Associated RC18B Mini Buggy [Archive]

PeterV

10-10-2005, 02:42 PM

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/rc18blogo.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/rc18bbody.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/rc18bchassis.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/rc18bdirt.jpg

[I]Latest from Associated, nice!I]

NEW! 1:18 Scale RC18B RTR 4WD Buggy

The RC18B packs big-time 4WD buggy performance into a mini-sized package!

Based on the original RC18T platform, the assembled 18B features a
painted mini-buggy body and wing, narrow-spoke wheels in front and
wide-spoke wheels in the rear for superior handling and traction.

The 18B is powered by an inline-mounted “Super 370” high-performance
motor, bolted to an aluminum motor mount with several mounting holes to
fit most aftermarket 1:18 scale hop-up motors.

The 18B transfers all the power to the ground with its efficient
shaft-drive, 4WD powertrain featuring adjustable ball differentials
front and rear.

The 18B suspension absorbs all of the imperfections of the road with
oil-filled shocks for smooth and consistent dampening. The four lower
suspension arms are symmetrical and work with the molded upper
suspension links to ensure that the 18B’s suspension geometry is
optimized right out of the box.

Team Associated’s “XP” series electronics in the 18B are completely
modular, allowing easy access to the receiver, steering servo, and the
“XPS” electronic speed control with reverse.

If you’re looking for the ultimate mini-4WD buggy with big performance
that will whip the competition, look no further. Leave them in the dust
with Team Associated’s RC18B.

Part number and retail pricing:
#20105, RC18B RTR 1:18 scale 4WD buggy, $279.99
UPC: 78469520105

Availability:
Mid-November 2005

samyman

10-10-2005, 02:47 PM

sweet

Is it me or are thay baseing alot of stuff off the rc 18 t

fezzy

10-10-2005, 02:57 PM

Milking the brand ;)

savageP3

10-10-2005, 03:07 PM

not a fan. they could have done better and made it like the ttr (associated) s3. now that would have been cool.

PeterV

10-10-2005, 03:13 PM

Man, you guys are brutal. Why would Associated bother to spend thousands on new tooling when the RC18 platform is already very buggy-like? I'm not saying you're wrong for wanting it to be something different, but give the A-Team a break! Now let me end with a bunch of smilies before you roast me...
:) :) :) :) :) :)

shadowghost1

10-10-2005, 03:22 PM

savageP3

10-10-2005, 03:24 PM

from the looks of it all that is different is a wing, wheels/tires and a body that aren't from the 18mt. i'd also be more of a fan if it was more like an 1/8 (1/18 of course) with symmetrical tires and a non-tamiya looking body-similar to the half8.

iluvmud

10-10-2005, 03:29 PM

its nice, but might as well but the truck

Archyman

10-10-2005, 03:29 PM

I like it,,,I'll get one.....based on the rc18t ...at least parts are easy to get....

elcid4300

10-10-2005, 03:33 PM

Nice buggy, but why all the mini's? I cant believe how well they have really taking off. I know that its just my opinion and preference but I see nothing exciting about something so small. I understand they can go fast with major money attached to them.

Actually, the reason they are so poular is because it doesn't take much to make them fast. A good set of 2/3A cells can be had for about 15 bucks and a good (real fast) brushless sytem costs about $125. Compared to the price of 1/10 stuff, that's real cheap!

samyman

10-10-2005, 04:02 PM

i wonder if i could fit that wing on a rc 18 t and make a truggy :D .

chilly4kc

10-10-2005, 04:08 PM

I'll be more excited when they come out with a nitro 18th scale or 1/8 scale buggy. They could saved more money and just made a buggy body and a new shock tower with posts for the rear wing. :)

Archyman

10-10-2005, 04:16 PM

can always just buy the body and towers/wing

ducati777

10-10-2005, 04:38 PM

Pretty funny the Half8 comes in a truggy version and now the 18 comes in a buggy version. They're everywhere!!!

