So you will be looking around to find a club that is not too far away where you can do some serious racing.

   Before you can start racing, you will need at least three different sets of crystal frequencies. The race organisers will note down all your available frequencies when you register at the track and allocate one of those frequencies to you for your heat. To avoid change over problems from one heat to the next, they generally try to give you a frequency that no one in the heat before or after is using, but always check to make sure before you put your car down on the track and switch on.

   There is nothing more annoying than to be in the middle of your best qualifying race and some idiot switching on their transmitter in the pits, on your frequency. Not only could it spoil your race, but it could cost you a lot of money if at the time you are travelling at top speed along the straight, loose control and crash head on into the wall.