TimisTim

10-10-2005, 04:47 PM

So they made a 4wd mini buggy before a 1/10th? Im not counting the TC3O conversions ........I still like it though. I already have a half8 and prefer its 1/16 size to the 1/18th's.

giantsfan2575

10-10-2005, 04:48 PM

Why can't they make it like the B4?? That would rock!!

littlebuddha

10-10-2005, 04:55 PM

looks nice, so far the sweetest body out of all the mini buggys- does it have a sealed spur and pinion like the others? and why isnt masami driving this one? lol

Legend_Car

10-10-2005, 05:41 PM

awesome an rc18t with a wing new tires and rims and new body. why not just put those out as hop ups. i like the truggy idea. might have to try it on my 18t

Sorcerer001

10-10-2005, 06:39 PM

Actually, the reason they are so poular is because it doesn't take much to make them fast. A good set of 2/3A cells can be had for about 15 bucks and a good (real fast) brushless sytem costs about $125. Compared to the price of 1/10 stuff, that's real cheap!

Not to mention, if you're serious about these things, it doesn't take much to build a really nice track for them in even a smaller backyard. Not practical to do this for 1/10th scale and 1/8th scale rigs.
30 to 45 minutes on a charge, and a little modified 1/18th scale car that feels like a mod buggy? Sounds like a blast to me! We've been running onroad micros in my buddy's garage for years in the off season, and it's a blast. Not to mention great practice for racing larger scales.

jokesta55

10-10-2005, 06:40 PM

i agree with Legend_Car, they should have just make those as hop-ups. I still think its truly awesome, because its different than all of the other micros and minis, but they should have just made hop-ups. I would rather get a mini LST!

Bash_N_Thrash

10-10-2005, 06:49 PM

I bet the next thing they come up with is the RC18TC. Hopefully. What would be really cool is conversion kits to convert what ever RC18 platform you bought or will buy into a different machine. Like you could buy the MT kit that would have the tires, body, etc that make it unique. Or you could get the buggy kit that comes with the body, wing, tires, etc. And they need to make a TC kit that comes with shorter arms, dogbones and turnbuckles, new shock tower and or shocks, and TC wheels with a cool TC body. If you could sell the conversion kits for $25-$50 I think that would be a great deal. I love my RC18T, I just wish the would put as much effort into a gear cover that they put into making up new RC18's. Just my $.02.

adam lancia

10-10-2005, 07:58 PM

i still wish they'd build a 10th scale 4wd.......

2fast2slow

10-10-2005, 09:21 PM

I love it, but how will it compared to that new Duratrax Vendetta which is a buggy also.

schenck77

10-10-2005, 09:25 PM

hopefully they will have the body and wing out soon after the kit is released. my parma buggy body, the wing isnt holding up to well and this might work a little better.

iluvmud

10-10-2005, 09:27 PM

if you look at the vendetta, its basically the same as the mini quake(also the same idea as the 18t) so im sure itll be nice, or just another buggy to choose from

Legend_Car

10-10-2005, 10:15 PM

the 18t is basically a 4wd touring car same setup at the TC3 and 4 the motor is mounted on the chassis by the driveshaft. I can see a rc18c with a wider shock tower so the shocks are more like a TC, street tires and a TC body

chris1

10-10-2005, 10:40 PM

Nice but I want to see a new rc10 or an1/8 scale buggy

Tamiya4ever

10-10-2005, 11:02 PM

So now will Losi come out with a Mini XX4?

Archyman

10-10-2005, 11:15 PM

I want one...love the rc18t ....this looks great too..........
I'm hoping Associated will come out with a 4wd 1/10 buggy too...it wouldn't surprise me if they do soon...seems like 4wd buggy's are coming back

tallyrc

10-10-2005, 11:35 PM

i think it's great they offer the same car in different versions. and i'm sure they will offer the parts as aftermarket.... i love the buggy, and hope they make a touring car version...

Archyman

10-10-2005, 11:44 PM

Yes, they really need a touring car...18

t9dragon

10-11-2005, 12:33 AM

Cool looking buggy but I think I'll stay with my Mini Inferno.

built2scale

10-11-2005, 12:38 AM

Open gears?

Mustang2

10-11-2005, 04:12 AM

Looks nice but i will stay with my 18t...

Kden46

10-11-2005, 05:12 AM

Yeah this looks o.k.

I guess a conversion would have been a good idea, but maybe the 18T/MT sales are slowing and this should might help pick up sales?

Would have been nice to see a spur gear cover like the other buggies coming out!

I like the truggy idea!

Here's mine! :D
RC18T Truggy (http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/8339/truggy46ab.jpg)

I would'nt mind seeing a touring car version either! I love my M18 but AE parts support is alot better here!

roee

10-11-2005, 05:26 AM

I know I'd be much happier if Associated stops fooling around with 1/18 toys and get the RC10GT4 out. Then, they can go back to the toys for the next five years, for all that I care :D

Cotharyus

10-11-2005, 08:55 AM

Nice. I agree with several points made here about cost on these, etc. They're all about fun, and cheap. They're also pretty tough.

I do, however, have my figers crossed (behind my back, secret like) hoping that this (18b) leads to the development of something hybred that is a 1/10 cross between..say this, and a B4. Because I'm a 4wd buggy fan. Because I hate belt drives. But now I'm getting into holy war materiel, and I don't want one, because I only have an opinion. So I'll stop and say "Have fun!"

YR4Dude

10-11-2005, 01:27 PM

Duster_360

10-11-2005, 01:46 PM

Vendetta appears to have fixed some probs on the MQ, so DT did make some improvements.

Wonder if AE did the same thing given this opportunity??

Cain

10-11-2005, 02:25 PM

I find the 1/18 scales a fun class as they are pretty cheap (as long as you don't get crazy and the vehicle works in stock form ) and can be run in smaller spaces (with rental prices on commerical property high in areas, may be a trend we see for rc racing!).

My concern and I have posted this elsewhere is the tracks that won't do indoor buggy running because of fear of damage to carpet from the exposed buggy parts. I wonder if they will let you run these indoors. Other than the Mini LST, none of the other trucks interest me but the mini scale buggies do.

wcoyote_racer

10-11-2005, 02:58 PM

You would think that AE would have the smarts to go with the 1/10 4WD BEFORE an 1/18.
Honestly, I think they gave up on entering the 4WD off road class when one of their own guys designed his own and patented it. Now they would have to buy the rights from him to make one. Wtg Brad on catching his own team sleeping.

frank13

10-11-2005, 04:34 PM

hey kayden, can you drop me an email or pm to tell me what it took to get from a rc18 to that wonderful truggy you had pictured.... That thing is awesoem

NitroBoy24

10-11-2005, 05:41 PM

1/18 4WD Buggies seems to be the next up and coming class :)

And a 1/10 4WD buggy from AE would rock!!!

marinearmeni

10-11-2005, 06:45 PM

Cain

10-11-2005, 07:41 PM

on that truggy you are running some kind of buggy front tire with the sedan hex adapters?

if so, could do this with academy sb wheels too. looks nice.

Remedy1

10-11-2005, 09:38 PM

Archyman

10-11-2005, 11:36 PM

Looks like the price is going to be the same as the RTR rc18t

schenck77

10-12-2005, 12:12 AM

Cain,
to bad you moved, wolcott converted there carpet track to indoor dirt. we run the mini's every friday night. http://www.wolcotthobby.com

frank13

10-12-2005, 12:15 AM

that is so funny, i have it as my wallpaper at work now ! and that was before i saw the above post!!!!!!!!lol

metalry101

10-12-2005, 01:19 AM

on that truggy you are running some kind of buggy front tire with the sedan hex adapters?

if so, could do this with academy sb wheels too. looks nice.
Yes and no. Those are sedan wheels, but they're not buggy tires. Those are the tires that come with the TC3 Rally conversion. You can buy them seperately here (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWH12&P=7).

Buggyracer28

10-12-2005, 01:51 AM

I think its pretty cool. It would be much better if you got some different wheels and tires. It would make it appeal much more to people.

hyperstang

10-12-2005, 03:11 AM

This thing looks pretty..SSAAAAWWEEEEEEEETTT!!!!!

I think I will have to order one of these bad boyz!!

AAAAWWWWRIGHTTTTTT!!!!!

Tamiya4ever

10-12-2005, 04:49 PM

C'mon Associated stop messing around with this 1/18 stuff. Bring on the real stuff!!! Stretch that chassis and slap on some 1/10th holeshots and finally get in the 1/10 4wd game! Everyone is anxiously waiting.

No Durango, No X5, and No B%^w J#b 4. We want the real deal, an Associated 4WD 1/10 electric buggy! :mad:

There will never never never never ever be a Associated 4wheel drive buggy!!!!!!!!! ;)

Just kidding. I suspect perhaps when the TC5 comes out they may.

Wosstifer

10-14-2005, 04:47 PM

I want those outdrives!!!

minitdriver

10-14-2005, 11:24 PM

they just outdrive sleeves.see associated sold a ton of 18T's and wouldn't you know it, the outdrives break and twist like paper. So now you can request them from associated if u got an older car or u get them with the new cars.
Buggyracer28, the front tires are actually not as wide as the back's. it might be hard to tell but the fronts are indeeda bit skinnier.
stay classy

BlueRacer

10-15-2005, 09:08 AM

Awww.. how cute. Now where's my AE 1/10th scale 4WD Buggy? Time to raid the AE Costa Mesa Offices for the super-duper ultra secret 4wd Buggy plans. :p

Guess I'll have to settle on buying me a TC3-"O" kit and use all the spare TC3 parts I have lying around to complete it.

ScMiniT

10-16-2005, 03:49 AM

Looks like the 18t with diff. shock towers

2mcgrath

10-18-2005, 12:17 PM

they have to have something to bounce ideas off of..if i got one first thing to go would be the wheels..would rather have solid wheels instead of the spoke..and ditch the body for a crowd pleazer when available

iluvmud

10-18-2005, 12:46 PM

so youre saying youd rather have an 18t?

XxBL18txX

10-20-2005, 01:34 PM

Its ok but i will stick to the 18t

upgrdman

11-18-2005, 04:28 AM

i got this sweet mini buggy today. for $135 you can't beat it. (135 for me at least... LHS employee)

a few of my co-workers have the 18B as well and we were doing mini races around isles and showcases. man i love my job.

can't wait to put my mamba 8000kv in it. it's gonna scream.

Administrator

01-07-2006, 03:02 PM

Moved here at the request of Baja-D

Baja-Destroyer

01-09-2006, 10:07 PM

thanks for givin us our own space :)

endurohero

02-26-2006, 04:30 PM

I have a rc18b that I am very satisfied with its handleing and performance but I have a problem with the pinion and spur getting grit stuck in them and chewing the spur gear up. What is everybody else doing about this?

DrivenPro

02-27-2006, 09:39 PM

We have a gear cover that with take care of that problem for ya .
Best regards,

Team DP
http://www.drivenpro.net/index.php?s=store

tq_racing

02-28-2006, 02:28 PM

I plan on getting the 18B along with the cover and steering component from drivenpro. Those two parts look like a must have.

P90Puma

03-08-2006, 01:02 PM

Anybody picked up a FT RC18B yet?

Baja-Destroyer

03-12-2006, 12:05 AM

i already got all the ft stuff all i know is i love this lil car

TastyAcorn

03-17-2006, 12:35 AM

og you guys, just a suggestion, if you do end up getting a rc18b grab some velcro from your local fabrics store, put it on the sides, and you dont have to hastle with body clips the size of needles.

Stormbasher3100

05-08-2006, 04:40 PM

Can anybody tell me the stock gearing that comes with the RTR

oconnellsj

05-23-2006, 06:33 PM

My son races an 18B I bought and added new motor and Li-po battery to. The slightest spill during a race causes the steering linkage in the front to pop off which means issues with losing dogbones. Harder impacts cause the front bumper plate to tear where it holds the metal pins that the act as hinges for the frames that the wheel assemblies are attached to. This is probably common. Please recommend some specific upgrades. I guess an aluminum bumper plate will solve the tearing problem but I need linkages that have screws through the ends to stop the ends from popping out. HELP!

FocusWRC

08-06-2006, 09:54 AM

I am sure this alot to late but I don't think you want to completely stop the steering linkages and camber links from popping off . If you did it would most assuredly transfer the breakage to another part of the car , like stripping steering servos out everytime you turn around . When the end caps wear out and pop off alot more easily replace them , its cheeper than replacing servos all the time . As for the end caps tearing they are cheep to replace and with time as he becomes better at driving these issues will start taking a back seat . RPM does make a wide front bumper for it though , that is pretty nice .

On another note I love this lil buggy . not much different than the 18T though .
Myself I will be glad when racing these little things become alot more main stream and accepted . The performance and competition is awesome with these lil cars . Its the wave of the future . Small tracks with low overhead to build and they are just cheep enough that more people can afford to buy cars er trucks er buggys , well what ever and more people can afford to build tracks . I predict competition in this size of car will be alot more feirce than anything in the past .
But then again , What do I know ? I could be wrong !

Slammed94

08-10-2006, 10:38 PM

I have an issue with a FT 18b. When turning on carpet (all stock tires) it sounds like a loud grind coming from front wheels, like theres a rock in there. Its never been outside yet, I have tightened the diff, as well as loosened, but I still get the bad grinding sound on the front wheels when turning and gassing it.

Triple Tapper

10-23-2006, 09:59 AM

DrivenPro,

I just ordered a RC18B. The parts on your site look like what I need. Quick questions:

1. Does the gear cover work for the RC18B? Your website only states the RC18T (they may be one in the same, but I still have to ask)

2. This is a question for anyone reading this post....are there any reviews from people who have used it? I only ask because $31 (with shipping) for a gear cover seems high.

Thanks You

**edit** I am too rammy to wait for a reaponse!! I ordered both the Gear Cover and the Steering Drag Link :D I will write a review after I install it and play. It really is unacceptable that Associated didn't foresee this as a issue.

Triple Tapper

10-23-2006, 10:21 AM

Slammed,

You may want to check out this article I found over at the RC18T forum: http://www.e-maxximumrc.com/html/rc18t.html

Looks like you may need to shim your diff.

smilinjohn

10-24-2006, 08:40 PM

Slammed,

You may want to check out this article I found over at the RC18T forum: http://www.e-maxximumrc.com/html/rc18t.html

Looks like you may need to shim your diff.

It depends on how much power your putting into it, higher powered motors allow the diff gear to flex (so I'm told) hence allowing it to skip teeth with the in-put gear. The DP. drag-link is supose to be better than the stock one.

Triple Tapper

10-25-2006, 09:57 AM

It depends on how much power your putting into it, higher powered motors allow the diff gear to flex (so I'm told) hence allowing it to skip teeth with the in-put gear. The DP. drag-link is supose to be better than the stock one.

Maybe I am reading it wrong, but the DP drag link doesn't stiffen the diff gear. What it does is eliminate the slop and improve the geometry in the stock steering linkage...giving you better handling. If the diff gear does in fact flex, it would do so with the drag link installed as well.

smilinjohn

10-25-2006, 11:07 AM

Maybe I am reading it wrong, but the DP drag link doesn't stiffen the diff gear. What it does is eliminate the slop and improve the geometry in the stock steering linkage...giving you better handling. If the diff gear does in fact flex, it would do so with the drag link installed as well.

Well yeaaa :D I probably should have split up my response I commented on the post just before the one quoted where you mentioned the DL. Sorry I could have double posted quoting the 2 different posts I was just lazy :roll2:

:D However in regards to the diff gear flexing issue, I'm also told that the MIP supper diffs have a larger ring diameter to support the diff gear, limiting the flex involved. I'm getting close to being able to order a set myself, I striped a diff gear when I first installed my mamba (which also took out the in-put gear) ;) although the shims have helped to prevent it from striping again, but it took 4 to get it right :wave:

Jeffy

10-29-2006, 11:09 AM

hey deos anyone know if the rc18b kit comes with a reciever? inkow it doesnt come with the esc,battery,motor,or radio but it doesnt say with the receiver.thatnks for the help.

Triple Tapper

10-30-2006, 09:20 AM

hey deos anyone know if the rc18b kit comes with a reciever? inkow it doesnt come with the esc,battery,motor,or radio but it doesnt say with the receiver.thatnks for the help.

Yup....it comes with a reciever. I thought it was wierd that they left that out as well. Here is the only place I fine mention of one: http://www.teamassociated.com/shusting/CatalogHub/kitspecs_18b/datasheet_ft18b.pdf

mitchel01

11-07-2006, 09:22 PM

SO is the Vendetta better than the RC18B overall?

t9dragon

11-08-2006, 12:59 PM

SO is the Vendetta better than the RC18B overall?

It all depends on what you are going to do with them. I would go with which one your LHS stocks parts for.

Triple Tapper

11-09-2006, 09:46 AM

Gots a question. Just got my Team RC18B all put together. I had a heck of a time on the build. One of the Ti rods was threaded incorrectly from the factory, one ball bearing was also out of spec, and finally my DP Gear Cover was slightly off. All is well Associated sent me new pieces and DP will be revising his piece and getting me back a new one. Anyways here's my question...

My motor gets HOT.....like too hot to touch. It a Brushed motor (Trinity Mini Monster). Is this normal? If not what can I do to fix this?

I also have an issue with my steering. I got the DP drag link and seems to have a bit of slop in it. The servo saver also seems waay too loose. Finally the servo has a tough time centering. Have any of you seen this?

smilinjohn

11-09-2006, 01:44 PM

My motor gets HOT.....like too hot to touch. It a Brushed motor (Trinity Mini Monster). Is this normal? If not what can I do to fix this?

:confused: What gearing are you running. Also check your ESC to see if the temp on it is critical. I had the same problem with the electronics on the rtr. I run some pretty tall gearing though. I ended up frying my esc (after frying a set of brushes) pretty much on purpose it took a while though, it was a good excuse (like I need one) to go brushless. :D

I also have an issue with my steering. I got the DP drag link and seems to have a bit of slop in it. The servo saver also seems waay too loose. Finally the servo has a tough time centering. Have any of you seen this?

:mad: Mine glitches (slight rapid cycling back & forth) on my 18mt, and it drifts to the right when driving. I've not checked the spare stock servo I have but I don't imagine it's any better. I've read about a mod on another site that stiffens up the servo using a losi servo savers rubber grommet. It's either that or a new (better) servo. :cool: I'm opting for a new one for the 18t build I've got in the works right now. :wave:

Triple Tapper

11-09-2006, 04:24 PM

Thanks for your thought SJ,

I am running the 60 tooth and the midle sized pinion.....that shouldn't be too high should it? I am running a DP Gear Cover and I think the pinion was too tight against the Main gear. It's next to impossible to properly get the paper in between the gears to get the spacing. I also think the steering slop is mainly cause by the overly loose servo saver. I saw some mods about putting a O-ring around it.

smilinjohn

11-09-2006, 10:05 PM

Gear mesh is a problem when it comes to heat. Have you figured a way to set it with the gear cover?? I ask because on my 18t build I'll be using a gear cover.

Maybe you could set it with the top plate off. You'd have to hold the main drive shaft down while applying slight pressure on the motor, and tightening the 2 bottom screws on the motor mount. Then you could reinstall the top plate? Might work?

Slammed94

12-24-2006, 06:13 PM

Whats the fix for getting the thing to turn?? Mine takes a city block to turn, and the reaction is SLOW! I have the Airtronics 94091 servo.

smilinjohn

12-26-2006, 01:02 PM

Whats the fix for getting the thing to turn?? Mine takes a city block to turn, and the reaction is SLOW! I have the Airtronics 94091 servo.

Check the steering sensitivity trim dial next to the throttle trigger and see if it's turned down. Other than that your servo or tie rods may be binding somewhere. I don't know about the Airtronics servos but I have read somewhere that some after-market servos need to be "shimmed" up to keep the servo saver from rubbing the chassis plate. I'll be using the HiTec55 in mine when I get the right servo saver in it's just a hair smaller that the stocker that came with the RTR. :wave:

qin_23

05-06-2007, 12:57 AM

not sure if this is the place to ask questions, but here goes:

if i buy the rc18b kit (non-rtr) can i use the x-ray power pack(battery,servo,motor,etc.). basically is this power pack for all 1/18 cars. if not, does associated make this sort of thing? i like building the kits, but im really not that familiar with 1/18 electronics. thanks.

qin_23

Headshot

05-20-2007, 12:10 AM

I just picked up an 18B as my first RC, and my 10 yr old daughter loves it....I think I have to get another one...!!

I want to race this, and my local track said as long as we have 3 cars they will have a heat for them....now I just have to get more people to run 18th off road cars here in south Florida.

I know, the bigger cars are faster, etc....but this should be a fun class if we leave them stock....no LiPo's, brushless, etc.....am I wrong?

Frank

metalry101

05-20-2007, 12:22 AM